Ambient Networks: a Framework for Networking Beyond 3G

摘要

As we are moving towards a wireless world, we face new issues given by the scale of the dynamiciry of interactions and the range of applications, the multitude of radio access technologies to be supported and a suitable network layer functionality available everywhere - an ambient network. The Ambient Network idea is worked upon in a project led by Ericsson as part of the EU's 6th Framework Programme of Research. It addresses the creation of innovative network solutions for mobile and wireless systems beyond 3G. They will enable scalable and affordable wireless networking while providing rich and easy to use communication services for all. The work is geared towards an environment with increased competition as well as cooperation, an environment that is populated by a multitude of user devices, wireless technologies, network operators and business actors. The project adopts the design paradigm of horizontally structured mobile systems that offer common control functions to a wide range of different applications and air interface technologies. Such an approach requires the definition of new interfaces and a multitude of standards in key areas of future media- and context-aware, multi-domain mobile networks. Furthermore, multiple radio accesses need to be generically supported and a multiradio architecture is devised.