Multicast resource management for next generation mobile communication systems

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Media independent handovers : network selection for mobile IP nodes in heterogeneous wireless networks

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-82).In Next Generation Networks (NGN), also known as 4G, Beyond 3G, Converged, Integrated and Interworked Network, user node mobility in wireless and wired environments will seamlessly cross disparate network boundaries. The effort to offer ubiquitous computing, providing access to services anywhere and anytime, strongly encourages the ability to roam across the different existing and future networks. Literature shows investigation of concepts such as Always Best Connected (ABC) when heterogeneous networks co-exist , which will work or compete with other schemes like Home Network Default (HND), Compatibility and Network Operator Agreements (CNOA) to guide network selection or access . With the variety of available networks, the mobile node may be faced with having to decide which network to connect to. We concentrate on the network selection aspects of these envisaged mobile, overlay and integrated environment in heterogeneous networks. The standard developments by the IEEE802.21 Working group and the IETF Networking group form the base of our approach that seeks to see mobility across heterogeneous networks a reality. We propose an IEEE802.21 Media Independent Handover Function (MIHF) based network discovery and network selection, leading to a handover. The selection may be further assisted by an MIHF capable Broker Node that is Third party to the Network Providers to provide a central yet distributed database of the available networks as encountered by the Mobile Node, to cater for Nodes with no prior knowledge of networks and software repository. A Mobile Node (MN) in our solution uses 802.21 communication messages to obtain information about foreign networks encountered before selecting the networks to connect to. Our evaluation through simulations, shows that network selection in heterogeneous wireless networks environment for the appropriately equipped devices is greatly enhanced by the use of the Media Independent Handover Protocol. In scenarios where the mobile node has no prior knowledge of the encountered different network architectures, the use of a Broker node can, for an optimal number of available networks also greatly enhance the mobile node’s network selection by reducing the delay associated and the packet losses incurred

Performance evaluation of voice handover between LTE and UMTS

M.Sc.(Eng.), Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2011The main objective of seamless mobility is to enable mobile users to stay connected while roaming across heterogeneous networks. As cellular networks evolve from the third generation Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) to the Long Term Evolution (LTE), a new Evolved Packet Core (EPC) will support heterogeneous radio access networks on the same platform. UMTS provides voice services in the circuit switched domain; while LTE operates in the packet switched domain. Cellular network operators thus face the challenge of providing voice services during initial deployment of LTE due to difficulty in mobility between the two domains. Seamless voice handover between packet switched LTE and the circuit switched UMTS network is therefore an important tool in solving this problem. This report investigates the performance of inter-Radio Access Technology voice handover between LTE and UMTS. The schemes evaluated were Voice Call Continuity (VCC) for UMTS to LTE handover and Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) for LTE to UMTS handover. The performance evaluation was done using mathematical models and equations that were derived for the handover service interruption time. The resulting equations were simulated and the output was analysed and compared with the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications

Gestion de la mobilité pour l'internet du futur centré autour de l'information

L'Internet d'aujourd'hui a traversé série de changements évolutionnaires dans les quarante ou cinquante dernières années. Il a été conçu pour un réseau avec des nœuds fixes. Au début, le modèle de communication de l'Internet a été basé sur le réseau téléphonique (considéré comme 1er Génération Internet). Plus tard, il a été mis à jour comme un modèle client-serveur où la communication des systèmes d'échanger des données sur des liaisons dédiées. Cette 2ème génération Internet, au cours des années, a été contestée par de nombreux problèmes tels que la congestion du réseau, panne de chemin, les attaques DOS, gestion de la mobilité pour les réseaux sans fil, etc. Les utilisateurs d'Internet recherchent toujours des informations, indépendamment de la localisation (nœud ou serveur) où il se trouve ou stockées. Cette approche est la base d'une architecture où l'information est considérée comme l'unité primaire. Ces réseaux, en général, sont appelés en tant que Network of Information (NetInf), où l'information prend une position centrée remplaçant l'approche centrée sur nœud comme dans l'Internet aujourd'hui. Les problèmes rencontrés par l'Internet aujourd hui, mentionné ci-dessus, peuvent être traitées avec une approche unificatrice en mettant l'information au centre de l'architecture du réseau. À l'échelle mondiale, cette conception de l'architecture réseau est nommée Future Information Centric Internet . En parallèle, l'utilisation de l'Internet mobile a été augmentée durant la dernière décennie. Il a été environ 1,2 milliard abonnements de mobile broad band pour 2,4 milliards d utilisateurs d'Internet en 2011. En raison d augmentation de l'efficacité spectrale et ubiquitaire disponibilité de la connectivité cellulaire, la mobilité et la connectivité transparente est désormais considérée comme des produits de base la vie quotidienne. Néanmoins, en cas d'Internet, les solutions de mobilité basées sur IP ne peuvent pas rattraper son retard dans la performance avec l'évolution rapide des réseaux cellulaires. Par conséquent, l'un des principaux objectifs pour l'internet du futur est de concevoir des systèmes de gestion de mobilité qui permettent de surmonter les problèmes dans les réseaux sans fil tels que handover et la gestion de la localisation, multihoming, sécurité, etc. Dans cette thèse, nous avons proposé une solution de gestion de mobilité dans les réseaux sans fil dans le cadre du Information Centric Networking (ICN) en général et dans le contexte ne NetInf en particulier. NetInf est une architecture du Futur Internet basée sur le concept du ICN. Nous proposons un nœud mobile qui s appelle NetInf Mobile Node (NetInf MN). L'architecture de ce nœud est compatible avec l'architecture d'Internet basée sur TCP/TP. Cette conception de l'architecture travaille en collaboration avec Central Control Unit (CCU) pour améliorer les performances en cas de handover dans les réseaux sans fil. La Virtual Node Layer (VNL) algorithme explique comment les différents modules de NetInf MN et des unités CCU travaillé ensemble. La modèle mathématique basé sur Théorie de Jeu et Renforcement Learning (CODIPAS-RL) montre comment handover et data relaying sont géré dans les réseaux sans fil. Les résultats des simulations montrent que le modèle proposé réalise à la fois de Nash et de Stackelberg équilibres alors que le CODIPAS-RL régime atteint un optimum global. Enfin, comme un exemple de cas d'utilisation de l'architecture NetInf, nous proposons le NetInf Email Service qui ne requiert pas des serveurs et ports dédiés contrairement au service e-mail existante. L'utilisation de clés asymétriques comme l'ID de l'utilisateur est la caractéristique unique proposée pour ce service. Le NetInf Email service architecture présenté, explique comment différents éléments architecturaux travail ensemble. Nous discuter des défis différents et des besoins relatifs à ce service. Le prototype développé pour NetInf sera utilisée pour la mise en œuvre de ce serviceThe contemporary Internet ecosystem today has gone through series of evolutionary changes during the last forty or fifty years. Though it was designed as a network with fixed nodes, it has scaled well enough with the development of new technologies both in fixed and wireless networks. Initially, the communication model of the Internet was based on the telephone network (and can be considered as the 1st Generation Internet). Later, its transition as a client-server model made it a network where communication systems exchange data over dedicated links. This 2nd Generation Internet, over the years, has been challenged by many problems and issues such as network congestion, path failure, DOS attacks, mobility issues for wireless networks, etc. The Internet users always look for some information, irrespectively where it is located or stored. This approach is the basic building block for a network architecture where information is considered as the premier entity. Such networks, in general, are termed as Information Centric Network (ICN), where information takes centric position superseding the node centric approach like in the current Internet. The problems faced by the current Internet architecture, mentioned above, can be handled with a unifying approach by putting the information at the centre of the network architecture. On a global scale, this network architecture design is termed as the Future Information Centric Internet. Similarly, Mobile Internet usage has increased overwhelmingly in the last decade. There has been an estimated 1.2 billion mobile broad-band subscriptions for 2.4 billion Internet users in 2011. Because of the increased spectrum efficiency and ubiquitous availability of cellular connectivity, the seamless mobility and connectivity is now considered as daily life commodity. However, in the case of the Internet, IP based mobility solutions cannot catch up in performance with the fast evolution of cellular networks. Therefore, one of the primary goals for the Future Internet is the design of mobility management schemes that overcome the issues in wireless networks such as handover and location management, multihoming, security, etc. In this thesis, we have proposed a mobility management solution in wireless networks in the context of ICN in general and in the context of Network of Information (NetInf) in particular. NetInf is ICN-based Future Internet architecture. We propose a NetInf Mobile Node (NetInf MN) architecture which is backward compatible with the current Internet architecture as well. This cross architecture design for mobility support works closely with Central Control Unit (CCU) (network entity) for improved performance in case of handover management in wireless networks. The Virtual Node Layer (VNL) algorithm explains how different modules of NetInf MN and CCU units work together. The game theoretical and Reinforcement Learning (CODIPAS-RL) scheme based mathematical model shows how handover management and data relaying in the wireless networks can increase the network coverage through cooperative diversity. Simulation results show that the proposed model achieves both Nash and Stackelberg equilibria where as the selected CODIPAS-RL scheme reaches global optimum. Finally, as a use case example of NetInf architecture, we propose the NetInf Email service that does not require dedicated servers or dedicated port unlike the current email service. The use of asymmetric keys as user's ID is the unique feature proposed for this service. The NetInf email service architecture framework presented, explains how different architectural components work together. We discuss different challenges and requirements related to this service. The prototype developed for the Network of Information will be used for the implementation of this serviceEVRY-INT (912282302) / SudocSudocFranceF

Network-based IP flow mobility support in 3GPPs evolved packet core

Includes bibliographical references.Mobile data traffic in cellular networks has increased tremendously in the last few years. Due to the costs associated with licensed spectrum, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are battling to manage these increased traffic growths. Offloading mobile data traffic to alternative low cost access networks like Wi-Fi has been proposed as a candidate solution to enable MNOs to alleviate congestion from the cellular networks. This dissertation investigates an offloading technique called IP flow mobility within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) all-IP mobile core network, the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). IP flow mobility would enable offloading a subset of the mobile user‟s traffic to an alternative access network while allowing the rest of the end-user‟s traffic to be kept in the cellular access; this way, traffic with stringent quality of service requirements like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) would not experience service disruption or interruption when offloaded. This technique is different from previous offloading techniques where all the end-user‟s traffic is offloaded. IP flow mobility functionality can be realised with either host- or network-based mobility protocols. The recommended IP flow mobility standard of 3GPP is based on the host-based mobility solution, Dual-Stack Mobile IPv6. However, host-based mobility solutions have drawbacks like long handover latencies and produce signaling overhead in the radio access networks, which could be less appealing to MNOs. Network-based mobility solutions, compared to the host-based mobility solutions, have reduced handover latencies with no signaling overhead occurring in the radio access network. Proxy Mobile IPv6 is a networkbased mobility protocol adapted by 3GPP for mobility in the EPC. However, the standardisation of the Proxy Mobile IPv6-based IP flow mobility functionality is still ongoing within 3GPP. A review of related literature and standardisation efforts reveals shortcomings with the Proxy Mobile IPv6 mobility protocol in supporting IP flow mobility. Proxy Mobile IPv6 does not have a mechanism that would ensure session continuity during IP flow handoffs or a mechanism enabling controlling of the forwarding path of a particular IP flow i.e., specifying the access network for the IP flow. The latter mechanism is referred to as IP flow information management and flow-based routing. These mechanisms represent the basis for enabling the IP flow mobility functionality. To address the shortcomings of Proxy Mobile IPv6, this dissertation proposes vi enhancements to the protocol procedures to enable the two mechanisms for IP flow mobility functionality. The proposed enhancements for the session continuity mechanism draw on work in related literature and the proposed enhancements for the IP flow information management and flow-based routing mechanism are based on the concepts used in the Dual- Stack Mobile IPv6 IP flow mobility functionality. Together the two mechanisms allow the end-user to issue requests on what access network a particular IP flow should be routed, and ensure that the IP flows are moved to the particular access network without session discontinuity

Feasibility of wireless mesh for LTE-Advanced small cell access backhaul

Mobiilidatan määrä on muutaman viime vuoden aikana kasvanut voimakkaasti ja nykyiset ennustukset arvioivat eksponentiaalista kasvukäyrää tulevien vuosien aikana. Matkapuhelinjärjestelmät ovat kehittyneet nopeasti tämän trendin ohjaamana. Neljännen sukupolven matkapuhelinverkkostandardien myötä, uudet innovaatiot kuten heterogeeniset verkkoratkaisut tarjoavat ratkaisun nykyisiin skaalautuvuus- ja kapasiteettiongelmiin. Joitain ilmeisiä ongelmakohtiakin kuitenkin esiintyy kuten heterogeenisten verkkojen runkokytkennän toteuttaminen. Yksi lupaavimmista tavoista toteuttaa heterogeenisten verkkojen runkokytkentä on langaton ja itseorganisoituva mesh-verkko. Tämän opinnäytetyön tavoitteena on varmistaa ja testata Nokia Siemens Networksin kehittämän mesh-runkokytkentäverkkokonseptin toteutettavuutta ja toiminnallisuutta soveltuvan validointijärjestelmän avulla. Kaiken kaikkiaan validointijärjestelmä ja sen päälle toteutettu mesh-protokolla toimivat moitteettomasti koko kehitys- ja testausprosessin ajan. Konseptin eri ominaisuudet ja mekanismit todistettiin täysin toteutettaviksi ja toimiviksi. Muutamalla lisäominaisuudella ja konseptiparannuksella mesh-konsepti tarjoaa houkuttelevan ja innovatiivisen ratkaisun heterogeenisten verkkojen runkokytkentään tulevaisuudessa.Mobile traffic demands and volumes are increasing and will dramatically keep increasing in the future. Along with this, mobile networks have evolved to better match this growth. Fourth generation cellular network standard introduced a set of new innovations for mobile communications, including support for heterogeneous network deployments. Heterogeneous networking is the likely answer for future mobile data capacity shortage but also poses some challenges, the most evident being how to implement the backhauling. One of the most promising heterogeneous network backhaul solutions is a meshed radio system with self-organizing features. The main scope of this master's thesis is the verification of functionality and feasibility of a wireless mesh backhaul concept developed by Nokia Siemens Networks through a proof-of-concept system. All in all, the wireless mesh proof-of-concept system performed strongly throughout the development and testing process. The different functionalities were proven to work successfully together. With further development and enhancement, the system concept displays extreme potential for a state-of-the-art heterogeneous network backhaul technology

Acesso banda larga sem fios em ambientes heterogéneos de próxima geração

Doutoramento em Engenharia InformáticaO acesso ubíquo à Internet é um dos principais desafios para os operadores de telecomunicações na próxima década. O número de utilizadores da Internet está a crescer exponencialmente e o paradigma de acesso "always connected, anytime, anywhere" é um requisito fundamental para as redes móveis de próxima geração. A tecnologia WiMAX, juntamente com o LTE, foi recentemente reconhecida pelo ITU como uma das tecnologias de acesso compatíveis com os requisitos do 4G. Ainda assim, esta tecnologia de acesso não está completamente preparada para ambientes de próxima geração, principalmente devido à falta de mecanismos de cross-layer para integração de QoS e mobilidade. Adicionalmente, para além das tecnologias WiMAX e LTE, as tecnologias de acesso rádio UMTS/HSPA e Wi-Fi continuarão a ter um impacto significativo nas comunicações móveis durante os próximos anos. Deste modo, é fundamental garantir a coexistência das várias tecnologias de acesso rádio em termos de QoS e mobilidade, permitindo assim a entrega de serviços multimédia de tempo real em redes móveis. Para garantir a entrega de serviços multimédia a utilizadores WiMAX, esta Tese propõe um gestor cross-layer WiMAX integrado com uma arquitectura de QoS fim-a-fim. A arquitectura apresentada permite o controlo de QoS e a comunicação bidireccional entre o sistema WiMAX e as entidades das camadas superiores. Para além disso, o gestor de cross-layer proposto é estendido com eventos e comandos genéricos e independentes da tecnologia para optimizar os procedimentos de mobilidade em ambientes WiMAX. Foram realizados testes para avaliar o desempenho dos procedimentos de QoS e mobilidade da arquitectura WiMAX definida, demonstrando que esta é perfeitamente capaz de entregar serviços de tempo real sem introduzir custos excessivos na rede. No seguimento das extensões de QoS e mobilidade apresentadas para a tecnologia WiMAX, o âmbito desta Tese foi alargado para ambientes de acesso sem-fios heterogéneos. Neste sentido, é proposta uma arquitectura de mobilidade transparente com suporte de QoS para redes de acesso multitecnologia. A arquitectura apresentada integra uma versão estendida do IEEE 802.21 com suporte de QoS, bem como um gestor de mobilidade avançado integrado com os protocolos de gestão de mobilidade do nível IP. Finalmente, para completar o trabalho desenvolvido no âmbito desta Tese, é proposta uma extensão aos procedimentos de decisão de mobilidade em ambientes heterogéneos para incorporar a informação de contexto da rede e do terminal. Para validar e avaliar as optimizações propostas, foram desenvolvidos testes de desempenho num demonstrador inter-tecnologia, composta pelas redes de acesso WiMAX, Wi-Fi e UMTS/HSPA.Ubiquitous Internet access is one of the main challenges for the telecommunications industry in the next decade. The number of users accessing the Internet is growing exponentially and the network access paradigm of “always connected, anytime, anywhere” is a central requirement for the so-called Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN). WiMAX, together with LTE, was recently recognized by ITU as one of the compliant access technologies for 4G. Nevertheless, WiMAX is not yet fully prepared for next generation environments, mainly due to the lack of QoS and mobility crosslayer procedures to support real-time multimedia services delivery. Furthermore, besides the 4G compliant WiMAX and LTE radio access technologies, UMTS/HSPA and Wi-Fi will also have a significant impact in the mobile communications during the next years. Therefore, it is fundamental to ensure the coexistence of multiple radio access technologies in what QoS and mobility procedures are concerned, thereby allowing the delivery of real-time services in mobile networks. In order to provide the WiMAX mobile users with the demanded multimedia services, it is proposed in this Thesis a WiMAX cross-layer manager integrated in an end-to-end all-IP QoS enabled architecture. The presented framework enables the QoS control and bidirectional communication between WiMAX and the upper layer network entities. Furthermore, the proposed cross-layer framework is extended with media independent events and commands to optimize the mobility procedures in WiMAX environments. Tests were made to evaluate the QoS and mobility performance of the defined architecture, demonstrating that it is perfectly capable of handling and supporting real time services without introducing an excessive cost in the network. Following the QoS and mobility extensions provided for WiMAX, the scope of this Thesis is broaden and a seamless mobility architecture with QoS support in heterogeneous wireless access environments is proposed. The presented architecture integrates an extended version of the IEEE 802.21 framework with QoS support, as well as an advanced mobility manager integrated with the IP level mobility management protocols. Finally, to complete the work within the framework of this Thesis, it is proposed an extension to the handover decisionmaking processes in heterogeneous access environments through the integration of context information from both the network entities and the enduser. Performance tests were developed in a real testbed to validate the proposed optimizations in an inter-technology handover scenario involving WiMAX, Wi-Fi and UMTS/HSPA