May JulyJanuary 2003 doc.: IEEE 802.11-02/003r1

IEEE P802.11
Wireless LANs

DRAFT OF 5 Criteria for

Radio MeasurementInterworking with Cellular and external IP networks

Date:JulyJanuary 2003

Author:Richard H. PaineStephen McCann
The Boeing CompanySiemens Roke Manor

IEEE 802 Five Criteria

1. BROAD MARKET POTENTIAL

a) Broad sets of applicability.

For several years it has been the aim, and indeed practice, of IEEE 802.11 to form closer ties with both ETSI and MMAC (The European and Japanese WLAN standardization bodies), with regard to the creation of a broader market for WLAN equipment through the harmonization of standards. Once such area pursuing a harmonized approach is the interworking of all WLANs with external networks, including cellular networks. To achieve a harmonized standard interworking with WLAN, As more and more systems become mobile through the use of cellular systems and 802.11 WLANs, the requirement to know where the devices are, what radio coverage is like, and who is using them become imperative. In addition, as Voice Over IP (VOIP) becomes prevalent, the requirement to provide location for Enhanced 911 (E911) is mandatory. Also inherent in such systems as VOIP are the requirements for QoS. Without the information about ports, Access Points (APs), wireless link capabilities, radio signal strength, and signal to noise ratios, such QoS is not possible.the Wireless Interworking Group (WIG) was formed in the summer of 2002. Its initial goal is produce a Generic Interworking standard for all WLANs to both Cellular and external IP networks. Together with ETSI and MMAC, IEEE 802.11 is the third partner in this joint imitative.

Although WIG does not have the remit to be a standardization body itself, it has been empowered, by the three partners, to sanctions a joint specification. This will then be endorsed by all three partners to achieve a joint standard, yet be approved under their own separate rules of regulatory approval.

It is therefore necessary for IEEE 802.11 to have a new working group to take the responsibility of their part of the WIG. In addition this working group must also define the requirements and necessary interfaces to allow 802.11 to comply with the WIG baseline document (WBD).

b) Multiple vendors, numerous users.

In order for such requirements to be met, there is the need for information about the systems and their health. The information must be in a standard format and be defined in a common place and syntax for multiple vendors’ equipment to use the information.The opportunity throughout the world for WLAN interworking with cellular and external IP networks is large. Compliance with the WBD will also enable the roaming of 802.11 terminal equipment into any hotspot throughout the world.

c) Balanced costs (LAN versus attached stations).

For the initial release of the WBD, As the productivity of WLANs and wireless in general become prevalent, the management of devices becomes mandatory. No longer can fixed locations be counted upon and therefore the need for common data measurement and management based on that measurement.the changes required will have little or no impact on the cost of clients. These changes will primarily affect the fixed infrastructure.

2. COMPATIBILITY

The compatibility with IEEE 802 requirements will result in a standard that supplies radio information to all vendors in a standard way. Such a concept will stretch across all the 802.11 protocol specifications and be compatible with them all. Standardized radio measurement will enable all vendors to access information about the radios of other vendors. extends 802.11’s product portfolio to interwork with all cellular and external IP networks that conform to the WBD.

3. DISTINCT IDENTITY

a) Substantially different from other 802 Projects

Although data measurement should have been a major priority, the need to communicate wirelessly came first. Now there is the need to catch up with standards-based radio measurement to make wireless LANs reliable, available, and maintainable.There are no other 802 Projects exclusively involved with interworking to cellular and external IP networks, however there exist the following groups which may have some influence:

801.1 (802.1x & 802.1aa), 802.11 TGe, 802.11 TGi, 802.11 WNG, 802.16, 802.18 and 802.20.

b) One unique solution per problem (not two solutions to a problem).

The PAR will define only one set of interfaces for interworking, but these should be aligned and endorsed by ARIB and ETSI. It is not specific to 802.11

c) Easy for document reader to select the relevant specification.

The PAR will define the only interworking standard for 802.11.

4. TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY

a) Demonstrated system feasibility.

802.11 equipment, Cellular equipment and wireless IP network equipment are all in use today. Higher layer protocols are under development by the IETF. This group will combine all these technologies to allow interworking to succeed.

b) Proven technology, reasonable testing.

The end components of the technology are in use today, although the interworking software has not been proven yet.

5. ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY

a) Known cost factors, reliable data.

The fundamental reference architecture for the interworking of WLAN with cellular and external IP networks is well known. The creation of specific interfaces for the interworking of 802.11 is a less understood process(?? Put something more substantial here ??)

b) Reasonable cost for performance.

Not known

c) Consideration of installation costs.

The installation cost of WLAN equipment will not change as a result of this amendment.

Submission page 1 Richard H. Paine, BoeingStephen McCann, Siemens