CA2349251A1 - Layer 2 tunneling for data communications in wireless networks - Google Patents

Layer 2 tunneling for data communications in wireless networks Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2349251A1
CA2349251A1 CA002349251A CA2349251A CA2349251A1 CA 2349251 A1 CA2349251 A1 CA 2349251A1 CA 002349251 A CA002349251 A CA 002349251A CA 2349251 A CA2349251 A CA 2349251A CA 2349251 A1 CA2349251 A1 CA 2349251A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
network
data
wireless
layer
interface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002349251A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David R. Comstock
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2349251A1 publication Critical patent/CA2349251A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/46Interconnection of networks
    • H04L12/4633Interconnection of networks using encapsulation techniques, e.g. tunneling
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/16Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
    • H04L69/168Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] specially adapted for link layer protocols, e.g. asynchronous transfer mode [ATM], synchronous optical network [SONET] or point-to-point protocol [PPP]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/16Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W80/00Wireless network protocols or protocol adaptations to wireless operation
    • H04W80/02Data link layer protocols
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W92/00Interfaces specially adapted for wireless communication networks
    • H04W92/04Interfaces between hierarchically different network devices
    • H04W92/14Interfaces between hierarchically different network devices between access point controllers and backbone network device

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, IP networking and the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) are used within a wireless data network to transport data between an IWF and a point where an RLP is terminated.

Description

LAYER 2 TUNNELING FOR DATA COMMLnVICATIONS
IN WIRELESS NETWORKS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to data communications in wireless networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern wireless data networks typically include different kinds of data links that are used to transport data between two elements in the network. For example, when a mobile station (MS) within the data network sends a signal to an end destination in the data network, the signal can travel from the MS over an air interface wireless link to a base station (BS) or a mobile switching center (MSC).
The BS can be, for example, a base transceiver station (BTS), and a base station controller (BSC). In third generation wireless data networks, the BS can also be referred to as an RNC. After arriving at the BS or MSC, the signal can then be relayed over a non-wireless link such as a Iandline, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) with a modem at each end, an Internet protocol (IP) network, etc., and onward through the data network via the same or different links to the end destination.
In particular, FIG. 1 shows a partial Network Reference Model for a TIA
TR45 network (TSB I00). This model is described in the reference TIA/EIA/TSB-100, TR45 Wireless Network Reference Model, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The interworking function (IWF) 102 supports data communications in wireless data networks by "interworking" between a) protocols used to carry data over wireless air interface links, as for example between an MS and a BS or an MSC, and b) protocols used to carry the data onward through the data network via, for example, landlines. An IWF can be located, for example, at a BS or an MSC. When the signal transmitted over the wireless air interface from the MS
to the BS is received at the MS, it will then be transported to the MSC or the IWF
for further transport into the wireless data network, depending on the location of the 1WF. A Y reference point 148 is defined in the IS-634 and IS-658 telecommunication standards (which are hereby incorporated by reference) as an interface between a wireless network entity (WNE) 134 and an IWF 102. The WNE is 134 is usually an MSC or a BS.
IS-634 defines an A interface between an MSC and a BS, and between two BSs. IS-634 also includes a specification for data transport between a BS and an IWF, and between an MSC and an IWF on the BS side of a network when the IWF is in the MSC.
IS-658 defines an L interface between the MSC or BS and the IWF, and is included in the Y reference point. The IS-658 standard has been defined by TR45.5, the IS-95 air interface standardization working group within TIA.
The IWF 102 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a packet network PPDN 150 by a Pi interface 104.
Currently in code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless data network systems, for example systems consistent with the IS-95 telecommunications standard (which is hereby incorporated by reference) and the model shown in FIG.
1, a radio link protocol (RLP) for a wireless link between a BS and an MS in the system, can be terminated in the BS. Transport of data from the BS to other portions of the wireless data network system depends on the configuration of the system.
FIG. 2 shows, for example, a configuration where an IWF 202 is connected to a BS by an L interface 266 and a PSTN path 268. The L interface is an open interface between the IWF 202 and the BS 260, and FramereIay is WO OOf18714 PCT/SE99/01996 specified for data transport across the L interface 266 in IS-658. Switched virtual circuits (SVCs), which are specified in the telecommunications standard T1.617 (which is hereby incorporated by reference), are established when an air interface channel is established for transfer of packet data, for example between an MS
and the BS 260 through the IWF 202. FIG. 2 also shows A interfaces A1 262 and A2 264 between the MSC 246 and the BS 260, which are specified in accordance with the IS-634 telecommunications standard.
The L interface 266 also has the characteristic that where a first user having an MS communicates with a second user having an MS or with any other kind of device (e.g., a non-mobile device) over the wireless data network system through the L interface 266, user-to-user parameters can be added to T1.617 messages moving across the L interface 266 as necessary.
When data transport to and/or from an MS in the wireless data network system involves circuit switched data calls within the network, the IWF can include landline modems (such as V .34 modems) for transporting the data to another landline modem. A "voice" circuit such as the IS-634 type interface A2 264 shown in FIG. 2 can be used to transport digitized modem signals between the IWF 202 and the MSC 246 via the BS 260. For packet data calls, the IWF 202 connects directly to an IP network (not shown) and does not use landline modems, thereby bypassing the MSC 246.
FIG. 3 shows a configuration different from the configuration shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the IWF 302 is connected to the MSC 346 instead of the BS
360, and the L interface 366 is located between the MSC 346 and the IWF 302.
The RLP for a wireless link between an MS and the wireless data network system can be terminated in the BS 360, as in FIG. 2. An AS interface 364 in accordance with the IS-634 standard is provided to transport data between the BS 360 and the MSC 346. The AS interface 364 employs the Intersystem Link Protocol (ISLP) defined in the IS-728 standard (which is hereby incorporated by reference), which uses flag stuffing to rate-adapt data flowing over the AS interface 364 to bring it up to 64 kilobytes per second (64 kbps). The AS interface 364 is limited to 64 kbps. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, circuit switched modem signals are transported back to the MSC 346 for connection with a PSTN (not shown). As in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, packet data is connected to an IP network (not shown) at the IWF 302 and would not need to be transported to the MSC 346.
Since the L interfaces 266 and 366 shown in FIGS. 2 & 3 are based on Framerelay, one channel is not limited to a particular bandwidth.
FIG. 4 shows a protocol Iayer stack when an L interface based on IS-658 is used in a wireless data network system. Although FIG. 4 shows that the wireless air interface Um is configured according to the IS-95 CDMA standard, the wireless air interface Um can be configured in accordance with other standards. For example, the wireless air interface Um can have a time division multiple access ('TDMA) configuration. For TDMA systems, the IWF is located in the MSC, and the RLP is terminated in the IWF. The interface between the MS and the IWF is standardized at the data link layer, but the data transport is not specified.
The AS
interface in accordance with IS-634 can be used if the transcoders are in the BS.
The L interface can be used for the interface between a modem and the point where the RLP is terminated in the IWF. Alternatively, packet protocols can be , implemented.
The wireless data network systems described above have a limitation, in that the bandwidth between the BS and the MSC is limited to 64 kbps when the IWF is located between the MSC and an MS and the AS interface is used, as shown for example in FIG. 3. This limitation will become increasingly restrictive as future systems are implemented,.particularly with respect to third generation systems. In addition, the L interface shown in FIGS. 2 & 3 specifies (and thereby requires) that transport across the L interface is Framerelay. This excludes other transport networks such as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks, Ethernet networks, etc. that may desirable for a variety of reasons, including increased versatility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, IP networking and the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) are used to transport data in a wireless data network between the IWF and a point where the RLP is terminated. Wireless data networks in accordance with the invention confer several significant advantages.
First, the 64 kbps limitation of the AS interface is removed. Second, the greater flexibility of IP networking is provided. Third, wireless data networks in accordance with embodiments of the invention do not require a specific transport network, and can therefore use a variety of transport networks including Framerelay, ATM PVCs, etc. Fourth, embodiments of the invention are compatible with a general trend within the telecommunications industry of networks migrating to IP.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like elements in the drawings have been designated by like reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is diagram of a partial Network Reference Model for TIA TR45 networks.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first configuration of an IWF, an MSC, and a BS in a wireless data network.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second configuration of an IWF, an MSC, and a BS in a wireless data network.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a protocol layer stack in a wireless data network using either of the configurations shown in FIGS. 2 & 3.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a protocol layer stack in a wireless data network according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a general block diagram of a wireless data network in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, IP networking and the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) are used to transport data in a wireless data network between the IWF and a point where the RLP is terminated. L2TP is specified in the IETF (which is hereby incorporated by reference), and is both connection-oriented and transport independent. L2TP is also extensible, i.e., additional parameters can be added to support various functions required in specific implementations or applications of L2TP.
As shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with embodiments of the invention the L2TP can be used in a wireless data network between the BS 660 and the MSC
646, between the MSC 646 and the IWF 602, or between the IWF 602 and the BS
660.
Wireless data networks in accordance with the invention confer several significant advantages. First, the 64 kbps limitation of the AS interface is removed. Second, the greater flexibility of IP networking is provided. Third, wireless data. networks in accordance with embodiments of the invention do not require a specific transport network, and can therefore use a variety of transport networks including Framerelay, ATM PVCs, etc. Fourth, embodiments of the invention are compatible with a general trend within the telecommunications industry of networks migrating to IP.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, and that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range and equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (8)

Claims:
1. A wireless data network, comprising:
an interworking function;
a mobile switching center;
a base station; and at least one of a) a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol interface between the mobile switching center and the base station;
b) a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol interface between the base station and the interworking function; and c) a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol interface between the mobile switching center and the interworking function.
2. The wireless data network of claim 1, wherein each Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol interface is an IP network for which data transport between the respective mobile switching center, base station, and interworking function is specified to follow a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol.
3. The wireless data network of claim 1, wherein the network is a third generation wireless data network.
4. The wireless data network of claim 1, wherein a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol is used to transport data between the interworking function and a point within the network where a radio link protocol for a wireless link between the base station and a mobile station is terminated.
5. A method for transporting data within a wireless network data system, comprising at least one of the steps of:

transporting data over an IP network between a mobile switching center and a base station within the system in accordance with a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol;
transporting data over an IP network between the mobile switching center and an interworking function within the system in accordance with the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol; and transporting data over an IP network between the base station and the interworking function within the system in accordance with the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the wireless network data system is a third generation wireless network data system.
7. A method for transporting data within a wireless network data system comprising an interworking function and a base station, the method comprising the step of using a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol to transport data between the interworking function and a point within the network where a radio link protocol for a wireless link between the base station and a mobile station is terminated.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the wireless network data system is a third generation wireless network data system.
CA002349251A 1998-11-06 1999-11-04 Layer 2 tunneling for data communications in wireless networks Abandoned CA2349251A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18733998A 1998-11-06 1998-11-06
US09/187,339 1998-11-06
PCT/SE1999/001996 WO2000028714A1 (en) 1998-11-06 1999-11-04 Layer 2 tunneling for data communications in wireless networks

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2349251A1 true CA2349251A1 (en) 2000-05-18

Family

ID=22688574

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002349251A Abandoned CA2349251A1 (en) 1998-11-06 1999-11-04 Layer 2 tunneling for data communications in wireless networks

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1125420A1 (en)
AU (1) AU1435200A (en)
CA (1) CA2349251A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000028714A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1239686A1 (en) * 2001-03-08 2002-09-11 Lucent Technologies Inc. Improved UMTS radio access network based on the Internet Protocol
US6850763B1 (en) 2000-11-22 2005-02-01 Winphoria Networks, Inc. System and method of servicing mobile communications with a proxy switch
US6625449B1 (en) 2000-11-22 2003-09-23 Winphoria Netwroks, Inc. System and method of siphoning messages from a mobile network to an alternative network
US6714777B1 (en) 2000-11-22 2004-03-30 Winphoria Networks, Inc. System and method of managing supplementary features in the presence of a proxy switch in a mobile communications network
US6801771B1 (en) 2000-11-22 2004-10-05 Winphoria Networks, Inc. System and method of mobility management in a mobile communications network having a proxy switch
US6650909B1 (en) 2000-11-22 2003-11-18 Winphoria Networks, Inc. System and method of preserving point codes in a mobile network having a proxy switch
GB2371954B (en) 2001-02-01 2003-02-19 3Com Corp Interface system for wireless node and network node
US8059672B2 (en) * 2005-05-18 2011-11-15 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Internet communications between wireless base stations and service nodes
CN1956353B (en) * 2005-10-28 2011-07-20 华为技术有限公司 Method of flow management based on tunnel and radio access relay system
US8565216B2 (en) * 2006-06-07 2013-10-22 Qualcomm Incorporated Methods and apparatus for supporting tunneling related to wireless uplink signaling flows
US8565217B2 (en) * 2006-06-07 2013-10-22 Qualcomm Incorporated Methods and apparatus for supporting tunneling related to wireless downlink signaling flows
CA2646906A1 (en) * 2006-06-07 2007-12-13 Qualcomm Incorporated Methods and apparatus for using control values to control communications processing
SE531960C2 (en) * 2007-01-26 2009-09-15 Smartrefill I Helsingborg Ab Method of securely executing a payment transaction
US8681626B1 (en) 2010-02-17 2014-03-25 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Translation of congestion notification indicators in a base station system

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE9304119D0 (en) * 1993-12-10 1993-12-10 Ericsson Ge Mobile Communicat Devices and mobile stations for providing packaged data communication in digital TDMA cellular systems
FI98027C (en) * 1995-01-10 1997-03-25 Nokia Telecommunications Oy Packet radio system and terminal equipment for a packet radio system
FI105746B (en) * 1995-09-29 2000-09-29 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Integrated radio communication system
WO1997021313A1 (en) * 1995-12-01 1997-06-12 Northern Telecom Limited Mobile packet data communications system
US5850391A (en) * 1996-10-17 1998-12-15 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson Shared interworking function within a mobile telecommunications network

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU1435200A (en) 2000-05-29
EP1125420A1 (en) 2001-08-22
WO2000028714A1 (en) 2000-05-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP3445245B2 (en) Data segmentation method for telecommunications systems
CN1930835B (en) Providing higher layer packet/frame boundary information in GRE frames
US7042855B1 (en) Method for routing data in a communication system
FI105969B (en) Quality of service management in a mobile communication system
US6400712B1 (en) Fast circuit switched data architecture and method
FI98027C (en) Packet radio system and terminal equipment for a packet radio system
FI113323B (en) Synchronization of data packet numbers during packet switching data transfer
EP2453696B1 (en) Mac Layer Inverse Multiplexing in a Third Generation Ran
US20060018294A1 (en) Internet high speed packet access
US7796582B2 (en) Method and apparatus for supporting access network (AN) authentication
US6795437B1 (en) Arrangement for interconnecting communications networks
US5936948A (en) System and method of multiplexing digitized calls on intersystem transmission circuits in a radio telecommunications network
CA2356416C (en) Enhancement of framing protocol frame format to support quality of service
CA2349251A1 (en) Layer 2 tunneling for data communications in wireless networks
JP2002535898A (en) Flow control method in telecommunications system
AU778245B2 (en) Signaling data link for a GSM-CDMA air interface
JP3739707B2 (en) Information transport in communication systems
EP1256213B1 (en) Method and system for communicating data between a mobile and packet switched communications architecture
KR20070086770A (en) Inter-network handover in a packet radio system
US7099326B2 (en) System and method for fast GPRS for IPv6 communications
KR100428736B1 (en) Mobile telecommunication network and method for operating the same
US6904034B2 (en) Method and system for communicating data between a mobile communications architecture and a packet switched architecture, each utilizing a different mode of communication
US6259684B1 (en) Circuit-mode data service support over the A-interface
KR20020012597A (en) Umts circuit switched data user plane
KR20030059540A (en) Method of handoff in all ip network

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued