Flat IP
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Flat IP architecture provides a way to identify devices using symbolic names, unlike the hierarchical architecture such as that used in "normal" IP addresses. This is of more interest to mobile broadband network operators.
Flat IP Architectures in Mobile Networks: From 3G to LTE
Wireless networks are defined in terms of generations of radio technology and how over-the-air data rates affect and enable end-user applications. Now with radio access data rates increasing, the capabilities of the supporting wired network elements – radio controllers, packet gateways, transmission, and the IP core – are equally critical to network performance.
Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in mobile data services. The emergence of 3G High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), HSPA+ and next-generation LTE (a.k.a. 4G) access, is enabling an entire new class of mobile broadband services and generating traffic volumes that are unsustainable using the classic hierarchical network architectures originally designed for mobile voice and low-speed data.
To efficiently deliver mobile broadband services, operators require a network infrastructure that simultaneously provides lower costs, lower latency, and greater flexibility. The key to achieving this goal is the adoption of flat, all-IP network architectures. With the shift to flat IP architectures, mobile operators:
- Reduce the number of network elements in the data path to lower operations costs and capital expenditure
- Partially decouple the cost of delivering service from the volume of data transmitted to align infrastructure capabilities with emerging application requirements
- Minimize system latency and enable applications with a lower tolerance for delay; upcoming latency enhancements on the radio link can also be fully realized
- Evolve radio access and packet core networks independently of each other to a greater extent than in the past, creating greater flexibility in network planning and deployment
- Develop a flexible core network that can serve as the basis for service innovation across both mobile and generic IP access networks
- Create a platform that will enable mobile broadband operators to be competitive, from a price/performance perspective, with wired networks
Flat IP Architectures in Mobile Networks
From 3G to LTE examines network architecture evolution in response to rapidly growing 3G data traffic and the planned introduction of Long Term Evolution (LTE) and System Architecture Evolution (SAE) technology – now also known as Enhanced UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), respectively – in the 2010 to 2012 time frame. The report focuses on the Third Generation Partnership (3GPP) technology track and specifically on the network elements that make up flat radio access networks (RANs) and the next-generation mobile packet core.
Flat IP Architecture
To meet customer demand for real-time data applications delivered over mobile broadband networks, wireless operators are turning to flat IP network architectures.
- The key benefits of flat IP architectures are
- lower costs
- reduced system latency
- decoupled radio access and core network evolution
- Key players in recognizing these advantages are
- Mobile Networks
- 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
- 3GPP2 standards organizations
- WiMAX Forum.
In assessing the implementation of a flat IP architecture, network operators are analyzing the strategies and product roadmaps of leading equipment suppliers. They are seeking out those looking to support operators in the move to next-generation mobile broadband.
- Key considerations of Flat IP Architectures for Mobile Networks include
Advanced base stations that integrate radio control, header compression, encryption, call admission control, and policy enforcement with IP/Ethernet interfaces. Base station routers will provide simpler, lower-latency 3GPP/2 networks. Key emerging players are: Alcatel-Lucent, Airvana, and Ubiquisys. The Direct Tunnel Architecture is emerging as the most viable evolution path for W-CDMA macro networks. Current implementations include Nokia-Siemens's Internet High Speed Packet Access architecture and Ericsson's Serving GPRS Support Node bypass initiative. The WiMax Access Services Network is the first standardized IP-centric mobile network architecture establishing principles now being adopted across the industry; however, vendor interoperability remains challenging