Evolution to A Common Core Interworking Access Networks Mike Dolan April 2008
Outline Current Situation Multiple Core Networks Commonality at the Application Layer, IMS Converging on a Common Core Network Operators Can Pick and Choose Access Networks Interworking of Access Networks Experience in Building LTE-HRPD Interworking Toward the Future 2 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
Current Situation Multiple Core Networks Services Services GGSN HLR HA HLR SGSN MSC PDSN MSC GSM GPRS UMTS HSPA 1X HRPD -0 EDGE HRPD -A 3 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
Commonality at the Application Layer, IMS OMA Presence Messaging PoC Location 3GPP IMS COMMON IMS 3GPP2 TISPAN The work of OMA is creating standardized applications above IMS. The work toward a single IMS is progressing rapidly now. 4 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
Converging on a Common Core Network 3GPP is driving the work on an Evolved Packet System (EPS) Supports, by design, both 3GPP and non-3gpp access networks. Provides a means of attaching multiple access networks, under a common set of design rules, to the common IMS. Provides a means of interworking across those multiple access networks. Provides an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) EPC will enhance: Simplification of network design Common charging and back office systems Use of multiple access technologies Creation of new services for subscribers 5 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
EPS Architecture HPLMN S6a HSS Gx PDN Gateway hpcrf Rx SGi S6b SWx Operator's IP Services (e.g. IMS, PSS etc ) 3GPP AAA Server S8 S2b S9 vpcrf SWd 3GPP Access VPLMN Serving Gateway Gxc S2a Gxb epdg SWm 3GPP AAA Proxy Non-3GPP Networks Gxa SWn E.G. HRPD, 1X, WiMAX, UMB, WiFi Trusted Non-3GPP IP Access E.G. WiFi Untrusted Non-3GPP IP Access SWa STa 6 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
Operators Can Pick and Choose Access Networks Operators have been limited in their ability to adopt new access technologies. Usually upgrades were From GSM to GPRS to UMTS, etc. --OR From 1X to HRPD-0 to HRPD-A, etc. Other upgrades often involved a complete change-out of technology (fork lift). EPS allows an operator to attach multiple technologies to the common Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Add technologies don t automatically replace them. Use the technologies that enhance the operator s business plan. Evolve gradually and gracefully. 7 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
Operators Can Pick and Choose Access Networks Services IMS EPC HSS/AAA PCRF PDN GW GPRS UMTS SGSN HSPA SGW LTE HSGW HRPD epdg WLAN WiMAX 8 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
Interworking of Access Networks A common core network provides: A common IP environment (addresses, IP anchors). Common policy, charging and billing. Common identity management. Given a common core network, interworking of access networks becomes a matter of the ability of each access network to support single-transmitter terminals that can operate on both access technologies, including : Radio parameters for the target technology, Tunneling of target technology signaling, Movement of bearers to the target technology. 9 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
Experience in Building LTE-HRPD Interworking The work on LTE-HRPD interworking yields: Inter-access technology radio support structures for other technologies: Radio parameter broadcast and unicast, Standard tunneling mechanisms that could be easily reused or extended, Tune-away strategies. Inter-RAN support for: Tunneling of target technology signaling, Coordination of handoff/handover, Notification of progress and events to optimize resource usage. Core network support for: Inter-technology mobility, Cross-technology policy and charging support, Common identity and subscriber management (e.g., HSS/AAA). 10 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008
Toward the Future What does all of this commonality provide? For the Operator: A single set of standards that supports global roaming, A single set of services to manage and maintain, A single subscription appearance, The ability to take advantage of any and all access technologies that meet their business needs wireless and wireline alike. For the Subscriber: A service set available regardless of the serving access technology, Ease of roaming, Ease of mobility. For the Vendor: A single core network standard to build to, Greater applicability of product portfolios to a wide range of networks. 11 Evolution to a Common Core April 2008 All Rights Reserved Alcatel-Lucent 2008