A signaling and control architecture for mobility support in wireless ATM networks

This paper presents a signaling and control architecture for mobility support in a "wireless ATM" network that provides integrated broadband services to mobile terminals. ATM signaling and wireless control capabilities required for mobility services are discussed, and preliminary solutions are given for selected major functions. Potential extensions to ITU standard Q.2931 ATM signaling are proposed to support mobility related functions such as handoff and service parameter/QOS renegotiation. A custom wireless control protocol for supporting terminal migration, resource allocation, handoff, etc. is outlined for a wireless ATM network. Preliminary experimental results validating the proposed handoff control protocol on an ATM network testbed are briefly outlined.