Paging systems reliably and economically deliver short messsages to (and recently, from) radio terminals. The terminals have traditionally been self-contained little devices ("pagers") carried by persons on the move, but it is increasingly true that the terminals are connected or imbedded in other machines, such as laptop computers, vending machines, or auto security systems. The recent addition of two-way service, which allows the terminal to originate messages, has dramatically increased the uses and capacity of modern paging systems.
This talk focuses on the practical aspects of designing, building, and using modern one-way and two-way paging systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on the means used to meet the unique requirements of paging systems: reliable delivery of very short messages to small terminals with very low average power usage. The role of simulcast, and the constraints it places on modulation and error control, will be addressed.
Walt Roehr is the co-inventor of SkyTel's 2-way paging system -- an effort that resulted in 6 patents, an FCC pioneer's preference, and the launch of the narrowband PCS industry.
Walt Roehr is an independent consultant who specializes in the conception and planning of communication systems that satisfy complex technical and organizational requirements. These systems generally include communication links plus computers, protocols, and new organizational functions. Local Area Networks, mobile and aeronautical telephone systems, and various integrated voice data systems (including ISDN) are typical previous endeavors. A particular interest is signaling systems for telephony networks.
He has had six US patents granted since 1996. Earlier publications include two Data Communications articles on Signaling System Number 7 (October 1985 and February 1989), a chapter on message handling protocols (focusing on the X.400 protocols) in a Pergamon volume on "Communications standards", and "Multicarrier Modulation for Narrowband PCS" in the IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology. (November 1994)
Walt has a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering and over 35 years of experience. Prior to establishing his independent practice, he was associated with IBM, Defense Communications Agency, Network Analysis Corporation, and M/A-COM LINKABIT; the last two of these at the Director level. However, Walt prefers interacting with the clients and the technology to managing others who are doing the interacting. Therefore, in 1984 Walt founded Telecommunication Networks Consulting.
Pre-talk questions can be sent to Walt at roehr