Commonality Between WCDMA/CDMA2000/CDM

Both WCDMA and CDMA2000 share several commonalties that are part of
the IMT2000 platform specification. Both systems utilize CDMA technology
and both require, in their final version, a total of 5 MHz of spectrum. Both
systems will be able to interoperate with each other and it is possible for a
wireless operator to deploy both a CDMA2000 network as well as a
WCDMA system, barring, of course, the capital cost issues.
Both systems have a migration path from existing 2G platforms to that
of 3G. However, the path both systems take is different and is driven by the
imbedded infrastructure the existing operator has already deployed. Since
the end game is to offer high-speed packet data services to the end user, the
real issue between both of these standards within the IMT2000 specification
is the methodology for how they realize the desired speed.
WCDMA utilizes a wide band channel, while CDMA2000 utilizes both a
wideband and several narrow band channels in the process of achieving the
required throughput levels. Additionally, both WCDMA and CDMA2000 are designed to operate in multiple frequency bands. Both systems can operate
in the same frequency bands provided the spectrum is available.
Therefore, the commonalties between WCDMA and CDMA2000 can be
summed up in the following brief bullet points that were introduced at the
beginning of this chapter:

■ Global standard
■ Compatibility of service within IMT-2000 and other fixed networks
■ High quality
■ Worldwide common frequency band
■ Small terminals for worldwide use
■ Worldwide roaming capability
■ Multimedia application services and terminals
■ Improved spectrum efficiency
■ Flexibility for evolution to the next generation of wireless systems
■ High-speed packet data rates
■ 2 Mbps for fixed environment
■ 384 Mbps for pedestrian
■ 144 Kbps for vehicular traffic