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Manage Network Traffic

6 key operator questions on how to prepare the network

Which parts of the network need to be upgraded to launch mobile broadband?

- For Ericsson WCDMA networks, HSPA can be implemented simply by means of a software upgrade.

The latest software version provides downlink transmission rates of up to 14.4 Mbps and 5.8 Mbps on the uplink. The backhaul transmission must be dimensioned to handle the expected traffic volumes and a policy control solution is needed to implement any fair usage policy.

How important is good coverage for a successful introduction of mobile broadband?

- From experience, we know that good coverage is a major selling point for all mobile services.

- For mobile broadband, good coverage at the specific locations where the service is used is critical. These locations are often indoors, therefore extra effort is needed to provide good indoor coverage.

Usually a network is upgraded to HSPA in highly populated areas before launching mobile broadband. Build-out of HSPA services can then be based on that strategy chosen. Rural areas, for example, can initially be supported by a 384 kbps service. In some cases, fall-back to EDGE can be used to further increase the coverage area.

What is needed from the backhaul transport network?

- Initially, the backhaul transport network has to be dimensioned to handle the peak data rates. For a typical 3-sector site, it is reasonable to let the cells share the peak rate and use an elastic dimensioning model in order to limit the required backhaul capacity. For example, if a 7.2 Mbps service is offered, 12 Mbps transmission capacity is typically needed for the backhaul. The corresponding figure for 14.4 Mbps HSPA service is approximately 20 Mbps.

- It is important to prepare the backhaul network in time to keep up with expected growth of user traffic. Higher user throughput figures and increased data traffic with mobile broadband place high requirements on the cost efficiency of the backhaul network. Methods of addressing these requirements include scalability and an IP/Ethernet backhaul network. Microwave links or fiber to the radio site can provide the required capacity cost-efficiently.

- Operators often dimension their mobile broadband backhaul network for the traffic growth that is expected over a longer term. Microwave links and fiber to the radio site are often chosen to build transmission capacity cost efficiently.

What is the impact on the network when the traffic volume grows?

- Most WCDMA/HSPA networks supplied by Ericsson already have the capacity to handle significant traffic volumes. One HSPA RBS, for example, can easily handle 1,000 normal mobile broadband users. When the mobile broadband network load grows, the additional capacity requirements are initially confined to a limited part of the network. To start with, only the highly-loaded RBS nodes need to be upgrade with additional capacity.

- High traffic RBS sites must be provided with required backhaul capacity.\n\n- The mobile core capacity can elegantly grow with traffic. The standardized 3G direct tunnel feature removes the capacity constrains in the SGSN and the GGSN nodes are designed to scale to high traffic loads.

Which are the main network costs when mobile broadband becomes a mass market service?

- Calculations show that the additional costs related to additional capacity in mobile broadband are limited. In one example case, it was shown that an eightfold increase of traffic only doubled the cost. However, more radio capacity on selected sites will be needed. In addition backhaul and core network capacity must be increased. There will also be added Internet peering costs.

How will heavy users affect the network capacity?

- Mobile Broadband provides high access speeds and frequent users of file-sharing applications can generate significant volumes of traffic. There is a risk that this might have a negative impact on delay-sensitive applications enjoyed by other subscribers.

The problem can be mitigated by means of a policy control solution. Continuously measuring the volume of traffic generated by individual subscribers makes it possible to restrict the bandwidth allocated to subscribers who have exceeded a fair usage limit. An option might be to offer these subscribers premium subscriptions, or the possibility to top-up their allowance, at an extra fee.

• Key questions for operators
• Build out mobile broadband
• Fair usage

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