What are the key benefits of layered network?

The key principle of modern networking is the separation of network functionality into independent layers; this is also true in the tele and datacoms industry. The 'layered' thinking is also a very fundamental and visible aspect in a number of standardization initiatives and industry forums, such as Multiservice Switching Forum, led by several of the largest operators and manufactures.

3G mobile communication systems are designed with these principles in mind, and hence offer a number of advantages and possibilities. Special attention needs to be put on meeting the requirements for time-to-market, low cost of ownership, openness and future evolution towards an "all-IP" solution.

Key characteristics :

• Offers an open and versatile architecture capable of meeting the current and future demand in a fast changing telecommunications environment.

• Provides and inherent flexibility for coping with growth and/or changing traffic patterns and traffic mixes.

• Independence between layers allows each layer to evolve independently.

• Provides great transport flexibility and allows different transport technologies, both existing and new. To be deployed without impacting the control or services/application layers.

• Allows common transport arrangements for multi-services network.

• Allows access independent and seamless services through a common service/applications layer.

• Provides efficient use of network resources.

• Relies on proven and stable protocols and design.

• Allow a very flexible re-use of investments in the GSM infrastructure.