This technical document describes the Mobile Wireless Internet Forum¹s Layered Functional Architecture. A diagram of the architecture provides descriptions of the functional elements in the layers. Detailed definitions and functionality provided by each of the elements in the architecture are provided, with the exception of the Access Network elements. The Reference Architecture Network (RAN) elements will be described in detail in MWIF IP Radio Control / Bearer in the RAN (see MTR-007). This document captures the MWIF Layered Functional Architecture and serves as the basis for development of the MWIF Network Reference Architecture (MTR-004).
By writing, publishing and freely distributing mobile/Internet technical reports, MWIF acts as a catalyst to influence technical standards, industry organizations and ultimately worldwide corporations that develop next generation mobile and wireless Internet solutions.
As an international collaborative unit, the membership team that worked on this report is comprised of carriers, developers and ISPs. The benefit of this collaboration is seen in the reference network architecture that is diagramed in this report as well as the supporting documents that follow.
Listed below are the definition of terms that are used in the report.
Definitions
This document employs the following terminology: