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Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution

Smart devices causing mobile-broadband perfect storm

Mighty March of Mobile DataMobile operators at receiving end


Meteoric rise in mobile internet usage led by rapid adoption of smart devices is setting new usage trends before communication service providers. Mobile applications (content) have become an essential ingredient for mobile subscribers, for they add immensely to their diverse needs that include personal entertainment, business productivity, social networking, travel, news updates to health diagnosis. A recent report tracking apps usage by mobile subscribers revealed that mobile applications downloads approached nearly 8 billion in 2010!

Wi-Fi The much needed succor


The real picture with 3G services seems far from what the hype originally promised. Many in the industry have cited increasing usage of rich mobile data as the real problem; however, it's actually the inadequate & scarce spectrum that has led to this sorry scenario in 3G services. This problem tends to aggravate when studied in the context of urban areas with extreme teledensity, as severe network congestion makes even in a voice call extremely difficult during peak business hours. Subscribers wanting to access video download, video calls and similar rich internet content using smartphones are experiencing poor service to their dismay. Also mobile data roaming seems extremely inconsistent or not available at times. Against this, many operators have learned that Wi-Fi provides a much needed succor in presenting smartphone subscribers with a respectable wireless broadband experience. Since Wi-Fi spectrum requires no licence, it is free from the problems of spectrum auctions or limitations of a scarce spectrum. Wi-Fi, thus answers the problem by enabling a suitable path for operators to offload their congested networks by integrating a wireless solution with appropriate scalability. Interestingly, in a rapidly emerging market like India, many urban locations have fibre-optic cables / DSLs with very high bandwidth. WiFi emerges as a natural choice for both operators and subscribers alike for several obvious reasons. Adding more network capacity is neither cost-effective nor does it ensure scalability for service providers. As substantial share of high-speed data service demand comes from WiFi enabled smartphones, WiFi easily becomes a preferred data-offloading technology for alleviating clogged networks.

(Source: ABI Research )

Worldwide mobile data traffic is forecast to grow at 92% CAGR over next 5 years, at the same time mobile video traffic too is likely to exceed 50% of total mobile data load at the end of 2011. Following this, 3G networks are experiencing substantial divergence, wherein mobile traffic growth far exceeds revenues from mobile data services.

Source: Unstrung

Consequently they are resorting to complementary technologies such as WiFi and Femtocells to offload excessive burden and avert network congestion, thereby ensuring optimal management of voice and data services.

Key Industry challenges in embracing WiFi for mobile data offload


Primary challenges pertaining effective deployment of mobile data offloading revolve around the following constraints.
Subscriber Seamless Service Experience -Identifying / detecting secured WLAN & Authenticating the session over WLAN using SIM credentials Smart phones such as IPhones, Blackberry Android devicesw come with inbuilt WiFi features that enable a seamless switch over to WiFi when in WiFi range and disconnects from 3G network. It requires that the user puts network credentials only once, and then whenever the user is in that WiFi range, the smartphone would select the pre-configured WiFi network over 3G. On the other hand, laptops do not enable a seamless switch from 3G to wifi. Laptops therefore need a connection manager / client that can detect WiFi networks and disconnect the 3G network by enforcing suitable configuration. The real challenge faced is that mobile users do not really like to keep WiFi "always on" in order to have longer battery life. Therefore, ideally when a UE moves to cellular operator's WiFi hot spot, network preference for the UE should be automatically connected to WiFi. This is operationally too complex and expensive, for it requires the WiFi hotspot to be EAP SIM compliant. With a view to providing the much needed fillip to mobile operators, Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) came with an announcement of a new specification in their WISPr 2.0 draft. This new specification enables EAP SIM authentication over HTTPs method and is targeted at introducing an enabling intervention that allows EAP authentication by extending the current WISPr architecture. Traditionally WiFi services are accessed via a Captive portal but this is not a viable solution as most smartphone do not support mutliple browsers nor is it convenient for subscribers. However EAP SIM Authentication over HTTPs will take time, besides this operators can exploit alternative methods such as Web Self Care, MACID and Manual sms based authentication for enabling WiFi offload. Integration with Operator's Existing Mobile core. For smooth transition from 3G to Wifi it requires seamless integration of the operators existing mobile core with the WiFi infrastructure. Subscribers need to be authenticated when they move from 3G to WiFi, the subscriber credentials for 3G subscriber resides in HLR and WiFi supports only AAA based authentications this requires a 3GPP compliant AAA that integrates with operators HLR/ HSS to authenticate the subscriber. Even as transition towards packetcore networks is gaining notable progress, this would not be true for many mobile operators. In the case of a mobile operator with a non-EPC core, a different set of integration efforts would be needed to bring billing, charging and policy activities in sync with WiFi offloading mechanism. Billing will be another key aspect after authentication and operators need to be able to charge their subscribers as per their prepaid / post-paid status. Incase of prepaid usage need to integrate with existing IN system or with operators OCS over Gy for quota management and real time disconnection on balance depletion. For postpaid services CDR must be passed to Mediation system via the charging gateways function. Integration with PCRF is also required for QoS subscribers are entitled to and the nature of subscription they have opted for. Roaming & Partner Settlement- Subscriber should have seamless connectivity across all regions With 3G enabled smartphones becoming a part of daily routine for millions of subscribers, expecting to be always on, and always connected. Making available WiFi connectivity across a wide geographical spread therefore becomes important for telecom carriers. However, no operator can afford to invest heavily in building selfmanaged WiFi networks. This leads them to forge tie-ups with WiFi hotspots providers. In creating such partnerships, operators have to factor in the aspects of integration and standardization efforts that would go in authentication, settlement, reporting and other capabilities. This way not only they can offer seamless global connectivity but can also enable compelling user experience on WiFi to their subscribers. Regulatory Compliance- Validating subscriber credentials and reducing cyber crime In the wake of rising cyber crime, telecom regulators are enforcing a strong vigilance over the activities on cellular networks / WLANs. With WiFi hotspots coming up everywhere and as more and more smartphone users begin enjoying WiFi access, operators are required to look at the fragility involved in WiFi offload. As regulatory compliance makes lawful interception inevitable, telecom service providers have to assess the aspects of subscriber data confidentiality & integrity, authentication, access control and intrusion detection and prevention while implementing integrated WiFi access. Carrier Grade Scalability Mobile networks have adopted WiFi offload as a strategic decision to heal their core networks at the same time being able to realize added value and revenue opportunities. Profusion of smart devices together with WiFi hotpots has again added an important angle to this network optimization method. As millions of subscribers turn to WiFi to meet their mobile data needs via smartphones, enabling engaging experience has surfaced as a critical challenges. Against this phenomenon, operators have to deploy solutions that can help monetize data offloading by providing the capabilities to a) Manage exponential traffic b) Facilitate simpler authentication / roaming c) Provide satisfactory throughput

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution


Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution offers operators platform to address their challenges of Authentication, Billing and integration with Mobile core. Elitecore offers the following components as a part of its Mobile Data offload - Service Management solution
EliteAAA EliteAAA centrally manages the subscribers authentication & authorizes them for appropriate level of service, and ensures centralized subscriber management. EliteAAA Wi-Fi is vendor agnostic and standards-based solution offering encryption and key rotation based on IEEE 802.1x and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/ WPA2). EliteAAA supports EAP SIM, AKA , TLS, EAP TTLS, EAP FAST, EAP MD5 and PEAP MS CHAPv2 security Methods. RFC compliant AAA including a preintegrated SS7/ Sigtran stack supporting MAP gateway allows integration with mobile network elements such as the HLR. Captive Portal Web Based Authentication portal for Subscriber self service sign up to configure WLAN. It Support major phone OS with easily customizable GUI for branding and advertising. The Captive portal shows complete details of the balance (remaining time / data) of the package used by the subscriber.

Crestel RnC CRESTEL RnC is access network agnostic and supports charging in real-time and near real-time for complex Triple Play services. It supports both event based and session based charging. Using its real-time, highvolume event handling and seamless subscriber management capabilities. It provides a single platform with real-time rating, charging & balance management. Moreover, it easily integrates with third party systems and interacts with core IN/SDP via the Diameter interface. It is 3GPP standards compliant solution, supporting online and offline charging with Diameter Rf & Ro Interface to send accounting information. Elite Charging Gateway Elite Charging Gateway provides an interface for communication between network components & Charging system, working on different protocols. It supports protocol conversion from RADIUS to DIAMETER & vice versa, DIAMETER to Proprietary, Web services to DIAMETER/Proprietary. Thus, enabling access agnostic scenarios and

TM

multi-protocol convergence. Elite Charging gateway will take usage information from AAA, say over RADIUS, and will send the same to IN over DIAMETER. Crestel Interconnect Billing & Partner Settlement Crestel offers a robust and flexible Interconnect Billing solution that enables providers to generate new revenue streams through faster rollouts and partnerships. It offers transparency in interconnect agreements and settlements which is very important when multiple partners with multiple disciplines co-exist. Integration with Multiple Access Controllers Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution is integrated with 24Online NAS or can be integrated with third party Access Controller (like HP, Colubris, Ruckus, Motorola, Cisco) delivering an easy-to-manage, comprehensive solution to service providers. 24Online comes with inbuilt NAT (Network Address Translation) and routing, it allows a single interface to WAN at the local or central location.

Mobile Data Offload Reference Architecture


Clearing House
Partner Network WISP
WiFi Access Point

Partner Network WISP


WiFi Access Point

Partner Network WISP


WiFi Access Point

Service Provider WiFi Network Captive Portal


WiFi Network 1
WiFi Access Point

AAA

AAA

AAA

WebSelf Care

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution


RADIUS

Captive Portal
Service Providers Core RADIUS Network

Roaming & Partner Settlement


Crestel Web Selfcare

FTP

Billing/ Mediation A

SOAP/HTTP

Access WiFi Service


EAP-SIM based

EliteAAA EAP (All variants) DIAMETER Subscriber RDBMS


Elite Charging GW
PARLAY DIAMETER

WiFi Network 2
WiFi Access Point

IN / SDP
RADIUS

Subscriber

Enterprise WiFi Network


WiFi Access Point

Crestel VoMS

MAP GW
Crestel RnC(OCS)

RADIUS / DIAMETER

LI B

SIGTRAN/ SS7 MAG/TTG HLR/HSS

SOAP/ HTTP

Gy

DIAMETER

OCS
CRM

PCRF

SPR

3G/4G Service RAN GGSN/SGSN PDN GW

Service Provider 3G/4G Network

Service Provider's Packetcore & IT Infrasturcture A Service Provider has own IN for Charging and Balance Management of services over WiFi Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution B Service Provider has a packet core Infrastructure in place. C Service Provider opts for Crestel RnC for Charging and Balance Management of services over WiFi

Business Drivers
Authentication & Authorization for Wifi services

Solution Mapping
Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution enables the service provider with following features: ! Automatic and Manual Login support - Authenticate & Authorize subscriber credentials with EAP-SIM thru HLR, EAP-SIM over https (WiSPr 2.0) - MACID based Authentication via Captive Portal - WebSelf care based Login using existing username password ! EliteAAA integrates with operators existing HLR system via SS7/Sigtran(M3UA) to fetch subscriber details Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution enables service provider to charge subscribers, irrespective of the network used. For this, Elitecore offers flexible options to service provider wherein, ! Service provider has own IN/OCS system & uses the same to charge usage over WiFi a. EliteAAA authenticates WiFi users over RADIUS and communicates with IN over DIAMETER, using Elite Charging Gateway, for charging and balance management b. EliteAAA communicates with existing OCS system over RADIUS or DIAMETER Gy Interface as well. c. EliteAAA generates CDRs in required format like .csv, database, .local files. ! Service provider decides to charge WiFi usage outside existing infrastructure a. EliteAAA authenticates users and Crestel RnC rate/charge usage over WiFi network and send the usage information to Service provider billing system b. Crestel RnC can integrate with service provider's billing system over RADIUS & DIAMETER protocols, Parlay, SOAP/HTTP API, XML etc.

Subscriber should be charged on their prepaid/postpaid mobile account/ Billing

Business Drivers

Solution Mapping
Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supports ! Mobile IP (DSMIPv6) support for seamless roaming across networks ! Seamless roaming with proxy forwarding based on Realm, ANI & DNIS ! Handle requests from Partner's network and authenticate for roaming ! WiSPr 2.0 Compliant system for meeting demands of multiple partner network setups ! Handle requests over RADIUS as well as DIAMETER and integrate with billing/charging over required protocols ! Enables International roaming by partnering with global roaming operators like Boingo, LodgeNet, iPass, etc. ! Usage collection from multiple network setups Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supports ! Workflow based system with - Configurable Authentication & Authorization for different Networks ! Rule based Subscriber profile lookup based upon network across multiple type of repository like LDAP, RDBMS, file based etc. Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supports ! User friendly webself care for activities done on subscriber account ! Adaptable & Configurable Webself care view as per device type like smart phone, Tablets, Laptops etc. ! Exhaustive subscriber information like - Usage based on subscriber package like Time/Volume, Monetary Units, Current balance available - Subscriber Package Information - Subscriber Billing / Payment Details - Recharge/Renewal support - Write to Service Provider/Complaints registering ! Alerts & Notifications via SMS, email, Webself care, etc. Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution - Modular Pre-Integrated Stack with Charging System (Optional) ! Multiple standard as well as non-standard adapters like RADIUS, DIAMETER, SOAP/HTTP XML, PARLAY X, csv etc. ! Successfully integrated and established case studies of integration with IT infrastructure like PCRF, OCS/IN, SDP, HLR, Billing, LI, Revenue Assurance and CRM. Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supports ! Access Agnostic Architecture for handling requests from multiple partner networks ! Workflow based Authentication & authorization flows for each type of partner networks & respective Access Gateways. Where Partner networks gateways are not std based and authentication methods are different for each partner ! Pre & Post Auth Plugins to manage demands of uniform service management across multiple networks Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supports ! Telecom Regulatory Standards Compliance (TRAI) ! Secured authentication& Authorization based on 802.11x mechanisms like EAP (All variants), MACID based, Username/password based ! EliteAAA can be integrated with LI system for intercepting traffic from particular subscriber/location/network Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supports ! Partner Agreement Management ! Partner Web Self Care Portal for - Usage Information: Inbound as well as outbound subscribers ! Partner Network utilization reports ! Partner Reconciliation Reports Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supports ! Carrier grade scalability to manage operations across Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 operators. ! Successful Case Studies of handling operations of Tier 1 service upto 400 M Usage records per day and 25M subscribers ! Geo-Redundant and Active-Active; multiple live deployments ! Enabled green field operators to establish their operations with ease and launch additional services over a period of time. ! Managed next-generation services on various platforms and across geographies

Subscriber should have seamless connectivity across all regions Roaming/Partnerships

Seamless experience irrespective of CDMA/GSM network Webselfcare access for usage history over Mobile as well as SMS

Seamless integration with Existing IT & Packet Core of Operator

Seamless interoperability with Partner Wifi Networks and Mix breed of Wifi Access Gateways

Regulatory Compliance Validating subscriber credentials and reducing cyber crime Partner Settlement & Reconciliation with WiSPs/Other Wifi operators

Carrier Grade Scalability

About Elitecore Technologies - Telecom Practices


Elitecore Technologies is the provider of Billing & Revenue Management Solution- Crestel and Core Network Session Control Software- EliteAAATM and NetVertexTM - PCRF to enable Next Generation Voice, Video and Data Services offered by Tier 1 to Tier 3 Telecom Operators / Service Providers over Wireline or Wireless Networks. Elitecore is a Carlyle Investee company having presence in SEA, MEA and APAC. For more details, visit us at www.elitecore.com/telecompractices

Corporate Office Elitecore Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 904, Silicon Tower, Off. C.G. Road, Ahmedabad - 380 006. INDIA. Tel: +91-79-66065606, Fax: +91-79-26407640

www.elitecore.com/telecompractices | sales@elitecore.com
Copyright 2011 Elitecore Technologies Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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