Middleware Architecture for Next Generation Heterogeneous Networks

In this paper we present a framework, called Futon, which provides a platform to integrate heterogeneous radio access networks. Futon is a hybrid fibre-radio network that replaces legacy base stations with simple remote antenna units, which are connected to a central unit. As a part of the Futon framework, a generic middleware architecture is discussed in detail, which provides interoperability, cooperative management and service provisioning to both underlying radio access networks (RANs) and IP layer for a heterogeneous network scenario. One of the middleware's functionality is to provide vertical handover between heterogeneous IP-based radio access technologies and to ensure seamless mobility and service continuity, which is implemented on top of an IPv4/IPv6 Mobile IP (MIP) core. In this paper, the Futon framework and a generic middleware architecture as a part of Futon framework for heterogeneous RANs is discussed. The main modules of the middleware, namely common radio resource management (CRRM), media independent handover, Service/Connection Manager and link selection are explained in detail. Radio over fibre (RoF) Manager is an important part of Central unit, which does performance, fault and security management of network elements. RoF manager helps middleware during handoff, by providing the status of fibre optic links. The implementation of Security management module as a part of RoF manager, and results of authentication with AAA protocol are explained. The CRRM as part of middleware is simulated and the results of experimental evaluation are presented.