GENEVA - At Telecom `99, Lucent Technologies conducted the first multimedia transmission between two wireless networks envisioned under a Global Third Generation (G3G) standard based on code division multiple access (CDMA) technology.
The data transmission establishes the viability of network interoperability between the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and one adhering to a new IS 2000 Multicarrier CDMA standard. It marks a significant step in the process of achieving true global mobility for consumers and for maximizing the potential of global communications for operators.
Lucent is developing next-generation systems for global operators on multiple fronts, and is reportedly the first to publicly demonstrate multimedia transmissions between UMTS base stations employing wideband CDMA technology and another based on the IS 2000 standard. Both types of base stations are envisioned under a G3G harmonization proposal by a group of more than 40 global wireless operators and equipment manufacturers.
The breakthrough demonstration consists of live two-way video transmissions between the two systems. In addition, the UMTS prototype is supporting a live wireless video call to and from a moving vehicle. Together these applications, bundled with Web browsing and video and audio streaming, exhibit the benefits of wideband and high-speed wireless data connections.
