With the rapid advancement of high capacity mobile IP transport technologies, the integration between heterogeneous mobile data networks such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), 3G and WLAN is becoming a must for future needs. This article will first introduce 3 GPP core network standards development including its interoperability with WLAN. Then it will discuss architectures, scenarios and related interfaces and protocols, and compare in detail different 3GPP proposed internetworking architectures. Finally we will address some of the challenges and advantages of this integration.
SLF (Subscription Locator Function) WAG (Wireless Access Gateway) PDG (Packet Data Gateway) UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) GANC (Generic Access Network Controller) SEGW (Security GAteway)