Overall UMTS Architecture and Protocols

Overall UMTS Architecture and Protocols pdf

A UMTS network can be divided into the following physical domains:
1. User Domain
2. Infrastructure Domain, itself subdivided into:
a. Radio Access Network
b. Core Network
Each domain is further described in the following pages, and each may involve further subdivisions and elements.
An important feature in the standardisation of UMTS is that the internal functionality of domains is NOT specified. Instead the interfaces between them are defined and open. This means that in theory it is possible to have several network elements of the same type, with the minimum requirement for a fully featured network being to have one of each.

A UMTS system could be divided into sub-networks, operational either alone or together, but each with unique identities. A single such network is described as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and may be connected to other PLMNs, or other networks such as ISDN, PSTN or the Internet.

For example, in practical application this might mean that a single physical UTRAN infrastructure could be shared by a number of core network domains. It also means that different domain elements can be more easily sourced from different equipment manufacturers, with interoperability ensured by the standardised interfaces, thus leading to more competition and greater operator choice in sourcing infrastructure.