MPLS based mobility framework in 4G architectures

An integration framework for 4G-network architecture between the UMTS-GPRS system and IEEE 802.11 WLAN systems using MPLS as the underlying technology is developed. In 4G networks, to suffice the needs of users with relatively low mobility, but yet to provide a substantial amount of bandwidth in hot-spots, it becomes essential to integrate WLAN 802.11 systems with currently existing UMTS-GPRS systems. The integrated network can handle wider mobility of the mobile nodes (MN). Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) has in-built features that support QoS. Use of MPLS provides better efficiency in the integrated networks. It is shown that MPLS, when used to bridge the UMTS and 802.11 architectures, reduces the location update of the MN with the core network (CN). This is achieved by switching the parameters governing forward equivalence class (FEC) generation and redirection in such an MPLS enabled architecture. An efficient mobility management scheme is discussed when MN moves from one domain to another. Simulation results for signaling overhead in the integrated architecture with MPLS show the better performance of the proposed MPLS based framework.