IP multimedia subsystem concepts -- 4.0 General

The IP Multimedia CN subsystem comprises all CN elements for provision of multimedia services. This includes the collection of signalling and media related network elements as defined in TS 23.002 [1]. IP multimedia services are based on an IETF defined session control capability which, along with multimedia transport capabilities, utilises the IP-Connectivity Access Network (this may include an equivalent set of services to the relevant subset of CS Services).

In order to achieve access independence and to maintain a smooth interoperation with wireline terminals across the Internet, the IP multimedia subsystem attempts to be conformant to IETF "Internet standards". Therefore, the interfaces specified conform as far as possible to IETF "Internet standards" for the cases where an IETF protocol has been selected, e.g. SIP and RTP.

The IP multimedia core network (IM CN) subsystem enables operators to offer their subscribers multimedia services. The IM CN subsystem should enable the convergence of, and access to,voice, video, messaging, data and web-based technologies for the wireless and wireline user.

The complete solution for the support of IP multimedia applications consists of terminals, IP-Connectivity Access Networks (IP‑CAN), and the specific functional elements of the IM CN subsystem described in this technical specification.

Examples of IP-Connectivity Access Network are:

- the GPRS core network with GERAN and/or UTRAN radio access networks; and

- EPC core network and E-UTRAN radio access network; and

- 5GS access network.

Figure 4.0 below represents the IMS reference architecture including interfaces towards CS network and other IP based multimedia Networks. Details of the roles of these nodes aredescribed in clauses 4.6, 4.7 and 4.7a.

NOTE 1: Some entities defined as part of theIMS Subsystem can also be used by other subsystems.

NOTE 2: The Ici and Izi reference points areonly applicable for IP Multimedia Networks that are IMS subsystems.

NOTE 3: In certain configuration, twoentities can exchange SIP messages directly with each other without areference point being defined between them (e.g., intermediateentitie(s) not record-routed).

Figure 4.0:Reference Architecture of the IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem

A description of the functional entities can befound in TS 23.002 [1].

IP多媒体核心网络子系统包括了所有用于多媒体业务配置的核心网络元素。它包括信令和涉及网络元素的媒体（定义域TS 23.002中）。IMS以IETF定义的会话控制能力为基础，这个会话控制能力与多媒体传输能力一起使用IP-CAN（基于IP的访问网络，IP-CAN可能包括一组等价于电路交换式服务的相关子服务的服务）。

为保证访问独立性和获取通过互联网的与有线终端的平滑(?)的相互操作，IMS需符合IETF的 “Internet standards”。因此，IMS的接口在IETF协议已经规定的案例中尽可能的符合IETF “Internet standards"，如SIP（会话发起协议）和RTP（实时传输协议）。

IP多媒体核心网络子系统使运营商给他们的订阅者提供多媒体业务。IMCN子系统应该为无线和有线用户提供语音、视频、信息、数据、网页技术等技术的集合并可以使用它们。

支持IP多媒体应用的完整解决方法包括终端、IP-CAN、IM CN子系统技术标准定义的特定功能元素。

IP-CAN的例子有：含有GERAN / UTRAN 无线接入网的GPRS核心网；EPC(Evolved Packet Core)核心网和 E-UTRAN无线接入网；5G服务接入网。

图4.0是IP多媒体核心网络子系统的参考架构图。它包括了面向CS网络和其他基于IP的多媒体网络的接口。

注1：一些节点被定义为IMS子系统的一部分，但它们也可以被用于其他的子系统。

注2：Ici和Izi参考点只适用于为IMS子系统的IP多媒体网络。

注3：在某些配置中，两个实体可以直接交换SIP信息，而不需要经过定义在它们之间的参考点。（即中间实体没有记录路由？）