Oyster 3G creates a complete 3G access network which repartitions the conventional 3GPP R5 architecture for use over the public internet. This 3G Converge™ architecture consists of:
- The Oyster 3G Access Point (AP) – the low-power femtocell that provides high quality voice and data in the home
- The Access Controller (AC) – optimised to aggregate the traffic from tens of thousands of Access Points
- The Management Platform – the family of servers that configures and manages all femtocells and controllers
3G Converge is designed to integrate easily with today’s networks using standard, open interfaces, while preparing for the future of full IMS networks.
The RAN-centric architecture builds on the standard partitioning of UE, Radio Network and Core Network functionality, thus offering full compatibility of operations and services.
Oyster 3G Network Diagram. Image from Oyster 3G brochure
A standard Uu interface between the mobile phone and the Oyster 3G Access Point ensures compatibility with all standard 3G handsets. The Access Controller presents a standard Iu interface to the Core Network.
The Iu+ interface between the femtocell and the Access Controller is based on standard Iu, with ip.access enhancements that improve performance and quality while supporting essential management features. Iu+ is virtually identical to Iu at the application/procedural level, but is enhanced at the transport level, allowing operators to:
- Optimise bandwidth utilisation and QoS on the IP network – Iu+ uses a very efficient approach to transport protocols and security than standard Iu, making it possible to deploy femtocells on basic residential broadband links and apply QoS to different streams in a single tunnel. This is important to achieve a good user experience for voice and data in the home –essential to a consumer proposition.
- Support important management functions – pending a standard OAM&P model for femtocells, Iu+ supports the appropriate set of management functions. For example, it is important that access control takes place locally at the femtocell, to prevent unnecessary signalling traffic to the core network each time an unauthorised handset requests access.
- Support two-way handover, including unique support for hand-in – removing users from the macro network when they go indoors increases quality of service for all users in the cell.
ip.access is committed to standards and is actively engaged with 3GPP and the Femto Forum to develop the standardized Iu-h interface between the femtocell Access Point and Access Controller. In time, Iu+ will migrate to support the future Iu-h standard.
3G Converge evolution. Image from Oyster 3G brochure
3G Converge will also evolve to support integration of mobile phones into the Connected Home environment. Scalable integration to future IMS networks is provided via a software upgrade to the femtocell AP. In addition to providing efficient support for IMS services, 3G Converge enables the off-load of general internet traffic directly from the Access Point, avoiding unnecessary strain on the core network. The signalling connection remains in the 3GPP network, providing appropriate control for the operator.
The 3G Converge architecture reflects our real-world experience deploying in-building access solutions and bringing the power of IP to mobile networks. It’s the best way to enable auto-provisioning, seamless hand-in and hand-out, core integration and billing without having to change your network elements.