WiFi Offload for 3G operator

[Kirill Kucherov]

Dear All,

I would be grateful if anyone who has experience in preparing or implementing WiFi Offload solutions for cellular networks could advise any milestones within it and/or most attractive technical solutions on the market.

In particular, I would like to find a solution on the following case:

What vendors have the solution for cellular users to move as much seamlessly as possible between cellular network and WiFi network?
It should be true for both smart devices (tablets, smart phones) and dongles.
Permanent case user conditions: 3G - ON, WiFi - Off.
Expected algorithm: the tool should be capable to trigger user device to switch on (automatically or by asking user) the WiFi receiver and to move it to the WiFi net in the most seamless way if some conditions happen.
Expected trigger conditions: Low strength/absence of 3G signal, overload in 3G cell, availability of WiFi, etc.
Switching to operator's WiFi should be prioritised ahead of switching to the roaming cellular partner.

Thank you in advance! And would be happy to discuss any interesting point regarding raised question.

[ninjafine]

Hi! Please check doc below. You might be interested in chapter "3GPP Efforts to Integrate Wi-Fi".

Cellular-Wi-Fi Integration
June 2012, 26 p.

Contents:
The Past: Cellular/Wi-Fi Integration Through ~2010
Wi-Fi Evolution
Mobility Solution Toolbox from IETF
3GPP Efforts to Integrate Wi-Fi
Hotbed of Cellular/Wi-Fi Integration Activities
The Future: 2013 and Beyond

http://www.interdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Cellular_WiFi_Integration-White-Paper.pdf

[bill]

Also, it would be helpful to check the case of the small cell base stations: these are small base stations that are inside the hoouse and can give you WiFi and when you get outside their range your device changes to the 3G/4G network. Make a google search on this.

[scorpion]

How the UE & AIM are authenticated when they tune in to WiFi network ? IS the ongoing session will be dropped ?

[Kirill Kucherov]

How the UE & AIM are authenticated when they tune in to WiFi network ? IS the ongoing session will be dropped ?

Preferably by EAP-SIM/AKA.
Handover and session persistence depends on the solution you choose.
Please, refer to TS 24.234 & TS 23.402, which are the most fundamental specifications regarding WiFi Offload solutions.

[Kirill Kucherov]

Also, it would be helpful to check the case of the small cell base stations: these are small base stations that are inside the hoouse and can give you WiFi and when you get outside their range your device changes to the 3G/4G network. Make a google search on this.

Not exactly.

If we are considering technologies, there are two different technologies:
1. WiFi Offload wich consist of WLAN (AP with RF of unlicensed spectrum ) net which has a Gateway to the Mobile Net Packet Core.
2. Small cells, i.e. Femtocells, Picocells, etc., which use the same frequencies as Macro Base Stations, which simplifies handover, and can be integrated directly to the Core (Femtocells) or to the RAN (Picocells)
However, nowadays there is a tendency to mix these technologies for Access.

What you was talking about is the 3G/WiFi router, which can be a wireless router itself or tablet or smartphone who support function of AP (like tethering). And this is not a Base Station - this is a device who works as 3G client and small WiFi AP simulteniously.