It is apparent, even to the most casual observer, that a veritable revolution in telecommunications has taken place within recent years. The use of wireless communications has expanded dramatically worldwide. Cell phones are ubiquitous. Although most such mobile terminals still carry voice principally, more and more users are sending and receiving data and image applications. Wi-Fi, an example of a wireless local area network (LAN), has caught on spectacularly, joining the major cellular networks deployed throughout the world.

This book, designed as an introductory textbook in wireless communication for courses at the Senior and first-year graduate level, as well as a self-study text for engineers, computer scientists, and other technical personnel, provides a basic introduction to this booming field. A student or reader of the book should come away with a thorough grounding in the fundamental aspects of mobile wireless communication, as well as an understanding of the principles of operation of second- and third-generation cellular systems and wireless LANs. To enhance an understanding of the various concepts introduced, numerical and quantitative examples are provided throughout the book. Problems associated with each chapter provide a further means of enhancing knowledge of the field. There are many references to the current technical literature appearing throughout the book as well. The author considers these references an integral part of the discussion, providing the reader with an opportunity to delve more deeply into technical aspects of the field where desired.