Novel FMC network composition methods in 3W (WiBro, WiFi and WCDMA) environments Jeong-Je Cho*, Jin-Ho Hwang*, Nak-Po Kim* *Core Network Development Team, Wireless R&D Center, KT, 7-18, Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Abstract — FMC networks provide consistent and seamless Telecom Freetel). FMC mobiles also were released in 4th services to users regardless of access and core transport layer. quarter, 2009. Though FMC based services are provided by several TelCo’s, In this paper, we propose the FMC deployment strategies all of them are based on specialized methods, not on standards. considering 3W based transport networks. And, we provide the KT in Korea has already deployed 3W (WiBro, WiFi, and FMC introduction strategies in EPC environments which WCDMA) based FMC networks. KT now is seeking the methods how to maximize integration effects between KT and follow in hereafter LTE network introduction. KTF. First of all, 3W based service deployment and FMC We also provide IMS based FMC strategies and methods solutions how to integrate and mix up heterogeneous access how to deploy FMC networks considering VoLGA networks are essential. In this paper, we propose the FMC standardization plans which recently are in the process of study. deployment strategies considering 3W based transport networks. And, we provide the FMC introduction strategies in II. WHAT IS FMC EPC environments which follow in hereafter LTE network The vision of FMC is for people to utilize one device with introduction. We also provide IMS based FMC strategies and one number, one address book and one VMS(voice mail methods how to deploy FMC networks considering VoLGA standardization plans which recently are in the process of study. system), taking advantage of less expensive, high-speed Through this paper, we can provide model cases of FMC connectivity in their office setting, fixed-line home network composition methods from hereafter 3W environments. environment or public hotspot location, while enjoying wide- ranging mobility on existing Public Mobile Networks[3]. In other words, FMC represents the combination of all networks, Keywords — FMC, fixed mobile convergence, 3W, WiBro, WiFi, content, applications, services, devices, and management so WCDMA that users do not have to manually toggle between the wireless and wired devices. For businesses with an increasingly mobile workforce, FMC creates a unified workspace – one-number I. INTRODUCTION ring to all devices, call continuity across devices, consolidated As the demand of mobile communication services grows fixed and mobile call history and voicemails, etc. – to boost in early 1990s, the number of wireless communication employee productivity. For consumers, FMC creates the subscribers grows as equal as that of wired communication connected home where you can watch movie, sports, and news services. At the same time, the above two methods have with continuity across TV, mobile phone, PC, and gaming competed with each other in lots of TelCo’s. Consequently, console screens [4]. every service provider comes to perceive that the number of FMC should provide the subscriber a consistent user subscribers cannot guarantee benefits any longer. Nowadays experience regardless of location and time with no interruption Telco’s greatest concern is how to increase the number of of service when roaming between fixed-line and mobile subscribers and receiving benefits by providing effective networks. The goal of FMC is to break the paradox that arises services. from the fragmentation of communications channels and to Recent deregulation of communication restriction also make multiple channels (networks) appear and behave as a gets rid of the barrier of wired and wireless communication single channel thus restoring the core value of enterprise service providers. Many Telco’s do not limit their business communications; improved productivity and accessibility as area to wired or wireless services only. In the above mentioned above. Another important advantage of FMC is conditions, FMC is proposed as new network composition cost-reduction that is most powerful reason. It is known that method [1][2]. cost can be reduced by 15~40% using voice over WLAN Many Telco’s drive FMC based services by integrating solution compared to that of mobile phone or fixed-line wired and wireless networks. KT(Korea Telecom) also has phone[5]. deployed 3W(WiBro, WiFi and WCDMA) based FMC services using the synergy of merger with KTF(Korea More concrete effects of FMC can be divided into two policy, PBX based specific features – call feature, dial plan, categories as shown in Table 1 – for customers and for directory services, and reduction of OPEX through intra office service providers. access. KT has already launched single FMC named N-Zone service. Table 1. Effects of FMC Fig. 1 shows the network configuration of N-Zone. Strict to say, 1. Call continuity in the office N-Zone can be categorized into FMS service. In this paper, - device, number, mail however, FMC means a broad sense of combination of fixed and mobile solutions. In FMC zone, conversation between 2. Various productivity improvement mobile users is made only through pBTS(private BTS), thus - Conferencing call call traffic does not affect PLMN. In this manner, efficient - Simultaneous ring of wireless and fixed phone traffic control and network optimization can be done. Calls in - Web to call FMC zone are free of charge or provided at a reduced price. Customer - Easy intranet access - Presence notification B. Dual FMC - Call screening Dual FMC can be derived by interconnection of mobile - Various routing rules communication network. That provides voice and messaging services in use of standard based SIP client. In dual FMC area, 1. Subscriber satisfaction a user can be connected to intranet through WiFi based 2. OPEX reduction Wireless LAN, not through mobile communication networks. 3. Effective service option management In this case, multiple APs(Access Points) are needed so that Service Service 4. Platform indipendence Provider Provider users can connect up to WiFi wireless LAN. 5. Reuse of existing networks Mobile devices has the ability to access circuit based network and WiFi wireless LAN, thus mobile device needs not depend on only mobile communication network. Dual FMC should III. 3W BASED FMC NETWORKS provide mobility of mobile devices. Therefore, mobile devices can connect up to the PBX intranet through both circuit based A. Single FMC mobile communication network and WiFi wireless LAN. Generally, the charge using WiFi wireless LAN is cheaper than circuit network. Dual FMC method has many advantages. First, it provides broad coverage of two kinds of networks. Second, user can use voice mail of public mobile communication network and private PBX network simultaneously. Third, it guarantees service scalability by deploying SIP based networks. As a result, we can expect the evolution into UC(Unified Communication)[6]. C. 3W Based FMC In 3W based FMC, mobile VoIP is essential method. VoIP services are becoming more common as electronic communications services are shifting to IP-based networks. VoIP based Telephony services, that is when identified as Public Electronic Communications services, could be the future telephony service replacing traditional PSTN telephony services one day. Figure 1. Single FMC network configuration The phenomenon of FMC is enhanced by the technological advancements in core and access networks. The new network Single FMC means the network is composed of circuit capabilities are one of the enablers to offer convergent based networks. There is no WLAN network. In the early multimedia services built upon the NGNs, which are shared 2000s in Korea, WPBX concept was introduced. Using core networks for all types of access and services and packet WPBX, subscribers can communicate with one another mode transport. without rate in the offices. Only the call outside the office is Also the price decrease of VoIP network termination charged for the normal mobile communication rate since the equipment has enabled operators and service providers to bring call is communicated by mobile networks. Strictly speaking, about complex, low-cost services such as mobile over that is deployed by CDMA network. Free or charged call is broadband or VoIP over WiFi or VoIP over 3G. decided according to the fact whether the mobile phone is KT(Korea Telecom) is now about to deploy 3W based FMC located Intra or outside the specified zone. In this case, the services. In this strategy, access transport domain is composed function of mobile phones can be extended to single number of three kinds of access network – WiBro network, WiFi wireless LAN network and WCDMA CS network. Moreover, that circuit switched services should be provided using only LTE network can be included considering next generation WCDMA CS network. This means that VANC based FMC networks. policy is very effective. There is no need to port specific services into IMS control network. We can also expect that the WiFi Wibro impact of legacy network will be minimized. In this case, charge of calls should be reduced as if the call happened in PDG ACR RAS WiFi network. IMS network We also suggest data services be provided through WiFi SCC AS network with most priority. If WiFi networks do not exist, LTE WCDMA CS mobile device should connect up to WiBro network. WCDMA MSC PS(Packet Switched) network is attempted for lowest priority. PDN GW MGW server Serv GW E. CS Migration Strategy eNode B RNC As LTE(Long Term Evolution) networks are considered to Node B be deployed in the near future, we now provide how to migrate circuit switched network into LTE environment. In LTE Figure 2. 3W Based FMC network configuration using IMS network networks, there are no CS networks, thus voice/SMS service is provided through PS networks. However, a lot of TelCo’s Fig 2 shows the 3W based FMC network configuration.