Traffic offloading scenarios for heterogeneous networks

Abstract

This chapter considers the challenges faced by network operators and service providers accommodating the increasing traffic demands in cellular networks in the most efficient yet inexpensive way. It proposes that these challenges are addressed by offloading part of the traffic to femto cell access points (FAPs) and WiFi access points (WiFiAPs). Whereas 4G micro and pico cell base stations are assumed to be managed by the network operator in terms of setup and maintenance, FAPs and WiFiAPs are normally bought and operated by the end-user. The main difference between these two solutions is that the FAPs operate on the frequency bands assigned to the network operator by national regulators, while WiFiAPs work on unlicensed spectrum. This chapter analyzes the pros and cons of such approaches, and the tradeoffs related to the different mechanisms employed in cellular and WiFi networks for interference management. Moreover, various methods for traffic offloading by the mobile network operator are discussed in detail, including local IP access (LIPA), selective IP traffic offloading (SIPTO), IP flow mobility (IFOM), access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF), and Hotspot 2.0, etc. In the experimental part of this chapter, means for traffic management from the network operator’s perspective are discussed, taking into account costs and energy savings. Furthermore, a novel resource usage coordination concept in conjunction with the WiFi offloading concept is presented.