On using nomadic services for distributed intelligence

This paper presents a third-generation (UMTS/IMT2000) integrated network architecture among flexible intelligent network elements (FINE) based on the multimedia multimode (client, server and agent) IN service node concept, to perform a clever unified media communications service (UMCS) across heterogeneous networks. The FINE architecture represents a network of configurable elements allowing user access to a unified message store (UMS) and universal communications channel (UCC) via traditional PSTN/ISDN/PLMN equipment such as telephones, pagers and facsimile machines on the one side and networked computers and mobile terminals equipped with mail readers, Web browsers and video codecs to enable both on-line and off-line interactions. A virtual cluster of FINE within an integrated personal communications network is dynamically configured in a distributed or centralized manner according to user profile requirements, network size and performance to provide artful messaging and conferencing services in a changing environment. Each FINE can be deployed in some of the three modes-independent (server), dependent (client) and autonomous (agent)-with respect to the user/network configuration, thus allowing a dynamically configurable (per user/per node/per service) centralized or distributed service architecture. The FINE itself is organized along with other nodes by a network operation support environment (NOSE), service-oriented and TMN-compliant operation administration and maintenance center. Service logic can be transferred, installed and mounted on demand among the FINE controllers and the terminal equipment to provide optimal QoS.