NEW YORK—Bell Labs researchers said they have developed a software architecture, called Common Operations, that will enable global roaming across all wireless network types, including those providing third-generation (3G) mobile and high-speed fixed data access services.
“As next-generation high-speed mobile data networks emerge and new mobile Internet services are introduced, IP (Internet Protocol) and cellular systems must be able to route calls and deliver services to one another,” said Paul Mankiewich, chief technology officer of the Mobil solutions group at Lucent Technologies, under whose aegis Bell Labs operates.
Common Operations, or COPS, provides a generic interface to key Home Location Register functions, translating user data and signaling technologies from cellular protocols to Internet protocols and vice versa automatically. Building an HLR with this software architecture allows for customer databases that can be updated automatically, accessed by multiple network types and can support voice and high-speed data services.
“With this technology breakthrough, carriers will be able to more easily migrate from one network protocol to another without replacing the HLR. Additionally, callers will be able to use their phones in the same way on a guest network, including networks in other countries and regions, as they do at home,” said Krishan Sabnani, vice president of Bell Labs’ Networking Research Laboratory.
