Debre Birhan University

College of computing
Department of Computer
Science
Name: Estifanos Zerihun
ID:1743/12
Course Title: Wireless Communication and mobile computing

Course code: CoSc3034

Submitted to Getaneh A.
Submission Date:4/8/2015
Table of contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1
What is Wireless Wide Area Network ...................................................................................................... 1
subsystem of Wireless Wide Area Network ......................................................................................... 2
Radio Station Subsystem ............................................................................................................ 2
Network and Switching Subsystem ............................................................................................ 3
Operation and Maintenance Subsystem (OMSS) ....................................................................... 3
Architecture of Wireless Wide Area Network .................................................................................... 4
Methodologies of WWAN ...................................................................................................................... 5
Technologies of Wireless Wide Area Network .................................................................................... 6
Hardware technologies: ................................................................................................................... 6
Software technologies: ..................................................................................................................... 7
Protocols of WWAN .......................................................................................................................... 8
Cellular Network technologies used in WWAN ............................................................................. 9
Applications of WWAN ....................................................................................................................... 14
Advantage and Disadvantage of WWAN ........................................................................................... 15
Advantages: .................................................................................................................................... 15
Disadvantages:................................................................................................................................ 15
conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Future scope of Wireless Wide Area Network ................................................................................. 17
References ............................................................................................................................................. 17

I
 List of Figures
Figure 1 WWAN in a Company ........................................................................................................ 1
Figure 2 Hardware Technologies in WWAN .................................................................................... 7
Figure 3 Working Of GSM .............................................................................................................. 10
Figure 4 Working of GPRS .............................................................................................................. 11
Figure 5 working of universal mobile communication system ...................................................... 12

II
 Abbreviations

WWAN………………………………………………………………………………………wireless Wide Area Network

LAN …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Local Area Network
IOT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Internet of Things
LTE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Long Term Evolution
PSTN………………………………………………………………………… public Switched Telephone networks
WIMAX……………………………………………… world wide Interoperability for micro wave access
UMTS……………………………………………………………………… universal mobile telecom system
CDMA…………………………………………………………………………………… code division multiple access
GSM……………………………………………………………… Global system for mobile communication
RSS…………………………………………………………………………………………………… Radio Station sub system
NSS……………………………………………………………………………… Networking and Switching subsystem
OMSS……………………………………………………………………………………… Operational and maintenance
BSC………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Base station controller
BTS…………………………………………………………………………………………………… Base Station Transceivers
MSC………………………………………………………………………………………………… Mobile Switching Center
EIR…………………………………………………………………………………………………Equipment Identity Register
GPRS…………………………………………………………………………………………General Packet Radio Service

III
 Introduction

What is Wireless Wide Area Network

A wireless wide area network (WWAN) is a type of wireless network that provides
data connectivity over a large geographic area, such as a city or a region. WWAN are
used to provide connectivity for a wide range of devices and applications, including
mobile communication, mobile computing, machine-to-machine (M2M)
communication, public safety, and disaster recovery.

WWAN are similar to cellular networks, in that they use base stations and radio
frequencies to transmit and receive data signals over the air. However, WWAN
typically cover a larger geographic area than cellular networks, and may use different
technologies and protocols to support data communication. WWAN often contains
smaller networks like Wireless Local Area Networks and others.

Wireless Wide Area Networks are owned by a service provider. Access to these
networks requires users to sign an agreement with the company that operates the
network they are interested in. This agreement will allow them to use the wireless
network for a fee, which is often calculated by the number of minutes the user is
connected to the network, or more recently, by the amount of data transferred over
the network. A general example of WWAN which we use in our daily life is a laptop
installed with WWAN card establishes a secure and fastest connection and brings
us to online so that we do our work from anywhere.

Figure 1 WWAN in a Company

1
 Subsystem of Wireless Wide Area Network

A wireless network does not operate in isolation, it uses the services of public
switched telephone networks (PSTN) to make or receive calls from wireless users.
WWAN is a network traffic encapsulated in mobile communications technology such
as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), Universal Mobile
Telecommunication System (UMTS), code division multiple access (CDMA) , Global
System for Mobile (GSM). A number of functions is required to support the services
and facilities in a wireless wide-area network (WWAN). The basic subsystems of the
WWAN are: radio station subsystem (RSS), networking and switching subsystem
(NSS), operational and maintenance subsystem (OMSS).

Radio Station Subsystem

The radio station subsystem (RSS) is the physical equipment that provides radio
coverage to prescribed geographical areas, known as cells. It contains equipment
required to communicate with the user equipment. Functionally, an RSS consists of a
control function performed by the base station controller (BSC) and a
transmitting/receiving function carried out by the base station transceiver (BTS)
system. The BTS is the radio transmission/receiving equipment and covers a cell. An
RSS can serve several cells and can have multiple base station transceivers.

2
Network and Switching Subsystem

The NSS includes the main switching functions of the WWAN, databases required for
the subscribers, and mobility management. Its main role is to manage the
communications between the WWAN and other network users.With in the NSS, the
switching functions are performed by the mobile switching center (MSC). Subscriber
information relevant to provisioning of service is kept in the home location register
(HLR). The other database in the NSS is the visitor location register (VLR), which
maintains data required for mobility management. The MSC performs the necessary
switching functions required for the user equipment located in an associated
geographical area, called an MSC area. The MSC monitors the mobility of its
subscribers and manages necessary resources required to handle and update the
location registration procedures and to carry out the hand off functions.

Operation and Maintenance Subsystem (OMSS)

The OMSS is responsible for handling system security based on the validation of
identities of various telecommunications entities. These functions are performed in
the authentication center (AUC) and equipment identity register (EIR). The AUC is
accessed by the HLR to determine whether a UE will be granted service. The EIR
provides UE information used by the MSC. The EIR maintains a list of legitimate,
fraudulent, or faulty UE. The OMSS is also in charge of remote operation and
maintenance of the network. Functions are monitored and control

3
 Architecture of Wireless Wide Area Network

Wireless wide area networks (WWAN) are used to provide wireless data connectivity
over a large geographic area, such as a city or a region. The architecture of a WWAN
typically consists of several components:

1. Base stations: These are the primary components of a WWAN and are
responsible for transmitting and receiving data signals over the air. They are
typically connected to the network core through a wired connection.
2. Network core: The network core is the central component of the WWAN and
consists of servers and other network equipment that provide the necessary
infrastructure for data communication.
3. Mobile devices: These are the devices that connect to the WWAN and use its
services, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
4. Service providers: These are the companies that own and operate the WWAN
infrastructure and provide data connectivity to users.

In general, the architecture of a WWAN is similar to that of a cellular network, with

base stations serving as the equivalent of cell towers and mobile devices connecting to
the network through radio frequencies. The main difference between a WWAN and a
cellular network is the size of the coverage area, with WWAN covering larger areas
than cellular networks.

4
 Methodologies of WWAN

There are several methodologies that can be used to design and implement a
wireless wide area network (WWAN). Some common approaches include:

1. Cellular network architecture: In this approach, the WWAN is designed and

implemented using a cellular network architecture, with base stations serving
as the primary components for transmitting and receiving data signals.
2. Mesh network architecture: In a mesh network architecture, each device in
the network can act as a router, forwarding data to other devices in the
network. This approach can be useful for providing connectivity in areas
where it is difficult to install fixed infrastructure, such as base stations.
3. Hybrid network architecture: A hybrid network architecture combines
elements of both cellular and mesh network architectures, providing the
benefits of both approaches.
4. Satellite-based connectivity: In some cases, a WWAN may rely on satellite-
based connectivity to provide data connectivity over a wide area. This
approach can be useful in remote or hard-to-reach areas, but can be more
expensive and have higher latency than other methods.

Ultimately, the methodology used to design and implement a WWAN will depend on
a variety of factors, including the size and geography of the coverage area, the type
of devices that will be connecting to the network, and the availability of
infrastructure and resources.

5
 Technologies of Wireless Wide Area Network

Wireless wide area networks (WWAN) rely on a combination of hardware and

software technologies to provide data connectivity over a large geographic area.
Some common hardware and software technologies used in WWAN include:

Hardware technologies:

1. Radio frequency (RF) transceivers: These are used to transmit and receive
data signals over the air.
2. Antennas: These are used to transmit and receive data signals over a specific
frequency range.
3. Base stations: These are the primary components of a WWAN and are
responsible for transmitting and receiving data signals over the air.
4. Network core: This consists of servers and other network equipment that
provide the necessary infrastructure for data communication.
5. Mobile devices: These are the devices that connect to the WWAN and use its
services, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
6. Satellite links: The planet is certainly getting smaller when it comes to
technology’s reach, and recent developments in satellite access technologies
provide new options for extending WWAN virtually anywhere.

6
 Figure 2 Hardware Technologies in WWAN

Software technologies:

1. Network protocols: These are used to control the flow of data between
devices and to ensure that data is transmitted and received correctly.
2. Network management software: This is used to monitor and manage the
performance of the WWAN, including monitoring network traffic and
identifying and troubleshooting issues.
3. Security software: This is used to protect the WWAN from unauthorized
access and to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted
over the network.
4. Mobile operating systems: These are the software platforms that run on
mobile devices and provide the necessary functionality to connect to and use
the WWAN.

7
Protocols of WWAN

Wireless wide area networks (WWAN) rely on a variety of protocols to control the
flow of data between devices and to ensure that data is transmitted and received
correctly. Some common protocols used in WWAN include:

1. Wireless Application Protocol (WAP): This is a protocol used to transmit data

over wireless networks, including WWAN. It is designed to support a wide
range of mobile devices and applications, including web browsers, messaging
clients, and other applications.
2. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS): This is a data communication protocol
used in mobile networks, including WWAN. It is designed to allow data to be
transmitted over the air using radio frequencies.
3. Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE): This is an enhanced version
of GPRS that provides faster data transfer rates for mobile networks,
including WWAN.
4. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS): This is a third-
generation (3G) mobile communication standard used in WWAN and other
cellular networks. It supports higher data transfer rates than earlier
technologies, such as GPRS and EDGE.
5. Long-Term Evolution (LTE): This is a fourth-generation (4G) mobile
communication standard used in WWAN and other cellular networks. It
supports even higher data transfer rates than earlier technologies, such as
UMTS.
6. 5G: This is the fifth generation of mobile communication technology, which is
currently being deployed in some WWAN and other cellular networks. It
supports even higher data transfer rates and lower latency than earlier
technologies, such as LTE.

8
 Cellular Network technologies used in WWAN

Wireless Wide Area Network is a form of wireless network which uses mobile
telecommunication cellular network technologies such as Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), etc., to
transfer data over a large geographical Area.

Global System for mobile communications(GSM)

Global system for mobile communication (GSM) is wide area wireless

communications system that uses digital radio transmission to provide voice, data,
and multimedia communication services. The GSM system includes mobile
telephones (mobile stations), radio towers (base stations), and interconnecting
switching systems. A GSM system coordinates the communication between a mobile
telephones (mobile stations), base stations (cell sites), and switching systems. The
GSM system allows up to 8 to 16 voice users to share each radio channel and there
may be several radio channels per radio transmission site (cell site). Mobile phones
connect to the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) by locating the cells
in the network surroundings. These cells are of five different sizes. These cells
include macro, micro, femto, umbrella and Pico cells. Macro cells are the largest cells
that cover radio signals. Macro cells are distributed over larger geographical areas.
Micro cells cover a small geographical are such as hotels. These cells are supported
by powerful cellular stations or in other words tower. Pico cell is a wireless
communication scheme. Pico cells also cover a small geographical area. Femto cell is
a small base station designed to cater the needs of minor business area.

9
Figure 3 Working Of GSM

10
General packet radio service(GPRS)

General packet radio service (GPRS) is essentially a packet-switching technology that

allows information to be transmitted via mobile networks. This is utilized for internet
connectivity, multimedia messaging service, and other types of data transmission.
GPRS is supported by GPRS cellphones, as well as laptops and handheld devices
equipped with GPRS modems.
GPRS could be employed to facilitate connections related to Internet protocols
which provide a set of functions including commercial and enterprise applications.
Before the transmission, the information is split into individual packets and routed
through the core network and radio. At the receiver’s end, the data is reattached.

Figure 4 Working of GPRS

11
Universal mobile communication system

UMTS is popularly known as a third-generation (3G) cellular network. It was seen as

a better cellular technology for data transfer than its predecessor, the GSM
technology, which used GPRS and EDGE data services, primarily due to its speed of
transfer and operation. It is a pioneering wireless radio technology associated with
third-generation (3G) cellular networks. Today, UMTS is used interchangeably with
3G. Unlike global system for mobile communications (GSM) – which was widely used
before the deployment of UMTS – UMTS offers faster data transfer, improved
cellular capabilities, greater range/bandwidth, and better radio spectrum
efficiency. UMTS makes it possible to hold video-conferences or watch Internet
television.

Figure 5 working of universal mobile communication system

12
Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA)

CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) refers to any of several protocols used in

second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) wireless communications. As
the term implies, CDMA is a form of multiplexing, which allows numerous signals to
occupy a single transmission channel, optimizing the use of available bandwidth.

13
 Applications of WWAN

Wireless wide area networks (WWAN) are used to provide data connectivity over a
large geographic area, such as a city or a region. As such, they have a wide range of
applications, some of them are:

1. Mobile communication: WWAN is used to provide data connectivity for a

wide range of mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
This allows users to access the Internet, make phone calls, and send text
messages from anywhere within the coverage area of the network.
2. Mobile computing: WWAN is used to provide connectivity for mobile
computing devices, such as laptops and tablets, allowing users to access the
Internet and other resources from anywhere within the network's coverage
area.
3. M2M communication: WWAN is used to provide data connectivity for
machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, such as smart meters, remote
monitoring systems, and other IOT devices.
4. Public safety: WWAN IS used to provide connectivity for public safety
agencies, such as police, fire departments, and emergency medical services.
This allows these agencies to communicate and share information in real-
time, improving response times and overall effectiveness.
5. Disaster recovery: WWAN can be used to provide connectivity in the event of
a disaster, such as an earthquake or a hurricane. This can be especially useful
in areas where traditional wired networks have been damaged or are
otherwise unavailable.
6. Internet access: offer back haul of small LAN topologies to the internet, either
as primary back haul or as a backup strategy for a wired ISP Connection

14
 Advantage and Disadvantage of WWAN

Advantages:

1. Mobility: WWAN allow users to connect to the network from anywhere

within the coverage area, providing a high degree of mobility and flexibility.
2. Ease of deployment: WWAN can be deployed relatively quickly and easily,
compared to other types of networks that require extensive infrastructure,
such as cables and routers.
3. Cost: WWAN can be more cost-effective than other types of networks,
especially in areas where it is difficult or expensive to install wired
infrastructure.
4. Scalability: WWAN can be easily scaled to meet the needs of a growing user
base, by adding additional base stations or other infrastructure as needed.
5. Flexible with cloud management , deploying and relocating.
6. We can communicate through longer distance location using WWAN
Technologies

Disadvantages:

1. Limited coverage: WWANs may not have coverage in all areas, depending on
the location and the service provider.
2. Speed: WWANs may not offer the same level of speed as other types of
networks, such as wired networks.
3. Security: WWANs may be more vulnerable to security threats, such as
hacking and data breaches, compared to other types of networks.
4. Interference: WWANs can be affected by interference from other sources,
such as other wireless networks and electronic devices. This can result in
reduced performance and reliability.
5. Replacement of lost WWAN may be costly

15
 Conclusion
In conclusion, this document has provided an overview of wireless wide area
networks (WWAN), including their architecture, methodologies, hardware and
software technologies, protocols, and applications. This document also describes the
basic subsystems of WWAN which are radio station subsystem (RSS),networking and
switching subsystem (NSS) , operational and maintenance subsystem (OMSS).
WWAN are used to provide data connectivity over a large geographic area, and are
used in a variety of contexts, including mobile communication, mobile computing,
M2M communication, public safety, and disaster recovery. WWAN have several
advantages, including mobility, ease of deployment, cost-effectiveness, and
scalability. However, they also have some disadvantages, including limited coverage,
reduced speed compared to other types of networks, potential security
vulnerabilities, and susceptibility to interference. Overall, WWAN are a valuable tool
for providing connectivity in a wide range of situations and environments.

16
 Future scope of Wireless Wide Area Network

5G: The deployment of 5G networks, which are the next generation of mobile
networks, is expected to drive significant growth in the WWAN market. 5G networks
offer faster speeds and lower latency than previous generations of mobile networks,
which will enable new applications and services that require high-bandwidth
connectivity.

Internet of Things (IOT): The proliferation of IOT devices, which are devices that
are connected to the internet and can communicate with each other, is expected to
drive the need for WWAN. These devices will require a reliable and secure
connection to the internet in order to transmit data and perform their functions.

Industrial applications: WWAN are expected to see increased adoption in

industrial settings, where they can be used to connect machines, sensors, and other
devices that are spread out over a wide area.

Rural connectivity: WWAN are expected to play a key role in addressing the
digital divide by providing connectivity to rural and remote areas that may not have
access to wired broadband networks.

Overall, the future of WWANs looks bright, as they are expected to play a key role in
enabling the connectivity needed to support the growth of new technologies and
applications

17
 References

https://www.techtarget.com

https://www.sciencedirect.com

https://www.spiceworks.com

http://etutorials.org

https://studycorgi.com/wireless-networking-and-popular-standards/

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/overview-of-wireless-wide-area-network-wwan/

Vijay K. Garg (2007) Wireless Communication and Networking, Sandiego, Morgan

Kaufmann Publishers 193-213

18