There's a Lot More to 2.5G and 3G than the Air Interface - reports

date: December 31, 2001

The Yankee Group recently published a Report entitled "Mobilizing IP: There's a Lot More to 2.5G and 3G than the Air Interface!" that investigates the requirements for implementing IP backbone infrastructure in 2.5G and 3G wireless mobile networks. It was found that the IP backbone represents the anchor point from which feature-rich IP services can be developed. This enables wireless operators to remain the "gatekeepers" of subscriber- and service-specific information as the wireless data market evolves.

Market Impact

The implementation of IP in wireless networks has allowed traditional fixed network IP infrastructure providers such as CommWorks, Cisco, Juniper, Lucent/SpringTide, and Nortel/Shasta to migrate their infrastructure for wireless networks. However, executives from several start-ups believe that the IP devices developed for fixed networks are capable of meeting all the demands associated with wireless environments, and have established start-up companies that focus on developing purpose-built wireless infrastructure. These companies include Avian Communications, Cambia Networks, Flarion Technologies, Megisto Systems, Starent Networks, Tahoe Networks, and WaterCove Networks.

Recommendations

It is still too early to determine whether traditional fixed network IP infrastructure meets the demands of wireless networks as data services evolve. However several key elements that require the attention of infrastructure vendors and operators include the following:

- Since IP backbones are implemented in 2.5G networks, operators should start thinking about the shift to IP sooner rather than later.
- Equipment should be sufficiently scalable to meet the traffic demands of wireless environments, particularly as feature-rich IP services are developed.
- Sufficient interoperability with legacy infrastructure such as elements used for billing systems should be available.
- Functionality to enable intelligent interrogation of IP traffic and facilitate granular service capabilities should be guaranteed.
- Functionality should be provided for advanced provisioning as well as billing and mediation methodologies that account for factors such as quality of service (QoS), traffic volumes, and transaction data.
- The infrastructure should be capable of integrating with subscriber-specific information that resides in other network elements.
- Operators and infrastructure vendors that are capable of meeting these demands will be rewarded as advanced data services penetrate the wireless mobile market.

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