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Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)
technology provides access to GSM
and GPRS mobile services over
unlicensed spectrum technologies,
including Bluetooth and 802.11. By
deploying UMA technology, service
providers can enable subscribers to
roam and handover between cellular
networks and public and private
unlicensed wireless networks using
dual-mode mobile handsets. With UMA,
subscribers receive a consistent
user experience for their mobile
voice and data services as they
transition between networks.
In order to promote the
widespread adoption of UMA
technology, a number of leading
companies within the wireless
industry have jointly developed a
set of open specifications. These
specifications are available through
this Web site, and may be used by
vendors and carriers of wireless
communications systems and
applications to develop and deploy
interoperable solutions.
In addition to developing and
maintaining the initial
specifications, the participating
companies are actively working with
the 3GPP standards organization to
use the specifications as the basis
for the development of a formal
standard.
How UMA Technology Works
- A mobile subscriber with a
UMA-enabled, dual-mode handset
moves within range of an
unlicensed wireless network to
which the handset is allowed to
connect.
- Upon connecting, the handset
contacts the UMA Network
Controller (UNC) over the
broadband IP access network to
be authenticated and authorized
to access GSM voice and GPRS
data services via the unlicensed
wireless network.
- If approved, the
subscriber’s current location
information stored in the core
network is updated, and from
that point on all mobile voice
and data traffic is routed to
the handset via the Unlicensed
Mobile Access Network (UMAN)
rather than the cellular radio
access network (RAN).
- ROAMING:
When a UMA-enabled subscriber
moves outside the range of an
unlicensed wireless network to
which they are connected, the
UNC and handset facilitate
roaming back to the licensed
outdoor network. This roaming
process is completely
transparent to the subscriber.
- HANDOVER:
If a subscriber is on an active
GSM voice call or GPRS data
session when they come within
range (or out of range) of an
unlicensed wireless network,
that voice call or data session
can automatically handover
between access networks with no
discernable service
interruption. Handovers are
completely transparent to the
subscriber.
Visit the UMA site |
