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Flat IP architecture identifies devices using symbolic names instead of the hierarchical network layout commonly used with IP addresses. It can be referred to as Smart IP addresses. This form of internet protocol system is of interest to mobile broadband network operators.
Flat IP architecture
editTo address the need for real-time data applications delivered over mobile broadband networks, wireless operators are adopting flat IP network architectures.[1]
Flat IP architectures offer cost savings by reducing the need for specialized network hardware like ATM switches and MPLS routers, leading to lower capital and operating expenses. They also provide increased agility, allowing for greater flexibility and scalability compared to traditional hierarchical structures, enabling easier integration of new devices and services to meet evolving business needs. Moreover, flat IP architectures can enhance performance for latency-sensitive applications such as voice and video over IP by minimizing system latency through efficient packet processing. However, flat networks have drawbacks to consider. These networks lack redundancy, heavily relying on a single switch, which can lead to network standstills in case of switch failures, limiting practical scalability. Troubleshooting issues in flat networks can be challenging due to their simplistic design, making root cause identification time-consuming. Additionally, flat networks are more vulnerable to lateral attacks, allowing malware to spread rapidly and compromising multiple devices, posing challenges for detection and security systems in identifying malicious intrusions. [2]
- Who uses Flat IP architechture:
- Mobile Networks
- 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
- 3GPP2 standards organizations
- WiMAX Forum[3]
- Key considerations of Flat IP Architectures for Mobile Networks include:
Advanced Base Stations: These integrate radio control, header compression, encryption, call admission control, and policy enforcement with IP/Ethernet interfaces. Base station routers aim to provide simpler, lower-latency 3GPP/2 networks. Notable players in this area are Alcatel-Lucent, Airvana, and Ubiquisys.
Direct Tunnel Architecture: This architecture is emerging as a viable evolution path, with all major vendors currently supporting it. Direct Tunnel Architecture bypasses the SGSN on the user plane. Nokia-Siemens's Internet High-Speed Packet Access ([IHSPA]) architecture further advances this concept by removing the RNC from the data path, thereby simplifying the architecture and reducing latencies even further.[4]
WiMax Access Services Network: This was the first standardized IP-centric mobile network architecture and established principles now being adopted across the industry.[5] Over time, HSPA and LTE networks have become the preferred technologies for most operators.
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ "The 5th Generation Mobile Wireless Networks- Key Concepts, Network Architecture and Challenges".
- ^ Tripathy, Susnigdha (2023-02-21). "What Is a Flat Network? Definition, Benefits & How It Works". Enterprise Networking Planet. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ Forum, WiMAX. "WiMAX Forum | AeroMACS, WiGRID, and WiMAX Advanced Technologies". www.wimaxforum.org. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ [1] Archived July 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Brown, Gabriel (July 2, 2007). "Flat Is Back: Toward the All-IP Mobile Network". www.lightreading.com. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
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