Current and future services using wireless local loop (WLL) systems

Abstract

In the telephone networks, the circuit between the subscriber's equipment and the local exchange is called the local loop. Recently, wireless local loop (WLL) has become one of the most promising technologies for local loop systems to provide voice and data services. This paper gives an overview of WLL services. We first introduce a typical architecture of WLL systems. Then, we investigate WLL service requirements on capacity, quality of channel, ease of implementation, and service fee. It is shown that there are remarkable differences in these requirements between developing and developed countries/regions. We outline WLL services, which can be offered with several representative systems (or standards) available today or soon to be available, and compare them with each other. Under the criterion of service requirements, it is shown what systems are suitable for a specific service area. In addition, some further considerations for future multimedia WLL services are discussed with the relevant technologies. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.