Integration of 3G Protocols into the Linux Kernel to Enable the Use of Generic Bearers

The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is widely deployed in second and third generation mobile cellular networks. Special benefits of GPRS are mobility management as well as support of authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA). However, the data rates of GPRS are low and the price is high, compared to wired networks or Wireless LAN. Furthermore, Wireless LAN hotspots are starting to sprout. While Wireless LAN in fact offers high data rates, it lacks a standard for billing and roaming. One solution is to combine both technologies, GPRS and Wireless LAN. The resulting system would offer Wireless LAN’s higher bandwidth, while keeping GPRS’ sophisticated billing and roaming support. Wireless inter-system roaming supporting seamless handovers could be a benefit beyond. In this paper we present the first step of combining Wireless LAN and GPRS, by integrating the GPRS protocol stack into the Linux kernel. In addition to the integration we present evaluation results and improvements, concerning the choice of GPRS parameters.