NSN unveils smart Wi-Fi solution for data offloading

Offloading mobile broadband data traffic onto Wi-Fi networks is now becoming a core strategy for operators, and a number of vendors are expected to make announcements during next week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona addressing the trend.

As such, Nokia Siemens Networks has introduced what it calls the Smart WLAN connectivity solution that is designed to selectively offload traffic onto Wi-Fi without any interruption in service. While many of today's smartphones incorporate auto-authentication, users still need to manually switch a device's data connection between Wi-Fi and cellular.

The solution also allows operators to use the existing services and functionality supported by its packet core network such as authentication, charging, policy control and traffic management for both mobile and Wi-Fi traffic in a unified way. This helps operators to maintain their position in the information value chain coupled with visibility and control over the people's experiences regarding use of Wi-Fi. At this point, once traffic moves onto Wi-Fi networks, operators no longer have any visibility into what these subscribers are doing.

NSN said the solution will be available for commercial use in in the first half of this year.

For more:
- see this release

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