Packet pipe architecture for access networks

Abstract

A packet pipe architecture is disclosed for an access network (e.g., provides access to an IP, ATM or similar packet-based network in order to convey packet data traffic), whereby the network interfaces with the packet pipe are standardized so that any packet pipe that satisfies the interface requirements can be utilized in the same access network. Also, the packet pipe uses a packet-based protocol stack with Quality of Service provisions for service delivery instead of the conventional best effort service delivery functions used. Consequently, the packet pipe and access network are capable of providing all of the numerous services available with an IP, ATM or similar packet-based network layered architecture.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for network access using a communications traffic conveyor, comprising the steps of: 
 standardizing a user interface for said communications traffic conveyor;    standardizing a network interface for said communications traffic conveyor;    arranging said communications traffic conveyor to comply with at least one    standardization parameter for said user interface;    arranging said communications traffic conveyor to comply with at least one standardization parameter for said network interface; and    conveying traffic between said user interface and said network interface in compliance with said at least one standardization parameter for said user interface, and said at least one standardization parameter for said network interface,    wherein said communications traffic conveyor prioritizes traffic.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said communications traffic conveyor comprises a packet pipe.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one standardization parameter for said user interface comprises a first Quality of Service parameter.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one standardization parameter for said user interface comprises a second Quality of Service parameter.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first standardization parameter is equal to said second standardization parameter, and said network comprises a radio network.  
     
     
         6 . A system for network access, comprising: 
 a communications traffic conveyor, said communications traffic conveyor including a    termination unit coupled to a user interface on a user side, and a node coupled to a    network interface on a network side;    means for said communications traffic conveyor to comply with at least one    standardization parameter for said user interface;    means for said communications traffic conveyor to comply with at least one standardization parameter for said network interface;    means for said communications traffic conveyor to prioritize traffic; and    means for conveying said traffic between said user interface and said network interface in compliance with said at least one standardization parameter for said user interface, and said at least one standardization parameter for said network interface.    
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said communications traffic conveyor comprises a packet pipe.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said at least one standardization parameter for said user interface comprises a first Quality of Service parameter.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said at least one standardization parameter for said user interface comprises a second Quality of Service parameter.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said first standardization parameter is equal to said second standardization parameter, and said network comprises a radio network.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of standardizing a network interface further comprises: 
 standardizing said network interface such that any communications traffic conveyor that satisfies network interface requirements can be utilized for said network access.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 providing multiple transmission layers for said communications traffic conveyor to convey traffic via an interface.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of: 
 supporting different Quality of Service classes to higher of said multiple transmission layers.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 providing point-to-multipoint function for said communications traffic conveyor, such that said communications traffic conveyor can support a plurality of sessions from a plurality of user terminals.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 mapping application flows existing between said user interface and said network interface.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 dispensing a plurality of services by said communications traffic conveyor.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of: 
 predetermining a set of primitives associated with said plurality of services dispensed by said communications traffic conveyor.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 defining a set of Quality of Service classes for said communications traffic conveyor to support.    
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 a relay unit, coupled to said termination unit, for transmitting information through said communications traffic conveyor.    
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein said relay unit is further coupled to said node coupled to a network interface.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said communications traffic conveyor supports a plurality of sessions from a plurality of user terminals.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 an access router on said network side, for connecting to a plurality of networks.    
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein said plurality of networks comprises: 
 Wide Area Networks.    
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein said access router directs data flow to and from said plurality of networks.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 an Interworking Functions unit coupled to said node, said Interworking Functions unit mapping application flows on said network side.    
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 a gatekeeper unit, located on said network side, for handling call signaling and service functions.    
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said traffic comprises: 
 data.    
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein said data is segmented by said communications traffic conveyor before said data is conveyed.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said data is reassembled by said communications traffic conveyor after said data is conveyed.  
     
     
         30 . The system according to  claim 6 , wherein said communications traffic conveyor accounts for link budget calculations.  
     
     
         31 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein said link budget calculations are associated with Bit Error Rate.