5 best practices for a better wifi experience

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Abstract

The internet revolution has created tremendous demand for internet experience for the users. Users

are increasingly bringing their internet on the go. Today, Wi-Fi is embedded in virtually every mobile

Internet device and common hotspot services have formed to fill the gap in ensuring effective

coverage for todays service providers worldwide that offer smartphones. In a recent report by Cisco,wired devices will account for 46% of IP traffic , while Wi-Fi and mobile devices will account for 54%

of IP traffic by 2015. This estimation is not surprising, given the smartphone shipments worldwide

had tripled over the past two years and has surpassed PC shipments.

Even as cellular networks are evolving from today's 3G technology to LTE that brings promise of

capacity leaps (by account of nearly 4 times), the overall data traffic projection is expected to

increase by an annual CAGR of 32% from 2010 to 2015; outpacing LTE network deployments.

LTE networks will fill up very quickly. Until then, network operators have to cope with the

consumption of over the top wireless broadband service.

The following sections of this paper present a deep dive into the impact of Wi-Fi deployment for

operators looking into data offloading and the best practices to emulate. Wi-Fi as we know is vendor

neutral and cost effective alternative to operators building high bandwidth data networks which do

not suffer from licensing constraints. Wi-Fi as a complementary technology can help ease traffic by

20% with substantial impact of freeing up spectrum. Leveraging this, cellular operators have

emerged competitively in the video market share (against cable based operations) by increasingly

rolling out IPTV services to its broadband service to remain relevant in the digital age and

differentiating their service. By delivering multiple service bundles of voice, data, video, contents

similar to quad-play can create stickiness and improve the overall user experience.

Additionally, key aspect of Wi-Fi offloading and adoption in business models are discussed. Wi-Fi

networks are not devoid of shortfalls. However, it can be strategically positioned to address and

resolve interworking, security, authentication methods between networks and create additional value

wherever the business model fits. A common denominator to benchmark the user experience is

attributed to the performance of the network and the promise of service levels, rather than strictemphasis on the technology that is delivering the experience. Likewise, common to operators are

the operation indices that govern the effectiveness of strategic go to market and network planning

which contribute to the formulation of business models. It need not be strictly defined by a single

technology. Hence, marrying Wi-Fi technology together with 3G can bring new growth in injecting

value to their business.

1 Source: Cisco Visual Networking Index: Forecast and Methodology, 201020152

Source: Cisco Visual Networking Index: Forecast and Methodology, 20102015

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Contents

Overview 03

Wi-Fi Experience 04

- Evolution of experiences

- Challenge of Deploying Wi-Fi

Best Practices for Wi-Fi Offload 07

1. Authentication

2. Security

3. Interworking

4. Monetizing Content, Extend Value Added Service

5. Delivering Best Experience

Better Wi-Fi Experiences with Greenpacket ICMP 12

- Scenario: Heterogeneous Access Network

- Scenario: Seamless Connectivity 3G - Wi-Fi

- Scenario: Session Persistence and Inter-System Mobility

- Scenario: Wi-Fi locator

Conclusion 15

Wi-Fi Your Network to More Bandwith! 16References 17

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Overview

The mobile Internet revolution has resulted in a dramatic disruption to the encumbered wireless industry in decades.

Operators and service provider is experiencing a decoupling of revenue per user (ARPU) by the measure of exponential

data growth. As a result, it is willing operators and service providers to quickly go in search of a sustainable solution to

support this traffic.

By cellular standards Wi-Fi is a simple technology that lacks in many aspects without power control, access network

awareness, limited mobility, unmanaged handover capability and minimal quality of experience (QoE). It is less attractive

than that of 3G, but Wi-Fis cost effectiveness and simplicity has led to mass deployment of the technology. Additionally,

Wi-Fi is widely available in most devices today and leverages on unlicensed spectrum.

Hype surrounding 4G technologies such as LTE and WiMAX can easily sideline how useful Wi-Fi is. However, Wi-Fi is

going to contribute a major role in the future of wireless data services and it isnt going away anytime soon as

demonstrated by tier 1 operators such as AT&T taking an offload strategy via Wi-Fi. Another compelling reason Wi-Fi will

remain important is attributed to its unique ability to provide consistent wireless indoor coverage. On the other hand,

LTE and WiMAX are better performing at giving users coverage which includes seamless handoffs over wide areas.

Wi-Fi gives the flexibility to operators to scale network bandwidth wherever the business fits. Today, operators are moving

away from the flat rate all you can eat buffet plans. It is instrumental to equip the network to deliver a differentiated

product portfolio of advanced applications and personalized content as well as leveraging on partners users (roaming)

allow operators to adopt new business models. The shift from injecting value in the network to extracting additional value

from the network allows operators to grow new revenue streams.

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Wi-Fi Experience

Operators and service providers are going to increasingly rely on Wi-Fi and similar unlicensed-spectrum technologies to

offload the surge in data traffic. Even though Wi-Fi offloading is a solution that will resolve data congestion, there are

several aspects that must be examined to ensure a seamless mechanism for mobile providers to transfer data from their

broadband networks to Wi-Fi.

End users should not need to manually authenticate their handsets or be asked to log on to a Wi-Fi network. Instead,

user data should be transparently pushed from the carrier to the device, with the carrier integrating and interacting with

back-end network without triggering activity by the end user. A users sentiment would be best described as: I dislike

when my iPad constantly prompts me to join a Wi-Fi network. This is not user-friendly and disruptive

Evolution of experiences

Many if not all smartphones now come with built-in Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi has matured over the years and demonstrated it is asecure technology that even supports Quality of Service (QoS).

Wi-Fi is now capable of carrying up to 300Mbps3 (the older version of Wi-Fi started at 11Mbps, which is similar to what

an LTE performance4 is capable today). Initially, Wi-Fi was regarded as a poor cousin to the cellular network in terms of

performance. It was at best suited to burst data applications such as email and web surfing (delay tolerant applications).

By comparison, 3GPP networks at that time could support operator services such as MMS, video calls and internet

access (restricted to operator services). The advancement of Wi-Fi now allows a multitude of concurrent applications

(video streaming, voice, FTP, internet access) to be supported with improved performance similar or better than 3GPP

at times at a lower cost per bit.

Operators are beginning to acknowledge the powerful performance of these extremely fast, inexpensive Wi-Fi networks

and widely available chip sets. With the appropriate suite of wireless network protocols and realistic view of Wi-Fi

expectations, consumers can continue to use their smartphones or feature phones as conventional phones (such as

SMS, calls) and not just to access data.

3 IEEE 802.11n networks support rated theoretical bandwidth under best radio conditions. Wireless N routers andnetwork adapters must run in a channel bonding mode.

4 Verizon 4G LTE advertised DL speeds of 12Mbps (averaging 10Mbps). Actual speeds achieved in networkprovides lower than theoretical speeds, but significantly faster than older 3G technology. Verizon, launched itsLTE service in December 2010, has wired up 38 major U.S. cities, from Los Angeles to New York,

as well as 60 airports for 4G LTE access.

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Challenge of Deploying Wi-Fi

As end users become further immersed in the Web, demand for bandwidth is soaring as users want to take the Internet

experience with them, on the move. Expectations of quality of experience (QoE) are demanded for seamless and

always-on access to services. For operators, this equates to continuously scale network bandwidth across multiple

dimensions while supporting the lowest total cost of ownership to meet the challenge.

The Wi-Fi solution lies not in voice-centric mobile devices but challenged by the new wave of data-consuming devices

like tablets, e-readers, personal navigation devices which lack control over distribution and contributes to the disruptions

to traditional pricing models. Such measures involve several areas that require assessment in:

Wi -Fi User Authentication and Accounting

Roaming between networks is complicated such that the roamed network has no access to the encryption keys used to

authenticate the user. The emulation of roaming ability through the use of EAP, ideally SIM-based is supported in Wi-Fi

devices these days. Other issues pertaining to accounting and is unclear and how much operators should charge each

other for access.

Wi-Fi Data Security

The credibility of tunneling data through unsecured WLAN is challenging to enforce restrictions to data streams and

content access when using Wi-Fi hotspot.

Wi-Fi QoS

Traditionally, Wi-Fi lacked control on quality of service. It was based on a best effort service level which pales in

comparison to 3GPP well structured QoS. Increasingly, operators and service providers are seeking methods to make

intelligent decisions about keeping data flows on preferred networks (e.g., such as VoIP, on 3G/LTE even when Wi-Fi is

available) and segregate those non revenue generating bulk IP traffic which makes its way to the internet.

Wi-Fi Congestion Control

Congestion control over Wi-Fi is defined at the MAC level. Wi-Fi networks are designed as such that, it follows a random

access mechanism. As a consequence, if the number of users connecting to the same access point increases, the QoS

experience degrades. Once the channel load is past roughly 90%, the throughput starts to drop as a result of increased

re-tries, even though the channel stays at the same utilization rate (roughly 99%). Therein, lies the issue of users

experiencing full Wi-Fi coverage, but unable to connect to Wi-Fi.

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Wi-Fi enabled device management

Many web applications and content, such as Youtube videos, are sponsored by third parties such as advertisers, and

are thus free to end users. Operators must find new and innovative ways of generating additional revenue for carrying

this extra traffic on their networks. Furthermore, application and content providers have restricted access to network

capabilities that can improve QoE and strengthen relationships with end users. Principles of smart algorithm involved in

seamless mobility, device management, policy management, traffic management as such to bring adjustments into

business models to drive profitability.

Figure 1: Wi-Fi Offload Data Flow

Source: Modified from Real Wireless Ltd. 2010

Macro RadioNetwork

Core Network

CONVENTIONAL OFFLOAD

User Data Signalling

Core Network

Wi-Fi RadioNetwork

Transport

Network

Transport

Network

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Best Practices for Wi-Fi Offload

The changing dynamics in the telecoms market require operators and network providers to equip their networks to

support service and application awareness, advanced QoS and traffic optimization to meet the challenge of being

value-added service providers. Some of the Wi-Fi practices that operators can emulate include:

1. Authentication

Wi-Fi networks are supported by a multitude of authentication methods. For Wi-Fi network to be mobile and facilitate

seamless coverage, the user device (UE) must seamlessly move from network to network and authenticate without the

user being aware. 802.1x and EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) standards is used extensively in WLAN as a basis

for negotiating solid authentication. Which EAP authentication is used for what networks? The choice of EAP

implementation is dependent on the operators. There are several EAP-based5 authentication variants ratified in Wi-Fi

Alliance including EAP-SIM, EAP-AKA, EAP-IKEv2, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP.

5

The list is not exhaustive. There are many methods defined in the IETF Internet draft.

EAP Authentication

802.1x RADIUS

Figure 2: EAP authentication

WLAN

Access Point

Client

IP

RADIUS

UDP

IP

Home

Authentication

Server (RADIUS)

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Operators place strict requirements on making both device and user authentication to ensure integrity and security of the

network is not compromised, when incorporating Wi-Fi as part of the mobile services strategy. Home and small office

applications are sufficiently supported with EAP-PSK, while enterprise-level security can benefit from

EAP-TLS/EAP-TTLS. The security of the Transport Layer Protocol (TLS) is strong, with the use PKI (public key

infrastructure) to secure mutual authentication between the client to server and vice-versa.

Systems lacking strong password policies can easily be compromised with dictionary attacks technique. It recovers the

password key by iteration mechanism with a list of common words by trying each word from a dictionary and encoding

it the same way the original plaintext was encoded. EAP-IKEv2 and EAP-TTLS with password-based authentication can

be vulnerable to plaintext attacks. In the EAP-TTLS, the EAP message is encapsulated within an encrypted and

authenticated in Tunneled Transport Layer Security (TTLS) tunnel. The passwords are transmitted unencrypted, thus the

attacker uses the plaintext and EAP encrypted version in the authenticated tunnel to further derive password key.

Even with server-authenticated tunnel that secures both the authentication method and the users identity, tunneling

protocol can be susceptible to Man in the Middle attacks - a rogue client assumes the identity of the client and server to

intercept communication. These threats arise a result of either clients cannot or do not authenticate to the server (mutual

authentication/session key management).

Fortunately, these vulnerabilities can be minimized and mitigated with pre-shared key and challenge-response common

mechanism implementation such as EAP-SIM, EAP-AKA. Theoretically, a cipher stream with longer key length can be

manipulated to lower the probability of successfully decrypting the cipher stream. Consequently, it makes the process

of disclosing information harder to achieve.

The advantage of EAP-SIM/EAP-AKA is strong in WLAN networks, where the flexibility of interworking WLAN allows for

seamless authentication using SIM card credentials. Both trusted and un-trusted non-3GPP networks can be securely

authenticated to the WLAN networks by inheriting the same subscriber provisioning, authentication and service

authorization. The primary issue of preventing unauthorized users from using the network is important. The

combination of passwords, client certificates, shared key encryption can provide mutual authentication for added

security and flexibility of different variants of EAP implementation on the carrier and operator practices wherever their

business needs fit.

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2. Security

Wi-Fi access was often controlled by the physical MAC address, associated with SSIDs and static WEP keys. These

measures reduced accidental connections and discouraged (but did not reliably prevent) unauthorized use of Wi-Fi

embedded device in wireless LANs. Adding to that, data packet that is broadcast over the network is available to every

node in the network. How can operators ensure confidentiality of data packet?

802.1x and EAP authentication used in WPA and WPA2 have now replaced older static WEP keys with user based

access control to authenticate and authorize user device (UE) to the network. To enhance the mutual authentication

methods in EAP, advanced encryption such as AES 128 bit encryption, IKEv2, MS-CHAP, MS-CHAPv2 can be

introduced to strengthen the security of data packet that traverses the transport layer.

Secure IP communication can be achieved with Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), a protocol suite which provides

authenticating and encrypting each IP packet of a communication session. IPsec also includes protocols for establishing

mutual authentication between agents (either a host to host, network to host or network to network) and negotiation of

cryptographic keys to be used during the session. IPsec provides data security at the IP packet level, which is one of

the most complete, secure, and commercially available, standards-based protocols developed for transporting data. The

security features of IPsec include authentication (which establishes the integrity of data stream, no tampering in transit),

integrity (through the use of secret-key based or public-key based algorithms to protect data) and confidentiality (the

exchange of data encryption key distribution).

Through the use of IKE (Internet Key Exchange protocol), the host must be able to verify the identity of its peer, prior to

allowing IPsec traffic to be passed over each router/firewall/host. IKE is used to establish a shared security policy and

authenticated keys for services.

Wi-Fi Wholesale

Issues pertinent to roaming on the carriers network create Wi-Fi opportunities for wholesale models to enable and

extend services to their end-users to roam onto combined networks (eg: cable companies and mobile carrier).

One such example*, Deutsche Telekom signed a deal with iPass to create a carrier Wi-Fi market that essentially

wholesale Wi-Fi access for operators .

*Source : http://telecoms.cbronline.com/news

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3. Interworking

What mix of Wi-Fi network that allows a user to remain on the Wi-Fi network, even when moving? Deploying Wi-Fi

networks include considerations on how well the networks interwork. Operators are striving to achieve a balance

between coverage, capacity, QoS and QoE.

How to ensure seamless handoff and traffic management? Which standards enable seamless switching from hotspot to

hotspot or perhaps even a handoff between a cellular and Wi-Fi network? For most parts, the 3GPP iWLAN standard for

interworking between 3GPP networks and Wireless LAN is helping cellular operators tackle the issue of data offloading.

Together with ANDSF, the inter-system mobility between 3GPP networks and non-3GPP networks (ie: WLAN, WiMAX,

CDMA) policies and priorities can control the conditions for which a device (UE) connects to which wireless network to

ensure seamless handoff on the basis of Mobile IP support.

However, many operators have not implemented automatic traffic offloads between their networks. Likewise, many

consumers dont take the time and effort to move between 3G/4G and Wi-Fi, even when they know Wi-Fi is available

and represents a cheaper alternative to cell connections. Why is that so? The UI of the connection manager which

manages the UE connectivity can at times be confusing and difficult to manipulate with a multitude of settings for different

access technologies. To add to the confusion, users fumble with connectivity without awareness and control over the

physical connectivity.

Until a time when operators formally adopt the approach, consumers should be guided to see a change in the way their

handsets navigate around networks, by directing the smartphones to Wi-Fi wherever practical. As such, intelligent

connection client that interworks with multiple access technologies play a role in managing device (UE) connectivity.

All of these processes should be transparent to the user while unifying the authentication, provisioning and billing &

charging mechanism.

Consequently, that should bring savings in the volume of data bytes consumed and, thus the amount they pay their

operators each month (users are now careful to monitor the tiered data plans rather than unlimited data plans). By freeing

up limited bandwidth, the setup has the potential to benefit both operators and consumers. Less congested 6 networks

should help operators reduce churn and optimize operating costs while consumers at the same time could experience

faster connections and lower service fees. All these could help operators remain on top of their business and keep

subscribers happy through their innovative offerings.

Other assessments include maximizing its existing infrastructure to reduce service delivery costs and drive new revenue

creation. The savings on delivery cost is not discussed in this paper. In a previous whitepaper Operators Can Save $14

million Yearly Through Data Offloading, a TCO Study describes in detail how offloading congested networks through

Wi-Fi contribute to reduced service delivery costs.

6

Congestion effects exclude transmission backhaul that may impact the quality of carriers network.

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4. Content, Extend Value Added Service

Once Wi-Fi is everywhere, one can roam seamlessly and can be mobile using Wi-Fi, to access internet on the go in many

more places. When users cannot find a Wi-Fi network in range, they fall back on the cellular network. More and more

cities, shopping malls and communal developments are adding Wi-Fi access to attract usage from consumers. Wi-Fi

Alliance is already defining the standards and framework to encourage the setup of infrastructure to make seamless

roaming and authentication happen, and having those networks in more places makes finding networks everywhere

and making Wi-Fi more usable.

The key to Wi-Fi networks lies in the unlicensed spectrum with a larger bandwidth and is partly attributed to the ability

to derive value added services. How can operators monetize content? Operators can exercise control and visibility on

which traffic streams are maintained on the 3G link and which are switched to Wi-Fi. Typically, operators retain revenue

generating IP traffic like VoIP on 3G link and offloads non-revenue bulk IP traffic like web surfing onto the Wi-Fi network.

The secure and managed data offload approach via iWLAN provides the mechanism of allowing operator service and

content to WLAN hot spots. The iWLAN settings are configured to contain certain Wi-Fi connection settings that

ensure which IP stream is tethered back to the 3G network and which will remain on the Wi-Fi network when

implementing data offload. This gives operator control over the types of content and when to push 3GPP hosted

services such as video messaging, voice calls and ringtones. Other popular applications such as location based

services can be offered, as the user moves between locations relevant to shopping, traffic updates as such to be

mapped onto different network connections.

In instances of operator owned Wi-Fi hotspots , the use of Wi-Fi is encouraged where 3GPP network experiences high

utilization or suffers from lack of coverage. Wi-Fi usage will count as part of the data plan minutes (eg: $30 plan for

200MB data), as more operators are abolishing the flat rate unlimited data plans. With Wi-Fi tethering charge, users

that consume large amount of data will be charged for excess data once it reaches the data cap. Subsequent charges

can be billed by volume or time. By deducting data plan minutes, Wi-Fi is an economical means to overcome

congestion on 3GPP network and while maximizing revenue channels for charging overages as a result of increased

Wi-Fi usage.

Wi-Fi Offload

Wi-Fi offload has been an important part of traffic management for operators such as AT&T and Telefonica.

Both operators have city-dwelling iPhone users that have had less than satisfactory 3G experience. In a recent

interview with Fierce Wireless CEO of Telekom Austria, said that the company was prepared for the continued

growth in mobile data traffic, but suggested that pushing data onto Wi-Fi made sense and CEO of Softbank said

in recent interview that mobile networks would not be able to cope without Wi-Fi. In Japan 50% of data traffic

happens inside the home during peak hours, which makes it ideal to harness Wi-Fi technology. He did also add

that "3G and LTE is the way to provide blanket coverage, but Wi-Fi helps to provide a richer experience.

*Source : LTE World

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5. Delivering Best Experience

Operators are careful in flat rate data plans. Instead, operators have reverted to tiered buckets of data to relieve the

pressures of declining ARPU. Even with operators beginning to adopt Wi-Fi networks, finding one Wi-Fi network on the

go, however, can be a challenge. The software client on the device (UE) would need to have some intelligence to

determine which network it connects to, in order to map the device (UE) type and service subscription to the

corresponding bearer. Through connection parameterized on context information and by combining knowledge about

real-time network levels, applications and devices (past data usage history), gives greater control on traffic management.

As an example, the software client should have the ability to turn on/off Wi-Fi radio and roaming algorithms. The

configuration of the SSID, W-APN, location, should be prioritized for handover policies and how network connections

are switched and connected to the corresponding profile based on the active connection. The software client should

also be configured to notify when a network is nearby, and trigger automated login with the support of ANDSF which

provides policy management to manage the way the UE discovers new non-3GPP Access Networks. It also provides

mobility policies in order for the operator to guide the UE to select the proper radio technology in any given location at

any given time.

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7 Handheld devices refers to smartphones, feature phones and tablets.8 Quality of network performance measures related to transmission backhaul links are

excluded in this paper.

Better Wi-Fi Experiences with Greenpacket ICMP

Greenpackets Intouch Connectivity Management Platform (ICMP) is a comprehensive connection management solution

that encompasses functional modules supporting seamless mobility (Mobile IP, EAP-SIM) and data offloading (iWLAN,

ANDSF). It is an easy to use single client architecture, where the client is installed on desktops or handheld7 devices

(UEs). It is a unique an end to end solution that is heterogeneous across multiple access networks. Generic to mobile

connectivity management, the ICM can be supported in the mobile platforms like Android (2.1, 2.2, 2.3)

The ICM is fundamentally designed to complement the native connection manager to enhance the user experience.

Native connection manager can at times be complex and non user friendly. By turning Wi-Fi into a viable extension of

mobile broadband, user experience is improved while operators benefit from the lower cost per bit extension. Wi-Fi

exhibits characteristics of intermittent burst of data over shorter range, while 3G provides blanket coverage. Marrying

both technologies in addressing the efficiency of network planning significantly impacts the performance and quality of

the network8.

The ICM can intelligently manage access network connections over Wi-Fi-3G-LTE-WiMAX. This gives the flexibility of

which network to connect to - depending on the subscribers location, and automatically connected to best available

network transparently without user intervention with an elegant EAP-based authentication. The ICM monitors the

network condition of the active connection and then performs connection switching when required based on the rule

selected for the active profile. In the event that the connection is dropped, it will automatically connect to the next

network in the profile.

Figure 3: Intouch Connection Manager GUI

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Scenario: Heterogeneous Access Network

Andy is walking downtown in Montreal, where both 3GPP (ie 3G/HSPA) and non-3GPP access (WLAN) are available.

First, Andy makes a voice call to his friend with his smartphone that is also Wi-Fi enabled. The smartphone by default will

page and scan to establish connectivity to the 3GPP network under adequate 3GPP coverage. After a while, Andy

terminates the call. Next, he attempts to access the internet over 3G while waiting for his lunch at the caf. However,

a stronger Wi-Fi network is detected.

Triggered by this, the ICM will perform a cell selection/re-selection of the available access networks. The ANDSF client,

then requests for a list of access networks available in the vicinity. Generally, network selection is managed by the

connection manager at the point of cell selection/re-selection. The ICM search and prioritize the best available

connection based on pre-defined requirements such as signal strength and operator policies. ANDSF help define the

policies and priorities that can control the conditions for which a device (UE) connects to which wireless network.

As policy-based dynamic data offload the ANDSF client pulls geo location and connection state of the device (eg: cell ID,

pre-configured policies and time configurable connection policy) to set offloading in motion from 3G to Wi-Fi. Based on

this information, PCRF dynamically modifies the connection policy rule acting as a policy management point.

By selectively triggering the connection of device (UE) to a given threshold or the preferred available access network

types based on inter-system mobility policies, the network load can be balanced or spread out to the availability of

network radio resource at the point where congestion is likely to occur.

Scenario: Seamless Connectivity 3G - Wi-Fi

As indoor cellular indoor coverage is weaker than Wi-Fi, the ICM will trigger a connection to the Wi-Fi network based

on its configured policies. While Andy is enjoying his lunch at his favorite caf, he catches up on financial markets

and emails.

The seamless connection to the Wi-Fi is achieved with by invoking the iWLAN client to establish a WLAN connection to

the PDG through EAP-SIM/EAP-AKA authentication, and establishment of IPsec tunnel to PDG/TTG for network

handover between 3G communication to Wi-Fi ( these are transparent to the Andy, without any user intervention). iWLAN

settings relevant to the connection includes IP address, authentication type and W-APN. The seamless authentication

and connectivity is assured with support for EAP-based authentication. With secure IP tunneling between the UE and

PDG, it mitigates the risk of attacks from external IP networks over unsecured shared infrastructure.

The interworking mechanism of iWLAN allows the carrier to push wall-garden operator services and content to WLAN

hotspots and ensure common subscriber provisioning, authentication, billing & charging, and service authorization of

GSM/3G services are maintained with ease of integration towards backend systems.

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Scenario: Session Persistence and Inter-System Mobility

After a while, Andy leaves the caf and heads over to parking lot and thus Wi-Fi connectivity becomes weaker. The Wi-Fi

network is disconnected either via manual user disconnect or network handover based on availability. The ICM will trigger

a Disconnect to the PDG to ensure IPsec tunnel tear down or terminated when Wi-Fi network is unavailable and fallback

on 3G link. While walking to his car, Andy stream mobile TV for sports update scores on his smartphone.

With mobility settings enabled by the ICM, the ICM will trigger the Mobile IP client to establish a Mobile IP tunnel to the

Home Agent. Session persistence is maintained across Wi-Fi and 3G communication networks for the duration of the

service by keeping alive between one IP networks to another while in handoff - without causing applications usage

interruption. It is the Mobile IP (MIP) client that handle session persistence between different networks by supporting

either Make Before Break and Break Before Make scenarios. When the UE moves between locations, the ICM will trigger

the MIP Client to establish a Mobile IP tunnel within the WLAN IPsec Tunnel between the PDG and UE endpoints to

enable mobility function.

It is the Rule Manager which defines the handover policies on how network connections are switched. By default,

the ICM Rule Manager includes connection policies relating to signal strength, user preset priorities or operator defined

priorities and device specific policies.

Scenario: Wi-Fi Locator

Andy again, starts a new application on his smartphone upon reaching a suburban neighborhood which he is unfamiliar.

This time, he utilizes the Google map and GPS to guide directions to his friends place. The connectivity is established

over the roaming cellular 3G network. The ICM upon detecting a Wi-Fi network switches from 3GPP to Wi-Fi.

ICM supports advanced feature of Wi-Fi locator that can be configured multiple connection profile (eg: Office, Home,

Cafe, Airport) to support varying settings according to location based-settings, mobility settings and roaming settings to

allow users to log onto both operator managed Wi-Fi networks and public Wi-Fi networks.

With no tedious, manual configuration of the UE, users can automatically access and be authenticated to Wi-Fi hotspots

using credentials embedded within each phone over highly secured and encrypted connections. This ensures end to end

security for the user and operator.

9 The Mobile IP client registers its location with the Home Agent Server which is located at the

home operator core network.

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Conclusion

Wi-Fi is clearly on top of the list for operators and service providers looking to increase cellular capacity. The benefits of

improved user experience and reduced customer churn is rewarding operators by transforming their customer tiers into

high ARPU potentials. It requires a bit more attention to detail and investment to support a carrier class network that

experiences very low latency and can handle QoS. These networks must also improve in order to allow seamless

connectivity and hand-off capability.

Wi-Fi Alliance open framework for wireless LAN gives the flexibility to operators to implement the best operational

practices to fit their business models. Varying protocols and standards like iWLAN, ANDSF, Mobile IP are commonly used

in connectivity, authentication, security, seamless handover, inter-system mobility management and interworking.

Wi-Fi has several benefits such as high throughput, ability to deploy many cells in small densely populated areas -

complementary to 3GPP based networks, can address critical capacity needs and provide carrier grade infrastructure

support for:

- Data offload in localized wireless hotspots (to reduce congestion)- Market development (cap market position)

- Diversified product development (Voice over Wi-Fi)

- Decreased churn ( improved user experience)

- Staying competitive through roaming partnership which provides free access on roaming partner and essentially

turning the city into a cluster of hotspots

Smartphone and tablet users will likely benefit from Wi-Fi offloading as they'll enjoy a much faster rate of service from

high-speed Wi-Fi network than the comparable 3G/4G service and traffic offloaded to Wi-Fi doesn't count in the number

of bytes/month in most 3G/4G service plans. Users have the convenience of sending and receiving significantly greater

data volumes without exceeding limits in their 3G/4G bills. By implementing a common set of standards basedframework, device manufacturers can leverage on interoperable equipment value to developers and operators alike to

upgrade to more powerful features.

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Wi-Fi Your Network to More Bandwith!

Simplicity is the key and helping to strengthen the adoption of Wi-Fi offloading as an effective model, the fact that most

smartphones are equipped with automatic log-in capabilities nowadays with Wi-Fi access already configured. Embark

on a journey with Greenpacket to discover how to improve your network through better Wi-Fi management.

Free Consultation

If you would like a free consultation on how you can manage data offloading for an improved Wi-Fi experience, feel free

to contact us at [email protected] (kindly quote the reference code SWP0711 when you contact us).

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References

1. 3GPP TS 23.234 V9.0.0 (2009-12)

2. 3GPP TS 23.402 V8.0

3. Cisco Visual Networking Index: Forecast and Methodology, 20102015

4. LTE World

5. Verizon 4G LTE Networkhttps://www.lte.vzw.com/About4GLTE/VerizonWireless4GLTENetwork/tabid/6003/Default.aspx

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About Green Packet

Greenpacket is the international arm of the Green Packet Berhad group of companies which is listed on the Main Board

of the Malaysian Bourse. Founded in San Franciscos Silicon Valley in 2000 and now headquartered in Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia, Greenpacket has a presence in 9 countries and is continuously expanding to be near its customers and in

readiness for new markets.

We are a leading developer of Next Generation Mobile Broadband and Networking Solutions for Telecommunications

Operators across the globe. Our mission is to provide seamless and unified platforms for the delivery of user-centric

multimedia communications services regardless of the nature and availability of backbone infrastructures.

At Greenpacket, we pride ourselves on being constantly at the forefront of technology. Our leading carrier-grade

solutions and award-winning consumer devices help Telecommunications Operators open new avenues, meet new

demands, and enrich the lifestyles of their subscribers, while forging new relationships. We see a future of limitless

freedom in wireless communications and continuously commit to meeting the needs of our customers with leading

edge solutions.

With product development centers in USA, Shanghai, and Taiwan, we are on the cutting edge of new developments in

4G (particularly WiMAX and LTE), as well as in software advancement. Our leadership position in the Telco industry is

further enhanced by our strategic alliances with leading industry players.

Additionally, our award-winning WiMAX modems have successfully completed interoperability tests with major WiMAX

players and are being used by the worlds largest WiMAX Operators. We are also the leading carrier solutions provider

in APAC catering to both 4G and 3G networks.

For more information, visit: www.greenpacket.com.

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