A VHE architecture for advanced value-added service provision in 3rd generation mobile communication networks

In the emerging era of 3rd generation mobile communication networks, it is expected that operator differentiation in the market will highly depend on the advanced provision of value-added services, including the successful implementation of the virtual home environment (VHE) concept. In this paper, after discussing some issues critical to VHE realization, we introduce a distributed application platform architecture, capable of supporting flexible value-added service provision to mobile users of 3rd generation networks, as well as address issues crucial for business deployment such as charging, billing and accounting. Moreover, we describe how this architecture can support the seamless, customized service access to roaming users, inline with the VHE requirements.