An Integrated System Concept for Fourth Generation Mobile Communication

Next generation mobile communication does not only denote a new air interface, but a complex software architecture, addressing all system parts from wireless transmission to applications and services including a network and middleware platform. Seamless integration of heterogeneous environments on all system levels is regarded to be a key requirement. Future systems have to consider the different evolution cycles of individual system parts where customized services are expected to change fastest. With respect to these assumptions, we suggest an overall architecture for next generation mobile communication systems. Our approach aims at easy service deployment supported by all system parts. For that, we assume adaptable, cooperating components on open platforms grouped by abstraction layers rather than rigid system layers. Cross layer awareness allows services and applications to make use of available resources.