WCDMA payloads on fast-moving platforms, such as on satellites in Molniya orbits or on UAVs, will likely be added to the battlefield to assure the warfighter of reliable, ubiquitous communications. The algorithms for handoffs, timing, and Doppler correction suitable for near-Geosynchronous platforms will not be suitable for these fast movers. Power control algorithms may or may not be suitable. This project determines the necessary modifications to commercial and military WCDMA algorithms to support intra and inter platform handoffs, timing synchronization, power control, and Doppler correction.
Benefit: The warfighter will benefit from this innovation by enhanced (e.g. polar region) coverage from the additional WCDMA payloads. In many regions, he will then be served by a choice of WCDMA beams, eliminating the single point of failure of a single beam. A new handoff algorithm and the ability to handle increased Doppler could prove useful in the private cellular industry, allowing WCDMA payloads on fast moving platforms to cover remote regions. These algorithms could also enable service to fast moving users.
Keywords: Military WCDMA, Military WCDMA, WCDMA, JTRS, MUOS, handoff, Doppler
