| Abstract: | We consider connection-oriented wireless cellular networks. Such second generation systems are circuit-switched digital networks
which employ dedicated radio channels for the transmission of signaling information. A forward signaling channel is a common
signaling channel assigned to carry the multiplexed stream of paging and channel-allocation packets from a base station to
the mobile stations. Similarly, for ATM wireless networks, paging and virtual-circuit-allocation packets are multiplexed across
the forward signaling channels as part of the virtual-circuit set-up phase. The delay levels experienced by paging and channel-allocation
packets are critical factors in determining the efficient utilization of the limited radio channel capacity. A multiplexing
scheme operating in a “slotted mode” can lead to reduced power consumption at the handsets, but may in turn induce an increase
in packet delays. In this paper, focusing on forward signaling channels, we present schemes for multiplexing paging and channel-allocation
packets across these channels, based on channelization plans, access priority assignments and paging group arrangements. For
such multiplexing schemes, we develop analytical methods for the calculation of the delay characteristics exhibited by paging
and channel-allocation packets. The resulting models and formulas provide for the design and analysis of forward signaling
channels for wireless network systems.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
