Interworking Architectures of 3G and WLAN

Abstract

The complex and demanding communications needs of modern humans led recently to the deployment of the 3G/UMTS mobile data networks and the wireless LANs. The already established GSM/GPRS radio access technology can easily handle the voice and low-rate data traffic such as short messages (SMS); however, it is inadequate for the more challenging real-time multimedia exchanges that require higher data rates and ubiquitous connectivity. The UTRAN radio access technology provides wide area coverage and multimedia services up to 2Mbps, while the recently deployed WLANs offer radio access at hotspots such as offices, shopping areas, homes, and other Internet/intranet-connected networks, with very high data rates up to 54Mbps (IEEE 802.11g). Hence, there is a strong need to integrate WLANs and 3G access technologies, and to develop a heterogeneous network based on an all-IP infrastructure that will be capable to offer ubiquitous and seamless multimedia services at very broadband rates.