A Virtualized Approach To Mobile Data Offload

The “world’s first” cloud-based mobile-data-offload solution for carriers, based on the soon-to-be-ratified Wi-Fi Alliance’s Hotspot 2.0 standard, is a virtualized approach Adtran says helps eliminate hardware-based controllers in the network.

“This fundamentally new approach is enabled by combining advanced virtual wireless LAN (vWLAN) capabilities into a seamless mobile backhaul solution for a highly available, scalable solution capable of integrating into any network topology,” company literature says. “Adtran’s solution also addresses each area of network congestion for the carrier – cellular backhaul, Radio Access Network and enterprise access – and provides the means to eliminate the log jam created by the rapid rise in mobile data traffic.”

Here’s what the cloud-based solution includes:

>> Scalability: Distributed data plane and centralized control plane allow thousands of access points to be managed by a single software-based controller.
>> High Availability: Geographically separated controllers that offer zero packet-loss during controller failover.
>> Single Solution for Multiple Services: Hosted/managed enterprise Wi-Fi, mobile offload, smart metering and other Wi-Fi-enabled services can be offered from a single architecture.
>> EAP-SIM/AKA with Integrated AAA Support: Ability for access points to communicate directly with AAA systems for user authentication, either fully integrated or via certified partnerships.
>> Optimized AP Backhaul: Carrier Ethernet service delivery with optional powering over bonded copper pairs to provide high-bandwidth backhaul and power to outdoor access points.
>> Integrated SLA Management: OAM feature set with Y.1731 SLA monitoring integrated access point monitoring with wireline backhaul monitoring systems. 
>> Cross Certification: No single vendor will be able to bring all the components, so it’s critical to select solutions that are augmented with Technology Alliance Partners.

“We are excited about our prospects in the mobile-data-offload market and have already seen great traction in current Proof-of-Concepts with major carriers around the globe,” says Mads Lillelund, general manager at Adtran’s Bluesocket Business Group. “The true value of Adtran’s solution is that providers can seamlessly deploy a genuine carrier-class mobile data offload solution that complements their existing cellular networks and addresses key business issues while lowering overall expenditures.”