Mobile location services over the next generation IP core network

Mobile communication networks are evolving towards smaller cells, higher throughput, better security and provision of better services. Wireless short-range technologies, such as the WLAN 802.11 standards family and Bluetooth, are expected to play a major role in future networks. The mobile core network is changing from circuit-switched to packet-switched technology and evolving to an IP core network based on IPv6. The IP core network will allow all IP devices to be connected seamlessly. Due to the movement detection mechanism of Mobile IPv6, mobile terminals will periodically update their current point of attachment to the network and hence provide the current location of the mobile user automatically. The convergence of wireless short-range networks, mobile networks and Internet technology will provide the mobile user´s location without any add-in equipment for location measurement. The concept of mobile location services over the next generation IP networks is described. We also discuss the effectiveness of the short-range wireless network regarding a mobile user´s position inside buildings and hotspot areas.