Users today are demanding ubiquitous connectivity, an ultimatum the industry still struggles to achieve. The good news is that there are positive developments in this direction through the evolution towards multimode as far as networks and devices are concerned. However, what is lacking is the absence of a mechanism that unifies multiple networks and devices for a seamless experience. This paper discusses the mechanism required to think on behalf of networks and devices so that users enjoy a truly ubiquitous connectivity.

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www.greenpacket.com
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2. Abstract
Users today are demanding ubiquitous connectivity, an ultimatum the industry still struggles to
achieve. The good news is that there are positive developments in this direction through the
evolution towards multimode as far as networks and devices are concerned. However, what is
lacking is the absence of a mechanism that unifies multiple networks and devices for a seamless
experience. This paper discusses the mechanism required to think on behalf of networks and
devices so that users enjoy a truly ubiquitous connectivity.
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3. Contents
Executive Summary 01
Ubiquitous Connectivity: The Evolution from E-mania to M-mania 02
The Challenge: Providing Seamless User Experience 04
Fitting the Puzzle Together with Connection Managers 07
Greenpacket, Partnering Operators for a Ubiquitous World 10
References 11
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4. Executive Summary
Over the last decade, reliance on computers and the Internet has evolved greatly to the extent that users want access
to a network connection anytime and anywhere – in other words, they want ubiquitous connectivity. This is contributed
by the emergence of smartphones, netbooks and UMPCs as well as the popularity of social networking. In fact, a recent
study by Ericsson unveiled an historic milestone for the mobile industry where mobile data traffic surpassed voice traffic
for the first time in December 2009.
To meet the demands of ubiquitous connectivity, the telecommunications industry has experienced tremendous
evolution in the area of devices, networks and applications. The focus has been in providing multiple networks and
devices that support more than one network so that users have a variety of ways to stay connected. Hence, if one
network fails or is limited in coverage, an alternative network is available to provide connectivity.
While the industry looks at converging networks and producing devices that support multiple networks for a ubiquitous
connectivity environment, users want a seamless experience. They have no appreciation of the background network,
instead they simply want to stay connected 24/7, regardless the location and minus the hassle as well complexity.
Unfortunately, networks and devices do not have the intelligence to provide a seamless experience to users.
This whitepaper looks at the mechanism required to provide intelligence on behalf of the networks and devices. The
whole process should be transparent to end users for a more meaningful ubiquitous experience.
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5. Ubiquitous Connectivity: The Evolution from E-mania to
M-mania
The combination of computers and Internet led to emergence of E-mania approximately 15 years ago. Needless to say,
since then, we evolved from the traditional way of life to a digital one. Letters took on an electronic-form; bills turned
virtual and paid through e-payment portals and the list goes on.
However, over the last decade, the emergence of light-weight and intelligent devices such as smartphones, netbooks
and UMPCs have played an imperative role in radicalizing the way people communicate today. Global Information Inc.
finds that the lines between the mobile phone and computer industry have become more and more blurred with users
demanding portability and mobility as well as ubiquitous access to data and applications. Welcome to the era of
M-mania.
To support the demand for an ‘always-on’ and robust connectivity backbone, the telecommunication industry has
undergone waves of continuous transformation involving the D-N-A of connectivity – devices, network and
applications.
Figure 1: Developments in the D-N-A of Connectivity
Devices
End-user devices which range from modems, handhelds and laptops /netbooks are beginning to support two competing
technologies within the same device, for example 3G and WiMAX. Late 2008, Sprint launched an USB Modem which
caters for both WiMAX and CDMA. Sprint said that this modem connect to a WiMAX network and if the user moves out
of the WiMAX region, the modem would automatically switch to a CDMA network.
This trend in connectivity clearly makes way for the realization of ubiquitous connectivity. Users want the Internet in the
palm of their hands – to stay connected and communicate anytime and anywhere, even on the go. Dual network devices
help users achieve this, where if the user moves out of Network A’s coverage region, he can remain connected to the
Internet through Network B.
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Figure 2 and 3 show some of the multi-network devices in the market today.
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6. Figure 2: Sprint’s USB modem supporting WiMAX and Figure 3: Yota’s latest phone which supports Mobile WiMAX, WiFi,
CDMA GSM, GPRS and Edge
Networks – Going Multi
Operators around the world are turning multi-network through partnership and/or ownership strategies to establish
themselves as a multi-network Operator. Their objective is to diversify their network offering with the aim of providing
better connectivity. Some of the Operators adopting this strategy include incumbents like Comstar-UTS (Russia), Globe
Telecom (Phillipines), Zain Bahrain (Bahrain), Mobilink (Pakistan) and PCCW Limited (Hong Kong).
Here’s a brief overview on Comstar-UTS who began offering multiple networks to introduce seamless access for its
subscribers.
Comstar-UTS, Russia
Comstar-UTS started operations by offering fixed-line and broadband services, then expanded services to include WiMAX and
3G (via a merging agreement with MTS). With multiple networks under its nose, Comstar-UTS introduced its Seamless Access
Strategy to enable seamless data connectivity across multiple mobility devices and wireless networks. The goal is to provide
subscribers with a choice of multiple networks to enable ubiquitous connectivity, through a consolidated billing process.
Applications
This decade has simply witnessed an explosion in data, with demands for triple-play applications – data, voice and TV.
From video streaming to gaming, these data-gobbling applications require stable and low latency networks. On the other
hand, some applications such as instant messaging do not require high bandwidth and low latency. From a user’s point
of view, they are not concerned about which network they are connected to – all that matters is that they can successfully
execute their intended action through the Internet. As such, applications need a form of intelligence that map users to
the best network based on their location and amount of bandwidth required for a decent quality of service. This ensure
users enjoy a good connectivity experience efficiently.
For example, a user who is streaming while stationary would be happy to be serviced by his WiMAX connection,
however as he moves and requires mobility, the best network to ride on is 3G. Hence, while accessing an
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application, he is seamlessly handed over through different networks to enjoy optimum connectivity
experience.
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7. The Challenge: Providing Seamless User Experience
What’s the Common Need?
The developments highlighted in the earlier section encompassing device, network and applications are certainly to be
applauded. However, the real value depends on providing a single seamless user experience. To achieve this, the
following has to take place:
• Network Convergence
• Multi-network Devices
Network Convergence
Single network Operators will not be able to provide an end-to-end connectivity blanket for an entire country. Similarly,
no single technology can claim full superiority due to inevitable factors such as cost, penetration issues and geographical
limitations. As a solution, multiple networks need to be integrated for a unified, single-network experience for users.
There are several benefits of unifying networks:
1. Reduces investment cost
2. Ever-present connectivity (eliminates blind spots)
3. Enables fixed and mobile access
4. Combats network congestion
Reduces Investment Cost
Theoretically, realizing ubiquitous connectivity means the Operator has to ensure 100% coverage throughtout the
country or region under its charter. While this might seem like the utopia of connectivity, the investment involved for
building the infrastructure is humongous.
As such, Operators establish coverage sharing partnerships so that their subscribers are transparently made to roam
across different networks as they move from one area to another. While the subscriber is oblivious of the handover (as
there is no connectivity interuption), an Operator is able to extend a wider coverage without spending the actual
investment required for such coverage.
For example in Australia, 3, Telstra and Vodafone have entered into a roaming partnership. In areas not covered by 3’s
3G network, subscribers are automatically made to roam on Telstra’s networks. This agreement allows 3 to offer its
services to blanket 96% of the Australian population. In certain areas, subscribers may roam to Vodafone’s network.
Another alternative involves inter-network roaming agreements, for example between any 3G/CDMA/WLAN network and
in the future, even WiMAX and LTE which is expected to materialize soon.
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8. Ever-present Connectivity
In this generation of Mobile 2.0, an ever-present, ubiquitous connectivity is a key ingredient. However, its realization is still
taking course due to the dilemma between user expectation and Operator’s inability to meet the expectation.
Users want to enjoy uninterrupted bandwidth-hungry services but have no appreciation of the background network/
connectivity. They simply want access to content and services anytime, anywhere, even while on the move. On the other
hand, Operators are not able to provide high-speed and generous bandwidth everywhere. Bad network sectors due to
blind spots with no network coverage are inevitable.
The diagram below illustrates a typical network coverage situation in a particular area. A 3G/HSPA Operator will not be
able to provide coverage in the entire area. At the same time, WiMAX might co-exist which produces a completely
covered area as far as connectivity is concerned.
A
GPRS/EDGE
3G/HSPA
WiMAX B
GPRS/EDGE 3G/HSPA
Figure 4: A typical area with different network technologies co-existing
By converging networks, a user travelling in a car, connected to 3G and streaming from YouTube can move from A to B
without losing connection because in the background, his device seamlessly roams from 3G-WiMAX-GPRS/EDGE-3G.
Of course this is only possible if there is a prior network roaming agreement between the corresponding Operators.
With multiple networks co-existing and compensating each other, blind spots can be eliminated. In other instances,
Operators without license to deploy in certain locations can fallback on other networks to ensure their subscribers obtain
connectivity everywhere they go.
Enables Fixed and Mobile Access
The customer is always right. Meeting their demands is often a challenge for many, including Operators.
While 5 years ago, users were satisfied in having fixed broadband in their home and offices, the scenario has now
changed. With the proliferation of Internet-enabled mobile devices, users now want broadband to follow them
everywhere they go. Unfortunately, fixed and mobile broadband are two different worlds and initially, Operators
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were offering them separately. However, with the change in demand, Operators are now making moves to
offer both fixed and mobile access through bundling.
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9. One such Operator is France Telecom (FT). In 2005, FT implemented the NExT strategy which aims to offer subscribers
a new experience in telecom services. From a research conducted by Orange (FT operates under the well-established
commercial brand of Orange), in Europe 35% of households (year 2008) subscribed to four services which includes fixed
phone, broadband, pay TV and mobile, an increase from 16% earlier reported in 2006. In 2008, 63% of European
households subscribed to both mobile and (fixed) broadband services.
These findings prompted FT to offer subscribers an integrated network for a ubiquitous broadband experience. The
network components include ADSL, ADSL2+ for fixed broadband and 3G and 3G+ for mobile broadband and mobile
multimedia.
Combat Network Congestion
The influx of data traffic is threatening networks with congestion, especially amongst cellular networks which support
voice and data. With Operators turning multi-network, an alternative is available most of the time. As such, data traffic
can be offloaded to the alternative network to free up bandwidth on the former network, resulting in more efficient
network performance.
WiMAX and 3G are being viewed from this perspective and industry experts are supporting the notion of both networks
to co-exist in a friendly manner – WiMAX provides the data overlay network solution to existing 2.5G/3G, and takes on
data traffic load to ease congestion on the latter networks.
2.5G/3G background network
WiMAX hotspots overlay
Figure 5: WiMAX and 3G to co-exist as data offloading partner
Multi-network Devices
While on the network level, Operators are taking initiatives to create ubiquitous connectivity, the telecoms industry needs
more multi network devices to support these initiatives. In this decade, we have seen the tip of such devices.
Ultimately, the utopia of devices is to be network independent. End user devices produced should function with all
networks and roam seamlessly from one to another. This ultimatum requires a huge shift in the industry’s mindset.
Intervention from all network governing organizations is required for a common standard that can be adopted by
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device manufacturers to fabricate network independent end user devices.
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10. Fitting the Puzzle Together with Connection Managers
From the earlier discussions, it is evident that network convergence and multi network devices play a role in making
connectivity uniquitous. However, a mechanism is required to think on behalf of the networks and devices to maneuver
the seamless handover between networks. This is the role played by a connection manager – it sits in end user devices
and instructs the device when to handover connectivity to another network. The whole process should be transparent to
end users for a more meaningful ubiquitous experience.
Connection Manager’s Role in Enabling Ubiquitous Connectivity
Ubiquitous connectivity refers to having access to the Internet anytime and anywhere. While it is not possible for a single
network to provide complete coverage throughout a country or designated coverage area, alternative networks often
exist to fill up the connectivity gaps. Users can be transferred to these alternative networks to provide continous
connectivity while they are on the go.
However, for the connection to seem ubiquitous, a user needs to be transferred to the second network transparently and
without interruption – a process known as seamless handover.
Seamless Handover
Seamless handover is a result of two actions working together – first, an automatic handoff and second, session persistence.
Automatic handoff. Connection managers feature preset connection profiles that provide the intelligence to trigger an
automatic handoff. For example, some profiles can be based on:
i) Preferred network – users can be transferred to another network based on preference and location.
ii) Bandwidth availability – users can be transferred based on bandwidth availability, whereby a person on a cellular
network (limited bandwidth) can be moved to a WiMAX network when available.
iii) Signal strength – if the signal of the current network weakens, user can be tranferred to the next available network
with stronger signal strength.
Based on preset connection profiles, a connection manager performs the handoff from network A to network B. The
handoff is conducted automatically, transparently and seamlessly to ensure the connectivity session continues.
Session persistence. During the process of handing over a user from network A to network B, a feature called ‘session
persistence’ is required to ensure connectivity is not broken. Session persistence is made possible through several
technologies/methodologies. One such technology is Mobile IP.
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11. Mobile IP, an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard communications protocol, is designed to allow mobile
device users to move from one network to another while maintaining their permanent (single) IP address. With the
provision of a single IP address, users are able to stay connected even while switching networks. As such, Operators are
able to offer users access to any broadband network (regardless the time or location), offering a magnitude of bandwidth
and speed without interruption. Mobile IP is network and OS independent, hence it is an ideal technology to unify all
operating systems and networks to create an impression of single, unified network.
The process of seamless handover is illustrated in the diagram below.
3G WiMAX
1 User at the edge of 3G, on the verge of losing connection.
2 Based on preset rules, the connection manager detects the weakening 3G signal and
prepares to handoff the user to the next available network – WiMAX.
3 Connection manager holds the connection session (session persistence) during the
handoff to WiMAX.
3G WiMAX
4 User is successfully transferred to WiMAX without any interruption in connectivity.
Figure 6: How connection managers enable ubiquitous connectivity
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12. Multi Network Support
The underlying concept beneath ubiquitous connectivity is having access to alternative networks. As a result, the
connection manager must be network independent in order to support all common networks available throughout the
world. Additionally, universal authentication methods as such EAP SIM, EAP AKA, EAP PEAP, EAP LEAP. WISPr,
EAPTTLS, EAP TLS and EAP MD5 should be supported to ensure legitimate users are accessing the network.
Multi Device Support
Aside from being multi-network, it is important that the connection manager supports multiple devices. An Operator will
not be able to control the type and brand of devices used by subscribers. Thus, the connection manager has to be
compatible with most major devices for a consistent user experience and easy to maintain by Operators.
Revenue Generation Opportunities
Connection managers are versatile and can be used as a dashboard to access value-added services (VAS) – an
opportunity to increase revenue. Being a utility that users interface with daily (to get connected), Operators can leverage
on connection managers to host wide range of multimedia content and applications that complements the lifestyle needs
of users and enriches their connectivity experience. Additionally, Operators can aggregate, publish and push
value-added services, for example exclusive online games, community blogs, music, productivity tools and much more
via a single touch-point.
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13. Greenpacket, Partnering Operators for a Ubiquitous World
At Greenpacket, we offer a connectivity management platform that helps Operators converge networks and devices to
form a ubiquitous world for their users. Our Intouch Connection Management Platform (ICMP) is the industry’s leading
intelligent connection management solution, offering Operators an end-to-end solution designed to converge connection
management, communication services and entertainment within a single client. It simplifies and enriches the connectivity
experience of users while giving Operators the opportunity to increase ARPU.
Through its seamless mobility feature, ICMP provides an immediate and cost-effective method to offload data traffic to
less congested networks based on preset profiles. As a result, users benefit from an improved connectivity service. On
the other hand, Operators stay in control of bandwidth utilization by optimizing the use of current infrastructure and are
able to reduce CAPEX expenditure required to upgrade infrastructure.
Free Consultation!
If you would like a free consultation on converging your networks, contact us at marketing.gp@greenpacket.com (kindly
quote the reference code WP0310 when you contact us).
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14. References
1. The Importance of Being Ubiquitous: Wireless Mesh Deployment in Saskatchewan by Michael O’Neil, IT In Canada
2. Mobile Data Traffic has Overtaken Voice, Ericsson (published by GSMA Mobile Business Briefing)
3. Mobile Broadband Networks Today and Tomorrow, Magnus Ewerbring, Director WCDMA Radio Access Networks,
Ericsson
4. Devicescape Wi-Fi survey: 85 percent want seamless switching between 3G and WiFi by MuniWireless
5. Russia Telecommunications Report Q4 2009 by Business Monitor International
6. Comstar WiMAX project, Alexander Gorbunov, VP Strategy & Development, Comstar-UTS
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15. About Green Packet
Greenpacket is the international arm of the Green Packet Berhad group of companies which is listed on the Main Board
of the Malaysian Bourse. Founded in San Francisco’s Silicon Valley in 2000 and now headquartered in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, Greenpacket has a presence in 9 countries and is continuously expanding to be near its customers and in
readiness for new markets.
We are a leading developer of Next Generation Mobile Broadband and Networking Solutions for Telecommunications
Operators across the globe. Our mission is to provide seamless and unified platforms for the delivery of user-centric
multimedia communications services regardless of the nature and availability of backbone infrastructures.
At Greenpacket, we pride ourselves on being constantly at the forefront of technology. Our leading carrier-grade
solutions and award-winning consumer devices help Telecommunications Operators open new avenues, meet new
demands, and enrich the lifestyles of their subscribers, while forging new relationships. We see a future of limitless
freedom in wireless communications and continuously commit to meeting the needs of our customers with leading edge
solutions.
With product development centers in USA, Shanghai, and Taiwan, we are on the cutting edge of new developments in
4G (particularly WiMAX and LTE), as well as in software advancement. Our leadership position in the Telco industry is
further enhanced by our strategic alliances with leading industry players.
Additionally, our award-winning WiMAX modems have successfully completed interoperability tests with major WiMAX
players and are being used by the world’s largest WiMAX Operators. We are also the leading carrier solutions provider
in APAC catering to both 4G and 3G networks and aim to be No. 1 globally by the end of 2010.
For more information, visit: www.greenpacket.com.
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