3GPP Selects Femtocell Standard, and it’s not (exactly) UMA/GAN

It was announced by multiple sources this week that 3GPP selected a reference architecture for femtocell-to-core network connectivity. This isn’t the completed standard, but sets the framework for the 3GPP RAN 3 working group to develop a full specification. The plan of record, per the 3GPP, is for the full stage 2 and stage 3 documents to be completed by Dec 2008 (in Release 8).

As has also been point out recently, the existing 3GPP UMA/GAN specification was one of a few architectures being considered as the basis for a formal 3GPP femtocell standard. The net result is that the UMA/GAN standard, as is, was not chosen. Sad but true. In order to reach an industry consensus on a HNB architecture there was a measure of compromise from all the participating companies. That’s the nature of standards: compromise.

However, while the HNB reference architecture is not full UMA/GAN, it adopts a number of key principles first introduced in the 3GPP GAN standard. For example, at the highest level, it follows an access-based (rather than core-based) approach, leveraging the existing Iu-cs/Iu-ps interfaces into the core service network. It also identifies the use of a specific protocol for solving a number of challenges associated with the ad-hoc deployment of devices over the internet.

Frankly, while the UMA community would have been delighted if 3GPP had adopted GAN lock-stock-and barrel (as they say in the US) as the formal femtocell standard, the likelihood has always been low. Fortunately, the agreed femtocell architecture builds on several core principles of GAN, which will help accelerate the market.

ThinkFemtocell has a good breakdown of different elements of the work.

For at least a little while longer, UMA/GAN remains the only 3GPP standard which supports femtocells today...

UMA/GAN standards adds Iu-mode (3G) support

At last week’s 3GPP meeting in Vancouver, the GERAN working group approved the CR (change request) that adds Iu-mode support to the UMA/GAN Stage 2 specification.

The addition of Iu-mode support to the UMA/GAN specification now also enables the development of UMA-enabled devices (dual-mode handsets, femtocells) that can leverage the 3G (Iu-CS/Iu-PS) interfaces into the core mobile network.

UMA started as a 2G technology and now supports both native 3G and 2G interfaces. The standard continues to evolve with mobile RAN.

A BIG week for a FEMTO standard

A little event occurred in Dublin this week that could have big implications for the Femtocell market…

As we all know, standardizing the interface between Femtocells and the core mobile network is one of the big challenges that must be met before the Femtocell market can really take off (see the UMA Today webinar or whitepaper for more info).

Well, at the 3GPP GERAN standards meeting in Dublin this week, a formal work item was started to add the necessary changes to UMA specifications to accommodate femtocells. With hard work and a small bit of luck, 3GPP could have the work completed by February of next year. This is key milestone.

I hope everyone at the meeting raised a glass of that classic Irish beverage and proposed a toast.