802.11 to 3g Call Handover Achieved

Lucent Technologies has demonstrated the successful seamless handoff of a wireless data call from a "WiFi" or wireless local area network (WLAN) to a UMTS network, enabling mobile laptop users to browse the Internet while roaming between the two network types with no interruption in the session.

Using Lucent's UMTS network equipment, and a laptop PC equipped with a UMTS test mobile phone, a Proxim ORINOCO 802.11 WLAN card and ipUnplugged's Roaming Gateway client/server software, users were able to initiate a secure Internet session on an 802.11 WLAN or a UMTS network, and maintain it while moving from one network to the other.

The successful testing incorporated a key standard established by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), Mobile IP, that enables seamless inter-technology handoffs between 802.11 and 3G technologies, which are essential to maintaining "always-on" high-speed mobile Internet connections. This technique is made possible by a unique mobile network architecture developed by Bell Labs.

"Lucent is strongly focused on giving UMTS network operators the end-to- end solutions they need to offer attractive new services to business customers," said Bruce Dale, vice-president for UMTS product and offer realization for Lucent's Mobility Solutions Group. "This achievement will serve to enhance a mobile worker's wireless experience by giving them continuous access to the information they need using the fastest technology available in any given location."

Lucent has also previously demonstrated seamless roaming capabilities between WiFi and 3G CDMA2000 wireless networks.'"

Posted to the site on 19th September 2002