NSN Pursues Mobile to Wi-Fi Offload Approach

At next week’s Mobile World Congress, Nokia Siemens Networks is introducing a Smart WLAN Connectivity Solution that selectively offloads mobile broadband traffic to Wi-Fi without any break in service. The user would not need to manually switch a device’s data connection between Wi-Fi and cellular broadband. The solution also allows operators to use the existing services and functionality supported by its packet core network such as authentication, charging, policy control and traffic management for both mobile and Wi-Fi traffic in a unified way.

The solution comprises of all the following elements:

• Device management (SADM) automatically configures device settings for available networks. The settings also include Wi-Fi network selection policies, ensuring that the compatible devices connect automatically to the preferred Wi-Fi networks, whenever available.
• Authentication and Identity management (One-AAA) authenticates the users’ access to services via Wi-Fi networks. Supported SIM based authentication provides secure and transparent authentication method to the users, which doesn’t require a code/password to be typed.
• Flexi NG (Network Gateway) integrates Wi-Fi access with the mobile core network and enables them to work as one harmonized network.
• Policy Control Server (PCS 5000) provides QoS and charging policies for both mobile and Wi-Fi accesses, enabling service authorization, bandwidth management and user prioritization according to operator needs and subscriptions.

“We all know that mobile data traffic is growing at an exponential rate due to the widespread adoption of smart phones, tablets and net books,” said Thorsten Robrecht, head of network systems product management at Nokia Siemens Networks. “All these devices support Wi-Fi so integrating Wi-Fi with mobile networks can reduce the need for additional capacity in the wider mobile network, particularly, in traffic hotspot areas. People can enjoy a superior and seamless service without the hassle of having to choose among different networks and technologies, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

Nokia Siemens Networks’ Smart WLAN Connectivity Solution will be available for commercial use in 1H 2011.http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com