Mobility management in integrated UMTS/WLAN networks

Abstract

The complementary characteristics of universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) and 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) networks make them attractive for integration to offer the best of both technologies. However to make their integration effective, seamless mobility between the two networks is necessary. In this paper we address mobility management procedures within and between UMTS and 802.11 WLAN for various integration scenarios. For each integration option we consider, we give the interaction between various networks elements and new procedures required to ensure seamless mobility.