Highlighting commonalities and variabilities between cellular communication technologies via ontology mapping

7/29/2019 Highlighting commonalities and variabilities between cellular communication technologies via ontology mapping

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International Journal of EmergingTrends & Technology in Computer Science(IJETTCS)Web Site: www.ijettcs.org Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Volume 2, Issue 1, J anuary February 2013 ISSN 2278-6856

Volume 2, Issue 1 January - February 2013 Page 18

Abstract: Cellular communication domain is growing in avery overwhelming manner. Contrariwise, there arelimitations with current research attempts and approaches toreduce complexity [1], improve shared understanding of thedomain [2], and propose a reliable solution towards achieving

interoperability between different cellular networktechnologies. The already mentioned situation incited us tobrainstorm about the subject and try to find a way to expressthe network architecture concepts, classes, and properties in aformal and unambiguous way. We end up by proposing asolution based on the marriage of cellular networktechnologies with ontology as a promising artificialintelligence technique for reasoning and modeling [3].Therefore, this paper illustrates a part of an ongoing projectthat tends to establish a Secure Holistic Framework forCellular Communication (SHFCC). It focuses onhighlighting commonalities and variabilities between cellularcommunication technology architectures via the use of

ontology mapping process.Keywords: ontology, feature modeling, GSM, UMTS R99, Lte-Advanced.

1.INTRODUCTIONArchitectures of cellular communication networktechnologies are becoming more diversified then before.

They are structured in such a way that the introduction ofnew elements and services dramatically increase theircomplexity [4].Several network technologies exist in mobilecommunication environment. Each technology brings

along with it new features, which further contribute to thecomplexity of the network architectures.Besides, the management of the network elements isbecoming fairly difficult and thenetwork planning andmaintenance expenses are also increasing exponentially.Essential problems to overcome and work around, are tosome extent those problems manifested as challenges forarchitectures.Our research hypothesis is as follows: is it theoreticallyfeasible to integrate a selected setof networktechnologyarchitectures into a modular federation ontology in orderto figure out their similarities and variabilities?

2. METHODOLOGYThroughout this portion of investigation, the researchwork is going through the following steps:

1. An investigation and identification of the essentialcharacteristics (features) accounted for in theestablishment of ontology for some samples ofcellular communication network technologies (GSM,

UMTS R 99, and LTE-Advanced).2.The development of a feature model for eachcomponent forming the selected domain [5]. Then,the reasoning and the brainstorming aboutobservations and information generated by featuremodels in order to select the commonalities andhighlight the variabilities between the three cellularnetworks.

3. Building a detailed ontology (using essentialcharacteristics at a finer level of granularity) for eachcellular network technology [6].

4. The design of a federation ontology integrating all thecomponents already mentioned and classifying them

by pattern of belongings [7].The chosen components for this experience represent asuccession of generations owned as property of the samefamily known as 3GPP (3rd Generation PartnershipProject). GSM (Global System for Mobile) and UMTS R99 (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

Release 99) are chosen as two of the most representative2G (second generation) and 3G (third generation)technologies that are being deployed on a worldwidebasis. Lte-advanced (Long term evolution Advanced) isthe latest version of them and it is one of the top of thenotch mobile technologies [8].

The federation ontology (O1), subject of figure 1, is a pilotone; it should be generic and non-proprietary. It willallow any cellular network technology to be integrated.

The framework (ontology) will neither be establishedsolely for use witha specific group of technologies, nor beimplemented simply to support research work [7].

Figure 1-- General structure of the federation ontology

Highlighting commonalities and variabilitiesbetween cellular communication technologies

via ontology mappingNeji HASNI1, Ridha BOUAL LEGUE2

1, 2InnovCOM Lab, Higher School of Communications of Tunis, SupComUniversity of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia.


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3.RESULTS:3.1 Inferences, deducted results and ascertainmentsAfter performing a logical brainstorming around concepts

and their commonalities, important results was deductedfrom reasoning and some inferences are concluded.Critical concepts, crucial for interoperability realizationpurposes, were highlighted.

3.1.1 Commonalities and variabilities between thethree cellular network technologies

GSM forms the foundation technology upon whichUMTS R 99 was built [9]. While UMTS R 99 and Lte-advanced networks are similar in many respects, but theterms they use are very different. GSM, UMTS R 99 andLte-advanced all three of them were created by the 3GPP

standards body.Therefore, there are numerous similarities, but there arealso some variability.GSM is a circuit switched network. Meanwhile, UMTSand Lte-advanced are designed to offer high-speed packetdata services to mobile subscribers. They have takensimilar approaches to solving some of the challenges theyboth face. Whoever familiar with UMTS R 99 will havean easier time to understand Lteadvanced simply byusing this holistic framework (ontology) and by learningthe meaning and the functionalities of key Lte-advancedterms and mapping them with their UMTS R 99 counterparts.

The greatest differences between GSM, UMTS R 99 andLte-advanced lie in the air interface. GSM is

TDMA/FDMA based system. UMTS is a WCDMA-basedsystem, while Lte-advanced is a scalable OFDMA system.

The physical layer descriptions of these two technologies(UMTS R 99 and Lte-advanced) are quite different.However, Since GSM forms the basis for UMTS R 99system; both of them have similar physical layers.Lte-advanced and UMTS R 99 core networks are moresimilar than they are different; both are based on IPprotocols and support seamless access to packet-basedservices. GSM is circuit switched system which is

incorporated into UMTS R 99 network architecture.The following table 1 take the UMTS R 99 networkarchitectures concepts and provide the correspondingGSM and Lte-advanced equivalents. In some cases, thereis a one-to-one match between GSM and UMTS R 99 orbetween Lte-advanced and UMTS R 99; in others, theresimply is no equivalent concept. In most cases, however,there is generally something within GSM or UMTS R 99or within both of them that performs a function similar toits Lte-advanced counterpart, under a different name or ina different location.A simple comparison like what is presented in table 1does not convey the real complexity of cellular networktechnologies concepts; a more detailed understanding ofthree network technologies (GSM, UMTS R 99, and Lte-advanced) architectures and interfaces, is required tothoroughly appreciate both the commonalities and the

variabilities between them. This holistic understandabilityis offered by the ontology subject of this research paper.Nevertheless, the fact that GSM, UMTS R 99 and Lte-advanced concepts can be laid out side-by-side in the way

shown by the table should help to reassure allstakeholders in the domain that the evolution from GSMto UMTS R 99 is straightforward. Moreover, fromUMTS to Lte-advanced is not as big a leap as one mayhave thought. As a general ascertainment the move from2G to 3G and from 3G to 4G is smooth and not a big dealunless we dont understand the domain.

3.1.2 Interoperation ascertainments For interworking purposes, Lte-advanced relies on

an evolved packet core network which allowsinteroperation with various access technologies likeGSM and UTRAN as well as CDMA2000 [10].

Since Lte-advanced does not support soft handover,there is no need for a centralized data combiningfunction in the network. As a consequence, if the UEmoves, the network must transfer all informationrelated to a UE, from one eNB to another.

Different implementations of protocols caninteroperate because of standard interfaces such as(Um, Abis, and A for GSM) between protocols.

The GSM and UMTS networks are usually tightlyinterconnected and work in a similar fashion inorder to ease interoperability.

There are inter-technology handovers between

UMTS and Lte-advanced. Two interfaces areprovided for the interworking. The S3 referencepoint is based on the legacy Gn interface. The S4reference point is based on the older Gn interface ofUMTS, and lies between the SGSN in the GPRScore network and the SGW [11]. The preferred wayto interwork UMTS with Lte-advanced is throughSGSN. It deploys the S3, S4.

Intra-Lte-advanced (Intra-MME / SGW) handoverusing the X2 Interface [28]: This procedure is usedto handover a UE from a source eNodeB to a targeteNodeB using the X2 interface when the Mobility

Management Entity (MME) and Serving Gateway(SGW) are unchanged. It is possible only if directconnectivity exists between the source and targeteNodeBs with the X2 interface.

Intra-Lte-advanced (Intra-MME / SGW) handoverusing the S1 Interface: The S1-based handoverprocedure is used when the X2-based handovercannot.

The proper interworking between UMTS R 99RAN and GSM CN is achieved only when thenetwork elements on both sides (RNC, MSC andSGSN) act according to a predefined set of rules;

such standards define how each element in thenetwork shall react upon receiving information fromanother element.


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Table 1--Comparing GSM, UMTS Release 99, and Lte-advancedProperties GSM UMTS Release 99 Lte-advanced

Network Architecture LAN Wide area cell-based HybridSwitching PS CS & PS Digital with packetized voice

Voice switching Circuit Circuit PacketData switching Circuit Packet PacketRadio Access TDMA/FDMA WCDMA OFDMADatabases HLR,VLR, EIR, AuC EHLR, VLR, EIR, AuC EHLR, VLR, EIR, AuCRoaming Restricted Global GlobalComponent design Optimized antenna Optimized antenna Smarter Antennas

Technology digital digital digitalData rates 236,8 kbps 384 kbps Up to 1 Gbps

Networks Architecture Components

GSM UMTS Release 99 Lte-advanced CommentsSIM USIM USIMMS ME MEMS UE UE

BSS RNSFew BTS NODE B +RNC eNODE B One NodeB is less autonomous than BTS. eNodeBassures the functions of NodeB (3G) and some functionsof RNC (3G).

BSC & BTS UTRAN eUTRANMSC MSCVLR VLR VLRHLR EHLR HSS/EHLR HSS is an enhanced HLR; It contains subscriber profile

for 2G, 3G, Lte-advancedSGSN MME/SGW An SGW functionally resembles to a 3G/SGSN without

the mobility and the session control features.GGSN PGW

MSC MSC MME MME:Somewhat analogous to the distribution of controland bearer data of the MSC, Lte-advanced separates

control from bearer in the design of the EPC.NSS CN EPCPSTN PSTN PSTNPDN PDN PDNBSC RNC RNC is more complicated than BTS because it controls

node Bs totally.

Eir Eir EirAuC AuC AuC

PS/CN EPCOMC OMCTRAU TRAU

PCRF PCRF

Interfaces (N.B: All GSM interfaces are found in UMTS R99)

Iub and Iur X2 interface Between two eNodeBs. It prevent the loss of data whenchanging eNodeB

A A/Iu S1 Between BSC (RNC) and Core NetworkUm Uu Uu Between BTS and MSAbis Iub X2 Between BTS and BSC (NodeB-RNC)Does not exist Iur X2 Between two RNCs

Gn/Gp S5/S8 A configured traffic path between the SGW and thePDNGW

IMSI IMSI IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity consists ofMobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code(MNC), and Mobile Identification Number (MIN).

IMEI IMEI IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity.Downlink (DL) Downlink (DL) Transmission from the network to the mobile.

Uplink (UL) Uplink (UL) Transmission from the mobile to the network.NAS GSM NAS UMTS NAS UMTS =NAS GSM+ functional evolution

Scrambling Physical layer Unique cell identifier.


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code Cell ID

4. CELLULAR NETWORK TECHNOLOGIESANALYSIS

The approach to developing a federation ontology startsby analyzing the architectures of the subset oftechnologies (GSM, UMTS R 99, and Lte-advanced),performing a domain analysis of them before buildingfeature models one for each cellular network technology.

4.1Analysis of GSM network architecture

GSM is an abbreviation of Global System for MobileCommunication, originally known as Group SpecialMobile. It is a second generation digital cellular system. Ituses digital transmission rather than analog transmission.GSM networks use a combination of FDMA (FrequencyDivision Multiple Access) and TDMA (Time DivisionMultiple Access) [12].

The GSM network technology is composed of threefunctional entities operating with each other. Theseentities are called: the Network and Switching Subsystem(NSS), the Radio Subsystem (RSS), and the OperationSupport Subsystem (OSS). Figure 2 shows the globalarchitecture of the GSM network. However, for analysisand modularity purposes, the GSM network architectureis further divided into domains.

Figure 2--GSM network architecture[8].

GSMs protocol architecture is characterized by thepresence of planes [12]:

The user plane: contain the protocols for datatransmission, and the control plane offers signalling fortransmission supervision and establishment. Then, themanagement plane which allows the coordinationbetween the two previous planes. The GSM protocolstacks are illustrated in the following figure 3:

Figure 3--GSM Protocol Stack[8].

4.2 Analysis of UMTS R 99 network architectureUMTS R 99 is the successor of GSM. It is a thirdgeneration (3G) mobile communication system. It hasbeen standardized in several releases. The first version is- Release 99-. UMTS network can be divided into twoparts. One part is responsible for the circuit switchedservices (CS-domain) and the other one manages thepacket switched services (PS-domain). The CS-domainmanages voice calls meanwhile the PS-domain isresponsible for data connection like the connection from amobile device to the internet [13].UMTS introduces a new wireless access technology,namely the WCDMA. The major headlines for Release 99

are: Definition of the UMTS Universal Terrestrial Radio

Access Network (UTRAN), The Radio Network Subsystem (RNS) is added to the

existing GSM network,The general UMTS network architecture is modeled, at ahigh level, from both physical and functional viewpoints.

The physical aspects are modeled using the domainconcept and the functional aspects are modeled using thestrata concept.A stratum:is a grouping of protocols related to one aspectof the services provided by one or several domains [14].

Figure 4 elucidates the global architecture of UMTS R99.

Figure 4--UMTS R 99 network architecture.

UMTS R99 strata: A Stratum is a way of groupingprotocols related to one aspect of services provided by oneor several domains. Different UMTS strata are illustratedby figure 5 jointly with detailed description [15]:

Figure 5-- UMTS protocol stacks [16].


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1.Transport stratum: supports the transport of the userdata and the network control signalling from otherstrata through UMTS. It encompasses the accessstratum, which is the part of the transport stratum

located between the edge node of the serving corenetwork domain and the MT (Mobile Termination). Access stratum: protocol handling activities

between UE and access network. It providesservices related to the transmission of data overthe radio interface and the management of it.

2.Serving stratum: consists of protocols and functionsthat transmit the data/information from the source tothe destination.

3.Home stratum: contains the protocols and functionsrelated to the handling and storage of subscriptiondata and possibly home network specific services;

4.Application stratum: represents the application processitself, provided to the end-user. It includes end-to-endprotocols and functions which make use of servicesprovided by the home, serving and transport strata andinfrastructure to support services and/or value addedservices.

4.3Analysis of L te-advanced network architectureLte-advanced network technology was standardized bythe 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), andendorsed by the International Telecommunications Union(ITU) as a fourth generation. The main objective of theLte-advanced is to meet the challenge of increasing

number of heterogeneous devices that requires higherbandwidth as well as heterogeneous networks. It is basedon Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexingtechnology (OFDM). OFDM allows transmitting largeamounts of digital data over a radio wave.An important aspect of Lte-advanced has been theintroduction of a new Radio Access Network (RAN)architecture, called the evolved Universal TerrestrialRadio Access Network or eUTRAN (also eUTRA). Animportant characteristic of eUTRAN is the Base Stations,known as evolved NodeBs (eNBs), which perform thefunctions of the NodeBs as well as the RNCs of the

UMTS. A new packet core, the Evolved Packet Core(EPC) has been introduced to support the eUTRAN.MMEs and SGWs are the pivotal nodes in the control anduser plane respectively, in this new architecture. They areresponsible for packet forwarding, routing, inter-RadioAccess Technology (RAT) connections, identity (ID)verification, User Equipment (UE) tracking etc. Therationale for this approach is that it leads to a reduction inthe number of network elements, simpler functionalityand improved redundancy. This is apart from allowingconnections and handovers to other fixed line and RATs[18].

The Lte-advanced protocol architecture is made up of two

planes: the user plane, which provides functions such asformatting user traffic between User Equipment (UE) andthe evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network(eUTRAN); and the control plane, which support

functions used for control purposes such as networkauthentication.Protocol architecture of Lte-advanced network is shownin figure 7 (a) and (b), consisting of user plane and

control plane. The relay protocol stacks are taken intoconsideration since its protocols functions depend ontypes of relaying schemes used, while we are dealingwith general situation.

Figure 6--Lte-adv network architecture (after [19]).

a) Lte-advanced user plane protocol architecture.

b)Lte-advanced control plane protocol architecture.Figure 7--Lte-advanced protocols achitecture.

4.4 Feature modelingFeature modeling is one of the most crucial and popularoutcomes of the domain analysis techniques, whichconstructs variability and commonality in a domain. Theoutput of feature modeling will be some reusable assets(components, patterns, etc.) represented as a featurediagram. However, feature modeling can be difficult andtime-consuming without a precise understanding of itsgoals and the aid of practical guidelines [20].Different domain analysis methods use the term featurewith slightly different meanings. Feature-OrientedDomain Analysis (FODA) defines a feature as a

prominent and distinctive user visible characteristic of asystem.According to [21], common features among differentproducts are modeled as mandatory features, while


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different features among them may be optional oralternative.Optional features represent selectable features forproducts of a given domain and alternative features

indicate that no more than one feature can be selected fora product.A feature diagram captures structural or conceptualrelationships among features. Three types of relationshipsare represented in this diagram. The composed-ofrelationship used if there is a whole-part relationshipbetween a feature and its sub-features. In cases wherefeatures are generalization of sub-features, they areorganized using the generalization/specializationrelationship. The implemented-byrelationship is usedwhen a feature is necessary to implement another feature.

4.3.1 GSM feature modelingTo perform the analysis of the GSM cellular networktechnology, we perform a feature model of it. This featuremodel will allow us to explore, identify, and define thekey concepts of the network target so that these aspectscan be described in ontology. As shown in figure 8, thesilhouette of the network architecture was inserted tohighlight the relative size and composition of the entirefeature tree. For more detail on the mechanism of how toconstruct a feature model, the reader may consult [5],[22], or [6].

Figure 8-- Feature model of GSM network technology.4.3.2 UMTS R 99 feature modelingDefining a feature model for the UMTS R 99 networkprovides means to explore, identify, and define the key

architectural aspects of this cellular network so that itwould make it (the web) more explicit, comprehensible,and comparable with other networks. As shown in figure9, the feature model is defined around concepts. The

objective is to model the features of elements and thestructure of a domain, not just objects in that domain.

4.3.1 Lte-advanced feature modeling

The feature model (figure 10) is an abstractrepresentation of the functionalities found in the Lte-advanced. It is used to obtain an abstract view on thesefunctionalities, which can be verified against the needsraised from the domain.

Figure 9-- Feature model of UMTS R 99 networktechnology.

Figure 10--Feature model of Lte-advanced networktechnology.

4.4 Federation ontologyAfter performing a domain analysis using an in-depthinvestigation of three cellular network technologies(GSM, UMTS R 99, and Lte-advanced), we constructedan ontology for each component, and mapped between

them, then we merged the three cellular networkarchitecture ontologies together into one ontology O1(federation ontology). The list of the essential featureswith their descriptions is presented in following table.


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Table 2-- list of essential features of the federation ontology

Feature Full name ofthe feature

Description

NTA NetworkTechnologyArchitecture

Network Technologies Architecture (NTA) : for the purpose of this study, we choose: GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM) -a Second generation cellular technology basedon both protocols: Frequency Division Multiple Access Analog technology (FDMA), andTime Division Multiple Access Digital technology (TDMA)-, UMTS (Universal MobileTelecommunications System) -a third generation cellular technology based on Code DivisionMultiple Access technology (CDMA), and Lte-advanced (Long-term evolution-advanced) - afourth generation cellular technology, based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexingtechnology (OFDM)-. However, this is a pilot study which may extended by integrating othernetwork technologies architectures.

Functional_A Functional_Architecture The functional architecture of a system can be broadly divided into interfaces and theirspecified protocols.Interfaces Interfaces The main role of network interfaces or reference points interfaces is the connection between

different domains.EPC_I EPC_Interfaces The interfaces interconnecting the functional elements of the core network.Gx GxRx Rx The Rxis the Diameter-based interface between an Application Function (AF), usually in a

Proxy Call Session Control Function (PCSCF).S1 S1 The S1 interface connects the eNodeB to the EPC. It is split into two interfaces, one for the

control plane and the other for the user plane.S1-mme S1-mme The reference point for the control plane protocol between the E-UTRAN and the MME.S10 S10 Reference point between MMEs for MME relocation and MME to MME information

transfer.S11 S11 Reference point between MME and SGW.

S3 S3 The S3reference point is based on the legacy Gn interface. It lies between the SGSN and theMME where it enables user and bearer information exchanges for inter-3GPP access systemmobility.

S4 S4 The S4reference point lies between the SGSN in the GPRS core network and the SGW.S5 S5 The reference point between the SGW and the PGW. It provides user plane tunneling and

tunnel management between SGW and PDNGW. It is used for SGW relocation due to UEmobility and if the SGW needs to connect to a non-collocated PDNGW for the required PDNconnectivity.

S6a S6a The diameter-based reference point between the MME and the HSS. It enables transfer ofsubscription and authentication data.

SGi SGi The SGi is Lte-advanceds version of the UMTSs Gi interface between the PGW and thePacket Data Network (PDN). The PDN may be an external public or private packet datanetwork or an intra-operator packet data network.

GPRS_I GPRS Interfaces Interfaces Gc, Gr, Gf and Gs, which originate from the GPRS system.Gb Gb interface Interface between an SGSN and a BSS.Gc Gc interface Interface between the GGSN and the HLR.Gf Gf interface The Gf interface is defined between the SGSN and EIR. It is used by the SGSN to contact the

EIR database during the identity check procedure.Gi Gi interface The Gi interface is a reference point in a GPRS Core Network. The Gi interface is IP based

and serves as a reference point between the GGSN and the Public Data Network or PDN.Gn Gn interface Interface between the SGSN and the GGSN. It is an IP-based interface used to carry

signalling and user data.Gp Gp interface Interface between the SGSN and the GGSN, in different PLMNs.Gr Gr interface Interface between the SGSN and the HLR.Gs Gs interface The interface between the SGSN and the MSC/VLR.A A interface The A interface is used to provide communication between the BSS and the MSC. The

interface carries information to enable the channels, timeslots to be allocated to the mobileequipments being serviced by the BSSs. The messaging required within the network toenable handover is carried over the interface. Its primary functions: message transfer betweendifferent BSCs to the MSC.

Abis Abis interface This is a BSS internal interface linking the BSC and a BTS, and it has not been totally


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standardized. The Abis interface allows control of the radio equipment and radio frequencyallocation in the BTS.

Um Air interface The "air" or radio interface standard that is used for exchanges between a mobile and a basestation.

CCH CCH Logical channel: Used for signalling between the BTS and the MS and to request and grantaccess to the network.

TCH Speech trafficchannel

logical channel, Traffic channels carry user information ( speech, data, FAX)

Specific_UMTS_I

Specific_UMTS_Interfaces

New interfaces relatively to GSM and GPRS.

Cu Cu Reference point between USIM and ME.Iu Iu Reference point between access and serving network domains.IuCS IuCs-interface Interface between the MSC and the RNS. It connects the RNC to the circuit switched part of

the CN.

IuPS IuPs-interface Interface between the SGSN and the RNS. It connects the RNC to the packet switched part ofthe CN.

Iur Iur Logical interface between two RNCs.Yu Yu Reference point between Serving and Transit Network domains.

Zu Zu Reference point between Serving and Home Network domains.B B interface The B interface exists between the MSC and the VLR.C C interface The C interface is located between the HLR and a MSC.D D interface The D interface is situated between the VLR and HLR.E E interface The E interface provides communication between two MSCs. The E interface exchanges data

related to handover between the anchor and relay MSCs.F F interface Is used between an MSC and EIR.G G interface The G interface interconnects two VLRs of different MSCs.H H interface The H interface exists between the MSC the SMS-G.eUTRAN_I

InterfaceseUTRAN

Interfaces between components belonging to the eUTRAN sytem.

S1-U S1-U Reference point between EUTRAN and SGW for the per-bearer user plane tunneling andinter-eNB path switching during handover.

Uu air interface The Lte-advanced-Uu provides the reference point for the radio interface between the UE andeNB. It encompasses the control plane and user plane. The signalling connection across theLte-advanced-Uu interface is the Radio Resource Control (RRC) signalling connection,which is stacked into the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link Control(RLC) and Media Access Control (MAC) layers. The PDCP, RLC, and MAC layersconstitute the user plane protocols for the air interface.

X2 X2 The X2 interface is used to interconnect eNodeBs. It may be established between oneeNodeB and some of its neighbor eNodeBs in order to exchange signalling information whenneeded.

Protocols Protocols Protocols are to define how different elements are able to communicate over the interfaces.Access_Stratum

Access_Stratum Represents the application process itself. It includes end-to-end protocols and functionswhich make use of services provided by the home, serving and transport strata andinfrastructure to support services and/or value added services.

C&U_P C&U_P A protocol is a set of rules according to which messages are transmitted between two or more

entities on a network.MAC Media Access

ControlMAC protocol controls the access signalling (request and grant) procedures for the radiochannel.

PDCP PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol: provides protocol transparency for higher-layer protocols,support for e.g., IPv4, and IPv6 (easy introduction of new higher layer protocols), andcompression of control information (header compression).

PHY Physical layer The physical layer implements OFDMA scheme on the downlink for high spectral efficiency,robustness against frequency-selectivity and multi-path interference. It supports flexiblebandwidth deployment, facilitates frequency-domain scheduling and is well suited forMultiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) techniques.

RLC Radio LinkControl

RLC protocol provides logical link control over the radio interface.

C_P C_P Control Plane Protocols (that control the calls).

U_P U_P User plane protocols (that carry the user's data). The functions that deal with issues of user-to-user information transfer and associated controls such as flow control and error controlmechanisms.

Non_Access_Strat

Non_Access_Stratum

Is a functional layer between core network and user equipment. The layer supports signallingand traffic between those two elements.


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umC_P C_P Responsible for location management and Security. Involves the procedures and signalling

for location updating.GMM GMM This protocol is a variant of the GPRS GMM protocol. UMTS and GPRS use the GSM MM

(Mobility Management) protocol. Here, it is known as the GPRS MM protocol (GMM). Themain function of the MM sub-layer is to support the mobility of user terminals, such asinforming the network of its present location and providing user identity confidentiality. Afurther function of the GMM sub-layer is to provide connection management services to thedifferent entities of the upper Connection Management (CM) sub-layer.

GMSC Gateway MobileServiceSwitchingCentre

Its services are similar to the GGSN as the gateway towards external circuit switchednetworks like other public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and integrated service digitalnetworks (ISDNs)etc.The GMSC is responsible for collecting the location information and routing the call to theMSC through which the subscriber can obtain service at that instant.

SM SessionManagement.

This protocol is a variant of the GPRS SM protocol. SM handles mobility issues such asroaming, authentication, selection of encryption algorithms and maintains PDP context.

MM MM The protocols in the MM layer involve the USIM, MSC, VLR, and the HLR, as well as theAuC.

CC CC It is a protocol that controls the establishment and release of circuit switched calls in the CNdomain.SMS SMS Controls the delivery of short text messages to and from UEs.SS SS Protocol that controls the activation and deactivation of various call-related and non call-

related supplementary services.CFU Call forwarding

unconditionalPermits a called subscriber to send incoming calls addressed to the called subscribersDirectory Number to another Directory Number. If this feature is active, calls are forwardedregardless of the condition of the termination.CFU does not impact a subscribers ability to originate calls.

CLIP Calling lineidentificationpresentation

Is a supplementary GSM service used to show the number of a caller.

U_P User Plane The functions that deal with issues of user-to-user information transfer and associatedcontrols such as flow control and error control mechanisms.

GMM GPRS MobilityManagement.

This protocol is a variant of the GPRS GMM protocol. UMTS and GPRS use the GSM MM(Mobility Management) protocol. Here it is known as the GPRS MM protocol (GMM). Themain function of the MM sub-layer is to support the mobility of user terminals, such asinforming the network of its present location and providing user identity confidentiality. Afurther function of the GMM sub-layer is to provide connection management services to thedifferent entities of the upper Connection Management (CM) sub-layer.

GSMS GSMS Its services are similar to the GGSN as the gateway towards external circuit switchednetworks like other public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and integrated service digitalnetworks (ISDNs)etc.The GMSC is responsible for collecting the location information and routing the call to theMSC through which the subscriber can obtain service at that instant.

SM SessionManagement.

This protocol is a variant of the GPRS SM protocol. SM handles mobility issues such asroaming, authentication, selection of encryption algorithms and maintains PDP context.

MM MobilityManagement

The protocols in the MM layer involve the USIM, MSC, VLR, and the HLR, as well as theAuC.

CC Call Control It is a protocol that controls the establishment and release of circuit switched calls in the CNdomain.

SMS Short MessageService

Controls the delivery of short text messages to and from UEs.

SS SupplementaryService

Protocol that controls the activation and deactivation of various call-related and non call-related supplementary services.

CFU CFU Permits a called subscriber to send incoming calls addressed to the called subscribersDirectory Number to another Directory Number. If this feature is active, calls are forwardedregardless of the condition of the termination. CFU does not impact a subscribers ability tooriginate calls.

CLIP CLIP Is a supplementary GSM service used to show the number of a caller.Physical_Architecture

Physical_Architecture

Physical nodes which perform various functions to support communication services.

Infrastruc Infrastructure_D Set of all the network entities, composed of: the access network domain, the entities closely


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ture_Domaine

omaine related to the radio technology, and the core network domain.

Access_Network_Domain

Access_Network_Domain

Is characterized by being in direct contact with the User Equipment and the Core NetworkDomain.

BSC BSC The Base Station Controller (BSC) is responsible for the switching between several BTSs,and for the switching of radio channels. The BSC provides the necessary control functionsand physical links between the Network Subsystem (NSS), via the Mobile Switching Center(MSC) and the BTS. It maintains radio connections towards Mobile Station.

BSS BSS The Base Station Subsystem (BSS) is responsible for all radio functions and comprises of theBase Station Transceiver (BTS) and the Base Station Controller (BSC). These twocomponents together support the radio interface. BSS Is characterized by being in directcontact with the User Equipment and the Core Network Domain.

BTS BTS The Base Transceiver Station (BTS) takes care of the communication with the mobilestation, and is responsible for radio specific functions (sending and receiving).

RN RN Relays are designed for coverage extension.UTRAN UTRAN Handles all radio related functionality. It consists of one or more radio network subsystems

(MS) where each MS consists of one or more node BS and one radio network controller

(RNC).eUTRAN eUTRAN eUTRAN implements the Lte-advanced access network as a network of eNBs.Core_Network_Domain

Core_Network_Domain

Responsible for switching and routing calls and data connections between the eUTRAN orUTRAN domain and external packet and circuit switched networks. It is divided into apacket switched network (PS), a circuit switched network (CS) and a home location register(HLR).

EPC EPC Lte-advanceds packet domain is a flat all-IP system designed for: much higher packet datarates, significantly lower-latency, the ability to optimize packet flows within all kinds ofoperational scenarios having to do with bandwidth rationing and charging schemes, explicitsupport for multiple radio access technologies in the interests of seamless mobility, andgreater system capacity and performance.

HSS HSS The HSS is the main database of the IMS network. The HLR and AuC are integrated intothis database, and subscriber specific, location-related data and user identities are is stored inthis database.

HeNBGW

HeNBGW Its services are similar to the GGSN as the gateway towards external circuit switchednetworks like other public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and integrated service digitalnetworks (ISDNs)etc.The GMSC is responsible for collecting the location information and routing the call to theMSC through which the subscriber can obtain service at that instant.

HeNodeB HeNodeB An evolved network component that serves one femtocell.MME MME The functions defining all aspects of network signalling and control, such as call control and

connection control.PCRF PCRF Is the single point of policy-based QoS control in the network. It is responsible for

formulating policy rules from the technical details of Service Date Flows (SDF) that willapply to a users services, and then passing these rules to the PGW for enforcement.

PDNGW PDNGW Acts as a default router for the UE, and is responsible for anchoring the user plane formobility between some 3GPP access systems and all non-3GPP access systems.

SGW The ServingGateway SGW is responsible for anchoring the user plane for inter-eNB handover and inter-3GPPmobility. An SGW functionally resembles a 3G SGSN without the mobility and sessioncontrol features.

Home_Network_Domain

Home_Network_Domain

Contains all the user specific data and responsible for management of subscriptioninformation.

Eir Eir Logical entity storing the international mobile equipment identities (IMEIs).OMC_D Operational and

MaintenanceCenter Domain

Is the functional entity through which the service provider monitors and controls the system.The OMC performs all the operation and maintenance tasks for the network such asmonitoring network traffic and network alarms.

IMS IP MultimediaSubsystem

3GPP has developed a complete service network system for mobile networks, called the IPMultimedia Subsystem (IMS). It is a complete, SIP-based control architecture that includescharging, billing and bandwidth management. IMS occupy the core of converged networks,and is the chief enabler of accelerated network convergence with the promise of flexible

service delivery.MGCF Media Gateway

ControlFonction

Communicates with the Call Session Control Function (CSCF) and controls the connectionsfor media channels in an IMS-MGW. It performs protocol conversion between ISDN UserPart (ISUP) and the IMS call-control protocols.


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MGW Media Gateway Is a tool or service that transforms media flow between network telecommunication.

P/I/S_CSCF

proxy/interrogating/serving callsession controlfunction

Is the first contact point in IMS and interacts with GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node).

Serving_Network_Domain

Serving_Network_Domain

Composed of the CS domain and the PS domain.

CS_Domain

CS_Domain Consists of: MSC/VLR and GMSC.

Databases

Databases In general there are five databases: Home Location Register (HLR), Visitor's LocationRegister (VLR), Authentication Centre (AUC), Equipment Identify Register (EIR), HomeSubscriber Server (HSS).

HLR HLR The Home Location Register (HLR) is the main subscriber profile register, and contains alldata related to a mobile subscriber. This data includes but is not limited to the following: themobile subscribers identity, represented as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity(IMSI) (also stored in the SIM card), administrational information, service subscription and

service specific data and location information.AuC AuC The Authentication Center (AuC) is a register that is logically part of the HLR.

Authentication specific data for a given subscriber is stored in the AuC. It is responsible forstoring the secret key of a subscriber. Other tasks of the AuC include the generation ofauthentication parameters needed for authentication and encryption, proving the identity of asubscriber and providing protection mechanisms for a subscribers SIM card.

Eir Eir Logical entity storing the international mobile equipment identities (IMEIs).VLR VLR The Visitor Location Register (VLR) is a subscriber profile containing temporary

information, and is distributed in the network according to geographical locations. The VLRalong with the MSC are responsible for handling mobile subscribers visiting an area outsidetheir home network. Certain administrational data is replicated in the VLR from the HLR inorder to provide service provisioning and call control. Information about the visitingsubscriber is retrieved from the HLR and stored in the VLR as a temporary record.

GMSC GMSC Its services are similar to the GGSN as the gateway towards external circuit switched

networks like other public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and integrated service digitalnetworks (ISDNs)etc.The GMSC is responsible for collecting the location information and routing the call to theMSC through which the subscriber can obtain service at that instant.

MSC MSC The Mobile Switching Center (MSC) is the switching node in the Network and SwitchingSubsystem that controls all MS connections. It provides telephony switching services to fixedand mobile networks. MSC controls mobile originated and mobile terminated CS callfunctions.

TRAU TRAU The TRAU is a gateway between the RNC and the MSC that is responsible for theconversion of the format of speech data. This is necessary because UTRAN and CN usedifferent formats.

PS_Domain

PS_Domain Consists of a serving general packet radio services (GPRS) support node (SGSN) and agateway GPRS support node (GGSN).

GGSN GGSN Gateway towards external packet switched networks like the internet, local area networks(LANs), wide area networks (WANs)etc.SGSN Serving GPRS

Support NodeThis entity was first developed with GPRS and its use has been carried over into UMTSnetwork architecture. The SGSN provides a number of functions within the UMTS networkarchitecture: mobility management, session management, interaction with other areas of thenetwork

Transit_Domain

Transit_Domain The Transit Network (TN) domain which is the CN part between the SN and the remoteparty.

IP_Network

Internet ProtocolNetwork

Carry signal between eNodeB and PDN gateway.

ISDN ISDN Is a set of communications standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video,data, and other network services over the traditional circuits of the public switched telephonenetwork.

PSTN PSTN Is the network of the world's public circuit-switched telephone networks. It consists of

telephone lines, fiber optic cables, microwave transmission links, cellular networks,communications satellites, etc

User_Equipment_D

User_Equipment_Domain

Elements the end user carries with him (the phone, the application, and the SIM or USIMembedded in an IC card.)


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omainMobile_Equipment_Domain

Mobile_Equipment_Domain

The Mobile Equipment Domain (ME) is the actual mobile device a user uses to establishcalls and other telephony services. The ME communicates with the radio channel andprovides various services to the user of the mobile device. It is the terminal, excluding theUser Subscriber Services Identity Module (USIM) and the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).

MT MobileTermination

Mobile terminationin the network of "B" is referred to when calls are routed to operator "B"via the network of operator "A", in order to be delivered to the end customer in the mobilenetwork of "B".

TE TerminalEquipment

Contains the end-to-end application such as laptop.

SIM_Domain

SIM_Domain The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is located inside the ME and contains subscriberspecific data. This data is used for identifying a subscriber to the network via theInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). Authentication specific data is also storedinside the SIM (e.g. algorithms, secret key), which are later used for key generation.Two security services are implemented for the SIM card. The first security mechanism for theSIM is access control, which controls a user from accessing the card and the information andservices provided upon card access. This is provided via a secret Personal IdentificationNumber (PIN), which the user has to enter before gaining access to the SIM. The second

security mechanism provided is the network challenge and response mechanism described insection.PIN PIN A secret numeric password shared between a user and a system that can be used to

authenticate the user to the system.PUK PUK A PUK code is required to unlock SIM cards that have become locked following three

successive incorrect PIN entries.USIM_Domain

USIM_Domain Storage area that allows messages to stay with the user even when the phone is changed.

The graphical representation of the ontology shown in thefigure 11 is generated by the protg 4.1 tool with anactive reasoner. It illustrates the SHFCC (Secure HolisticFramework for Cellular Communication). However, we

are only interested in the branch of NTA (NteworkTechnology Architecture) hierarchy.

Figure 11--Excerpt of the SHFCC ontology visualized asan ontology graph OntoGraf

4.4.1 Ontology metricsThe federated ontology of the SHFCC is composed ofclasses (concepts), class axioms, object properties, object

property axioms, datatype properties, datatype axioms,individuals, individual axioms, and annotations and theiraxioms. Figure 12 illustrates the federated ontologymetrics generated by RacerPro reasoner added into

protg 4.1 tool. The reader may notice that the metricsare part of the Secure Holistic Framework for CellularCommunication (SHFCC). Indeed, the federationontology for cellular network technologies is a potentialpart of the SHFCC. Its metrics count for around 90

percent of the whole number of metrics. The secondpotential part of the SHFCC is an ontology for mobilephone operating systems.

Figure 12Federation ontology metrics


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4.4.1.1 ClassesA class represents a concept. This latter is characterizedby a name and a set of rules. Classes can be sub-classed orhave sub-classes, together classes and sub-classes form ahierarchy. Thus, the following figure 13 illustratesgeneral overview of the SHFCC ontologys classhierarchy (asserted and inferred hierarchy). Among theseclasses, figure the NTA (Network TechnologyArchitecture) classes.

The subclass inherits its characteristics from the super orparent class, and it may have one or more parent class.Multiple inheritances are supported. Ontology classes arevery similar to classes in an object oriented program.An asserted hierarchy is a manually defined view of theontology. When classifying an ontology with a resoner,this latter performs automatic computation of the definedontology and creates an inferred hierarchy of the ontologymodel after reasoning has been performed. Newinformation is deducted according to logic in the inferredmodel, and also classification checking is performed. Theresults of information deduction and classification, is theinformation that is displayed in the inferredcondition/hierarchy/model.Asserted models have not undergone any kind of logicalclassification or reasoning.

Figure 13--OWL Viz asserted and inferred SHFCContology hierarchy generated by RacerPro.

5.EVALUATION OF THE RESULTSThe work results are evaluated from two different angles:We tested the degree to which the feature model of thenetwork technology architecture is homogeneous, thecommonalities between the different sets made from all

possible combination of features, the flexibility of theNTA feature model, and the degree of orthogonalitybetween NTA feature tree and any of its subtrees(represented by its root feature) [23].

Figure 14 feature model of high level networktechnology concepts.

Consider the feature model of high level networktechnology concepts (figure 14), lets compute thefollowing:

All possible sets:

Let N be the number of different sets represented by theNetwork Technology Architecture (NTA) feature model,all possible combinations of features presented in Figure14 are detailed below:

Set1 (S1) ={NTA, GSM, UMTS, Lte-adv}Set2 (S2) = {NTA, GSM, UMTS, Lte-adv, New-features1}Set2 (S2) = {NTA, GSM, UMTS, Lte-adv, New-features2}Set3 (S3) = {NTA, GSM, UMTS, Lte-adv, New-

features1, New-features2}The number (N) of sets for the feature model presented infigure 14 isN =4.

Homogeneity:

Homogeneity indicates the degree to which a featuremodel is homogeneous [24]. According to [24] it iscalculated as follows:

n is the number of unique features in one set andN is the

number of sets represented by the NTA feature model.The range of this indicator is [0, 1]. If all the sets haveunique features, the indicator is 0 (lowest degree ofhomogeneity). If there are no unique features, theindicator is 1 (highest degree of homogeneity).

Commonality:

Commonality is the percentage of features or set offeatures that exist in the holistic feature model whatever

combination is made. As an example, consider the partialconfigurations described below and the feature model infigure 14: The commonalities of possible configurationsare calculated as follows:


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The range of this indicator is [0, 1]. Configuration C1,C2, and C3 appear in 100% of the functional sets whereasC4 and C5are included only in 25% of them.

Variability factor:

This operation takes a feature model as input and returnsthe ratio between the number of sets and 2nwheren is thenumber of features considered. In particular, 2n is thepotential number of products represented by a featuremodel assuming that any combination of features isallowed. The root and non-leaf features are often notconsidered. The variability of the feature model (figure14) is taking into account only leaf features:

0, 03

Degree of orthogonality:

Czarnecki et al. [25] defines the degree of orthogonalityas the ratio between the total number of sets of the featuremodel and the number of sets of the subtree. Only localconstraints in the subtree are considered for counting thesets. For instance, the formula below shows the degree oforthogonality for the subtrees GSM, UMTS, and Lte-Advanced presented in figure 14.

The range of this indicator is (0, ). A high degree oforthogonality indicates that decisions can be taken locallywithout worrying about the influence in the configurationof other parts of the tree [25].

After mapping between the three ontologies: GSMontology, UMTS R 99 ontology, and Lte-Advancedontology, we proceed by the use of Wu & Palmer measureand ProxiGna technics [26] and [27] to evaluate the

results of similarities between concepts. Both methodswere originated from the field of semantic research. Theyare largely based on the similarity measures betweenconcepts in ontologies. Note that our similarity

measurement approach focus on the physical architectureof the network technology.

The Wu & Palmer measure [26] and [27] calculatesrelatedness by considering the depths of the two focus

concepts in the hierarchical structure, along with thedepth of the Least Common Superconcept (LCS) (figure15). The formula is defined as follows:

Where sim means similarity, C3 is the LCS of C1 andC2. A is the number of nodes on the path from C1 to C3.B is the number of nodes on the path from C2 to C3. X isthe number of nodes on the path from C3 to root.

Figure 15. Wu and Palmer similarity measure

Another similarity measurement method is ProxiGna. Itis the short form of the French words (ProximitGnalogique). It meansclose Pedigree.This method isinspired from the family tree principal. The similaritybetween two concepts is treated as proximity between two

family members. To show how to use it, Figure 16illustrates a sample ontology tailored to this purpose.

The similarity of two elements depends on theorganization of concepts in the hierarchy. It is evidentthat the choices made during the construction of thehierarchy of concepts influence the value of similarity.

Figure 16Sample ontology for demonstrationpurposes (after [27]).

Gen (M) is the set of concepts that enter in the conceptgenealogy of M, from the root node until M

Gen (M) ={A, B, D, H, MAncestors (L, M) are the set of common ancestors of Land M concepts.


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Ancestors (L, M) =Gen (L) Gen (M) = {A, B, D, G, L {A, B, D, H, M ={A, B, D

Sim(L, M) =

Sim(L, M)

The results of the similarities between networktechnology components, belonging to the physical partsubject of table 1, are given in the following table 3.Charts (figure 17 and 18) describe the similaritymeasurements given by each method. Meanwhile, thechart subject of figure 19 illustrates the comparisonbetween the two similarity measurements generated bythe two different methods. It confirms the existence ofsome sort of similarities.

Table 3. Ontology Concepts Similarities measurements.

Measure Sim (.. ,.. ) Wu andPalmer

ProxiGna AimedSimilarity

(SIM, USIM) 1 0,75 1

(MS,ME) 0,33 0,57 1(BSS,RNS) 0,64 0,80 1(BTS, eNB) 1 1 1

(BSC, UTRAN) 1 1 1(MSC, MSC) 1 1 1(VLR, VLR) 1 1 1(HLR, HSS) 0,38 0,77 1

(SGSN, SGW) 0,33 0,86 1(GGSN, PGW) 0,38 0,77 1

(MSC, MME) 0,44 0,83 1(CN, EPC) 0,8 0,67 1(PSTN, PSTN) 1 1 1(PDN, PDN) 1 1 1(BSC, RNC) 0,53 0,73 1

(Eir, Eir) 1 1 1(AuC, AuC) 1 1 1

(OMC, OMC) 1 1 1(TRAU, TRAU) 1 1 1(PCRF, PCRF) 1 1 1

Figure 17. Similarity measurement of the ontologyconcepts with Wu and Palmer method.

Figure 28. Similarity measurement of the ontologyconcepts with ProxiGna method.

Figure 39. Comparison of the two methods results.

6.VALIDATION

Recall that the research hypothesis (presented in theintroduction) call for determining the theoreticalfeasibility of using federation ontology to integrate thecellular communication network technologies. Theoverall approach to providing evidence confirming thishypothesis was to apply the ontology to three networktechnologies and then observe how the domain will beclear in unambiguous way.

Throughout this tentative, just theoretical feasibilityevidence is established. There are two main purposesbehind that:

First, the effort advocated to substantiate technicalfeasibility of the federated ontology by actuallyintegrating all existing cellular network technologiesis a massive burden, require huge effort.

Second, the ontology is still in research phase or isconsidered as an area for future research.

7.CONCLUSIONThe organization mode of the unstructured and non-formal cellular communication networks knowledge is

hampering its sharing. How to make this knowledgereused and be shared in order to achieve tangibleunderstandability is still a challenging problem that thetelecommunication and knowledge engineers have beenfacing.

The way to address this problem (the lack of sharedunderstanding, poor communication, and disparatemodeling methods) is by reducing or eliminatingconceptual and terminological confusion and coming to ashared understanding. Such shared understanding canfunction as a unifying frameworkfor different viewpointsand serve as the basis for communication between people

involved in the domain.


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AUTHORS

Neji HASNI received the SpecializedMaster Degree (S.M.D) in transmission(telecommunication) in 1995 and DualMaster of Science degrees (M.S. inComputer Science and M.S in Information

Technology Management) from the NavalPostgraduate School USA- in 2003. During his stayingin the USA, he was active in the SoftwareEngineering Laboratory; he developed a math-model forimpact of e-commerce on overall economies. Besides, hebuilt a pilot ontology for software development tools. Hewas among the pioneers to first introduce the ontologiesfor the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to themaster students in geomatics , and he is still teaching

them to the Gomatic master classes at MannoubaUniversity.

Ridha Bouallegue (M98) received thePh.D degrees in electronic engineeringfrom the National Engineering School of

Tunis. In 2003, he received the Hd.Rdegrees in multiuser detection in wireless

communications. Since 1990 he has been a graduateProfessor at the higher school of communications of

Tunis (SUPCOM), From 2005 to 2008, he was the

Director of the National engineering school of Sousse. In2006, he was a member of the national committee ofscience technology. Up to now, he is the director of theInnovCOM research lab (telecommunication). From2005 to this date, he is a member of the scientificcommittee for thesis validation and Hd.R at the Tunisiannational school of engineering. His research interestsinclude wireless and mobile communications, OFDM,space-time processing for wireless systems, multiuserdetection, wireless multimedia communications, andCDMA systems...

Documents

Highlighting commonalities and variabilities between cellular communication technologies via ontology mapping