a brief history of mobile networks and their evolution. Some concepts from information theory are explained briefly. The chapter also has an overview of the two main networks, GSM and WCDMA. Fundamentals of Cellular Network Planning & Optimisation A.R. Mishra. © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ISBN: 0-470-86267-X INTRODUCTION Chapter 2 focuses on GSM radio network planning and optimization. The scope of radio network planning is explained along with some basic concepts that are required by engineers in the planning of an efficient radio network. After this, the process of radio network planning is explained, followed by pre-planning and detailed planning aspects. The optimization process is then explained. Chapters 3 and 4 follow a similar approach for transmission and core network planning for GSM. Moving on to 2.5G networks, Chapter 5 focuses on GPRS and Chapter 6 on EDGE. Both these chapters describe the networks, as well as planning processes and optimization for their radio, transmission and core networks. Moving on to 3G networks, Chapters 7, 8 and 9 deal with their radio, transmission and core networks respectively. The structure of these chapters is similar to that of the earlier chapters. Finally, Chapter 10 gives an overview of fourth-generation networks. Although 4G net- works are still a distant reality from the perspective of mobile subscribers, still the subject needs some attention from people guiding the way of the mobile world. The chapter shows what is in store for the planning engineers. There are five appendices. These have been contributed by experts in their respective fields, dealing with subjects such as planning tools, and hot topics such as multi-media planning and optimization, location-based services, end-to-end (E2E) performance mea- surements etc. Erlang B tables are presented as an aid to planning engineers in their day- to-day work. Finally there is a list of recommended reading in the Bibliography. Overview of Mobile Networks 1.1 INTRODUCTION Mobile networks are differentiated from e