Evaluating QoS in a Multi-Access Wireless Network

Abstract

This chapter introduces quality of service in multi-access wireless networks. Specifically it demonstrates how QoS is implemented in IEEE 802.11 and UMTS. The chapter explains how these complementary technologies, when coupled together, provide a network that is greater than its individual parts. Combining these networks brings new network management challenges. To this end, the impact of joint admission control strategies on quality of service is evaluated. The evaluation is performed on an advanced test platform that replicates an integrated Release 4 UMTS network and standard IEEE 802.11b network. The results show that when UMTS and WLAN are tightly coupled, the end user enjoys a higher level of quality of service.