Implementation and performance evaluation of an open control architecture for wireless ATM networks

The notion of wireless ATM (WATM) is fast gaining prominence as the technology for supporting wireless mobile multimedia communications. In this paper, we share our experience in the design, implementation and experimentation of a distributed open network control architecture for WATM networks based on the open signaling paradigm. The proposed architecture provides unified network programmability across both the wired and wireless environments. The architecture also provides an integrated solution for WATM network access using the ATM Forum UNI signalling. The viability of the architecture is established through a prototype implementation over CORBA, for signalling and mobility management in the Wireless ATM Research Project (WARP), and some of the performance measurements are obtained. Based on the experience gained from this work, a set of additional features required in CORBA for wireless and mobility support has been identified and contributed to the standardization process by the OMG telecom domain task force on wireless access and mobility support in CORBA.