Wireless LAN architecture for mobile operators

The evolution of Internet- or IP-based office applications has created a strong demand for public broadband wireless access offering capacity beyond current cellular systems. A wireless LAN is able to support broadband data rates in indoor environments but does not include support for operator-driven public access. In addition, most commercial public wireless LAN solutions only provide modest authentication and roaming capability compared with traditional cellular networks. This chapter describes a new wireless LAN system architecture that combines the wireless LAN radio access technology with the mobile operators' SIM-based subscriber management functions and roaming infrastructure. In the defined system, wireless LAN access is authenticated and charged with the GSM SIM, which is a widely deployed mobility platform. This solution supports roaming between cellular and wireless LAN access networks and is one step toward an all-IP network architecture. The first release of the system has been implemented and verified in an actual mobile operator network.