Uplink access protocol for multimedia systems based on DECT/ATM layer

In this paper, we present a new, simple and efficient access protocol for the return channel of the Local Multipoint Distribution System (LMDS). The protocol is called Contention-TDMA (C-TDMA) and it is able to support multimedia, multirate and multiuser services in typical LMDS scenarios. Moreover, it is based on a very cheap and already existing radio technology: DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) adapted to be ATM compatible. Three channel selection mechanisms for C-TDMA have been tested by using computer simulations. Numerical results indicate that, in general, C-TDMA guarantees a reduced number of collisions, small message delays and high throughput levels.