Title: Evolving core networks from GSM to UMTS R4 version

Authors: Ye Ouyang, M. Hosein Fallah

Addresses: Howe School of Technology Management, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA. ' Howe School of Technology Management, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA

Abstract: More than 217 UMTS licenses have been issued by June 2007. Mobile operators, especially those with GSM legacy networks, prefer UMTS R4 technique to evolve their existing 2G GSM networks. UMTS R4 technique provides a smooth path to bridge legacy TDM-based network to an IP-based soft-switched network. This paper describes the basic architecture and topology of UMTS R4 core network and introduces two options in network planning: flat structure or layered structure. To propose an evolution path, the paper then suggests a |threelayer structure| solution to seamlessly converge UMTS R4 core network with legacy GSM core network. The proposed solution approach achieves the all-IP vision and is capable of convergence with IMS and EPC.

Keywords: 2G GSM networks; universal mobile telecommunications system; UMTS R4; soft switch; core networks; circuit switch; media gateway; MSC server; MSCS; IP multimedia subsystem; evolved packet core; mobile network design; network planning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMNDI.2009.030841

International Journal of Mobile Network Design and Innovation, 2009 Vol.3 No.2, pp.93 - 102

Published online: 09 Jan 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article