Architecture and protocols for a Mobile Broadband System

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Conforto, Paolo | Delli Priscoli, Francesco | Marziale, Vincenzo

Affiliations: Alenia Aerospazio, Divisione Spazio, Roma, Italy E‐mail: {p.conforto, v.marziale}@roma.alespazio.it | Dipartimento di Informatica e Sistemistica, University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, Roma, Italy E‐mail: [email protected]

Abstract: This paper, is mainly based on work performed in the framework of the European Union Advanced Communications, Technology and Services (EU‐ACTS) ACCORD project. This project, by collecting the main results carried out from four other different ACTS projects (SECOMS, EXODUS, MEDIAN and SAMBA), aims at the validation, from both a theoretical and an experimental viewpoint, of a truly global Mobile Broadband System (MBS) consisting of multiple (satellite/terrestrial) System components with different complementary characteristics. One of the key aspects is the design of a mobile Multi Mode Terminal (ACCORD MMT), which allows mobile users to access the same ATM‐based Core Network through four different Access Systems, each one designed and optimised to operate in a specific environment (satellite, Digital European Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), indoor Wireless Local Area Network(W‐LAN), urban digital cellular). This paper describes the ACCORD System way of working and the Mobility Management procedures.

Journal: Space Communications, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 173-188, 1999