Architecture Issues in 4G

Networks
Mauricio Arango
Sun Microsystems Laboratories
Email: Mauricio.Arango@sun.com
Tel: (954) 217-0535
 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

All IP Core
Network Internet
RAN

GWY

PSTN &
Legacy Cellular

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 4G Access Network

Base RNC Access

Station Gwy

All IP Core
Base Network
Station

Base RNC Access

Station Gwy

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 JAIN/Parlay,
other
Application

Data- SIP, other

Location bases

Optional
SIP
AAA Application Proxy
Billing Core

MGC Signaling
Mobility Gwy
Access Mgmt
RAN Gateway
MM
QoS Media resource
Basic
Gateway functions
Core

Terminal internet internet

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Mauricio Arango PSTN 6
 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

SIP Application
Server

SIP
SIP Proxy

All IP Core Internet

Access
Network

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4G VoIP Softswitch Architecture

SIP Softswitch
Softswitch
MEGACO/
MGCP

All IP Core Internet

Access
Network

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 A Transition Architecture

SIP App
Server or
SIP Softswitch
Legacy
signaling

All IP Core
Access Access
Gateway Internet
Network

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 Walled garden vs bazaar

3rd party
Application
SIP Server
SIP
SIP Proxy

Firewall/
All IP Core App-level Internet
Access gateway
Network

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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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