Data traffic given prioritisation
Elisa has activated new network features from Nokia Siemens Networks that provide flexible Quality of Service (QoS). This is the first commercial deployment of Nokia Siemens Networks QoS differentiation solution built by integrating multiple network elements, including its radio network and network management system. Elisa is using the QoS differentiation to prioritize time and resource critical traffic to ensure customers receive the service they have paid for even when networks are congested.
“The increased uptake of dongles has resulted in a significant increase in mobile broadband traffic at certain times,” said Timo Sippola, head of Mobile Network Planning, Elisa. “Just like our roads, networks have rush-hours and quiet periods. To improve the experience for the users on our network it is important to be able to maintain the service level they paid for.”
The Quality of Service differentiation solution takes effect in heavily loaded networks when requests to use the network can exceed its capacity. It enables the prioritization of data traffic, according to policies determined by subscription agreements, to fairly divide the available resources. Different priorities can be allocated to different user segments or applications and can be applied dynamically depending on the network load. Nokia Siemens Networks QoS aware scheduler also enables Elisa to change QoS priorities even during a data session and maintain a particular bit rate in simultaneous upload and download sessions.
“In short, Elisa will be able to manage its network traffic and utilize its network investments better while providing better services to its customers,” said Tommi Uitto, head of Product Management, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Quality of Service differentiation does not replace the need for having good mobile broadband capacity and coverage, but it further helps maintain high network efficiency and reduces the need for over investing in a network*”