Wi-Fi in heterogeneous networks

Delivering additional radio-network capacity and coverage through the deployment of small cells as part of a heterogeneous network is central to most mobile operators’ mobile-broadband strategies, and Wi-Fi is a key element to satisfying the hungry data appetites of millions of smartphone and tablet users.

With Wi-Fi fully integrated into mobile-access and core networks – offering seamless, secure roaming, intelligent radio access type selection, session mobility and carrier-grade scalability and manageability – operators will be able to optimize the user experience and take advantage of a variety of flexible new business models.

The main driver for the heterogeneous-network vision – that Wi-Fi, along with other small-cell technologies, should become an integral part of a complete mobile-broadband solution – is to deliver high-quality services wherever users need them.

By the end of 2017, it is estimated that the typical mobile PC will generate 8GB, a tablet 3.2GB and a smartphone just a little more than 1GB per month. Wi-Fi delivers the high-speed, convenient access to the internet that can satisfy the hungry data appetites of millions of smartphone and tablet users.

Operators are uniquely positioned to bring Wi-Fi access into the telecom mainstream, as users do not care if they are connected over 3G, LTE or Wi-Fi. With Wi-Fi fully integrated into mobile-access and core networks – offering seamless, secure roaming, intelligent radio access type selection, session mobility and carrier-grade scalability and manageability – users will enjoy seamless access to high-performance mobile broadband, whether they are connected over 3GPP or Wi-Fi. And operators will be able to optimize the user experience and take advantage of new business opportunities by supporting a variety of flexible business models.