Architecture Issues in 4G Networks
Mauricio Arango
Sun Microsystems Laboratories
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (954) 217-0535
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Unique aspects of 4G as compared with wireline all IP
• Access network: mobile & wireless– Special routing requirements - Mobility
management– Special registration requirements – AAA– Special QoS requirements
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4G Architecture
InternetRAN
All IP Core Network
PSTN & Legacy Cellular
GWY
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4G Access Network
RNCBase Station
Access Gwy
Base Station
RNCBase Station
Access Gwy
All IP Core Network
RAN
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4G – All-IP Mobile Wireless Access Architecture
• Application-independent• Radio Access Network
– Non-IP components function as link layer – tunnels between access gateway and mobile terminal – handle microbobility
– Macromobility – access points are access gateways
– Evolution towards all-IP RAN – IP packets to the base station
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4G Core Network
RANAccess
GatewayQoS
SIP ProxyAAA
MMresource functions
Data-bases
Mobility Mgmt
MGC Signaling Gwy
Billing
Media Gateway
internetPSTNinternetIP network
JAIN/Parlay, other
Location
Application
SIP, other
Terminal
Optional
Application
Core
Basic
Core
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Unique aspects of 4G as compared with wireline all IP –
cont.• Advanced IP-based terminals:
– Not unique to wireless but embraced by industry – frequent update
– Better user interface for many apps, not only voice
– Large architecture implications
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4G VoIP SIP Architecture
Internet
All IP Core Access
Network
SIP Proxy
Application Server
SIP
SIP
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4G VoIP Softswitch Architecture
Internet
All IP Core Access
Network
SoftswitchMEGACO/MGCP
SoftswitchSIP
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A Transition Architecture
Internet
All IP Core Access
Network
SIP
Access Gateway
SIP App Server or Softswitch
Legacy signaling
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Walled garden vs bazaar
Internet
All IP Core Access
Network
SIP Proxy
3rd party Application Server
SIP
SIP
Firewall/App-level gateway
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Challenges for 4G infrastructures
• Walled-garden vs. bazaar dilemma– With open Internet access and intelligent terminals how
do access operators recover their investment?
• What could be new sources of revenue for access operators?– Access with QoS– Location information– Customer information
• Competition with low-cost grassroots networks – Wireless Ethernet 802.11b
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