MobileSTICK
Overview
The MobileSTICK solution enables mobile subscribers to start using their PCs for their existing mobile voice and messaging services, plus a host of compelling new applications, without adding a new phone number or changing phones. Mobile service providers can offer secure fixed-mobile convergence services to consumers today with the MobileSTICK. The solution combines a USB key with an embedded SIM card and a softphone client, with a PC using a broadband connection, and BridgePort Networks' NomadicONE Network Convergence Gateway within the mobile operator's core network to bridge the mobile and broadband networks.
Solution Elements and Technology
MobileSTICK draws on three capabilities to enable its converged, PC-based communications.
- A USB key's softphone and SIM Card that is authenticated by the mobile network and uses SIP signaling to communicate with the mobile network
- A capability to converge the internet with the mobile network, bridging between SIP signaling and SS7 signaling
- The ability to associate two user devices (PC and mobile phone) with a single phone number and set of services
The MobileSTICK solution combines the following items to provide PC-based integration with existing mobile services:
- USB key with embedded, paired SIM card
- Softphone client on the USB key
- BridgePort Networks' NomadicONE Network Convergence Gateway (NCG) acting as a SIP Registrar and Serving MSC
- Standard media gateway, media gateway controller, signaling gateway, session border controller and media server
- Mobile Carrier's Home Location Register (HLR)
The USB key contains a SIM Card Reader, a SIM Card and integrated Flash memory to store the VoIP softphone. It can be plugged into any Windows-based computer.
The NomadicONE mediates between the mobile network and the VoIP network (i.e., between SS7 and SIP). It acts as an MSC/VLR in the GSM Network and a SIP Registrar/Proxy in the VoIP network.
Under the direction of the NomadicONE, the media gateway controller and media gateways perform call control functions as well as transcoding the media and translating the signaling.
By associating the two IMSIs- one from the cell phone and one from the MobileSTICK - to a single phone number, mobile services can be converged and extended to the internet.
See also related Press Release with Oberthur Card Systems.