ABSTRACT
CONTENTS 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 20 2.2 Seamless Convergence: Long-Term Vision ......................................................... 20
2.2.1 Home Network Convergence ................................................................ 21 2.2.2 Access Network Convergence ................................................................ 21 2.2.3 Core Network Convergence .................................................................. 21 2.2.4 Application Server Level Convergence .................................................... 22
2.3 Existing Solutions toward Seamless Convergence ................................................ 23 2.3.1 Seamless Converged Communication across Networks ............................. 23 2.3.2 Unlicensed Mobile Access ..................................................................... 24 2.3.3 Interworking-WLAN............................................................................ 25
2.3.3.1 I-WLAN Architecture ............................................................ 25 2.3.3.2 I-WLAN Protocols ................................................................ 26 2.3.3.3 I-WLAN Evolution: Release 7 ................................................. 26
2.3.4 Media Independent Handover: IEEE 802.21........................................... 27 2.3.4.1 MIH Architecture ................................................................. 27 2.3.4.2 MIH Functional Components ................................................ 27
2.4 Limits and Potential of Seamless Convergence Solutions...................................... 29 2.5 Conclusion .................................................................................................... 30 References .............................................................................................................. 32
2.1 Introduction The proliferation of fixed and mobile access technologies, communication devices, and networks have highly enlarged the choice for network operators and service providers to offer a wide variety of services. This context is illustrated with access networks such as universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), WiMAX, Wi-Fi, DVB, etc., and heterogeneous mobile terminals (e.g., smartphone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)), supporting an enhanced integration of applications. Currently, with the massive interest in the deployment of these mobile broadband wireless technologies, which offer complementary coverage and services and are targeting overlapping user chains and markets, the integration and convergence of these networks and technologies become not only possible but also a necessity to provide several value-added services to consumers at an affordable price. In the past few months, seamless convergence has been more than ever at the center of fixed and mobile operators’ throughout the world, and it is considered to be the next big step in the evolution of telecommunication networks. For instance, wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, etc. offer high data rates at low cost but do not guarantee seamless coverage especially with high mobility. Bluetooth technology supports low data rates compared to hot spot technologies, but on the contrary saves on the power consumption required for wireless access. In contrast, cellular networks such as GSM/GPRS and UMTS provide wide area coverage and support high mobility at higher cost but do not offer higher data rates.
