Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS)

Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) represents an evolution
of Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) to support thirdgeneration
(3G) capabilities. In this chapter, we examine the details of the
UMTS, including the air interface and network architecture. The initial
focus is on the air interface and radio access network (RAN), as these represent
the greatest change from the technologies of GSM, the General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and the Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution
(EDGE). Subsequently, we delve into the specifics of the core network
and examine the planned evolution of the UMTS over the next few years.
First, however, some general information on UMTS technology.