CDMA2000: 3G Standard Based on CDMA IS-95

CDMA2000 is the 3rd Generation solution based on CDMA IS-95, which supports 3G services as defined by the ITU 3G standards IMT-2000. CDMA2000 defines both an air interface and a core network. Cdma2000 has already been implemented to several networks as an evolutionary step from cdmaOne as cdma2000 provides full backward compatibility with IS-95B.

The CDMA2000 standard is evolving to continually support new services in a standard 1.25 MHz carrier. The first phase of CDMA2000, or CDMA2000 1X will deliver average data rates of 144 kbps. Phase two, labeled CDMA2000 1xEV, will provide for data rates greater than 2Mbps.

CDMA2000 1X (or the IS-2000 standard) published by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), offers average data rates of 144 kbps, backward compatibility with cdmaOne networks, and many other performance improvements. CDMA2000 1X can be implemented in existing cdmaOne spectrum (1.25 MHz) or in new spectrum allocations. A CDMA2000 1X network will support simultaneous voice and data services with low latency and improved performance.

The evolution of CDMA2000 beyond 1X is called CDMA2000 1xEV. 1xEV is divided into two steps: 1xEV-DO and 1xEV-DV. 1xEV-DO stands for 1X Evolution Data Only. 1xEV-DV stands for 1X Evolution Data and Voice. Again CDMA2000 1XEV can be implemented in existing cdmaOne spectrum (1.25 MHz) or in new spectrum allocations.

1xEV-DO, requiring a separate carrier for data, will provide for higher data rates on 1X systems. By allocating a separate carrier for data, operators will be able to deliver peak data rates in excess of 2 Mbps at its best effort. 1xEV-DV allows data and voice services for CDMA2000 in one carrier. A 1xEV-DV carrier will provide not only high speed data and voice simultaneously, but will also be capable of delivering real-time packet services.

The standards for a CDMA packet core network are being developed by the TR45.6 working group of the TIA. These standards are being developed by using existing standards from the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) on Mobile IP. 3GPP2 is also busy defining the evolution of a CDMA2000 network to All-IP. The CDMA2000 PCN will be the first step in this evolution.