Architecture and protocols in an IP-based integrated terrestrial/satellite mobile communications network

The architecture of an IP-based integrated terrestrial/satellite mobile communications network is proposed. This model, which adopts technologies such as mobile-IP, intelligent network and dual-mode mobile terminal, is built on the infusion of mobile communications and Internet technologies, and has two major features: Internet has been chosen as the backbone of the mobile communications network, and the mobile user can access Internet in both satellite and terrestrial environments. By this means, the users can access information anywhere, at any time, and realise the aim of global personal communications. Following the introduction of the proposed network architecture, its protocol stacks are presented. A suite of signalling protocols, including registration, call setup and inter-segment handover protocols, are then derived and discussed.