Provides secure, carrier-grade connection of smartphones to WiFi hotspots seamlessly
Improves indoor coverage and increases mobile broadband capacity
New business opportunity for mobile operator and hot-spot provider
The need for high-speed and secure mobile broadband services is continuously increasing and quality of service in high-traffic areas varies. Operators can greatly improve the mobile broadband experience for smartphone and tablet users by making use of existing fixed broadband and WiFi assets.
Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announces the launch of its Network Integrated WiFi solution. It enables seamless connection of smartphones to operator-controlled WiFi access - without requiring a specific software client in the device and without any user interaction. The Network Integrated Wi-Fi solution substantially increases the overall network capacity, especially in congested areas. It also supports the fast-growing ecosystem of WiFi enabled devices. Operators can benefit from new revenue models from wholesale of WiFi access as the solution provides the basis for upcoming business agreements between mobile operators and hot-spot providers.
Jan Häglund, Vice President, Head of IP and Broadband Networks, Ericsson says; "This new solution will increase mobile operators' capacity and footprint, primarily when it comes to indoor coverage. In the end, WiFi will become just another radio access technology in the mobile operator's network ecosystem."
Ericsson's Network Integrated WiFi solution is one part of the Ericsson HetNet concept. The solution authenticates SIM based devices in the Home Location Register (HLR) and connects traffic from the WiFi access network, through the mobile packet network and up to the mobile operator's service environment. As the smartphone user is recognized by the network, the subscription profile is maintained also when connected via WiFi. This provides users with to the same services as when connected to the mobile network.
The first release, being launched now in 2011, includes local off-load of the traffic from the SmartEdge Border Network Gateway (BNG).
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