Converged wireless network architecture for homeland security

We propose a converged wireless network architecture that allows both emerging IP-based multimedia services and mission-critical services to be supported for public safety end users. The proposed network architecture allows the technology and cost advantages of commercial wireless technologies (3G cellular, IEEE 802.x) to be leveraged while preserving existing investments in land mobile radio networks. The proposed converged network architecture also fulfils the key requirement of enabling interoperable mission-critical communications between public safety end users during times of need - a current limitation of public safety networks.