Evaluation of signaling loads in 3GPP networks

3GPP Release 5 is the first step toward an all-IP cellular network. While Release 99 is still heavily based on a core network inherited from 2G networks, Release 5 introduces a new core network architecture based on IETF protocols. In particular, SIP is used for initiating, managing, and terminating media sessions. However, the use of SIP can result in a significant increase of the signaling and computational loads inside the core network, due to its larger message size and increased requirements on network nodes. This article compares the core network signaling loads of 3GPP Release 99 and Release 5, and elaborates on possible enhancements to improve the bandwidth efficiency of the signaling in Release 5.