Ericsson software automates Wi-Fi vs. cell choice in mixed networks

New network software from Ericsson is designed to make sure mobile users get the best possible connection when there is both a Wi-Fi and a cellular network available. The software, whichEricsson introduced at the CTIA Wirelesstrade show on Tuesday, is an enhancement to its platform for mobile operators that use Wi-Fi to supplementtheir cellular networks. It continuously measures which network will work best for a given subscriber and automatically shifts that user's connection between the two, the company said. According to Ericsson, this capability can prevent subscribers from being shifted from cellular to Wi-Fi andthen kept on the Wi-Fi network eventhough it's slower than cellular in theircurrent location. Many carriers are deploying or partnering for Wi-Finetworks in order to offload data traffic from their cellular systems, embracing so-calledheterogeneous networks. In addition to conserving cellular spectrum and capacity, this can give subscribers better connections when near the Wi-Finetworks, which most often are deployed in crowdedareas. But actually delivering a better connection requires knowing whether Wi-Fi or cellular is the best available network in a particular spot at that moment. Ericsson said its software can make that determination and carry out real-time traffic steering between the networks. The new feature works without any special software on the device or effort by the user. The company also said it now offers access selection, a self-optimizing network tool that ensures good performance acrossWi-Fi and cellular by automatically balancing the load between the two networks. Also at CTIA, Ericsson introduced other elements of its growing carrier Wi-Fi lineup: a carrier Wi-Fi accesspoint based on the emerging IEEE 802.11ac standard, two hardware controllers for Wi-Finetworks, and integrated management of Wi-Fi and cellular networks on a common platform. The new technologies complement standard mechanisms for roaming among Wi-Fi and cellular networks, including Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint and the 3GPP's ANDSF (Access Network Discovery and Selection Function), Ericsson said.