Petteri Pöyhönen

A framework for self-organized network composition

This paper discusses a framework for a flexible, self-organized control plane for future mobile and ubiquitous networks. The current diversification of control planes requires a manual configuration of network interworking. The problem will increase in the future, with more dynamic topologies and integration of heterogeneous networks in a ubiquitous, reactive environment. In this paper we introduce the concept of network composition, a basic, scalable and dynamic network operation to achieve autonomic control plane interworking between Ambient Networks - our approach for next generation networks. We show the architectural components of a generic control plane and its flexible interfaces. With an example on seamless mobility we illustrate how composition can simplify and improve the interworking of future networks.

Dynamic network composition for beyond 3G networks: a 3GPP viewpoint

The 3GPP network specification is currently undergoing major updates toward beyond 3G. The evolved 3GPP network will support interworking with multiple including non-3GPP - radio access networks, and support mobility between them. It will furthermore support personal area networks and moving networks. Generally, 3GPP is moving in the direction of an all-IP network. This article gives an overview of current beyond 3G trends in 3GPP, and particularly introduces a new 3GPP study item on network composition. The concept of network composition was developed by the EU project Ambient Networks. Whereas 3GPP until now assumes static networking relations, network composition addresses a dynamic, generic establishment of control-plane interworking between the heterogeneous network types of today, such as 3GPP core networks, non-3GPP operator networks, heterogeneous access networks, and personal area networks

Dynamic and automatic interworking between personal area networks using composition

Next generation communication networks will be characterized by the coexistence of multiple technologies and user devices in an integrated fashion. The increasing number of devices owned by a single user will lead to a new communication paradigm: users owning multiple devices that form cooperative networks, and networks of different users that communicate with each other, e.g., acquiring Internet access through each other. In this communication scenario no user intervention should be required and technology should seamlessly adapt to the users context, preferences, and needs. In this paper we address one of those scenarios, interworking between personal area networks, using legacy technologies and the Ambient Network and network composition concepts, herein explained. We argue that new functionalities should be introduced to enable effortless use of legacy technologies in such dynamic and heterogeneous environments

GANS: A Signalling Framework for Dynamic Interworking Between Heterogeneous Networks

There is a growing trend towards convergence of telecommunication and data networks in order to support a richer set of services and applications. At the same time, increasing diversity and density of network access technologies has made the goal of providing connectivity anytime and anywhere a real possibility. Another important development is the emergence of small, low-complexity user owned networks, such as personal area networks and body area networks. Dynamic interworking, also known as network composition, between networks of different types and sizes is essential in the push towards convergence, as well as to realize truly seamless connectivity between heterogeneous access networks. Dynamic interworking requires signalling between different elements of the control planes of the different networks in order to coordinate the control functions and resources of the networks concerned. In this paper, we present the generic ambient network signalling protocol suite to address the diverse signalling requirements for dynamic interworking of networks.

DEEP - A Generic Name Resolution Protocol for Heterogeneous Networks

The current trend towards convergence of telecommunication and data networks considering all emerging access technologies is leading to more heterogeneous and dynamic environments. Networking visions are evolving towards ubiquitous computing and it is foreseeable that once users start to establish their own networks formed by their personal devices, the number of both mobile networks and mobile nodes will increase. As the peer-to-peer communication paradigm is becoming more popular, the number of resolvable service endpoints is increasing. The paper focuses on introduction of a multi-stage name resolution mechanism for future heterogeneous and dynamic environments called destination endpoint exploration protocol. It presents the design principles and the specification of the protocol and depicts how the protocol relates to existing name resolution systems by means of concrete examples

Scalability of name resolution for ambient networks

The convergence of mobile domain and data networks has been under focus in the standardization forums. However, dynamic interworking of wired infrastructure, wireless access systems and small scale Personal Area Networks has been challenging due to their heterogeneous nature. One of the most important problems to be solved is name resolution between different terminals and networks. This paper presents a new mechanism for name resolution, which relies on existing naming mechanisms. In particular the focus is on the scalability of the solution from signaling load and latency point of view.