Abstract
The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is considered as the platform of choice for providing a unified session control on top of various access network technologies for realizing flexible multimedia applications. IMS, with its access-agnostic session layer, is also driving the concept of merging the fixed and mobile telecommunication networks with the Internet and the adoption of IP technologies within the telecom domain. IMS represents conceptually a combination of the traditional fixed and mobile networks from the telecom domain with emerging VoIP and Internet applications in order to implement a seamless multimedia service environment. This tutorial will address IMS vision, IMS concepts, procedures, protocols and services, fixed-mobile convergence, standardization activities, and early deployments of IMS networks.

Educational Course Subject Areas
Communications

Keywords
3GPP ,  3rd Generation Partnership Project ,  Asynchronous Transfer Mode ,  CSCF ,  Call Session Control Function ,  Diameter ,  GPRS ,  General Packet Radio Service ,  HSS ,  Home Subscriber Server ,  IP-CAN ,  IP-Connectivity Access Network ,  MGCP ,  Media Gateway Control Protocol ,  MGW ,  Media Gateway ,  SIP ,  Session Initiation Protocol ,  UMTS ,  Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ,  VCC ,  Virtual Channel Connection ,  Wireless