A new framework architecture for next generation e-Health services

The challenge for fast and low-cost deployment of ubiquitous personalized e-Health services has prompted us to propose a new framework architecture for such services. We have studied the operational features and the environment of e-Health services and we led to a framework structure that extends the ETSI/Parlay architecture, which is used for the deployment of standardized services over the next generation IP networks. We expanded the ETSI/Parlay architecture with new service capability features as well as sensor, profiling and security mechanisms. The proposed framework assists the seamless integration, within the e-Health service structure, of diverse facilities provided by both the underlying communication and computing infrastructure as well as the patient's bio and context sensor networks. Finally, we demonstrate the deployment of a tele-monitoring service in smart home environment based on the proposed framework architecture

Convergence-analysis of the internet and the telecommunication architectures

The convergence of the Internet and Telecommunication Architectures is a key issue in today’s telecommunication world. It is foreseen that future versions of UMTS will be all-IP based, and therefore the interest in this area is increasing. The focus in this paper is to show how to access IN-services from the Internet and other IP-based networks. Previous research of the interworking between PSTN and IP-networks will be discussed. The respective advantages of different architectures are presented and some solutions of building a bridge between the protocols used in these networks are described. Further, this paper presents some of the performance problems that may occur in such systems

A framework for abstracting complexities in service delivery platforms

The telecommunication (telco) and Information Technology (IT) industries are converging into a single highly competitive market, where service diversity is the critical success factor. To provide diverse services, the telco network operator must evolve the traditional voice service centric network into a generic service centric network. An appropriate, but incomplete, architecture for this purpose is the Service Delivery Platform (SDP). The SDP represents an IT-based system that simplifies access to telco capabilities using services. SDP services offer technology independent interfaces to external entities. The SDP has vendor-specific interpretations that mix standards-based and proprietary interfaces to satisfy specific requirements. In addition, SDP architectural representations are technology-specific. To be widely adopted the SDP must provide standardised interfaces. This work contributes toward SDP standardisation by defining a technology independent and extendable architecture, called the SDP Framework. To define the framework we first describe telecom-IT convergence and a strategy to manage infrastructure integration. Second, we provide background on the SDP and its current limitations. Third, we treat the SDP as a complex system and determine a viewpoint methodology to define its framework. Fourth, we apply viewpoints by extracting concepts and abstractions from various standard-based telecom and IT technologies: the Intelligent Network (IN), Telecommunication Information Networking Architecture (TINA), Parlay, enhanced Telecommunications Operations Map (eTOM), Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Fifth, by extending the concepts and abstractions we define the SDP framework. The framework is based on a generic business model and reference model. The business model shows relationships between SDP, telco and external entities using business relationships points. The reference model extends the business model by formalising relationships as reference points. Reference points expand into interfaces exposed by services. Applications orchestrate service functions via their interfaces. Service and application distribution is abstracted by middleware that operates across business model domains. Services, interfaces, applications and middleware are managed in Generic Service Oriented Architectures (GSOA). Multiple layered GSOAs structure the SDP framework. Last, we implement the SDP framework using standard-based technologies with open service interfaces. The implementation proves framework concepts, promotes SDP standardisation and identifies research areas

Creating a distributed mobile networking testbed environment - through the Living Labs approach

Today, new ways of constructing and delivering complex wireless and mobile services require more elaborate and distributed prototyping, testing, and validation facilities. Testbeds are becoming an important tool for integrating technology components into the complex environment of the wireless world and end-users in their daily life. However technology in itself is no longer valid – benefits and usefulness for people in their daily life must be proven before the technology or service can be said to be a success

A MARK-UP APPROACH TO SERVICE CREATION

The paper presents a new mark-up approach to service creation in Next Generation Networks. The approach allows access to network functions exposed by open application programming interfaces. Based on ontology analysis of the application domain, language constructions are synthesized and formally defined. Language supporting tools are developed. The approach functionality is tested by simulation

Open Standard Query Interface for Geospatial Databases in OSA /Parlay

Student Number :9600874K - MSc research report - School of Electrical Engineering - Faculty of Engineering and the Built EnvironmentTelecommunication networks have evolved from voice only single service networks to multimedia networks providing bearer services such as voice, data and video transportation. Moreover, these networks, collectively called Next Generation Networks (NGNs), enable rapid creation, deployment and management of advanced services in an efficient manner. However, the initial business model of telcos was to internally develop and provide these advanced services to customers. In this monopolized environment, service development is driven by technological availability rather than customer demands. Furthermore, vendor specific network elements prohibit the development of re-useable service components, which in turn increases the time-to-market of services. Deregulation and advances in Distributed Computing Systems (DCSs) are driving towards open networks and rapid service delivery. Third party Application Service Providers (ASPs) are envisioned to develop and supply the services, with the telco providing bearer services. The use of softswitch architectures such as Open Service Access (OSA) / Parlay (OSA / Parlay) in an open NGN environment abstract services from core network elements through its Application Programming Interface (API). Services are thus decoupled from vendor and protocol specific network equipment and can be provided across a plethora of network architectures. One major advantage of NGN is the ability to provide bearer service in a mobile environment. Location Based Services (LBSs) are envisaged to be an important class of services provided in the NGN environment. For an LBS service to be complete, a geospatial database is necessary to provide location information. This report documents the design and implementation of a Geospatial Data Access Service Capability Feature (GDASCF) as an extension to the OSA / Parlay gateway. The GDASCF encapsulates necessary APIs that offer uniform access to query geospatial databases. One key component of the design is the realization of the Adapter layer which adapts function calls to an appropriate Database Management System (DBMS). The introduction of the GDASCF and Adapter layer provides a solution which results in flexible and rapid service creation

Open Access to Resource Management in Multimedia Networks

The paper is dedicated to mechanisms for open access to resource management in the Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia networks. First we present the concept of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and explain the IMS functional architecture, principles of quality of service management and service control in IMS. Then we describe the idea behind the opening of network interfaces for third parties so that others besides the network operator can create and deploy services. Open Service Access (OSA) and Parlay appear to be the technologies for value-added service delivery in multimedia networks. In the paper we take a closer look to the Parlay/OSA interfaces that allow third party applications to access the resource management functions in IMS. OSA "Connectivity Manager" interfaces and OSA "Policy Management" interfaces are considered. Parlay X Web Services interfaces provide a higher level of abstraction than Parlay/OSA interfaces and gain an amazing amount of support among service developers. We address "Applicationdriven Quality of Service" Parlay X Web Service and "Policy" Parlay X Web Service also

Future Open Mobile Services

The major barriers for the success of mobile data services are the lack of comprehensible mobile service architectures, their confusing business models and the complexity combined with the inconsistency of the technology enablers. This paper attempts to present a more structured and comprehensive analysis of the current mobile service architectures and their technology enablers. The paper starts with a thorough study of the evolution of mobile services and their business models, and a collection of expectations of the different actors, including the end-user. Next, starting from the original mobile services architecture and environment, an attempt to place the different technology enablers in relation to each other and in relation to their position in the mobile system, will be carried out. Each technology enabler together with their contribution in the enhancement of mobile services are then summarised in a complete and comprehensive way. The paper concludes with a recapitulation of the achievement of the state-of-the-art technology enablers and an identification of future improvements