A beyond 3G real-time testbed for an All-IP heterogeneous network

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a real-time testbed emulating an all-IP B3G (Beyond 3rd Generation) network that includes UTRAN, GERAN, and WLAN emulation and the corresponding common core network based on DiffServ (Differentiated Services) technology and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching). In such a complex scenario, considering real user applications and end-to-end (e2e) QoS, it is convenient to develop emulation platforms, where algorithms and applications can be tested in realistic conditions, not achievable by means of non-real-time simulations. Presented testbed will be used to evaluate three main objectives: to test the e2e QoS experienced by a user in a heterogeneous mobile environment with IP connectivity, to test and validate specific algorithms and mechanisms, and to evaluate real implementations of some subsystems.

REFERENCES

• 1: 3GPP TR 22.978: "All-IP Network (AIPN) feasibility study", Available: http://www.3gpp.org/
• 2: J. Perez-Romero, et al, "Common radio resource management: functional models and implementation requirements", IEEE PIMRC 2005, Volume 3, Sept. 2005.
• 3: X. Revés, A. Umbert, et al, "Implementation of a Real-time UMTS Testbed in a PC Network", ACIS 3rd SNPD, June 2002, pp. 345--352.
• 4: R. Ferrús, et al, "EVEREST Testbed: QoS Management Evaluation in B3G Networks", TRIDENCOM, March 2006, 6pp.
• 5: A. Umbert, et al, "Testbed Specification", Public Deliverable D07, AROMA IST-4-027567. Available: http://www.aroma-ist.upc.edu/
• 6: 3GPP TS 25.434, "UTRAN Iub Interface Data Transport and Transport Signalling for Common Transport Channel Data Streams".
• 7: 3GPP TS 48.054, "Base Station Controller -- Base Transceiver Station: (BSC--BTS) interface; Layer 1 structure of physical circuits".
• 8: G. Fodor, A. Furuskär, and J. Lundsjo, "On access selection techniques in always best connected networks," in ITC Specialist Seminar on Performance Evaluation of Wireless and Mobile Systems, Aug. 2004.
• 9: J. Pérez-Romero, O. Sallent, R. Agustí, L. Wang, H. Aghvami, "A Novel Algorithm for Radio Access Technology Selection in Heterogeneous B3G networks", IEEE VTC 2006-Spring, Melbourne, May, 2006.
• 10: J. Pérez-Romero, O. Sallent, R. Agustí, "A Novel Metric for Context-Aware RAT Selection in Wireless Multiple Access Systems", The IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC 2007), Glasgow, Scotland, June 2007.
• 11: E. Rosen , A. Viswanathan , R. Callon, Multiprotocol Label Switching Architecture, RFC Editor, 2001
• 12: E. Rosen , D. Tappan , G. Fedorkow , Y. Rekhter , D. Farinacci , T. Li , A. Conta, MPLS Label Stack Encoding, RFC Editor, 2001
• 13: Iperf Project. Available: http://dast.nlanr.nat/Project/Iperf

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design
          Subjects: Wireless communication

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design
          Subjects: Packet-switching networks

General Terms:
Performance

Keywords:
beyond 3G, end-to-end QoS, heterogeneous networks, real-time, testbed