Evolution in equipment management concepts: from reconfigurable to cognitive wireless terminals

A number of new, powerful, wireless networking standards have appeared during the last years. In this context, a key topic in the research area of B3G/4G networks is related to strategies and mechanisms to realise the efficient complementary use of the different technologies. The aim is to be able to make the most out of the variety of available access standards. According to the B3G concept, the diverse Radio Access Technologies (RATs) can converge into one composite radio environment, where the user is "always best connected" and can move between the various technologies seamlessly. Cognitive and reconfigurable wireless networks have emerged as a complementary concept to B3G networks. Cognitive systems determine their behaviour, in a reactive or proactive manner, based on external triggers, as well as their goals, principles (policies, rules), experience and knowledge. The focus of this paper is on a Cognitive Reconfigurable Equipment Management System (CREMS).