The telecom industry is on the rebound and the demand for more and newer wireless services is ever increasing. To meet these market demands, wireless providers have to deploy advanced radio access networks to enhance the mobile communications infrastructure. This forward-looking book delivers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of mobile radio access networks, focusing on high-level architectural issues that engineers and managers need to understand. The book highlights the advantages of advanced radio access network technologies and helps professionals overcome practical system design problems. By striking a balance between theory and implementation, and between cutting-edge technology and economics, it addresses the concerns of system engineering, research and development, and telecom management and analysis. Key topics include software radio, multiple antenna systems, Internet-based radio access networks, and ubiquitous networks.