An architectural framework for a 'carrier class mobile Internet'

This invited paper considers an architectural framework for a 'carrier class mobile Internet'. This framework is characterised by a move away from 'mobile access' (as advocated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project /spl eDot/PP) or 'edge mobility' (as advocated by the Internet Engineering Task Force - IETF) to one where mobility can be found everywhere. In one sense it may be called 3.5G or 4G. This new architectural framework is based upon IETF protocols and is constructed in a way that separates the concerns of access, core and services; it is also underpinned by an effective quality management system necessary to meet carrier requirements. This architectural framework is based upon the author's extensive experience working on the development of the Internet including his technical leadership of the Mobile Wireless Internet Forum (MWIF) and a contributor to the IETF.