Interworking of WLAN-UMTS networks: an IMS-based platform for session mobility

In this article a framework for interworking between a WLAN and the UMTS is presented. The uniqueness of this architecture is that the IP multimedia subsystem proposed by the 3GPP has been used as an arbitrator for network coupling and real-time session management. Apart from the advantage of a cellular network user being able to enjoy higher levels of bandwidth over a WLAN, IMS also provides a common platform for unified session control, as well as higher levels of terminal and service mobility over a heterogeneous networking environment. The article concludes by presenting the potential of this model for service continuity during and after vertical handoff with simulation results for validation.