Architecture Supporting Multiple MSCs in UMA/GAN Networks

This paper is to critically analyze one of the Fix Mobile Convergence (FMC) solutions which the third generation partnership project(3GPP) has also included in its Release 6 i.e. Generic Access Network(GAN) formally called Unlicensed Mobile Access(UMA). This article analyzes the potential influence and risks on the existing mobile cellular networks which is pulled in by UMA/GAN technique and presents a an architecture which enable UMA Network Controller (UNC) to support multiple Mobile Switch Center(MSC). In this architecture, UNC connects with multiple MSCs through the A interface and Mobile Station (MS) connects with one UNC using internet broadband connection. When MS roams and handovers between WiFi networks and mobile cellular networks, no additional traffic between MSCs is needed. This proposed architecture will help to dramatically reduce traffic between MSCs, save the precious link bandwith in cellular core network and minimize the impact on the existing cellular network caused by UMA technique. This paper is to critically analyze one of the Fix Mobile Convergence (FMC) solutions which the third generation partnership project(3GPP) has also included in its Release 6 i.e. Generic Access Network(GAN) formally called Unlicensed Mobile Access(UMA). This article analyzes the potential influence and risks on the existing mobile cellular networks which is pulled in by UMA/GAN technique and presents a an architecture which enable UMA Network Controller (UNC) to support multiple Mobile Switch Center(MSC). In this architecture, UNC connects with multiple MSCs through the A interface and Mobile Station (MS) connects with one UNC using internet broadband connection. When MS roams and handovers between WiFi networks and mobile cellular networks, no additional traffic between MSCs is needed. This proposed architecture will help to dramatically reduce traffic between MSCs, save the precious link bandwith in cellular core network and minimize the impact on the existing cell- ular network caused by UMA technique.