Heterogeneous Wireless Access Environment
(In the context of end-to-end networking)
Abstract: New access networks such as MANs, HANs, PANs, BANs, NEMOs and Ad hoc
networks are emerging. These new networks are adding to the existing fixed, cellular,
broadcast and local area networks creating a huge heterogeneous network environment. In
addition, it is expected that the future mobile user will demand access to any service/content
at anywhere and any time in a seamless, reliable and secure manner. The challenge is how to
support the user’s demands in such a heterogeneous environment.
This talk will first describe the concepts of convergence, integration and inter-working of
multiple heterogeneous radio access networks. It will then discuss the associated degrees of
coupling between these networks. The talk will give two different approaches for the design
of next generation broadband wireless networks. It will also address how to ensure the
establishment, maintenance and termination of end-to-end QoS for these two approaches. As
an example, the design of a wireless access network in the context of end-to-end networking
will then be given. The suitability of the IP layer model as a glue to interconnect multiple
heterogeneous radio access networks will next be addressed. Following on from this, the NSF
initiative on Future Internet Design (FIND) will be discussed as a means to re-invent the
Internet architecture.