Showing papers on "Wireless published in 1995"

Personal communications internetworking

Abstract: A personal communications internetworking (40) provides a network subscriber with the ability to remotely control the receipt and delivery of wireless and wireline voice and text messages. The network operates as an interface between various wireless (39) and wireline (29) networks, and also performs media translation, where necessary. The subscriber's message receipt and delivery options are maintained in a database which the subscriber may access by wireless or wireline communications to update the options programmed in the database. The subscriber may be provided with Call/Command service which provides real-time control of voice calls while using a wireless data terminal (32, 34) or PDA (30).

Multicluster, mobile, multimedia radio network

Abstract: A multi-cluster, multi-hop packet radio network architecture for wireless adaptive mobile information systems is presented. The proposed network supports multimedia traffic and relies on both time division and code division access schemes. This radio network is not supported by a wired infrastructure as conventional cellular systems are. Thus, it can be instantly deployed in areas with no infrastructure at all. By using a distributed clustering algorithm, nodes are organized into clusters. The clusterheads act as local coordinators to resolve channel scheduling, perform power measurement/control, maintain time division frame synchronization, and enhance the spatial reuse of time slots and codes. Moreover, to guarantee bandwidth for real time traffic, the architecture supports virtual circuits and allocates bandwidth to circuits at call setup time. The network is scalable to large numbers of nodes, and can handle mobility. Simulation experiments evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme in static and mobile environments.

Direct-conversion radio transceivers for digital communications

Abstract: Direct-conversion is an alternative wireless receiver architecture to the well-established superheterodyne, particularly for highly integrated, low-power terminals. Its fundamental advantage is that the received signal is amplified and filtered at baseband rather than at some high intermediate frequency. This means lower current drain in the amplifiers and active filters and a simpler task of image-rejection. There is considerable interest to use it in digital cellular telephones and miniature radio messaging systems. This paper briefly covers case studies in the use of direct-conversion receivers and transmitters and summarizes some of the key problems in their implementations. Solutions to these problems arise not only from more appropriate circuit design but also from exploiting system characteristics, such as the modulation format in the system. Baseband digital signal processing must be coupled to the analog front-end to make direct-conversion transceivers a practical reality.

Propagation Measurements and Models for Wireless Communications Channels To achieve ubiquitous PCS, new and novel ways of classifying wireless environments will be needed that are both widely encompassing and reasonably compact.

Abstract: ireless personal communications could in principle use several physical media, ranging from sound to radio to light. Since we want to overcome the limitations of acoustical com

Improving the performance of reliable transport protocols in mobile computing environments

Abstract: We explore the performance of reliable data communication in mobile computing environments. Motion across wireless cell boundaries causes increased delays and packet losses while the network learns how to route data to a host's new location. Reliable transport protocols like TCP interpret these delays and losses as signs of network congestion. They consequently throttle their transmissions, further degrading performance. We quantify this degradation through measurements of protocol behavior in a wireless networking testbed. We show how current TCP implementations introduce unacceptably long pauses in communication during cellular handoffs (800 ms and longer), and propose an end-to-end fast retransmission scheme that can reduce these pauses to levels more suitable for human interaction (200 ms). Our work makes clear the need for reliable transport protocols to differentiate between motion-related and congestion-related packet losses and suggests how to adapt these protocols to perform better in mobile computing environments. >

Simulcasting digital video programs for broadcast and interactive services

Abstract: To provide interactivity, a public wireless packet data network is combined with a broadband digital broadcast network. In the preferred embodiment, the broadcast network utilizes multiple transmitters at separately located sites simultaneously broadcasting the same multi-channel, multi-program signal. Broadcast waves from the transmitters propagate throughout substantially overlapping portions of the service area. Customer premises receiving systems include a receiving antenna and one or more digital entertainment terminals. The terminal includes a channel selector and digital receiver for capturing a digital transport stream from a selected channel. A processor converts selected program information from the transport stream for presentation, e.g. via a television set. The terminal also includes a CPU controlling the operation of the channel selector and the processor in response to user inputs. The CPU also communicates signaling information for interactive services via an RF packet data modem included in the terminal and the public wireless packet data network. In addition to the signaling for interactive services, the packet data network provides transport for data communications between other data devices.

Sleepers and Workaholics: Caching Strategies in Mobile Environments

Abstract: In the mobile wireless computing environment of the future a large number of users equipped with low powered palm-top machines will query databases over the wireless communication channels. Palmtop based units will often be disconnected for prolonged periods of time due to the battery power saving measures; palmtops will also frequencly relocate between different cells and connect to different data servers at different times. Caching of frequently accessed data items will be an important technique that will reduce contention on the narrow bandwidth wireless channel. However, cache invalidation strategies will be severely affected by the disconnection and mobility of the clients. The server may no longer know which clients are currently residing under its cell and which of them are currently on. We propose a taxonomy of different cache invalidation strategies and study the impact of client's disconnection times on their performance. We determine that for the units which are often disconnected (sleepers) the best cache invalidation strategy is based on signatures previously used for efficient file comparison. On the other hand, for units which are connected most of the time (workaholics), the best cache invalidation strategy is based on the periodic broadcast of changed data items.

An algorithm for combined cell-site selection and power control to maximize cellular spread spectrum capacity

Abstract: There is much current interest in spread spectrum wireless mobile communications and in particular the issue of spread spectrum wireless capacity. We characterize spread spectrum cellular capacity and provide a combined power control, cell-site selection algorithm that enables this capacity to be achieved. The algorithm adapts users' transmitter power levels and switches them between cell-sites, and it is shown that the algorithm converges to an allocation of users to cells that is optimal in the sense that interference is minimized. The algorithm is decentralized, and can be considered as a mechanism for cell-site diversity and handover. We provide numerical examples to show how effectively the algorithm relieves local network congestion, by switching users in a heavily congested cell to adjacent, less congested cells. >

Power control and resource management for a multimedia CDMA wireless system

Abstract: Future wireless systems will have to support multimedia services such as voice, data and fax. Issues in providing multimedia services on wireless include multiple access, bandwidth rationing and power control. We address the latter two issues. CDMA is assumed to be the access method. Different services have different quality (QoS) requirements, maximum power and/or minimum rate constraints. In order to achieve the required QoS they can alter their power and/or rate of transmission. Different rates are represented by varying the processing gain. Since users interfere with each other, achieving each user's QoS requirement is completely coupled with the powers. We formulate this as a constrained optimization problem. The objective functions used are minimum power and maximum rates. The former reduces interference seen by other cells due to the current cell, the latter attempts to achieve the best possible throughput for users in the current cell. We develop bounds on the total number of users of each class that can be supported simultaneously while maintaining adequate QoS and meeting resource constraints.

Method and system for connecting cells and microcells in a wireless communications network

Abstract: A wireless communications system includes a number of clusters of repeaters wherein all repeaters within a cluster arc connected to a common hub via respective millimeter-wave radio links. Wireless signals received by the repeaters from end-user devices are transparently carried by the millimeter-wave radio links to respective hubs that act as concentrators for the repeaters. The hubs may be linked to a wireless network base station (in an outdoor setting) or alternatively to a server or a PBX (in an indoor environment) via a high-speed transmission facility, such as a fiber optic cable that is thus shared by all the repeaters.

Multiple mode personal wireless communications system

Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and using low power operation that achieves limited coverage. Each pico cell reduces traffic on the standard cellular radiotelephone network by independently handling registered handsets (32). An alternate line option module (22) provides wireless local interconnect capability to selectively route call traffic between land lines (24) and the standard cellular radiotelephone network. Service control units (12) and host stations (17) facilitate wireless activation and control of each pico cell and handset (32) via the overlay cell framework.

Integrated power control and base station assignment

Abstract: In cellular wireless communication systems, transmitted power is regulated to provide each user an acceptable connection while limiting the interference seen by other users. Previous work has focused on maximizing the minimum carrier to interference ratio (CIR) or attaining a common CIR over all radio links. However, previous work has assumed the assignment of mobiles to base stations is known and fixed. In this work, we integrate power control and base station assignment. In the context of a CDMA system, we consider the minimization of the total transmitted uplink power subject to maintaining an individual target CIR for each mobile. This minimization occurs over the set of power vectors and base station assignments. We show that this problem has special structure and identify synchronous and asynchronous distributed algorithms that find the optimal power vector and base station assignment. >

Electronic massaging network

Abstract: A personal communications internetwork provides a personal communications internetwork providing a network subscriber with the ability to remotely control the receipt and delivery of wireless and wireline electronic text messages. The network operates as an interface between wireless and wireline networks. The subscriber's message receipt and delivery options are maintained in a database which the subscriber may access by wireless or wireline communications to update the options programmed in the database.

Multi-code CDMA wireless personal communications networks

Abstract: Proposes a code division multiple access (CDMA) based system that can provide a smooth migration path to PCS, either from a digital cellular system (IS-95) or from a wideband CDMA system, to serve both isochronous and asynchronous applications. A unified digital bandwidth on demand platform is realized by allocating multiple codes (on demand), and hence increased capacity, to users. This approach, dubbed multi-code CDMA (MC-CDMA), will enable efficient delivery of all services made possible by digital cellular, CDPD, and other PCS technologies. Since a large variety of services (voice, data, image, and perhaps video) is expected in future wireless networks, users with very different, and time-varying, source rates will have to be accommodated. MC-CDMA is a wireless system whose rate (which is proportional to the number of codes assigned to the user) and service are dynamically matched to users' needs and can evolve from commercial digital cellular systems. This system retains the CDMA advantage in combating multipath and does not require significant modifications of the radio frequency (RF) circuitry. The dynamic, packet-like capacity access enabled by MC-CDMA will allow users to access the base station at different source rates, and when all other users are idle, will provide peak rate access to a single user.

Spread spectrum access methods for wireless communications

Abstract: The authors present an overview of the characteristics of code division multiple access (CDMA) as it is currently being envisioned for use in wireless communications. There are many considerations in the design of such systems, and there are multiple designs being discussed. CDMA has been proposed for both terrestrial links and satellite links. However, there are key differences in the characteristics of the two types of links relative to the way they affect a CDMA system. The authors show how the ideas presented affect both terrestrial and satellite-based systems. >

Wireless personal communications: what is it?

Abstract: This article attempts to identify different issues and to put many of the activities in wireless into a framework that can provide perspective on what is driving them, and perhaps even yield some indication of where they appear to be going in the future The technologies and systems that are currently providing, or are proposed to provide, wireless communications services can be grouped into about seven relatively distinct groups All of the technologies and systems are evolving as technology advances and perceived needs change Some trends are becoming evident in the evolutions The different groups and evolutionary trends are explored along with factors that influence the characteristics of members of the groups The grouping is generally with respect to scale of mobility and communications applications or modes Different design compromises are evident in the different technologies and systems The evidence suggests that the evolutionary trajectories are aimed toward at least three large groups of applications or services, namely, high-tier PCS (current cellular radio), high-speed wireless local-area networks (WLANS), and low-tier PCS (an evolution from several of the current groups) It is not clear to what extent several groups, eg, cordless telephones, paging, and wide area data, will remain after some merging with the three large groups >

Wireless and wired communications, command, control and sensing system for sound and/or data transmission and reception

Abstract: An interactive microprocessor based wireless communication device includes sound and data transceivers, signal detection and coupling devices, signal conversion device, voice recording, playback and storage device, voice activated device, display device, touch screen or similar device, sensors, frequency generation device, sound detection and reproduction devices and power source to concurrently perform generalized two way wireless communications, command, control and sensing functions utilizing radio and infra-red frequency communication links. A microprocessor receives signals from the touch screen and generates a digital data, command/or control signal for transmission to external devices such as home appliances and remote sensors. The microprocessor also responds to voice signal commands received via microphone and a voice processor. The microprocessor uses this signal to generate data, command/or control signals for transmission to external devices such as telephone, paging and intercom systems. Sound signals may be stored in a voice recorder and playback IC for subsequent message processing and coupling to a transceiver and/or a speaker. Telephone ringer signals are generated by the microprocessor and are coupled to a ringer for audio output. In response to certain commands, the wireless communication device establishes a communication link with external devices using radio frequency or infra-red frequency transmission and/or reception. Sensor signals are created by sensors that can detect physical differential changes and that can convert the changes into measurements. These signals are coupled to the microprocessor for further processing, display and/or transmission.

Wireless video distribution

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive multimedia services to subscriber premises utilizing wireless distribution within the subscriber premise. The service is provided via a communications link delivering to the subscriber premises broad band digital information including video and audio from a plurality of information providers and control signals in a multiplexed form. This multiplexed signal is then separated and processed on premise and distributed in a two-way fashion using frequency hopping code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum using radio frequency signals preferably at UHF. Upstream control signals from the user installation are communicated from the individual user terminals in the same wireless manner.

WISE design of indoor wireless systems: practical computation and optimization

Abstract: Designing a low-power system for wireless communication within a building might seem simple. Not so-walls can affect signal strength in ways that are hard to calculate. The paper considers how AT&T's WISE software uses CAD, computational geometry, and optimization to quickly plan where to place base-station transceivers. >

Overview of wireless personal communications

Abstract: This article presents an overview of the current state of wireless communications, including relevant ongoing activities in technology development, standards, and spectrum allocation. The authors discuss cellular radio, cordless telephony, and wireless data systems. Ongoing and planned future developments are summarized. The presentation is oriented toward broad coverage rather than technical depth. However, brief discussions of the air interfaces for existing digital cellular and digital cordless systems are provided, because the air interface bears heavily on system capacity and the environments in which the system can be used, as well as on the cost and complexity of the equipment. >

Method and apparatus for transmitting subject status information over a wireless communications network

Abstract: A method and apparatus of transmitting subject status information, such as the status and location of a parolee or individual under house arrest, to a central monitoring station (CMS) operated by, for example, a parole staff or correctional facility. The subject status information is transmitted by a band or collar attached to, for example, the leg or wrist of the subject. A cellular radio communicator receives, encodes and transmits the subject status information over the control channel of a cellular radio communications network as control signals, bypassing the voice channels, to a mobile switching center (MSC) of the cellular radio communications network. The MSC decodes and forwards the subject status information over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the CMS. Optionally, the CMS may send a command to the communicator over the same data paths, i.e., the PSTN to the MSC, then over the control channel, formatted as a control signal, to the cellular radio communications network communicator. The communicator may integrate a paging receiver, or a satellite receiver, or other wireless receiver for receiving commands out of band, i.e., by way of communication networks other than the cellular radio communications network. The method and apparatus may also be utilized to track to position of more than one subject relative to other subjects or objects.

Method and apparatus for wireless remote information retrieval and pen-based data entry

Abstract: A method and system for wireless remote information retrieval and pen-based data entry includes a central computer system having a relatively large storage capacity and/or access to relatively large storage devices and coupled to a wireless network having a plurality of cells. One or more portable pen-based computers are provided with wireless communication capability for connecting with the central computer system through the wireless network. The central computer system is provided with software for accessing a plurality of digitally stored forms and transmitting those forms to the pen-based computers in response to selection requests from the pen-based computers. A selected form is displayed on the screen of the pen-based computer which requested it and data is entered through the pen-based computer by handwriting on the display of the form. The central computer system receives the hand written data as electronic ink and associates the electronic ink file with the form upon which it was written. The form and its associated electronic ink file are stored in the central computer system or in a storage device to which the central computer system has access. The hand written data entered through the pen-based computer is thus associated with other data which can be recalled and/or associated with yet other data without recognizing the handwritten data as text.

Interactive play with a computer

Abstract: An interactive apparatus for use with a computer, comprising a transceiver for two-way wireless communication with a plaything, the transceiver having terminals for connection to the computer, and a control device for causing the computer to send and receive information to and from the plaything via the transceiver to enable the plaything to provide interactive fantasy simulation of the behavior of a corresponding real-world object. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for enabling fantasy play using a computer and a plaything, comprising at the plaything, delivering output and receiving input associated with the fantasy play, and generating control signals at the computer for controlling the output based on the input, and by wireless communication sending the control signals from the computer to the plaything and sending the input from the plaything to the computer.

Wireless Digital Communications: Modulation and Spread Spectrum Applications

Abstract: 1. Introduction to Wireless, Cellular, Digital, PCS-Mobile Radio. Summary. Mobile Communications: Evolution and Fundamentals. International Mobile Satellite, Low Earth Orbit, and Medium Altitude Orbit Satellite Frequency Bands. Personal Communication Systems (PCS) Universal Digital PCS. Standards: The Importance of National and International Standardization. Mobile Personal Computers (PC) and Personal Communication Systems (PCS). U.S. and World Cellular Markets. 2. Speech Coding for Wireless Systems Applications. Introduction to Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Techniques in Wireless Telephone and Broadcast Systems. Speech Coding Techniques for Audio and Voice. American and European Speech Codes. 3. Radio Propagation and Cellular Engineering Concepts. Introduction. Fundamental Radio Propagation and System Concepts. Fundamentals of Antenna Gain. Propagation Characteristics. Models of Multipath-Faded Radio Signals. Instrumentation and Measurements for Laboratory and Field Tests. Delay-Spread Field Measurement Results. Industry Standards for Propagation Models. Problems. 4. Digital Modulation-Demodulation (MODEM) Techniques. Introduction. Baseband Transmission Systems. Modem Principles and Architectures. Interference. Definitions and Performance of Spectral and Power Efficiency. Performance in Complex Interference-Controlled Mobile Systems. Advantages of Coherent Demodulation over Noncoherent Systems. Advanced Modulation Methods. Adaptive Equalization for Frequency- Selective Faded and Delay-Spread Systems. Synchronization of Burst Demodulators: Carrier Recovery and Symbol Timing Recovery. Problems. 5. Coding: Error Correction and Detection. Error Control Requirements. Interleaving. Block Coding. Convolutional Coding. Price of Error Correction: Reduced Throughput? Word-Error Rate, False-Alarm Rate, and Probability of Bit Error. Repetition Transmission and Majority-Voting System: Concepts and Performance. Automatic Repeat Request. 6. Spread-Spectrum Systems. Introduction. Fundamental Concepts of Spread-Spectrum Systems. Pseudo-noise Sequences. Performance of Direct- Sequence Spread-Spectrum Systems. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA): Direct-Sequence (DS) and Frequency-Hopped (FH) Spread-Spectrum Systems. Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum Systems. Synchronization of Spread-Spectrum Systems. Spread- Spectrum Applications in Cellular, PCS, and Mobile Communications. Problems. 7. Diversity Techniques for Mobile-Wireless Radio Systems. Introduction. Concepts of Diversity Branch and Signal Paths. Combining and Switching Methods. Carrier-to-Noise and Carrier-to-Interference Ratio Performance Improvements. Average Pe Performance Improvement. Summary. Problems. 8. Personal Mobile Satellite Communications. Introduction. Integration of GEO, LEO, and MEO Satellite and Terrestrial Mobile Systems. Personal Satellite Communications Programs. 9. Cellular and Wireless Systems Engineering. Introduction. Access Methods: TDMA (TDD and FDMA) Spread-Spectrum Frequency-Hopping Direct-Sequence CDMA and CSMA. Comparison of Linearly Amplified BPSK, DQPS and DQPSK and Nonlinearly Amplified (NLA) GMSK, GFSK, 4-FM, and FQPSK Radio Equipment (Coherent and Noncoherent). Radio Link Design of Digital Wireless Cellular Systems. Spectrum Utilization in Digital Wireless Mobile Systems. Capacity and Throughput (Message Delay) Study and Comparison of GMSK, GFSK, and FQPSK Modulated Wireless Systems. Time Division Multiple Access Wireless Cellular Systems. Code Division Multiple Access Spread-Spectrum Digital Cellular IS-95 System. Standards for Wireless Local Area Networks. Wireless Personal Communications. Problems. Appendices. Statistical Communication Theory: Terms, Definitions, and Concepts. Software Package of CREATE-1 (Disk Enclosed). Dr. Feher Associates Patented Filter, Digital Signal Processing, and Correlated Modulation/RF Amplification Means: GMSK, GFSK, FBPSK and FQPSK Implementations of Digcom, Inc. Licensed Technologies. Abbreviations and Acronyms. Bibliography. Index.

Time division multiple access methods for wireless personal communications

Abstract: Time division multiple access (TDMA) is a classic approach to multiple access in digital cellular wireless communications systems. The authors summarize a number of frequency and time slot allocation techniques for enhancing the capacity and flexibility of TDMA-based systems. They also describe how the problems of fading, delay spread, time variability and interference affect TDMA systems, and how they may he countered and even exploited by appropriate techniques of detection, diversity, coding, adaptive equalization and slow frequency hopping (FH). It is worth emphasizing that the use of one of these techniques, slow random FH, results in a system that is in effect a hybrid of TDMA and code division multiple access (CDMA). >

AIRMAIL: a link-layer protocol for wireless networks

Abstract: This paper describes the design and performance of a link-layer protocol for indoor and outdoor wireless networks. The protocol is asymmetric to reduce the processing load at the mobile, reliability is established by a combination of automatic repeat request and forward error correction, and link-layer packets are transferred appropriately during handoffs. The protocol is named AIRMAIL (AsymmetrIc Reliable Mobile Access In Link-layer). The asymmetry is needed in the design because the mobile terminals have limited power and smaller processing capability than the base stations. The key ideas in the asymmetric protocol design consist of placing bulk of the intelligence in the base station as opposed to placing it symmetrically, in requiring the mobile terminal to combine several acknowledgments into a single acknowledgment to conserve power, and in designing the base stations to send periodic status messages, while making the acknowledgment from the mobile terminal event-driven. The asymmetry in the protocol design results in a one-third reduction of compiled code. The forward error correction technique incorporates three levels of channel coding which interact adaptively. The motivation for using a combination of forward error correction and link-layer retransmissions is to obtain better performance in terms of end-to-end throughput and latency by correcting errors in an unreliable wireless channel in addition to end-to-end correction rather than by correcting errors only by end-to-end retransmissions. The coding overhead is changed adaptively so that bandwidth expansion due to forward error correction is minimized. Integrity of the link during handoffs (in the face of mobility) is handled by window management and state transfer. The protocol has been implemented. Experimental performance results based on the implementation are presented.

Dynamically reconfigurable communications network and method

Abstract: A wireless, dynamically and autonomously reconfigurable link layered communication network and method. The network self-optimizes communication paths within the network. A plurality of communication nodes form the network with each node having a transceiver for receiving and transmitting messages. Prioritized routing lists to all other nodes are stored at each node and updated. Each communication node can be an origination node and a destination node as well as serving as message repeater nodes.

Data link layer protocol for transport of ATM cells over a wireless link

Abstract: The present invention is a reliable data link layer protocol to transport ATM cells over a wireless point-to-point link. The protocol ensures that the cells are transported reliably by use of a sliding window transport mechanism with selective repeat automatic repeat request (ARQ) and forward error correction (FEC). The protocol minimizes ATM header overhead by means of header compression and provides per-cell FEC whose size can be changed adaptively. The protocol also provides parity cells for recovery from errors that cannot be corrected using the per-cell FEC field. The number of these cells as well as the size of a window or frame can also be adaptively changed. In addition, the window can be terminated to request an immediate acknowledgment.

Sleepers and workaholics: caching strategies in mobile environments (extended version)

Abstract: In the mobile wireless computing environment of the future, a large number of users, equipped with low-powered palmtop machines, will query databases over wireless communication channels. Palmtop-based units will often be disconnected for prolonged periods of time, due to battery power saving measures; palmtops also will frequently relocate between different cells, and will connect to different data servers at different times. Caching of frequently accessed data items will be an important technique that will reduce contention on the narrowbandwidth, wireless channel. However, cache individualization strategies will be severely affected by the disconnection and mobility of the clients. The server may no longer know which clients are currently residing under its cell, and which of them are currently on. We propose a taxonomy of different cache invalidation strategies, and study the impact of clients' disconnection times on their performance. We study ways to improve further the efficiency of the invalidation techniques described. We also describe how our techniques can be implemented over different network environments.

Wireless network planning tool

Abstract: A novel and improved method and apparatus for planning a wireless telecommunications network. An electronic representation of wireless telecommunications system can be configured within a given market area and the operation of that wireless telecommunications system simulated. The simulation is performed using a set of databases that contain terrain and population information associated with the market area over which the wireless network in configured. To perform the simulation a composite propagation loss matrix and a demand and service vector are generated using the terrain and population information, as well as the configuration of the wireless telecommunications network. Once the composite propagation loss matrix and the demand and service vector are generated an analysis of the reverse link is performed. Subsequently, an analysis of the forward link is performed. During both the reverse and forward link analysis the multiple iterations of analysis are performed until a stable result is achieved. Upon completion of the reverse and forward link analysis, the results of the simulation are displayed in a graphical manner for examination.