Detailed Notes on Mobile Network
Layer Topics
1. Evolution of 3G Standards
HSPA (High Speed Packet Access)
Combination of HSDPA (downlink) and HSUPA (uplink).
Enhances UMTS with higher data rates using advanced modulation schemes (QPSK,
16QAM).
Downlink up to 14.4 Mbps, uplink up to 5.76 Mbps.
Features: Fast scheduling, Hybrid ARQ, shorter Transmission Time Interval (TTI).
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
Spread spectrum technology allowing multiple users to share the same frequency band.
Each user assigned a unique code; used in IS-95 and CDMA2000.
Benefits: Soft handoff, resistance to multipath, better bandwidth usage.
EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution)
Extension of GPRS using 8-PSK modulation.
Supports up to 384 kbps data rate; backward compatible with GSM/GPRS.
Introduced new Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) for higher throughput.
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
Allocates unique time slots to users in a frequency channel.
Used in GSM; efficient for circuit-switched voice services.
Requires tight synchronization; inefficient under bursty traffic.
SDMA (Space Division Multiple Access)
Users are separated by physical space using smart antennas or beamforming.
Used in advanced LTE and 5G systems to improve spatial reuse and capacity.
2. Mobile Network Layer – Mobile IP
Mobile IP enables mobile devices to move across different networks while retaining a
permanent IP address.
Assumptions
Internet uses hierarchical IP addressing.
Mobile nodes can frequently change networks.
Packets should reach the mobile node regardless of its location.
Entities in Mobile IP
Mobile Node (MN): The moving device.
Home Agent (HA): Router on home network; tunnels packets to MN.
Foreign Agent (FA): Router on visited network; delivers packets to MN.
Care-of Address (CoA): Temporary IP address assigned in foreign network.
IP Packet Delivery
Correspondent Node sends data to MN’s permanent IP.
HA intercepts and tunnels packets to CoA.
FA or MN decapsulates and receives the original packet.
Agent Advertisement and Discovery
Agents broadcast availability using ICMP messages.
MN may also send agent solicitation messages to find available agents.
Registration Process
MN registers its CoA with HA via FA or directly.
HA updates its binding table for packet forwarding.
Authentication is used to secure the registration.
Tunneling and Encapsulation
Tunneling encapsulates original packet inside a new IP packet.
Methods: IP-in-IP, Minimal Encapsulation, Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE).
3. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
DHCP is a protocol that dynamically assigns IP addresses and configuration parameters to
network devices.
Purpose
Eliminates the need for manual IP configuration.
Automates IP assignment in dynamic networks.
DHCP Process (DORA)
Discover: Client broadcasts request for IP.
Offer: DHCP server offers available IP address.
Request: Client requests the offered IP.
Acknowledge: Server confirms and assigns the IP address.
Key Features
Temporary IP leasing with renewal support.
Can also provide subnet mask, gateway, DNS server addresses.
Supports both IPv4 (DHCPv4) and IPv6 (DHCPv6).
DHCP vs Mobile IP
DHCP changes IP address when device moves to new network.
Mobile IP allows a device to keep its IP while roaming across networks.
DHCP is ideal for static hosts; Mobile IP for mobile environments.