Benefits and requirements of interworking between wirelessLAN and 3G wireless

Abstract

The IEEE 802.11 family of WirelessLAN enable broadband wireless access at low cost but has limited distance range. The 3G Wireless network enable wireless data access over much longer distance of cellular sites and with the handover and roaming can be used globally. Yet the 3G Wireless may be more expensive. The WirelessLAN and 3G Wireless have different capabilities in distance range, data rate, and in other features, and may complement each other. Combining WLAN and 3G Wireless data through interworking will enable these LAN and WAN technologies to complement each other to enhance the available wireless network services. These benefits are of value to both users and service providers. The requirements of interworking and the technological implications of these requirements are discussed here.