Communication Technology

 

 

 

 

Channelization in Wireless Communication

In the field of wireless communications, each technology employs a unique set of physical layer channels to facilitate efficient data transmission and network management. These channels, varying from one technology to another, are the backbone of wireless communication systems, handling everything from signal synchronization and network discovery to data transmission and control messaging. The table below provides an insightful comparison of the physical layer channelization across a range of wireless technologies, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM/GPRS, WCDMA, LTE, and 5G/NR. This comparison highlights the evolution and specialization of channel use and functionality, reflecting the diverse requirements and capabilities of each technology.

Technology

Purpose

Channels

Bluetooth

Inquiry and Page Channels

Device discovery and connection establishment

Control and Data Channel

 

Wi-Fi (WLAN)

Beacon Frames/Channels

Broadcasting network presence and information

Probe Request/Response

Network discovery

Control and Data Channel

Data transmission and control messaging over 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands

DFS Channels

Dynamic frequency selection in 5 GHz band to avoid radar interference

CDMA

Pilot Channel

Signal synchronization and strength measurement

Control and Data Channel

Separate channels for uplink and downlink communication

GSM/GPRS

Uplink / Downlink Sync channel

Synchronization Burst(SCH),Frequency Correction Burst(FCCH), Access Burst (RACH, AGCH)

Broadcast Channel

Normal Burst(BCCH and PCH)

Control and Data Channel

Normal Burst(TCH, SDCCH, SACCH, FACCH, BCCH and PCH)

WCDMA

Uplink / Downlink Sync channel

Primany SCH, Secondary SCH, CPICH, PRACH

Broadcast Channel

P-CCPCH

Control and Data Channel

DPCH,HS-SCCH,HS-PDSCH

4G/LTE

Uplink / Downlink Sync channel

PSS,SSS

Broadcast Channel

PBCH (MIB), PDSCH(SIB)

Control and Data Channel

PCFICH,PHICH,PDCCH, PDSCH,PUCCH,PUSCH

5G/NR

Uplink / Downlink Sync channel

PSS,SSS

Broadcast Channel

PBCH,PDSCH

Control and Data Channel

PDCCH, PDSCH,PUCCH,PUSCH