3GPP Work Item description

This page contains informal descriptive text only.  See master WID page for further details.

Feature:     Wireless-LAN to UMTS interworking

There is an increasing demand for wireless "local area" access in very different scenarios.  Wireless access to Internet is provided to public users by the use of currently existing WLAN technology such as IEEE 802.11b.  In companies, wireless access is provided to portable computer users by use of the same technology.  For residential use, wireless access is also increasing. 3rd generation technologies and systems will provide bearers for similar packet-switched services, with greater mobility and wider area coverage albeit with reduced data rate.  WLAN technology can complement 3GPP-based networks in deployment environments with high user density and demand for higher data rates.  However, in order to provide flexible use of both technologies in these environments and to provide mobility of services between the two technologies, it is sensible that some degree of interworking exist between them.

A feasibility study will be performed, covering the scenarios and possible architectures for interworking.  Work will continue to produce specifications for the service and operational requirements.

Work to be led by S1.