HSDPA is based on shared channel transmission, such that channel codes are used as common resources which are

dynamically shared between users both in the code and time domains. This results in a more efficient use of available resources (power and codes), especially when compared to UMTS Release 99. Release 99 UMTS operates using a QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) modulation Scheme, which limits the theoretical throughput of the cell. In addition to using QPSK, Release 5/6 HSDPA can also use 16QAM (16 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) to provide higher data rates. Since 16QAM operates at twice the peak rate of QPSK, i.e. four bits per symbol, it makes more efficient use of available bandwidth. However, 16QAM also requires better radio channel conditions than those needed for QPSK operation and as such, it is usually only seen closer to the base station. The shared resource of HSDPA channel codes are dynamically allocated every TTI (Time Transmission Interval); for FDD this is set to three slots, i.e. 2ms. This use of a short TTI reduces the round-trip time, thus improving the tracking of radio channel variations. In addition to sharing the HSDPA resources over time, there is also the possibility to share resources in the code domain. The fast and fair scheduling feature determines which UE is allocated resources at any given moment, typically with more data being sent to users with the best radio conditions. HSDPA relies on feedback information from the mobile to achieve more efficient scheduling of data packet transmissions. Details provided include: the channel quality, device capabilities and QoS (Quality of Service) requirements. To accommodate fast feedback, the system includes additional MAC (Medium Access Control) functionality located at the Node B, as well as CQI (Channel Quality Indication) and ACK/NACK signalling for H-ARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) from the terminal. These are sent in an uplink HS-DPCCH (High Speed - Dedicated Physical Control Channel) from each mobile. The Node B then gathers and utilizes the CQI from each active user to determine the ongoing scheduling of resources. The UE is able to use the H-ARQ mechanism to rapidly request the retransmission of missing data. This mechanism enables the combining of information from the original transmission(s) with that of later transmissions,

before the mobile attempts to decode the message. This approach uses a method known as IR (Incremental Redundancy), often referred to as soft-combining, which increases the system capacity and provides additional robustness. If the information is in error or missing, a NACK (Negative Acknowledgement) indication is sent to the Node B. When the received data is correct an ACK (Acknowledgement) indication is sent.