IP Interworking
IP based services are central to the future growth of mobile communications. As the transmission of voice and data migrates to the packet switched world, a wide range of technical and commercial benefits become available to all stakeholders and the customers they serve. Mobile operators are already exploring exciting new services based on IP technology, including innovative messaging applications and rich content delivery of simultaneous voice and images with high quality, reliable levels of service.
These new services are not just limited to the mobile world. Fixed and mobile network operators, carriers and other service or application providers can mutually benefit from the attractive opportunities for new business that IP services bring.
The GSMA believes that achieving two key goals will enable all stakeholders to make a viable business:
- Seamless interoperability of IP services between all types of operators delivering secure, high quality service interworking
- Commercial and technical frameworks that enable all parties in the interworking value chain to receive a fair commercial return
Working with operators, the GSMA has developed a managed IP network solution called the IP eXchange (IPX) that provides the commercial and technical solutions to manage IP traffic and which follows the GSMA's four key principles of openness, quality, cascading payments and efficient connectivity that are seen as vital for a successful and sustainable IP Interworking solution.
High-Quality Global IP Network Prepares To Go Commercial
12 Feb 2008, Spain: Following successful trials run by the GSM Association, international carriers are preparing to rollout the first commercial IPX services...
GSMA IPX initiative readies commercialisation of IP services11 Feb 2008, Spain: The GSMA’s IPX (IP Packet eXchange) initiative has developed into a proven service preparing for commercial deployment, twelve months after trials began...
Economic Study on IP Interconnection
The evolution towards Next Generation Networks (NGNs) or IP-based fixed and mobile networks provides for many exciting opportunities, such as the launch of new innovative services, and enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. It also provides an opportunity for improvements in economic efficiency and customer welfare, with supply more closely matched to customer demand and the application of society's limited resources to their most beneficial use.Download summary whitepaper (PDF)
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The IP eXchange (IPX) is the GSMA's proposal for the next generation interconnect solution. It provides a commercial and technical solution to manage IP traffic and follows the GSMA's four key IPI principles that we believe are vital for a successful and sustainable IP Interworking solution.
The managed network environment is traffic engineered to support specific IP services at specific quality levels. The IPX solution is a premium quality solution that promises error free delivery of traffic whilst offering the flexibility to apply an appropriate level of quality as demanded by each different class of service. 
The GSMA has carried out a series of global workshops with key organisations from the operator and carrier world in 2007. These focussed on discussing the practical implications of launching real-world solutions using the principles of IP Interworking and the deployment of the IPX. In addition, Pre Commercial Trials for the IPX to help speed the commercial implementation of the solution were also launched in 2007.
If you work for a fixed operator, mobile operator or carrier and would like to find out more about IP Interworking, the IPX or the Trials programme or would like to ask for the GSMA's IPI specialists to assist in developing your IP service delivery plans, please email the IPI team
IPX Pre Commercial Implementation (IPX PCI) Trials
IPX PCI is a GSMA project undertaken on behalf of its members, the mobile operators, and other relevant stakeholders. The purpose is to verify the design and operation of the IP Packet eXchange (IPX) through a series of practical trials. The first wave of trials undertaken as part of the project has already demonstrated positively the suitability of the IPX as a carrier-grade interconnect medium for packet voice and other services.
The trials programme is on-going. As new members join the programme, the trials can cover an expanded geographical and functional scope. The overall benefit can be summed up as follows:
· Development of IP Interworking capabilities amongst stakeholders
· Accelerated deployment of commercial IPX services
The GSMA continues to actively seek more participants in IPX PCI Trials. If you would like to participate in the Trials, please contact the IPX PCI Project Manager.
The GSMA has produced two brochures that give an overview of its key principles for IP Interworking and to explain the concept and benefits of an IPX in detail.
IP Interworking: unlocking the value of IP services (pdf)
This brochure outlines the need for and benefit of an IP Interworking solution based on four key principles. These principles are described in detail along with the proposition for a high quality IP connectivity solution
IP eXchange: providing a quality based solution for IP Interconnect (pdf)
Read a detailed analysis of the concept of an IPX. Topics covered include a view of the commercial and technical solutions to manage security, support the business model of cascading payments, manage multilateral connectivity and ensure a focus on end-to-end quality.