Cellular Mobile Networks

Abstract

Abstract Being connected while on the move has become a common customer expectation. This expectation goes hand in hand with a change in the observed user behavior. Nowadays, apps and connected devices have become part of people's everyday life. Cellular networks are assumed to provide the required connectivity whenever and wherever needed, which is a big change compared to the situation just two decades ago. A further and society‐impacting trend, with major economic and environmental implications, is caused by the ever‐growing demand for personal and goods mobilities. Steadily raising road traffic levels, particularly in developed or rapidly developing counties, are spurring demands for real‐time traffic information, safety applications, and a broad set of connected car services. Hence, the embedded expectation on ubiquitous cellular connectivity is becoming increasingly important for the mobile society and the just‐in‐time economy landscape. The changing perception on deployed cellular networks and recent technology advancements are leading to difficult arguments for additional large‐scale investments in a dedicated vehicle communication infrastructure for certain driver or passenger services. Either way, we do not discuss anymore whether cars will become connected in the future—they will! The question is rather: what is the best option to realize tailored connectivity for automotive applications from a technology perspective, considering operational, economic, and timing conditions? This chapter provides some basic information about cellular communication systems, required to properly address those questions. Major trends in cellular communications and resulting impacts to business and society are discussed in Section 2. The various generations of cellular wireless communication systems, their key characteristics and prime network elements are introduced in Section 3. Section 4 illustrates selected use case procedures and how core network components interact with each other in an integrated system design. Special attention is put on advanced scenarios with particular relevance for automotive communication. Finally, Section 5 provides a short introduction on the standards and regulatory frameworks related to cellular communication.