Generic system architecture for 4G mobile communications

In the European Union, the debate about 4G mobile has spawned the vision of a system that enables an "Always Best Connected" (ABC) mode of communication for the citizen of the forthcoming information society. This now widely accepted vision sketches a heterogeneous communication landscape comprising different wireless access systems in a complementary manner, where the user, supported by his/her personal intelligent agent(s), enjoys untethered connectivity and ubiquitous access to applications over the most efficient combination of wireless systems available. In the present paper, we identify the major developments in the fourth generation mobile communication market, present the technical aspects of the fourth generation network architecture and analyze the implications of the "ABC" vision upon it in terms of functional requirements and overall service provision capabilities. In closing, we introduce a generic 4G system model, elaborate on its major functional entities and finally, identify its key enabling technologies and solution sets.