提出了移动通信网络和无线局域网络互联互通的新模型--半紧耦合模型,其主要思想是将移动通信网络作为移动通信网络用户和无线局域网之间互联互通信令的传输通路.随着多模终端的普及,并且无线局域网的无线覆盖范围一般均在移动通信网络的覆盖范围内,因此半紧耦合模型是可行的.与紧耦合和松耦合模型相比,半紧耦合模型及专为其设计的混合认证机制能够在现有系统改动最小的情况下,有效地保护移动通信网络及其用户隐私和提高互联互通系统的安全性.所搭建的试验系统验证了本方案的可行性.
This paper presents a new UMTS-WLAN interworking model named semi-tight coupling, which uses universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS) as the transportation path for interworking signaling between wireless local area networks (WLAN) and UMTS subscribers. This model is feasible since WLAN's coverage is within the range of UMTS's, and multimode user equipments are prevalent. It is also practical since it only requires slight software modifications. A hybrid authentication mechanism is also designed for this model. Compared to the tight-coupling and loose-coupling models, this model can protect UMTS network' s privacy and security effectively while its impact on the existing system is minimal. The results of the experiments on the testbed validated the principle of the proposition.