MIND: Mobile IP based Network Developments (IST-2000-28584)
MIND is a research and technology development (RTD) project sponsored by the European Commission under the Information Technologies Programme (IST), which is one of the thematic programmes of the Fifth RTD Framework Programme (1998-2002)
The IST project MIND (Mobile IP-based Network Developments) has been formed by Europe’s leading Telecom Operators and manufacturers to research the extension of IP-based radio access networks to include ad-hoc and wireless elements both within and attached to the fixed infrastructure. The MIND project is a follow up to the successful BRAIN (Broadband Radio Access over IP Networks) project. Project BRAIN developed a framework for the deployment of high bandwidth access technologies, taking the example of HIPERLAN/2, that could be complementary to 3G cellular technologies.
The technical approach of MIND provides a vision of what shows a path towards 4G. The work will be based on results of the IST project BRAIN. The project will take as a starting point the concept of an IP core, accessed by a variety of technologies. It will develop this vision with business models and user considerations (including scenarios – which will look at the user side of ad-hoc networks). From this the project will derive the requirements on the network and air interface parts of the vision. In addition the project will conduct a trial – practical research – into the use of HIPERLAN/2 and an IP-based access network, using IP QoS and IP mobility management techniques, as a complement to UMTS and as a part of this vision. The project is not concerned with the core IP network and will focus only on those aspects of the problem that specifically relate to mobile. This is why we have the concept of an access network – where different IP QoS protocols could run, for example, and where IP micro-mobility management would be introduced.
Objectives
The main objectives of the MIND project are to:
- Overall aim:To facilitate the rapid creation of broadband multimdeia services and applications that are fully supported and customised when accessed by future mobile users from a wide range of wireless access technologies.
- Research Areas:To extend the concepts of IP mobile networks. This includes: new network topologies -ad hoc, self-organising and meshed networkds; enhanced support for QoS, ad-hoc networks and self-organisation at all layers of HIPERLAN/2; QoS support in IP-based mobile networks; investigation of the spectrum requirementes for systems beyond 3G.
- Trials:The project will research the use of WLAN and an IP-based access network as complement to UMTS for high bandwidth provision in hot spot areas.
- Delivery:To contribute actively to standards bodies and industry forums