Flat IP
Encyclopedia
Flat IP architecture provides a way to identify devices using symbolic names, unlike the hierarchical
architecture such as that used in "normal" IP address
es. This form of system is of more interest to mobile broadband network operators.
Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in mobile data services. The emergence of 3G High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), HSPA+ and next-generation LTE
(a.k.a. 4G) access, is enabling an entire new class of mobile broadband services and generating traffic volumes that are unsustainable using the classic hierarchical network architectures originally designed for mobile voice and low-speed data.
To efficiently deliver mobile broadband services, operators require a network infrastructure that simultaneously provides lower costs, lower latency, and greater flexibility. The key to achieving this goal is the adoption of flat, all-IP network architectures. With the shift to flat IP architectures, mobile operators:
(SAE) technology – now also known as Enhanced UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), respectively – in the 2010 to 2012 time frame. The report focuses on the Third Generation Partnership (3GPP) technology track and specifically on the network elements that make up flat radio access networks (RANs) and the next-generation mobile packet core.
The key benefits of flat IP architectures are:
Key players in recognizing these advantages are:
In assessing the implementation of a flat IP architecture, network operators are analyzing the strategies and product roadmaps of leading equipment suppliers. They are seeking out those looking to support operators in the move to next-generation mobile broadband.
Key considerations of Flat IP Architectures for Mobile Networks include:
Advanced base stations that integrate radio control, header compression, encryption, call admission control, and policy enforcement with IP/Ethernet interfaces.
Base station routers will provide simpler, lower-latency 3GPP/2 networks. Key emerging players are: Alcatel-Lucent
, Airvana
, and Ubiquisys.
The Direct Tunnel Architecture is emerging as the most viable evolution path for W-CDMA macro networks. Current implementations include Nokia-Siemens's Internet High Speed Packet Access architecture and Ericsson's Serving GPRS Support Node bypass initiative.
The WiMax Access Services Network is the first standardized IP-centric mobile network architecture establishing principles now being adopted across the industry; however, vendor interoperability remains challenging
Hierarchy
A hierarchy is an arrangement of items in which the items are represented as being "above," "below," or "at the same level as" one another...
architecture such as that used in "normal" IP address
IP address
An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two principal functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing...
es. This form of system is of more interest to mobile broadband network operators.
Flat IP architectures in mobile networks: From 3G to LTE
Wireless networks are defined in terms of generations of radio technology and how over-the-air data rates affect and enable end-user applications. Now with radio access data rates increasing, the capabilities of the supporting wired network elements – radio controllers, packet gateways, transmission, and the IP core – are equally critical to network performance.Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in mobile data services. The emergence of 3G High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), HSPA+ and next-generation LTE
3GPP Long Term Evolution
3GPP Long Term Evolution, usually referred to as LTE, is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals. It is based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies, increasing the capacity and speed using new modulation techniques...
(a.k.a. 4G) access, is enabling an entire new class of mobile broadband services and generating traffic volumes that are unsustainable using the classic hierarchical network architectures originally designed for mobile voice and low-speed data.
To efficiently deliver mobile broadband services, operators require a network infrastructure that simultaneously provides lower costs, lower latency, and greater flexibility. The key to achieving this goal is the adoption of flat, all-IP network architectures. With the shift to flat IP architectures, mobile operators:
- Reduce the number of network elements in the data path to lower operations costs and capital expenditure
- Partially decouple the cost of delivering service from the volume of data transmitted to align infrastructure capabilities with emerging application requirements
- Minimize system latency and enable applications with a lower tolerance for delay; upcoming latency enhancements on the radio link can also be fully realized
- Evolve radio access and packet core networks independently of each other to a greater extent than in the past, creating greater flexibility in network planning and deployment
- Develop a flexible core network that can serve as the basis for service innovation across both mobile and generic IP access networks
- Create a platform that will enable mobile broadband operators to be competitive, from a price/performance perspective, with wired networks
Flat IP architectures in mobile networks
From 3G to LTE examines network architecture evolution in response to rapidly growing 3G data traffic and the planned introduction of Long Term Evolution (LTE) and System Architecture EvolutionSystem Architecture Evolution
System Architecture Evolution is the core network architecture of 3GPP's LTE wireless communication standard.SAE is the evolution of the GPRS Core Network, with some differences:* simplified architecture* all-IP Network...
(SAE) technology – now also known as Enhanced UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), respectively – in the 2010 to 2012 time frame. The report focuses on the Third Generation Partnership (3GPP) technology track and specifically on the network elements that make up flat radio access networks (RANs) and the next-generation mobile packet core.
Flat IP architecture
To meet customer demand for real-time data applications delivered over mobile broadband networks, wireless operators are turning to flat IP network architectures.The key benefits of flat IP architectures are:
- lower costs
- reduced system latency
- decoupled radio access and core network evolution
Key players in recognizing these advantages are:
- Mobile Networks
- 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
- 3GPP2 standards organizations
- WiMAXWiMAXWiMAX is a communication technology for wirelessly delivering high-speed Internet service to large geographical areas. The 2005 WiMAX revision provided bit rates up to 40 Mbit/s with the 2011 update up to 1 Gbit/s for fixed stations...
Forum.
In assessing the implementation of a flat IP architecture, network operators are analyzing the strategies and product roadmaps of leading equipment suppliers. They are seeking out those looking to support operators in the move to next-generation mobile broadband.
Key considerations of Flat IP Architectures for Mobile Networks include:
Advanced base stations that integrate radio control, header compression, encryption, call admission control, and policy enforcement with IP/Ethernet interfaces.
Base station routers will provide simpler, lower-latency 3GPP/2 networks. Key emerging players are: Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent is a global telecommunications corporation, headquartered in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France. It provides telecommunications solutions to service providers, enterprises, and governments around the world, enabling these customers to deliver voice, data, and video services...
, Airvana
Airvana
Airvana is a provider of Mobile Broadband network infrastructure systems and femtocells based on third-generation CDMA2000 EV-DO and UMTS mobile broadband technology...
, and Ubiquisys.
The Direct Tunnel Architecture is emerging as the most viable evolution path for W-CDMA macro networks. Current implementations include Nokia-Siemens's Internet High Speed Packet Access architecture and Ericsson's Serving GPRS Support Node bypass initiative.
The WiMax Access Services Network is the first standardized IP-centric mobile network architecture establishing principles now being adopted across the industry; however, vendor interoperability remains challenging