Requirements of interworking wirelessLAN and PLMN wireless data network systems

Abstract

The IEEE 802.11 family of wirelessLAN (WLAN) and the wireless data public land mobile network (such as 2.5G/3G/3.5G wireless) are broad band wireless data access network technologies that offer data network services to mobile users. They have different capabilities in distance range, data rate, and in other features, and may complement each other. Combining WLAN and PLMN wireless data through interworking will enable these LAN and WAN technologies to complement each other to enhance the available wireless network services. The advantages of interworking are of interest to users and service providers. The requirements of interworking are presented and discussed here. The technological implications of these requirements are also discussed. Interworking different wireless network systems requires internetworking the different networks, interoperability off the different systems, as well as the additional mobility across different networks, involving security, accounting, and other technologies. These requirements may be used to guide future developments as well as to point out technical issues that need future exploration.