Wireless Internet over heterogeneous wireless networks

One of the two keywords for the next generation wireless communications is seamless. Being involved in the essential e-Japan Plan promoted by the Japanese Government, MIRAI (Multimedia Integrated network by Radio Access Innovation) project is responsible for the research and development on the seamless integration of various wireless access systems for the practical use by the year 2005. A heterogeneous network architecture including a common tool, a common platform, and a common access is proposed in this paper. Concretely, software-defined-radio technologies are used to develop a multi-service user terminal to be used for access to different wireless networks. The common platform for various wireless networks is based on a wireless supporting IPv6 network. A basic access network, separated from other wireless access networks, is used as a means for wireless system discovery, signaling and paging. A proof-concept experimental demonstration system will be available in March 2002.