Mobile network operators are facing increasing data traffic that is exceeding the capacity of their 3G networks, especially in urban areas during times of high traffic. This can degrade network performance and the user experience. To address this, operators are looking to implement Wi-Fi offload solutions as a cost-effective way to provide additional capacity. Wi-Fi does not preclude future small cell LTE networks but can be an effective short-term solution, especially when deployed as part of a smarter Wi-Fi system that uses advanced interference rejection and adaptive controls to provide reliable performance comparable to cellular networks. This can help operators manage network costs and reduce customer churn while they work on long-term small cell strategies.
Mobile network operators are facing increasing data traffic that is exceeding the capacity of their 3G networks, especially in urban areas during times of high traffic. This can degrade network performance and the user experience. To address this, operators are looking to implement Wi-Fi offload solutions as a cost-effective way to provide additional capacity. Wi-Fi does not preclude future small cell LTE networks but can be an effective short-term solution, especially when deployed as part of a smarter Wi-Fi system that uses advanced interference rejection and adaptive controls to provide reliable performance comparable to cellular networks. This can help operators manage network costs and reduce customer churn while they work on long-term small cell strategies.
Mobile network operators are facing increasing data traffic that is exceeding the capacity of their 3G networks, especially in urban areas during times of high traffic. This can degrade network performance and the user experience. To address this, operators are looking to implement Wi-Fi offload solutions as a cost-effective way to provide additional capacity. Wi-Fi does not preclude future small cell LTE networks but can be an effective short-term solution, especially when deployed as part of a smarter Wi-Fi system that uses advanced interference rejection and adaptive controls to provide reliable performance comparable to cellular networks. This can help operators manage network costs and reduce customer churn while they work on long-term small cell strategies.
Mobile network operators are facing increasing data traffic that is exceeding the capacity of their 3G networks, especially in urban areas during times of high traffic. This can degrade network performance and the user experience. To address this, operators are looking to implement Wi-Fi offload solutions as a cost-effective way to provide additional capacity. Wi-Fi does not preclude future small cell LTE networks but can be an effective short-term solution, especially when deployed as part of a smarter Wi-Fi system that uses advanced interference rejection and adaptive controls to provide reliable performance comparable to cellular networks. This can help operators manage network costs and reduce customer churn while they work on long-term small cell strategies.
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Small Cell
Small Cell Solutions
Well aware of the problems associated with the current exponential growth in data traffic, Mobile Network Operators are strategizing on short and long term solutions to relieve the data burden on their networks. MNOs have mostly implemented traditional solutions to date which consists of building out their existing macro cellular network. Unfortunately, they have realized that packing more cells within the same tight area suffers from diminishing returns due to radio interference, and it is difficult and expensive to secure space and build more towers. Further, in high density areas, a macro cellular network does not provide the capacity needed for those high traffic areas. High traffic areas also require space flexibility for installing more small cells in more locations. There are only limited areas on which to install macro cell towers. The alternative to macro cells for higher capacity gains is to install a small cell LTE underlay network to provide the additional capacity needed at the appropriate location that does not require extensive permitting and expense to purchase and install. Unfortunately LTE small cells have not yet gone mainstream, but fortunately one alternative to offload data traffic in high density areas in a reliable, scalable, inexpensive, and easy to install compact form factor is Wi-Fi. Installing Wi-Fi in dense environments is the most cost effective short term solution to the MNOs capacity problem. In fact, many Mobile Operators are currently implementing such cost effective solutions with remarkable success. Wi-Fi does not rule out the longer term solution of LTE small cell networks. In fact, small cell LTE and Wi-Fi will eventually complement each other at the same location to solve capacity problems in dense environments in combination with the macro infrastructure. Installing a Wi-Fi infrastructure is the first step in securing locations so that the MNO can evolve to Wi-Fi and small cell LTE solutions. MNOs who have, or are currently securing the proper locations for Wi-Fi offload are not only solving the short term immediate capacity needs of the network but are also ensuring a much easier transition to small cell LTE and solidifying their longer term strategic needs for the future.
3G/4G Offload Smarter Wi-Fi for 3G/4G Offload Mobile network operators (MNOs) the world over are facing a common structural problem in their businesses. Traffic growth is outstripping the capacity of 3G network deployments in urban hot zones, making it difficult in some cases even to hold an uninterrupted mobile phone conversation during rush hour. In turn, operators are under pressure to offer faster data speeds to keep up with their customers insatiable demand for data intensive applications. But the implications are dire: the cost of transporting data is expected to outpace revenue, and a poor user experience resulting from network congestion will result in churn, one of the largest costs operators incur. Consequently, operators are planning to use every tool available to them. Smarter Wi-Fi systems are one essential tool. A smarter approach to Wi-Fi that employs advanced interference rejection techniques and adaptive signal controls is required to provide the range and predictable performance expected by mobile operators. In addition, a seamless subscriber roaming experience, clean integration into the 3GPP network and a complete range of Wi-Fi form factors (from indoor access points to outdoor mesh access nodes, point-to-point/multipoint backhaul to comprehensive network management) are all essential elements of a next generation Wi-Fi solution for mobile operators. Ruckus Wireless has developed a reference architecture and purpose-built Wi-Fi systems for providers that addresses many of the concerns faced with the integration of Wi-Fi within the large mobile operator infrastructure. This next generation reference architectures addresses areas such as: increasing the reliability of the unlicensed spectrum through advanced radio implementation Extending signal coverage using high gain, software-controlled, directional antenna systems Seamless integration of Wi-Fi with essential core services Higher speed and lower cost long-range 802.11n backhaul links Stable connectivity and consistent performance through interference rejection technology Self-organizing mesh deployment