A multi-service architecture to support mobile IP applications over heterogeneous wireless networks

Abstract

Wireless access of the Internet enables users to experience Web access, multimedia communication and entertainment services. These services will be assessable from a range of networks dependent on the QoS requirements of the application and location, which could be in the office, home or "on the move". This paper presents an architecture to support end user control of QoS over heterogeneous wireless networks. These wireless access networks will consist of various types and generations of cellular networks, and wireless local and personal area networks. The architecture described in this paper proposes a wireless resource manager that selects the "always best connected" access network technology consistent with the QoS requirements of the application, availability of network and service costs. It also supports dynamic allocation of access network preventing forced termination of session and allowing users to move between heterogeneous networks within sessions.