IMSIP Multimedia Subsystem

IMS Overview and the Unified Carrier Network

Neil Kinder
Technical Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa Sonus Networks
Introduction Background The Internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem was initially defined by the 3GPP and 3GPP2 wireless working bodies. Its focus was to provide a new mobile network architecture that enables the convergence of data, speech, and mobile network technology over an IPbased infrastructure. The information management system (IMS) was designed to fill the gap between the existing traditional telecommunications technology and Internet technology that increased bandwidth alone will not provide. As a result, IMS will support operators in offering new and innovative services that will attract new subscribers and maintain their existing base. Mobile operators have been very successful in driving penetration of their services over the past 10 to 15 years. They have used the services applications of service management system (SMS), voice mail, push-to-talk, and prepaid to support greater market segmentation, customer retention, and focus. Innovative tariffs mechanisms and the attraction of mobility have enabled mobile carriers to reach a broader customer base than the fixed-line carriers. However, fixed-line services are now changing dramatically, with the introduction of broadband and IMS a key step in helping the mobile carriers compete on the services side. In the fixed-line world, IP has been already been deployed in many forms, from H.323 toll bypass through to softswitching for class 4 and 5 traffic types. However, the fixed-line standards bodies working on IP and voice were struggling to agree upon an architecture that maintained the important qualities of the past 100 years of public switched telephone network (PSTN) voice with the dynamic flexibility of the Internet. IMS has become attractive to both camps and, over the past four years, this architecture has developed an increased following from organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)/Telecommunications and Internet-converged Services and Protocols Networks (TISPAN), and various other important working parties. Today, operators and standards bodies see it as the umbrella architecture to both mobile and fixed multimedia communication in the 21st century.

Copyright 2005 Sonus Networks

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Peer-Peer

3GPP R5 IMS 3GPP R5 IMS SIP SIP IP end-to-end IP end-to-end IP-based services IP-based services

NGN

Soft Switching

3GPP R4 3GPP R4 MGC/MG MGC/MG H.248, BICC H.248, BICC ATM/IP core ATM/IP core

ITU/ETSI ITU/ETSI MGC/MG MGC/MG H.248, BICC H.248, BICC ATM/IP core ATM/IP core

Circuit Switching

3GPP R99 3GPP R99 TDM TDM SS7/C7, SS7/C7, MAP MAP

ITU/ETSI ITU/ETSI TDM TDM SS7/C7, SS7/C7, ISUP ISUP

Figure 1: Standards Convergence While being focused at embracing IP, IMS was specifically created to enable and enhance real time, multimedia mobile services. The range of services has had to be as broad as the Internet has already exposed to subscribers on fixed-line broadband infrastructures, e.g., rich voice services, video telephony, messaging, gaming, conferencing, and instant messenger (IM) services. To support the sophisticated demands of these services, many key mechanisms, including session negotiation and management, quality of service (QoS), and mobility management, have had to be developed. However, IMS enables much more than just real-time user-to-user services. This paper focuses on the current market forces and how the IMS architecture responds to them. Market Factors and Trends A Market in Flux and Under Pressure Trends in technology, consumer/enterprise buying habits and expectations, operator cost pressures, regulatory changes, and geographical and political changes are just some of the influences being mixed in the telecommunications melting pot. Even though minutes of use (MoU) are increasing significantly, average revenues per user (ARPUs) from voice services continue their downward trend, driving network operators to seek new revenue streams to build long-term growth, differentiation, and profitability. The hunt is on for new products and services that can be introduced quickly and costeffectively. For services that will maintain existing subscribers and help to reduce churn, as well as attract new users while supporting entry into previously untapped markets. The traditional technical, geographical, and operational constraints, which segmented the roles of carriers in the fixed and mobile markets, are being removed. Today, an application service provider (ASP) or Internet service provider (ISP) is just as capable of launching a multi-country voice service across other fixed and mobile transport networks as an incumbent who owns those very same networks. Service Silos Cannot Be Maintained The influences of market deregulation, declining revenues/ARPU, and the variety of technological innovations in the past 20 years have led carriers to develop and deploy stovepipe or silo services and networks to meet the increased and broadening customer demand. This approach worked well while the increases in customer penetration and profitability continued to cover the original investment and maintain market share. However, the past five years have seen carriers finally accept that operating up to 20 transport networks (2G, frame relay, switched multimegabit data service [SMDS], asynchronous transfer mode [ATM], IP, etc.) with similar functional services mirrored across the various technologies can no longer be sustained without reducing profitability further and falling behind a market that is only increasing in momentum. Ten-year plans are being shortened to

three years, and business cases need to start showing returns within 12 months to attract the attention of the board.

Apps

Apps

GSM/ UMTS
Apps Broadband

Wireline
Apps

WLAN

Figure 2: Inefficiency of Running Multiple Transport Networks with Separated Service Silos Class 5 Trends Maturity of VoIP Technology In comparison to all other communications technologies, IP and the Internet have continued to adapt, develop, and grow in the numbers of infrastructures it can be transported across, applications it can support, and devices within which it is incorporated. Despite carriers having mixed opinions of the competencies of IP during the 1990s, it is now the case that IP is the only technology that can provide that can unify so many networks and applications. As part of this evolution, voice over IP (VoIP) has also developed to provide the quality and reliability to rival that of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) while providing the significant cost savings of deploying a mass-market technology (at the time of writing this document, more than 11 percent of worldwide long-distance traffic [200 billion minutes] is now VoIP). Virtually, all new long distance and tandem/transit deployments use VoIP and massive momentum is building behind VoIP in Class 5. Changing Customer Landscape In many markets, brand loyalty is diminishing and customers are becoming more discerning of their own needs. Indeed, the many traditional brands and incumbents are now developing strategies of making themselves more attractive to customers who now base their decisions on price, functionality, and ease of use. Mobile services supplanting fixed is becoming common with both businesses and consumers. Increasingly, end users are relying purely on mobile for their voice service. In the developed parts of the world, wireline subscriber figures are stable or else declining. In the developing world, the areas experiencing voice market expansion and significant proportions of growth are in the wireless market due to the lack of last-mile infrastructure.

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Wireless

Wireline

Figure 3: Increasing Proportion of Wireless Subscribers; Source: Probe Research Mobile carriers are seeing increasing churn as competition for the best tariffs and handsets, combined with the ability to transfer your phone number to the new service, drive customers to switch services. It is also the case that most mobile operators services are, in the broadest sense, very similar to each other. There is therefore a need to support more innovative services ideas. Subscribers increasingly see too much complexity in their interaction with utilities, including multiple accounts, multiple devices, multiple bills, and uncoordinated services. As a result, one way to gain competitive advantage is to simplify subscribers lives through a single account, a single bill, and consistent services across all types of access. Voice over Broadband Within incumbents and major fixed-line providers, major budget shifts are taking place from expanding existing time division multiplex (TDM) voice platforms to investing in broadband, including DSL, cable, wireless, and Wi-Fi; wireless/mobile service platforms; and VoIP. To incumbents, voice over broadband (VoB) represents the opportunity for major cost savings. This is because the investment in replacing 20-year-old concentrator equipment with intelligent, remotely configurable, and scalable access equipment can remove the costs for the man-in-a-van configuration changes and spiraling maintenance costs on equipment approaching obsolescence.
250 200 150 100 50 0

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Figure 4: Total Broadband Subscribers and VoB Penetration Subscribers in Millions; Source: Probe Research, IDC, March 2004

To alternative operators, it represents the elimination of the key barrier to entry, that is, it removes the need to deploy an access network to reach subscribers. Indeed the service providers that are reacting quickest to this opportunity are those with significant IP expertise and investments such as ISPs and next-generationbased alternative operators. They then connect to their customers over other operators access networks. VoIP generates high revenues on broadband infrastructures compared to the bandwidth required. The service can also take broadband to environments less interested in the pure data solution. In some markets, the attractive factor of the marketed service is that it is VoIP. Mobile carriers are looking toward VoIP to assist with the next phases of their services expansion. Push-to-talk, simplified services integration, and multimedia services are examples of the benefits of VoIP. Mobile carriers do not want their current services advantage to diminish when compared to VoB, e.g., IM. Another benefit of VoIP to carriers whose existing market is mobile is the ability to take their services to fixed-line broadband networks and therefore expand their service reach. It therefore allows wireless operators to offer mobility without necessarily needing the user to always use the same handset, i.e., VoIP allows the subscriber to roam across multiple devices, both wired and wireless. Services Challenge The communications industry is agreeing on the following architectural principles: One network, multiple access technologies Open and standards-based Internet protocols IPbased application framework Services that span the whole customer base

Technology Revolution in Handsets and CPE Communication and handset devices are going through a revolution. Increasingly more complex technology is being packaged together in affordable handsets. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, camera, office software, Internet browsing, session initiation protocol (SIP) voice client, IM client, gaming formats, etc., are enabling operators and service providers to develop services that exploit all of these user interfaces. Likewise, fixed-line customer premises equipment (CPE) devices are benefiting from the commoditization of communication software stacks, network processors, and digital signal processors (DSPs). This is generating a reduction in unit prices and improvements in remote management and upgrades. Many of these models are also able to support voice, video, and data service feeds from the same device and will optionally include Wi-Fi, universal serial bus (USB), Bluetooth, and data storage.

IMS Architecture
IMS broke the challenge down into three key areas, as shown in Figure 5:

High-value services Services bundling Single converged network Voice and multimedia Wireline and wireless Multiple access technologies Interworking to common core

Application Layer

Session Control Layer

Interworking & Media Layer

Figure 5: Layered View of IMS Model With this model, it becomes possible to offer simplified operations, service consistency, ease of service bundling, streamlined provisioning, and common billing. The solution is based on standards-based interfaces. Applications and services can be deployed in a much quicker fashion through simplified SIP control mechanisms. Voice, data, and multimedia can be incorporated in the services over a single IP interface and the application programmers insulated from access details. The result is the ability to quickly develop high-value applications. IMS Layer Overview Application Server Layer The application server layer contains the application servers, which provide the end user with service and enhanced service controls. The IMS architecture and SIP signaling is flexible enough to support a variety of telephony and non-telephony application servers. Sonus Networks has been interfacing to SIPbased application servers for many years (www.sonusnet.com/contents/partners). The IMS model has defined a number of application servers. However, the basic function of them is to provide service applications via SIP. Session Control Layer The session control layer contains a number of components that maintain the relationship between the applications and endpoints. These components perform the core work of call establishment. Interworking and Media Layer SIP signaling is used to initiate and terminate sessions and provide bearer services such as conversion of voice from analogue or digital formats to IP packets using real-time transport protocol (RTP). All of the media processing facilities are in this layer, e.g., media gateways (MGs) are here for converting the VoIP bearer streams to the PSTN TDM format, and media servers provide many media-related services such as conferencing, playing announcements, collecting in-band signaling tones, speech recognition, and speech synthesis. IMS Component Overview

Serving-CSCF Call Management Service Coordination

SIP-AS

Application Server MGCF

Home Subscriber Server Subscriber Database

HSS

S-CSCF

BGCF

Breakout GW Control Function Routing to circuit networks

Policy Control Function QoS Management

P-CSCF PCF PCF

Media Services

PSTN Interface IMS

Interface to circuit networks

Proxy-CSCF Device control Interworking Security

Access
Subscriber

PSTN

Announcements, conferencing, etc.

Figure 6: Component Functional Overview Call session control function (CSCF)This provides the registration of the endpoints and routing of the SIP signaling messages to the appropriate application server. The CSCF works with the interworking and transport layer to guarantee QoS across all services. There are a number of roles defined for CSCF servers, including the following: o o Serving (SCSCF)This is a session control entity for endpoint devices that maintains session state. Proxy (PCSCF)This is the entry point to IMS for devices. Whether in a home network or visited network, the PCSCF will be the first point of contact for the UE and forward SIP messages to the users home SCSCF. Interrogating (ICSCF)This is the entry point to IMS from other networks.

Breakout gateway control function (BGCF)This function selects the network in which a PSTN breakout is to occur. If the breakout is to occur in the same network as the BGCF, then the BGCF selects a media gateway control function (MGCF), this will be responsible for interworking with the PSTN. The MGCF then receives the SIP signaling from the BGCF. The BGCFs role will increase in importance as networks begin to peer at an IP level for voice. As this starts to happen, the BGCF will become the peering control point in these IPIP network boundary points. Media gateway control function (MGCF)This interworks the SIP signaling with the signaling used by the media gateway (if required). The MGCF manages the distribution of sessions across multiple media gateways. The media server function control (MSCF)This manages the use of resources on media servers. SIP applications server (SIPAS)

The result is a converged architecture supporting a plethora of services over fixed and mobile access networksa single unified network supporting all major access technologies with a single set of services that apply network-wide that are available anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

Application Layer

App App Servers Servers

Web Web Portal Portal

Session Control Layer Interworking & Media Layer

IP Access DSL/ Cable IP PBX WLAN 3G All-IP

Sonus IMS Core

Circuit Interworking

POTS Interworking

POTS

GSM/ CDMA

PSTN PBX

Figure 7: The Converged Network Open and Standards-Based For IMS to be successful, it needed to have the involvement of the standards bodies and benefit from practical deployments. Fortunately, VoIP has been widely deployed over the past 20 years for many applications and, as a result, significant experience of the technology has been gleaned. The largest standards bodies have supported the development of IMS from the wireless world 3GPP/3GPP2 and from the fixed-line world, the ITU, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the ETSI. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has also provided many of the base elements such as SIP. Finally, specialized organizations have added meat to the specification, e.g., Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) and the development of service applications, e.g., PoC (push-to-talk over cellular).
SIP-AS

MGCF

Based on Internet protocols

SIP for session control DIAMETER for database access COPS for QoS

HSS

S-CSCF

BGCF

P-CSCF PCF

Media Services

PSTN Interface IMS

Access
Subscriber

PSTN

Figure 8: IMS Standard Interfaces IMS Application Servers The IMS application service architecture has been defined with sufficient flexibility to incorporate a breadth of service profiles. Many intelligent network (IN) application servers relied too heavily on a tightly integrated architecture with proprietary implementation of application programming interfaces (APIs) or protocols. As a result, applications took too long to develop to meet market opportunities

and were unnecessarily expensive. These service platforms were poorly integrated with the Web and Internet services.
External Databases IM
Address Book Integration

List Server (Buddy Lists) . . . .

Parental Control

Multimedia Servers Audio

AS

AS

AS

Video

Gaming

Figure 9: IMS Application Server IMS application services will employ Web-enabled APIs such as call control extensible markup language (CCXML), voice XML (VXML) and Java together with standard interfaces to external databases such as simple object access protocol (SOAP)/XML, open database connectivity (ODBC), and java database connectivity (JDBC). Media servers and gateways will provide media processing when instructed by the application server. The newer implementations will cleanly separate the development environment from the run time to optimize performance.

Benefits of IMS IMS Applications and Services Examples Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Push-to-talk is a mobile networkderived service for instantly communicating with the rest of a nominated workgroup. It is based on half-duplex VoIP technology. Converged PoC offers the subscriber all the benefits of two-way radio, across the country or around the world. Users can selfprovision their own call groups, making changes and updates at any time. With the integration of converged presence and directory services, the user will be able to tell which group members are available for instant PoC contact at the push of a button. Instant Messenger PCbased instant messaging has become very popular among teenage Internet users. Workgroups, enterprises, and family and social groups are also embracing these text-based dialogues. Gaming By developing the online gaming communities appetites, interactive communication and entertainment combined with the fact that these games run across IP, it becomes possible for IMS based architectures to develop new revenue streams from this segment. These games can be downloaded over the IP broadband connection to the wireless or wireline device of choice. Voice and Unified Messaging Unified messaging supports access to messages of various media types (including voice mail, fax, or e-mail) from a single mailbox. The user can do this via a variety of devices, including wireless or wireline phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or personal computer (PC) through a Web interface. Videoconferencing Web conferencing, audioconferencing, and videoconferencing allows participants to view presentation materials, listen to a conference, and hold simultaneous private text conversations, all under the control of a conference moderator. Voice and Video Telephony IP has increased the availability of video communication between various terminals and PCs. For businesses and geographically dispersed families, this means a videophone solution that does not depend on proprietary networks and equipment and is mobile. Presence Services The addition of presence services turns a simple handset directory into an availability list, indicating whether a user is available for a voice call or SMS message. The presence server can route calls in the preferred medium, not only to individual users, but also to services and places. IMS Value Proposition Single Infrastructure and Lower Operational Costs The converged network is characterized by the following: One network, multiple access technologies Open and standards-based Single set of services that apply network-wide

Addresses Carriers Business Needs Reduced operating costs

o o o

Lower transmission costs Simplified operations Streamlined provisioning

Better ability to address subscriber requirements o o o Service consistency for different types of access Ease of service bundling Common billing

Faster Service Time to Market IPbased application interface o o o o Much simpler than old methods Easy to combine voice, data, and multimedia Independent of access details Tailored services to specific markets lowers churn

The result: fast development of high-value applications Directly affects carrier business o o Adds revenue Builds loyalty

Enhanced QoS IMS provides standardized solution for real-time IP mobile services. Real-time mobile IP communication is difficult due to fluctuating bandwidths, which severely affect the transmission of IP packets through the network. The de facto best effort approach for IP frame communication does not suit the service characteristics required by voice and video. The result is that real-time mobile IP services function poorly or not at all (i.e., voice quality is poor or garbled, video jitter, etc.). The QoS mechanisms were developed to overcome these issues and provide some type of guaranteed level of transmission instead of best effort. The policy decision function (PDF) contains the intelligence required to enable QoS within a mobile IP network.

Educational Content Provided By Neil Kinder, Technical Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Sonus Networks (www.sonusnet.com/contents/home/home.cfm)