WLAN-GPRS Integration ForNext-Generation Mobile Data Networks

Wireless CommunicationsIEEE 2002

報告者：陳崇凱

Authors

Apostolis K. Salkintzis, Motorola

Chad Fors, Motorola

Rajesh Pazhyannur, Motorola

Outline

Integrated WLAN and cellular data networks Interworking architecture Current standardization activities A tight coupling architecture A loosely coupled architecture Conclusion

Integrated WLAN and Cellular Data Networks

Roaming Between WLANs and cellular system

Session mobility Session : a flow of IP packets between the end

user and an external entity

Enhanced mobile applications Ex : mobile email application

Interworking Architecture

Loose coupling and Tight coupling.With loose coupling the WLAN bypasses t

he GPRS network and provides direct data access to the external packet data networks (PDNs).

With tight coupling the WLAN data traffic goes through the GPRS core network before reaching the external PDNs.

Current Standardization Activities

Scenario 1 — Common billing and customer care Scenario 2 — 3GPP system-based access control and charging Scenario 3 — Access to 3GPP GPRS-based services Scenario 4 — Service continuity Scenario 5 — Seamless services Scenario 6 — Access to 3GPP circuit-switched services

A Tight Coupling Architecture

Providing a novel solution for interworking between 802.11 WLANs and GPRS.

System descriptionProtocol architectureWLAN adaptation functionGIF/RAI discovery procedure

A Tight Coupling Architecture

BENEFITS Seamless service continuation across WLAN and GPRS. Reuse of GPRS AAA. Reuse of GPRS infrastructure and protection of cellular

operator’s investment. Support of lawful interception for WLAN subscribers. Increased security. Common provisioning and customer care. Access to core GPRS services

A Loosely Coupled Architecture

authenticationencryptionbillingsession mobility

Conclusion

The recent evolution and successful deployment of WLAN systems worldwide has fueled the need for interworking mechanisms between WLANs and cellular data networks such as GPRS.

Comparison : tight coupling vs. loose coupling