Fundamentals of Wireless Communication Engineering Technologies

Chapter 10

Introduction to Network and Service Architectures

In this part of the book, Chapters 10 to 13, we discuss network and service architectures for wireless networks. We begin in this chapter by laying some foundations focused primarily on general networking concepts and IP networking, keeping in mind the move toward “all-IP” networking in wireless networks. (This can be viewed as a convergence toward all-IP wireless networks from two starting points: the traditional wireless cellular networks and the traditional IP-based data networks.) We then spend two chapters tracing the evolution of wireless networks and network architectures from GSM to LTE and the gradual shift from voice-and circuit-centric networks toward packet-centric networks. In the first of these chapters, Chapter 11, we discuss the GSM network. In the same chapter we introduce steps taken to expand the capabilities of IP to support voice over IP (VoIP) and quality of service (QoS), both of which are important building blocks needed for IP networks to take a more prominent role, such as in wireless all-IP networks. We continue in Chapter 12 to examine more steps taken to fit IP networks with capabilities to be used in wireless networks, such as the addition of mobility support. We also see how, on the other hand, wireless networks started adding packet-carrying capabilities in the form of GPRS. The chapter continues by examining the evolutionary steps through different releases of the 3G network (UMTS) until ...