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!

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: ABI Research )

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.

Source: Unstrung

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.

Mighty March of Mobile Data-Mobile operators at receiving end

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution

Smart devices causing“mobile-broadband perfect storm”

Key Industry challenges in embracing WiFi for mobile data offloadPrimary 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

Integration with Operator's Existing Mobile core.

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.

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.

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 self-

managed 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.

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.

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

Roaming & Partner Settlement- Subscriber should have

seamless connectivity across all regions

Regulatory Compliance- Validating subscriber credentials

and reducing cyber crime

Carrier Grade Scalability

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload SolutionElitecore 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 pre-

integrated SS7/ Sigtran stack supporting MAP gateway allows

integration with mobile network elements such as the HLR.

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.

Captive Portal

Solution MappingBusiness Drivers

Crestel RnC

Elite Charging Gateway

TM

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, high-

volume 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 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

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 offers a robust and flexible Interconnect Billing solution that

enables providers to generate new revenue streams through faster roll-

outs and partnerships. It offers transparency in interconnect

agreements and settlements which is very important when multiple

partners with multiple disciplines co-exist.

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.

Crestel Interconnect Billing & Partner Settlement

Integration with Multiple Access Controllers

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 passwordEliteAAA 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 networkused. For this, Elitecore offers flexible options to service provider wherein,

Service provider has own IN/OCS system & uses the same to charge usage over WiFia. EliteAAA authenticates WiFi users over RADIUS and communicates with IN over DIAMETER, using Elite

Charging Gateway, for charging and balance managementb. 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 infrastructurea. EliteAAA authenticates users and Crestel RnC rate/charge usage over WiFi network and send the usage

information to Service provider billing systemb. Crestel RnC can integrate with service provider's billing system over RADIUS & DIAMETER protocols,

Parlay, SOAP/HTTP API, XML etc.

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Authentication & Authorization

for Wifi services

Subscriber should be charged

on their prepaid/postpaid

mobile account/ Billing

A Service Provider has own IN for Charging and Balance Management of services over WiFi

Service Provider has a packet core Infrastructure in place.

Service Provider opts for Crestel RnC for Charging and Balance Management of services over WiFi

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution B

Service Provider's Packetcore & IT Infrasturcture

Mobile Data Offload Reference Architecture

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution

PartnerNetwork WISPWiFi Access Point

PartnerNetwork WISPWiFi Access Point

PartnerNetwork WISPWiFi Access Point

ServiceProvider’s

CoreNetwork

Service ProviderWiFi Network

WiFiNetwork 1WiFi Access

Point

WiFiNetwork 2WiFi Access

Point

CaptivePortal

Billing/Mediation

IN / SDP

FTP

SOAP/HTTP

DIAMETER

RADIUS

PARLAY

LI

WebSelf Care

A

SOAP/HTTP

CRM

SIGTRAN/SS7

HLR/HSS

SPR

PCRFOCS

PDN GWRAN

B

EAP-SIM based

Captive Portal

AccessWiFi Service

Subscriber

MAG/TTG

EnterpriseWiFi Network

WiFi AccessPoint

Service Provider 3G/4G Network

AAA

3G/4G Service

AAA AAA

RADIUS

RADIUS / DIAMETER

Clearing House

Crestel Web Selfcare

Roaming & PartnerSettlement

Crestel VoMS

C

DIAMETER

SubscriberRDBMS

EliteAAA

EAP(All variants)

DIAMETER

MAP GW

RADIUS

Elite Charging GW

Crestel RnC(OCS)

GGSN/SGSN

Gy

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Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supportsMobile IP (DSMIPv6) support for seamless roaming across networksSeamless roaming with proxy forwarding based on Realm, ANI & DNISHandle requests from Partner's network and authenticate for roamingWiSPr 2.0 Compliant system for meeting demands of multiple partner network setupsHandle requests over RADIUS as well as DIAMETER and integrate with billing/charging over required protocolsEnables International roaming by partnering with global roaming operators like Boingo, LodgeNet, iPass, etc.Usage collection from multiple network setups

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supportsWorkflow based system with - Configurable Authentication & Authorization for different NetworksRule based Subscriber profile lookup based upon network across multiple type of repository like LDAP,RDBMS, file based etc.

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supportsUser friendly webself care for activities done on subscriber accountAdaptable & 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, MonetaryUnits, 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, csvetc.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 supportsAccess Agnostic Architecture for handling requests from multiple partner networksWorkflow based Authentication & authorization flows for each type of partner networks & respective AccessGateways. Where Partner networks gateways are not std based and authentication methods are different foreach partnerPre & Post Auth Plugins to manage demands of uniform service management across multiple networks

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supportsTelecom Regulatory Standards Compliance (TRAI)Secured authentication& Authorization based on 802.11x mechanisms like EAP (All variants), MACID based,Username/password basedEliteAAA can be integrated with LI system for intercepting traffic from particular subscriber/location/network

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supportsPartner Agreement ManagementPartner Web Self Care Portal for - Usage Information: Inbound as well as outbound subscribersPartner Network utilization reportsPartner Reconciliation Reports

Elitecore Mobile Data Offload Solution supportsCarrier 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 25MsubscribersGeo-Redundant and Active-Active; multiple live deploymentsEnabled green field operators to establish their operations with ease and launch additional services over aperiod of time.Managed next-generation services on various platforms and across geographies

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Elitecore Technologies is the provider of Billing & Revenue Management Solution- Crestel and Core Network Session Control Software- EliteAAA and

NetVertex - 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

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About Elitecore Technologies - Telecom Practices

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

Sales & Marketing

Mumbai Tel: +91-22-61435100 Fax: +91-22-61435151

Delhi Tel: +91-11-41589761/62 Fax: +91-11-41589760

Bangalore Tel: +91-80-40869000 Fax: +91-80-40869001

Dubai Tel: +971-50-5512789 Fax: +971-4-214-9501

South Africa Tel: +27-83-301-6055 Fax: +27-86-5181-432

USA Tel: +1-781-460-2080/81 Fax: +1-201-735-5888www.elitecore.com/telecompractices | sales@elitecore.com© Copyright 2011 Elitecore Technologies Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Solution MappingBusiness Drivers

Carrier Grade Scalability

Partner Settlement &

Reconciliation with

WiSPs/Other Wifi operators

Regulatory Compliance

Validating subscriber

credentials and reducing

cyber crime

Seamless integration with

Existing IT & Packet Core of

Operator

Webselfcare access for usage

history over Mobile as well as

SMS

Seamless experience

irrespective of CDMA/GSM

network

Subscriber should have

seamless connectivity across

all regions -

Roaming/Partnerships

Seamless interoperability with

Partner Wifi Networks and Mix

breed of Wifi Access

Gateways