Comparison of multiple access schemes for UMTS

An assessment of several multiple access schemes against UMTS criteria has been carried out within the FRAMES project. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, an harmonized multiple access platform has been designed consisting of two modes, a wideband TDMA with and without spreading and a wideband CDMA, which is presented. Both modes are compared against UMTS criteria. In general, they can both fulfill the UMTS objectives and will form the FRAMES input into UMTS standardization. However, Mode 1 seems more suitable for bursty type of traffic and in addition to FDD for asymmetric TDD operation while Mode 2 suits better for moderately varying circuit switched data in public radio environments.