Breaking down complex technology into easy-to-understand concepts, this hands-on, system-level resource offers expert guidance in designing, optimizing, and managing a CDMA2000 wireless network. The book focuses on the development of practical knowledge that can be readily applied in the field, and also provides the theoretical background needed to effectively engineer a 3G network. Offering a deeper, richer treatment of critical topics than other books in this area, this unique reference describes the technology, concentrating on how and why it works. Professionals learn the key requirements of a 3G network and the relevant CDMA2000 features that satisfy these requirements. The book thoroughly explains the protocol layer framework and provides an in-depth discussion of power control and handoff functionalities. Additionally, it delivers an extensive treatment of system performance and design, addressing the important trade-off between system coverage and capacity. A chapter on network architecture clearly explains how the CDMA2000 interface works and interacts with other elements in the network as a whole. Moreover, the book includes a detailed presentation of 1xEV-DO, explaining the differences between 1xEV-DO and CDMA2000, the ways both technologies operate in tandem, and how 1xEV-DO delivers high-rate packet data services. .