Definition
The communications architecture discussed in this tutorial is an open, packet-based, networking strategy that enables integration of voice, data, and multimedia for wireless mobile networks worldwide.

Overview
The Internet created a paradigm in the wireline telecommunications industry that resulted in the development of new services and applications based on Internet protocol (IP) technology. The influence of the Internet and IP technology has extended to encompass the cellular industry where standards bodies, operators, and radio access network (RAN) equipment vendors have embraced IP as the networking architecture of choice for delivering a whole new class-of-service application offerings. This tutorial describes this wireless IP–based communications architecture and discusses some of the benefits cellular operators can expect to gain by employing it.

A brief overview of the architecture’s structural components is provided along with an explanation of how its open, packet-based characteristics enable quick development and delivery of end-to-end solutions that are able to take advantage of new technology as it emerges. Future convergence paths are also explained to set the context for understanding the graceful progression to IP–based wireless technology.

Upon completion of this tutorial, you should be able to accomplish the following:

• describe the new-world, wireless IP–based communications architecture
• identify and discuss the benefits cellular operators can realize by implementing this architecture