Ad-hoc Networks Extending Wireless Broadband Coverage and Capacity for Mobile Internet Usage

The number of wireless Internet users is expected to increase rapidly within the next few years resulting in a huge increase in the number of bits transferred between wireless devices and networks. When looking at current mobile networks, they have mainly been designed for optimized delivery of voice calls and not for broadband data. Although mobile networks are evolving, we expect there to be a need for complementary solutions for providing wireless Internet access. Thus we introduce an ad-hoc networking solution using WiFi short range radio technology for extending cellular wireless broadband coverage and capacity into places where it is most urgently needed; densely populated areas and indoors. We further propose connecting the ad-hoc networking solution to the operator's total access offering. As a result, wireless users may enjoy an easy to use, good quality, secure and robust service offering when entering the wireless Internet era, and access providers are equipped with tools to utilize complementary access technologies in places where they suit best. Operators arc able to make efficient use of their existing investments and open new service concepts and business models with mobile Internet domain use cases evolution. Also end users become an essential part of business ecosystem by providing content, services and access to other users.