Mobile operators are rapidly transforming their existing infrastructures
from proprietary circuit-switched networks to the open standards-based 3G
IP-based networks. Mobile operators recognize the need to optimize their
networks for data traffic.
There is a 3G-reference architecture,
promoted by Cisco and partners, which is based on open interfaces. The
architecture was previously supported through the Mobile Wireless Internet
Forum (MWIF), which ceased operation at the end of 2002. The Open Mobile
Alliance (OMA) is now continuing the technical work of the forum
.
There
are four basic principles of the OMA:
- Products and services are based on open, global standards, protocols, and
interfaces and are not restricted to proprietary technologies.
- The applications layer is bearer agnostic, such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, CDMA,
or UMTS.
- The architecture framework and service enablers are independent of the OS.
- Applications and platforms are interoperable, providing seamless geographic
and inter-generational roaming.
By promoting a common IP core, a distributed peer-to-peer IP-based
architecture for scalability, and IP standard interfaces for billing and
customer care, the operating efficiencies of new mobile voice and data services
will benefit mobile operators and customers.