This book focuses on the Physical Layer technology, describing the problems, parameters, strategies, and techniques employed for 3G and beyond. The text is VERY different from any other 3G book I have read (and I have read quite a few of them). I had been looking for a book that would describe or quantify the problem domain faced in wireless communications, and the reasoning behind the solutions that have been developed. I wanted it explained in conceptual detail that can be easily understood, without relying on mathematical equations to get the point across. Dr. Calhoun has done just that. This books reads like your sitting in his office and chatting with him. He continually provides superb insight to difficult concepts and uses plenty of diagrams to convey the material.
The text starts from the beginning, discussing the challenges that the "wireless" engineer faces, and then covers Shannon Theory, which he continually refers to throughout the rest of the book. Wireless system design is then covered from the viewpoint of the problems that need to be overcome by the wireless engineer. This then rolls into the physical layer strategies that need to be employed in 3G systems.
Dr. Calhoun spends quite a bit of time discussing the concept of "Signal Hardening" as a way to increase the efficiency of the available communications space. Topics include quantization, signal expansion, message space expansion, channel coding strategies, soft decision techniques, and diversity techniques. Every one of these topics is explained in illuminating detail.
Transmitter and Receiver oriented strategies are discussed, including compression, signal shaping, adaptive techniques, active receiver, equalization, RAKE receivers, and MUD. Finally, OFDM and MIMO spread signal technologies are addressed.
After reading this book, I feel I have a foundational understanding of the physical layer and Post-Shannon Signal Architectures. The writing style is very clear and engaging. There's no dobut this is best technical book I have ever read, and I am looking forward to the next volume in the series.
