4G

An Ultimate Mobile Solution

Tejeswini.M.V 5TH sem, EEE SHRIDEVI INSTITUTE OF ENGG & TECH,tumkur [email protected]

Abstract:
This paper looks beyond 3G networks and visualizes the network of next generation that is 4G networks. Essentially it discusses what 4G network is and the need for 4G network. Also the advantages of 4G network have been discussed. This paper also discusses how the network will be IP based and how it is different from its previous networks. The technical details from different industries that are conducting research in the field of 4G networks have been collected for the full deployment of a wireless network. Assuming that the 3G network whose deployment has started in 2001/2002 to reach full fledged deployment by 2008, it will be the time for 4G networks to get commenced into service by 2010. From basic conception (planning) to roll-out takes a period of around 10 years if at 2G & 3G network are looked at .Going by these figures it is clear that if planning for the 4g network is started now this network can be deployed some time in 2010. Also the importance of 4G today is that it inspires debate and visionary thinking, which are both important steps if the wireless industry is to move forward with above objective in mind this paper has been written.

the core network also has to revive itself with new architecture enhancements in order to keep up with seemingly unrealistic data speeds and related issues. How the evolved core sustains the challenge will be key in determining the user experience of new services. This paper talks about the shift of existing infrastructure for 3G core to 4G, and the benefits and impact on the communications industry of Advanced TCA on the wireless core network.

2. 4G Networks
This new generation of wireless is intended to complement and replace the 3G systems, perhaps in 5 to 10 years. Accessing information anywhere, anytime, with a seamless connection to a wide range of information and services, and receiving a large volume of information, data, pictures, video, and so on, are the keys of the 4G infrastructures. The future 4G infrastructures will consist of a set of various networks using IP (Internet protocol) as a common protocol so that users are in control because they will be able to choose every application and environment.

1. Introduction
With operators worldwide starting to deploy High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) services, 3G has finally arrived and is now gaining momentum. As 3G enjoys its success, the evolution in the radio and core network space continues with Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Evolved Packet System (EPS) leading the way forward to the 4G revolution. The heralded "anytime, anywhere" access and entertainment medium shall become a reality with 4G. The mobile video and mobile TV era, with "always on" expectations, brings in the need for a robust and modular network infrastructure that can help get new voice and data services to market at lower cost and in less time than in the current reality. But, while the 4G revolution is focusing on the air interface and access network side of the equation,

Based on the developing trends of mobile communication, 4G will have broader bandwidth, higher data rate, and smoother and quicker handoff and will focus on ensuring seamless service across a multitude of wireless systems and networks. The key concept is integrating the 4G capabilities with all of the existing mobile technologies through advanced technologies.

Application adaptability and being highly dynamic are the main features of 4G services of interest to users.

These features mean services can be delivered and be available to the personal preference of different users and support the users' traffic, air interfaces, radio environment, and quality of service. Connection with the network applications can be transferred into various forms and levels correctly and efficiently. The dominant methods of access to this pool of information will be the mobile telephone, PDA, and laptop to seamlessly access the voice communication, high-speed information services, and entertainment broadcast services. Figure 1 illustrates elements and techniques to support the adaptability of the 4G domain. Figure 1: Seamless connections of networks(ref 2) The fourth generation will encompass all systems from various networks, public to private; operator-driven broadband networks to personal areas; and ad hoc networks. The 4G systems will interoperate with 2G and 3G systems, as well as with digital (broadband) broadcasting systems. In addition, 4G systems will be fully IP-based wireless Internet.

This all-encompassing integrated perspective shows the broad range of systems that the fourth generation intends to integrate, from satellite broadband to high altitude platform to cellular 3G and 3G systems to WLL (wireless local loop) and FWA (fixed wireless access) to WLAN (wireless local area network) and PAN (personal area network), all with IP as the integrating mechanism.

Figure 2: Stages of Networks.

With 4G, a range of new services and models will be available. These services and models need to be further examined for their interface with the design of 4G systems. Figures 2 and 3 demonstrate the key elements and the seamless connectivity of the networks.

3. 3G Core Network Realities

Today's wireless industry aims at providing voice and data services in the next generation of converging gain to meet the demands of ever increasing data speeds and network traffic at lower operational costs. The specific requirement is to build stable and flexible infrastructure that leverages open, standards-based interfaces that enable "Triple Play" voice, video, and data. Before we discuss implementation specific, however, let's start with an overview of 3G core network functional elements. The 3G packet core architecture consists of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) packetswitched (PS) domain - or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Nodes (GSN), the Gateway GSN (GGSN) and the Serving GSN (SGSN). These elements constitute the interface between the radio system and fixed networks for packet-switched services. The GSN performs all necessary functions in order to handle the packet transmission to and from the mobile stations. The SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) supports mobility management functions within the network. The signalling and packet data from the access nodes, namely the Radio Network Controller (RNC), is forwarded to the SGSN. The SGSN handles functions of data packet processing, such as forwarding, tunnelling the data to the GGSN in the user plane, along with the control plane functions of authentication, SS7 signalling to the HLR, and mobility management. An SGSN platform requires computing capability for processing the signalling messages as well as network interface modules to handle intensive control protocol processing and to support the interfaces to the other network elements. An SGSN platform also needs high performance packet processing capacity to tunnel the data in the user plane. Similarly, a GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) has to take care of intensive packet processing, channelling the data in and out of the wireless network to the external packet data entities. A good mix of general-purpose processing, packet processing, and networking I/O makes an ideal platform for these network nodes. The data plane typically includes line cards that can process the high volume of data for millions of subscriber data sessions in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Layer 2 and 3 transport protocols. The control plane, on the other hand, takes care of following three functions: Signalling: handling the registration, call setup, teardown, and session establishment protocols Shelf Management: shelf, chassis, rack, and system management, performance statistics, and high availability

Applications: Control of the core network functionality.

Figure 4: Network comparison.

4. Components in the 4G Core

The new 4G architecture is evolving with fewer nodes and a flatter structure, thus giving lower latency. That brings in for a requirement of an all-IP-based core network to support the high data throughput and is general enough to be accessed by the different radio access networks through gateway interfaces. As a result, 4G is not so much about all new standards, but is instead based on existing technologies (e.g., WLAN, 2G, 2.5G, 3G, and satellite) being used to better advantage. 4G is the evolution beyond 3G which addresses the limitations seen so far while working to enhance the quality of service and increase the bandwidth to make better use of resources.

Figure 5: Components of 4G.

The EPS architecture supports a base station and a core network component. The EPS supports 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) as well as non-3GPP 3

access. The flexibility of providing access to different radio types makes it possible for the core to evolve independently from access as a cost-effective IP environment.

Pre-defined failover actions: Legacy Ethernet's connectionless nature weakens bandwidth and Quality of Service (QoS) configurability. Topological Flexibility Requirements Base station site interconnect technology: Wireless and mobile operators face myriad challenges when interconnecting base stations. In some cases, copper or fibre access is available. In many instances, microwave links are more economical and readily deployable. 4G mobile backhaul infrastructure must have the flexibility to accommodate wire line copper, fibre, or wireless microwave and free space optical connectivity. Economic Requirements Cost effective: Given the competitive nature of wire line and wireless operators, the backhaul infrastructure solution must be cost effective to deploy, maintain and operate. Simplified provisioning: Since mobile networks are constantly evolving through expanding markets, growing numbers of base stations, and customers, network and service provisioning must be simple yet powerful. Automated network monitoring: While many legacy technologies like TDM contain extensive monitoring capabilities, traditional ethernet lacks troubleshooting and fault detection. 4G wireless backhaul infrastructure requires network and service monitoring, as well as fault detection, isolation, repair, and verification capabilities.

5. 4G Requirements
The 4G core addresses mobility, security, and Qos through reuse of existing mechanisms while still trying to work on some mobility and handover issues. This IP-based core architecture enables location and QoS-based services for the users. The radio networks access the core through IP; circuit switching is totally absent. Voice service will be transferred over IP as packets along with the signalling and data. The IP-based infrastructure translates into lower setup cost. Predictable low-latency data transmission: Voice and other services reliant on fixed circuit-switched network delay require packet-based, low-latency, predictable data transmission. Multi-vendor interoperability: Legacy Ethernet implementations often use vendor-specific proprietary control plane protocols to attempt to solve diverse backhaul architectures. Optimized bandwidth plan: Traditional Ethernet backhaul technologies use loop prevention control plane protocols such as IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree (RST). Often, half of the backhaul capacity/paths are disabled when these protocols are used. In order to maximize backhaul utilization, enhanced techniques to manage redundant paths and overall bandwidth engineering are required. Deterministic bandwidth guarantees: Some network redundancy schemes result in overloaded paths during fault conditions. To provide deterministic bandwidth, 4G wireless backhaul infrastructure must have predictable failover and resiliency schemes.

Using PBB-TE in 4G Wireless Backhaul Networks In early 2007, IEEE 802.1 commissioned a project to standardize Provider Backbone Transport (PBT) as PBB-TE. Known as IEEE 802.1Qay, the effort was made to produce a standard that defines enhanced Ethernet-based techniques for transporting services across diverse network topologies using MAC header encapsulation.

Fi gure 6: 4G requirements.

PBB-TE eliminates the need for non-edge switches to perform MAC address learning and unknown address flooding. Instead, point-to-point tunnels are provisioned using a comprehensive management platform. (Rather than using conventional Ethernet control plane protocols such 4

as IEEE 802.1w RSTP and IEEE 802.1s MSTP to prevent loops and provide resiliency, the management platform traffic engineers the operator's network. This which utilizes more capacity, pre-defines failover scenarios and optimizes service performance and assurance). Base station traffic is forwarded along the primary tunnel. Each primary tunnel is protected by one or more backup tunnels. Multiple techniques are used to provide efficient tunnel failover and service restoration in the event the backhaul infrastructure links become unreliable or inoperable. Tunnel Resiliency Techniques PBB-TE provides a variety of tunnel resiliency techniques. One technique involves IEEE 802.1ag Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) frames, which are known as Continuity Check Messages (CCMs). CFM provides network, path and service-level in-band management capabilities. Primary and backup tunnels are monitored using CFM CCM frames. Each tunnel endpoint sends CCMs at preconfigured intervals to monitor the status of the tunnel. A disruption in the reception of CCMs causes tunnel failover to occur. Base station traffic is then automatically switched to the backup tunnel.

standardized by Alliance of Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) Long Term Evolution (LTE) also known as UMTS release 8 UMTS-based wireless broadband Internet system with voice and other services added

Ultra Mobile Broadband: WiBro: Service name for mobile WiMax in Korea market Improved CDMA2000 mobile phone standard for next generation applications and requirements

5. Relevant 4G Mobile Standards

The following 4G mobile standards will benefit from utilizing IEEE 802.1Qay PBB-TE as a component of the wireless backhaul infrastructure: IEEE 802.16 Worldwide Microwave Access (WiMax): Interoperability for

Wireless carriers around the globe are faced with increasing demands for new mobile Internet services. These growing service demands are driving a move to IPbased, high-speed broadband services that only new 4G technologies can provide. However, wireless carriers implementing 4G mobile technologies are realizing these new technologies place huge demands on their backhaul infrastructure. Carrier Ethernet's innovative new connection-oriented technology, PBB-TE, is emerging as the ideal solution for meeting the demands of 4G technologies. With PBB-TE, 4G mobile operators can create a robust, packet-based backhaul infrastructure that is scalable, resilient and more cost-effective to install, operate and manage.

6. Introduction to All-IP Network (AIPN)

Fixed, nomadic, portable, and mobile wireless broadband connectivity without the need for direct line-of-sight to a base station

HiperMAN: WiMax variation created by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Broadband Radio Access Networks (BRAN) group Operates in the 2-11GHz range and is seamlessly interoperable with subset of IEEE 802.16a-2003 Figure 7: IP Based networks. The All-IP Network (AIPN) is an evolution of the 3GPP system to meet the increasing demands of the mobile telecommunications market. Primarily focused upon enhancements of packet switched technology, AIPN

iBurst:

Uses technology known as High Capacity Spatial Division Multiple Access (HC-SDMA), recently

provides a continued evolution and optimisation of the system concept in order to provide a competitive edge in terms of both performance and cost. Moreover, it is important that developments of the 3GPP system are compliant with Internet protocols. The AIPN is not limited to consideration of only the transport protocol used within the 3GPP system but adheres to the general concept of a network based upon IP and associated technologies, able to accommodate a variety of different access systems. Although, it is possible to use a variety of different access systems to connect to the AIPN, the AIPN provides an advanced, integrated service set independent as far as possible from the access system used.

Ability to adapt and move sessions from one terminal to another Ability to select the appropriate access system based on a range of criteria Provision of advanced application services as well as seamless and ubiquitous services Ability to efficiently handle and optimally route a variety of different types of IP traffic including user-to-user, user-to-group and ubiquitous service traffic models High level of security and support for user privacy e.g. location privacy, identity privacy Methods for ensuring QoS within and across AIPNs Appropriate identification of terminals, subscriptions and users Federation of identities across different service providers.

The high level objectives of introduction of the AIPN are to realise: universal seamless access improved user experience reduction of cost (for AIPN operators) flexibility of deployment.

7.
There are also a number of motivations and drivers for the introduction of the AIPN which include but are not limited to: diversification of mobile services need to satisfy user experience of early adopters anticipation of PS traffic to surpass CS desire to encompass a variety of access systems need for increased system efficiency and cost reduction (OPEX and CAPEX) and advances of next generation radio access systems and broadband wireless IP-based networks.

4G Market Overview

Demand for High-Speed Multimedia Services The demand for sophisticated multimedia services has increased significantly in recent times. To be sustainable, this kind of demand growth will require the support of higher-capacity networks. Fixed-Mobile Convergence Users are looking for always on, always connected solutions and expect bundled solutions for their fixed and mobile service requirements. FMC would enable an operator to provide both fixed as well as mobile services by using the same network infrastructure.

The key aspects of the AIPN can be summarised as follows: Support for a variety of different access systems Common capabilities provided independent to the type of service provided with convergence to IP technology considered from the perspective of the system as a whole High performance mobility management that provides end-user, terminal and session mobility

Spectrum Issues None of the licensed frequency bands are available in all key markets, making global alignment of the frequency band for WiMAX currently impossible. Governments are moving to rationalise spectrum usage but the advent of 4G wireless technologies will likely occur incrementally rather than in the form of a paradigm shift.

Standards & Certification Issues 6

The first fixed WiMAX products meeting the requirements of 802.16d have been certified but the equipment certification process, which is essential for commercialisation, will likely continue at least until the end of 2006. Furthermore, the mobile version of the WiMAX standard (802.16e) has been approved but certified products will only be available in 2007 at the earliest. Technological Challenges As with any new technology, certain technical challenges need to be resolved before WiMAX and other 4G technologies can be adopted on a large scale. Alternative Applications for 4G Fixed WiMAX is being used to provide last mile access in remote or rural areas or to provide highspeed data services to enterprises. Operators are also looking at fixed WiMAX as a Wi-Fi backhaul solution.

Manufacturer Strategies

Manufacturers are initially targeting the fixed WiMAX market, with a focus on CPE as well as base stations. With increasing consumer demand for services offering enhanced mobility, several of the major network equipment providers are actively promoting the 802.16e standard as they see a bigger opportunity in mobile WiMAX. Network Operator Strategies

Incumbents are using 4G technology to make their coverage more comprehensive, WISPs are using WiMAX to provide broadband wireless services, wireline operators plan to enter the mobile telephony segment and start-ups are looking to challenge the incumbents using WiMAX as the vehicle. Regional differences are discussed in detail in the report. Global Spectrum Harmonisation Since the 2.5 GHz band has been reserved for implementation of 3G technologies within the IMT-2000 family, the WiMAX Forum is lobbying for WiMAX to be classified as an IMT2000 technology. The Forum is also trying to investigate if WiMAX could share frequency bands with UMTS but 3G operators are offering resistance. Neither of these initiatives seems likely to bear fruit in the near term.

8. Market Share Forecasts

Pioneer believes that 4G mobile technology will stimulate subscriber interest in broadband wireless applications but the lack of 4G availability, and the cost of a 4G mobile phone, will lead many 2G users to settle for an upgrade to 3G.

9. Threats for implementation of 4G network.

Major issues that need to be resolved before implementing the 4G network are: Connecting all networks on one common platform. It will really be tough task to merge all the network services on one common platform with the same quality of service, same tariffs. Etc. Take the example of the existing GSM and CDMA for merging them on a common platform to provide services with the decide results either of them has to change its standard or both have to compromise on new interfacing standards. Since 4G has CDMA or OFDM are as the only option to use, definitely all the networks must update themselves to the desired level.

Figure 8: Comparison of Forecast 2G, 3G, & 4G Penetration Rates in Asia Pacific across Scenarios

Furthermore, operators, particularly those who are heavily invested in 3G, will seek to use 4G technologies to augment their network and the services they can offer, rather than replace their existing networks.

Seamless connectivity and smart handoffs. Providing seamless connectivity while moving between different networks using smart handoffs is a big challenge before the designers if all the networks are using different standards. Therefore it becomes essential to design very complex air interfaces that will decide the quality of handoffs and the quality of service.

Acquiring the required data rate and band width. 4G is expected to have the much higher data rate even when the user is in motion (vehicular) . to support the high data rate , the devices to be designed must be very sensitive and smart enough to work with vehicular speeds at both the ends (user and the cellular based terminals)

buildings and other physical characteristics of a large metropolitan. Virtual navigation and tele geo processing : You will able to see the internal layout of a building during an emergency rescue. These types of application some time refer to as tele geo processing. A remote data base will contain the graphical representation of streets, buildings and other physical characteristics of a large metropolitan. Blocks of this data base will transmitted in rapid sequence to a vehicle where a rendering program will permit the occupants to visualize the environment ahead. They may also virtually see the internal layout of building to plan an emergency rescue or engage hostile elements hidden in the building. Telemedicine: a paramedic assisting a victim of a traffic accident in a remote location could access medical records (x-rays) and establish a video conference so that a remotely based surgeon could provide on scene assistance . Crisis management application: In the event of natural disasters where the entire communications infrastructure is in disarray , restoring communications infrastructure is essential. With wide band wireless mobile communications, limited and even total communications capability (including internet and video services) could be setup within hours instead of days or even weeks required at present for restoration of wire line communications.

Figure 9: Expected speed.

10. Limitations
Although the concept of 4G communication shows much promise , there are still limitations that must be addressed. A major concern is interoperability between the signalling techniques that are planned for using 4G (3xRTT & WCDMA) cost is another factor that could hamper the progress of 4G technology. They equipment required to implement the next generation network are still very expensive. A key challenge facing deployment of 4G technologies is how to make the network architectures compatible with each other. This was one of the unmet goals of 3G. As regards the operating area , rural areas and many buildings in metropolitans areas are not being served well by existing wireless networks.

12.

Conclusion

As the history of mobile communications shows, attempts have been made to reduce a number of technologies to a single global standard. Projected 4G systems offer this promise of a standard that can be embraced worldwide through its key concept of integration. Future wireless networks will need to support diverse IP multimedia applications to allow sharing of resources among multiple users. There must be a low complexity of implementation and an efficient means of negotiation between the end users and the wireless infrastructure. The fourth generation promises to fulfill the goal of PCC (personal computing and communication) a vision that affordably provides high data rates everywhere over a wireless network.

11. Applications
4G location applications will be based on visualized, virtual navigation schemes that will support a remote data base containing graphical representations of streets ,