Protocol Stack Design for 3 Generation Mobile Systems – UMTS Core Network

In this paper we illustrate a new protocol stack, namely the FCNS (Future Core Networks System), primarily designed for carrying signalling information in the UMTS core network packet switched domain that will provide interoperability with the circuit switched domain and greater flexibility, robustness and security than the proposed schemes from the telecommunications community. The paper is divided in sections, as follows. In the first section an introduction is given as to the current research undergoing by academic and commercial organisations and committees. We then move to analyse the proposed approaches depicting their disadvantages that constitute the motivation behind our work. A detailed overview of the FCNS architecture is given explaining its features, capabilities and services offered. Finally we give some comparisons and description of the current work undergoing for the protocol and possible future enhancements.