Connectivity Service Network (CSN)

Connectivity Service Network is defined as a set of network functions that provide IP connectivity to user terminals. A CSN can provide the following functions:  

• MS IP address and endpoint parameter allocation for user sessions; 

• Internet access; 

• AAA proxy/server; 

• Policy and admission control based on user profiles; 

• ASN-CSN tunneling support; 

• Subscriber billing; 

• Inter-CSN tunneling for roaming; 

• Inter-ASN mobility management and mobile IP home agent functionality; 

• Network services such as connectivity for peer-to-peer services, provisioning, authorization and/or connectivity to IP multimedia services, and to enable lawful interception; 

• Connectivity to Internet and managed services such as IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS),vi Location-Based Services (LBS),vii Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS), etc.; 

• Over-the-air activation and provisioning of mobile WiMAX terminals.  The CSN may further comprise network elements such as routers, AAA proxy/servers, user databases, and interworking functions.