MPLS-Enabled Applications: Emerging Developments and New Technologies

15.6. MPLS IN MOBILE NETWORKS

At the time of writing, the cores of some mobile networks had been migrated to an MPLS infrastructure, providing a common platform for transport of both mobile voice and mobile data services [MPLSWC 2006]. As with the migration of fixed network core infrastructure to MPLS, the driver was to reduce CAPEX and OPEX by having one common network platform capable of carrying all the services.

In the previous chapter, we discussed how service providers are now turning their attention to the migration of fixed access networks to MPLS, again as a way to have one common network to replace multiple legacy access networks. In parallel, the same process is happening for the Radio Access Network (RAN) within mobile networks. In this way, legacy ATM and TDM equipment and expensive leased lines can be replaced by an MPLS-based access network. An additional driver is that future releases of third–generation (3G) mobile network architectures will be IP based rather than ATM or TDM based, so MPLS provides a natural fit to transport such traffic.

Many of the techniques described in the previous chapter, such as the use of pseudowires, are also applicable to mobile access networks.

In some cases, the same MPLS-based access network would be used for both mobile and fixed traffic, for example if a service provider offers both fixed and mobile services. Another example is where a fixed operator sells transport services across an MPLS access network to a mobile operator that ...