Introduction to All-IP Network (AIPN)

The All-IP Network (AIPN) is an evolution of the 3GPP system to meet the increasing demands of the mobile telecommunications market. Primarily focused upon enhancements of packet switched technology, AIPN provides a continued evolution and optimisation of the system concept in order to provide a competitive edge in terms of both performance and cost. Moreover, it is important that developments of the 3GPP system are compliant with Internet protocols. The AIPN is not limited to consideration of only the transport protocol used within the 3GPP system but adheres to the general concept of a network based upon IP and associated technologies, able to accommodate a variety of different access systems. Although, it is possible to use a variety of different access systems to connect to the AIPN, the AIPN provides an advanced, integrated service set independent as far as possible from the access system used.

The high level objectives of introduction of the AIPN are to realise:

• universal seamless access
• improved user experience
• reduction of cost (for AIPN operators)
• flexibility of deployment.

There are also a number of motivations and drivers for the introduction of the AIPN which include but are not limited to:

• diversification of mobile services
• need to satisfy user experience of early adopters
• anticipation of PS traffic to surpass CS
• desire to encompass a variety of access systems
• need for increased system efficiency and cost reduction (OPEX and CAPEX) and
• advances of next generation radio access systems and broadband wireless IP-based networks.

The key aspects of the AIPN can be summarised as follows:

• Support for a variety of different access systems
• Common capabilities provided independent to the type of service provided with convergence to IP technology considered from the perspective of the system as a whole
• High performance mobility management that provides end-user, terminal and session mobility
• Ability to adapt and move sessions from one terminal to another
• Ability to select the appropriate access system based on a range of criteria
• Provision of advanced application services as well as seamless and ubiquitous services
• Ability to efficiently handle and optimally route a variety of different types of IP traffic including user-to-user, user-to-group and ubiquitous service traffic models
• High level of security and support for user privacy e.g. location privacy, identity privacy
• Methods for ensuring QoS within and across AIPNs
• Appropriate identification of terminals, subscriptions and users
• Federation of identities across different service providers

Further Reading:
3GPP TS 22.258: Service Requirements for the All-IP Network (AIPN);
Stage 1

3GPP TR 22.978: All-IP Network (AIPN) feasibility study

Wireless and Mobile All-IP Core Networks and Services

Next Generation Mobile Systems: 3G & Beyond