subject: Aarkstore Enterprise -seamless Multimedia And Vertical Handover 2008 Nov 2008 [print this page] Seamless Multimedia and Vertical Handover 2008 Nov 2008
During the 4G era, GSM, CDMA, 3G, WiFi, WiMAX, LTE, UMB, Bluetooth and UWB networks are all expected to co-exist. Handover between heterogeneous access technologies which is also known as vertical handover is therefore expected to become particularly significant in the future. There are a number of inter-technology mobility solutions currently available that are either already commercially available or are expected to hit the market soon. These are Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), Voice Call Continuity (VCC), layer 3 mobility protocols such as Mobile IP and SIP as well as the IEEE 802.21 protocol.
UMA will be the most successful out of these standards in the short term until an increasing number of operators install IMS in their core and techniques that allow for packet switched to packet switched network handover such as VCC and IEEE 802.21 become more popular. However standards that allow for handover to circuit switched networks are clearly useful due to the vast investments already made by carriers in circuit switched equipment. It is estimated that it could take at least 20 years before all carriers get rid of their circuit switched infrastructure. Meanwhile it is expected that a requirement for handover to broadcast networks will be raised during the next few years. This is because hybrid broadcast/Mobile Networks technologies have significant financial advantages for all mobile network operators.
The IEEE 802.21 protocol is expected to be standardised before the end of the year 2008. The earliest time for deployment of this standard is expected to be sometime during the year 2009 by SK Telecom in Korea. This is feasible and possible as the technology has already been developed by a number of companies. However, it should be noted that 3GPP does not favour the IEEE standards and tends to promote other standards for the handover to broadcast networks and the handover between heterogeneous access networks.
There are a number of multimode chipsets also being developed. A number of these include the WiMAX standard. The most popular of such chips seem to be the WiMAX and CDMA 2000/EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) dual-mode chipsets. These are due to the Sprint WiMAX project as well as the KDDI network in Japan. Until now each air interface has been designed in isolation and therefore a separate radio/modem has been required for each standard mobile terminal. In the future it is expected that there will be a software-defined architecture present to support Bluetooth, HSPA, LTE, WiFi, WiMAX, GSM and 3G. This framework is also likely to include a multimode flexible modem. Overall it can be said that by the year 2016 it is expected that all terminals will be multimode offering support for a variety of access networks.
Operators worldwide are becoming attracted not only by the cost saving and other advantages offered by supporting vertical handover, but also to its potentially crucial role in the 4G era of increased consumer demand and multiple wireless access technologies. What exactly are these benefits and how can implementing vertical handover help you maintain your business goals? What are the hidden costs and risks associated with all the competing approaches? This report will tell you.
Primary research has found that over the coming years, more operators will re-evaluate their network and service platforms to identify their future requirements in terms of architecture, systems performance, service quality, and profitability. Are you prepared to take advantage?
The report answers all your key questions, including:
What will be driving the market in terms of radio access and handover technologies?
What CapEx and OpEx savings can be realised by implementing each of the various handover techniques?
How will the speed of service deployment and problem resolution be influenced?
How would vendor solutions and competing technologies compare to one another?
This report examines the handover options that are available to carriers as well as the technical advantages associated with each one. It also looks at the market opportunities for these techniques. A particular emphasis on the IEEE 802.21 standard is given. Multimode chips and their role in 4G handover are also investigated. Finally this report looks at the work of various key equipment manufacturers in the area. Buy this report today to ensure you do not lose out on the significant market opportunity.
Why you should buy this report:
Operators: Learn how you can benefit from implementing appropriate handover techniques and what issues you will have to face in the multiplatform future. The report demonstrates the significance of seamless handover as the mobile web and multimedia experience increased demand.
Vendors: Gain insight into the issues affecting seamless multimedia handover. Identify the types of operator likely to head the queue towards implementing various handover solutions.
Consultants: Understand the current state of the market and how it will change and evolve in the future.
