Network Integration in 3G and 4G Wireless Networks

Abstract—3G wireless data networks have emerged
as the first high speed, ubiquitous data networks. 4G
wireless networks are poised to replace 3G networks
as the next generation of mobile data networks, but
the transition will be lengthy and expensive. Wireless
authentication across 3G and 4G data networks is typically
an arduous task, requiring complete disconnection
from the existing network before performing a lengthy
full authentication on the new network. We introduce
an efficient interworking method for CDMA2000 1xEVDO
and WiMAX data networks that allows existing
authentication credentials to be leveraged in more
efficient interworking protocols at both tightly- and
loosely-coupled network integration levels, as well
as a proactive handoff scheme that takes advantage
of our tightly-coupled interworking. We perform a
detailed simulation and mathematical analysis of our
interworking and handoff protocols and find that our
interworking scheme reduces interworking delays by
up to 75% in the WiMAX to CDMA case and 85% in
the CDMA to WiMAX case.