Mobile multimedia: in context to ATM transport and GSM/GPRS mobile access networks

A mobile communication system requires an underlying wireline transport network, while the radio interface acts as the access network. In the wireline domain, the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is considered to be the chosen transport network to cater for a wide variety of services, to reach the user through a suitable access network. So, a scenario of mobile access and an ATM backbone, for mobile multimedia is of prime importance. The GSM is presently being standardised to cater for a multitude of services through the GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) provisions. Since the ATM and the GSM specifications have been evolving independently, they have to be bridged at some point. We cover issues concerning a general mobile access network to an ATM backbone, catering to mobile multimedia. In particular, we turn the focus towards the GSM system as an access network, and contradict some essential features for example, the cell relay over the mobile interface, that is popular at present in context of mobile multimedia.