Structure and mobility functions for the MCPN

This paper presents a systematic analysis of the mobile customer premises network (MCPN) environment in the context of a mobile broadband system operating in the millimeter wave band. The discussion addresses two aspects, (i) reference configuration and components for the MCPN, and (ii) implementation of mobility functions. The purpose of the MCPN is to give support to the communication of a population of standard broadband mobile terminals when inside a moving platform. Examples of applications are trains, ambulances, and harbor and river ships. The document defines a number of relevant elements associated with the concept and presents possible structures for the implementation of MCPNs. Namely, two links are identified and different solutions for their implementation are presented. As a result different conceptual models for the operation of the MCPN can be defined, namely a sliding contact conceptual model and a transparent walls conceptual model. Since the terminals within a given MCPN all follow the same path, they perform mobility related procedures (e.g., handovers and location updating) at the same time. This fact must be taken into consideration when defining the system operation for the purpose of reducing the overall amount of signaling required. The paper presents alternatives and studies the impact of the options taken for the handling of handovers, location updates, paging and call set-up.