MIRAI architecture for heterogeneous network

One of the keywords that describe next generation wireless communications is seam-less. As part of the e-Japan Plan promoted by the Japanese Government, the MIRAI (Multimedia Integrated network by Radio Access Innovation) project has, as its goal, the development of new technologies to enable seamless integration of various wireless access systems for practical use by the year 2005. This paper describes a heterogeneous network architecture including a common tool, a common platform, and a common access. In particular, software-defined radio technologies are used to develop a multi-service user terminal to access different wireless networks. The common platform for various wireless networks is based on a wireless supporting IPv6 network. A basic access network, separated from other wireless access networks, is used as a means for wireless system discovery, signaling, and paging. A proof-concept experimental demonstration system will be available in March, 2002.