By focusing on multiple access for mobile communication systems, with a specific interest in access arbitration through multiple access protocols at the MAC (Medium Access Control) layer, the authors explain how packet-voice and packet-data traffic can be supported efficiently in mobile communication systems. This is approached from a theoretical point of view and from the context of existing systems such as GPRS and UMTS. The evolution of mobile communications from 1G to 3.5G and possible 4G scenarios are discussed.

• Examines the suitable MAC strategies for the support of packet-data on shared and common channels

• Describes the physical and logical channels in GSM, HSCSD and GPRS and examines the GPRS air interface features, including EGPRS and Release 4/5 enhancements

• Documents the authors extensive research efforts on PRMA-based protocols for CDMA, hybrid CDMA/TDMA and TDMA air interfaces

• Analyses the various options for packet-data support in UMTS Release 1999 on common and dedicated channels and planned enhancements in Release 5

• Summarises the challenges faced when wanting to support IP-based real-time and multimedia traffic efficiently in mobile communication systems and reviews how further evolutions of GPRS and UMTS attempt to meet these challenges

• Presents interesting research results on the benefits of channel access control in the context of reservation protocols