Access system

Description

The term 'Access system' is defined in 3GPP specifications as an entity or collection of entities that provides the user the capability to connect to the AIPN (Ambient Intelligence and Personal Network). This definition appears in the context of 3GPP's work on personal network management and ambient intelligence, particularly in specifications 22.258 and 22.978. The AIPN concept was part of 3GPP's exploration of future networks where personal devices and ambient intelligence would be interconnected.

An access system can be understood as the set of network functions and infrastructure that enables a user to access the AIPN. This includes the radio access network (RAN), which provides the wireless connection, as well as any authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) functions, gateways, and other core network elements that are necessary for the user to establish a connection and access services. The access system may consist of multiple entities, such as base stations, controllers, and gateways, working together to provide connectivity.

The concept of an access system is broader than just the radio access technology; it encompasses the entire chain of functions from the user device to the point where the user can access the services of the AIPN. This includes the physical layer, protocols, and network elements that are involved in establishing and maintaining the connection. The access system may also include functions for mobility management, security, and QoS, ensuring that the user's connection is reliable and secure.

In the context of AIPN, the access system is expected to support a wide range of devices and applications, from personal devices to ambient sensors and actuators. It must be flexible and scalable to accommodate different types of traffic and usage scenarios. The access system may also need to support multiple access technologies, allowing the user to connect via different means (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and seamlessly switch between them.

The definition of access system in 3GPP is relatively abstract, reflecting the exploratory nature of the AIPN work. It does not specify particular technologies or architectures, but rather provides a conceptual framework for understanding how users connect to the AIPN. This allows for flexibility in implementation and evolution as technology advances. The term is not as widely used as other 3GPP terms, but it is important in the context of personal networks and ambient intelligence, which are areas of ongoing research and standardization.

Purpose & Motivation

The concept of an access system was introduced to provide a generic term for the collection of network entities that enable user connectivity to the AIPN. The AIPN (Ambient Intelligence and Personal Network) was a 3GPP study area that explored how personal devices and ambient intelligence could be integrated into mobile networks. The access system serves as a building block in this vision, representing the means by which users and their devices connect to the network.

Before the introduction of this term, 3GPP specifications typically referred to specific access technologies (e.g., UTRAN, GERAN) or generic terms like 'radio access network'. However, the AIPN concept required a more abstract term that could encompass any type of access, including personal area networks and ambient intelligence devices. The access system term fills this gap by providing a technology-agnostic way to refer to the connectivity infrastructure.

The access system concept also helps in discussing interworking and coexistence between different access technologies. In a world where users may have multiple devices and connect via various means, the access system provides a unified view of how these connections are managed. It allows network architects and engineers to think about connectivity in a holistic way, rather than focusing on individual technologies. This is particularly relevant for the AIPN, which envisions a seamless integration of personal and ambient networks.