MA (Mobile Allocation)
Mobile Allocation (MA) is a technique used in wireless communication systems to allocate radio resources (i.e., frequencies and time slots) to mobile devices. This technique is used in cellular networks such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, to avoid interference and improve the capacity of the network.
In this article, we will explore Mobile Allocation in depth, covering its definition, purpose, types, advantages, and disadvantages.
Definition
Mobile Allocation (MA) is a method used in wireless communication systems to allocate radio resources (i.e., frequencies and time slots) to mobile devices. This technique is used in cellular networks such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, to avoid interference and improve the capacity of the network.
In a cellular network, a set of frequencies is allocated to a cell, which is a geographic area covered by a base station. These frequencies are then divided into a set of channels, each of which can be used by a mobile device to communicate with the base station. Mobile Allocation is the process of allocating these channels to mobile devices in a way that maximizes the capacity of the network and minimizes interference between channels.
Purpose
The purpose of Mobile Allocation is to optimize the use of radio resources in a cellular network. In a cellular network, there are a limited number of frequencies available, and these frequencies must be shared among a large number of mobile devices. Mobile Allocation ensures that these frequencies are allocated in an efficient and effective way to minimize interference and maximize capacity.
Without Mobile Allocation, there is a risk of interference between channels, which can result in dropped calls, slow data speeds, and reduced network capacity. By allocating channels to mobile devices in a way that minimizes interference, Mobile Allocation can improve the quality of service for mobile users and increase the capacity of the network.
Types of Mobile Allocation
There are two main types of Mobile Allocation: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA).
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
In FDMA, the available frequency band is divided into a number of channels, and each channel is allocated to a different mobile device. Each channel occupies a different frequency band, and mobile devices are assigned to a specific channel for the duration of the call.
FDMA is used in 1G and 2G cellular networks, where each channel has a fixed bandwidth of 30 kHz. In 3G and 4G networks, the bandwidth of each channel is variable and can be adjusted according to the network load.
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
In TDMA, the available frequency band is divided into time slots, and each time slot is allocated to a different mobile device. Each mobile device is assigned to a specific time slot for the duration of the call.
TDMA is used in 2G, 3G, and 4G cellular networks, where each time slot has a fixed duration of 577 µs. In 5G networks, the duration of each time slot can be adjusted according to the network load.
Advantages of Mobile Allocation
There are several advantages to using Mobile Allocation in a cellular network:
Improved capacity
Mobile Allocation can increase the capacity of a cellular network by allocating radio resources in an efficient and effective way. By minimizing interference between channels, Mobile Allocation can allow more mobile devices to communicate simultaneously, thereby increasing the capacity of the network.
Improved quality of service
By allocating channels to mobile devices in a way that minimizes interference, Mobile Allocation can improve the quality of service for mobile users. This can result in fewer dropped calls, faster data speeds, and a more reliable network.
Efficient use of radio resources
Mobile Allocation ensures that radio resources are used in an efficient and effective way. By allocating channels to mobile devices only when they need them, the network can conserve its limited resources and avoid wasting them on idle or unused channels.
Flexibility
Mobile Allocation allows for flexibility in the use of radio resources. As network demand fluctuates, Mobile Allocation can adjust the allocation of resources to meet the changing needs of the network. This can help ensure that the network is always running at peak efficiency.
Interference mitigation
Mobile Allocation helps to mitigate interference between channels by allocating channels in a way that minimizes overlap. This can result in a clearer and more reliable signal, reducing the risk of dropped calls or data transmission errors.
Disadvantages of Mobile Allocation
While there are many advantages to using Mobile Allocation, there are also some disadvantages:
Complex algorithm
Mobile Allocation is a complex algorithm that requires significant processing power to operate. This can result in slower network speeds and increased network latency.
Limited number of channels
There is a limited number of channels available in a cellular network, and Mobile Allocation must allocate these channels to a large number of mobile devices. This can result in congestion and reduced network capacity during peak usage times.
Interference from other sources
Mobile Allocation cannot always mitigate interference from other sources, such as other cellular networks or radio interference from other devices. This can result in reduced network quality and reliability.
Conclusion
Mobile Allocation is a technique used in wireless communication systems to allocate radio resources (i.e., frequencies and time slots) to mobile devices. This technique is used in cellular networks such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, to avoid interference and improve the capacity of the network.
Mobile Allocation can increase the capacity of a cellular network by allocating radio resources in an efficient and effective way, improve the quality of service for mobile users, and ensure that radio resources are used in an efficient way. However, there are also some disadvantages, including the complexity of the algorithm, the limited number of channels available, and the risk of interference from other sources.