By Steve Shaw, Kineto Wireless
Long Term Evolution (LTE) may be closer than we think. LTE, the name for the mobile community’s next-generation broadband IP access network, evokes images of a distant, foreign land. Yet a report released by ABI Research in June 2008 projected 32 million subscribers will be using the technology by 2013, a mere five years from now.
As an access network, LTE holds the promise of a true ‘mobile internet’, a native packet access network with peak data rates in excess of 100 mbps. In an all-IP mobile world, what is the role dual-mode Wi-Fi handset services based on UMA technology?
As a backdrop, UMA is about delivery of mobile services provided by the core network (circuit, packet, IMS) over broadband IP access networks and Wi-Fi. It enables mobile operators to leverage the cost and performance advantages of the Internet to make mobile services work better and cost less where subscribers spend most of their time, at home and in the office.
When considering whether UMA is competitive or complementary to an LTE macro network, it is important to understand the underlying benefits of UMA in dual-mode handset services. From an operator’s perspective, there are three clear benefits:
Long Term Evolution (LTE) may be closer than we think. LTE, the name for the mobile community’s next-generation broadband IP access network, evokes images of a distant, foreign land. Yet a report released by ABI Research in June 2008 projected 32 million subscribers will be using the technology by 2013, a mere five years from now.
As an access network, LTE holds the promise of a true ‘mobile internet’, a native packet access network with peak data rates in excess of 100 mbps. In an all-IP mobile world, what is the role dual-mode Wi-Fi handset services based on UMA technology?
As a backdrop, UMA is about delivery of mobile services provided by the core network (circuit, packet, IMS) over broadband IP access networks and Wi-Fi. It enables mobile operators to leverage the cost and performance advantages of the Internet to make mobile services work better and cost less where subscribers spend most of their time, at home and in the office.
When considering whether UMA is competitive or complementary to an LTE macro network, it is important to understand the underlying benefits of UMA in dual-mode handset services. From an operator’s perspective, there are three clear benefits:
- Offload the macro RAN (Radio Access Network)
- Improve the performance of mobile services indoors
- Create new ‘home zone’ services
The macro mobile network offers unbelievable opportunity for service delivery. But there are practical economic and service advantages in leveraging an in-building radio network in conjunction with an LTE deployment.
The ability to offload traffic to a broadband network, improve the performance of mobile services indoors, and create new, differentiated home zone services is even more important given the characteristics of LTE.
UMA-based home zone services, is a pragmatic, proven mechanism for mobile operators to extend their circuit, packet and IMS services onto the fixed broadband IP network. It’s clear that UMA provides the perfect complement to tomorrow’s LTE networks.
