An Overview of Proposed Layered-Model and its Architecture for Extending Policy-based Management Framework to provide Always Best Connected services

There have been many changes in the face of computing in past decade, one of which is undoubtedly the introduction of mobile computing. The ability to be connected to the Internet at all times with the best available access network introduces an idea of Always-Best-Connected (ABC) services. However, with a wide range of access technologies and mobile-networked devices together with increasing demands of mobile users, introduces the notion of integration and inter-working of these heterogeneous access networks. To realise the mobility requirement of mobile users, network service providers need to dynamically manage their network resources and be able to adapt according to the present network conditions, while continually providing agreed-services to their home and guest users. This requires a centralised monitoring and management system. Sometimes referred to as 4th generation (4G) networks, the overall objective is to provide a managed ABC services over underlying heterogeneous wireless and mobile platforms while maintaining negotiated security and Quality of Service in an open and customisable environment. This paper provides an overview of a proposed layered model and its architecture, which is based upon Policy-based Management (PBM). Proposed model provides a framework for the centralised management of networks based on business-level policies, which facilitates the negotiation of management services over interconnected heterogonous mobile platforms thus achieving an always best-connected scenario