WBA white papers

Convergence of Cellular and Next Gen Wi-Fi Networks – ANDSF and HS2.0

The objective of this paper is to introduce two important standards in networking policy – 3GPP Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) and Hotspot 2.0 Policy – and to propose a path toward convergence and improvement of these two policy standards with recommended actions. Both ANDSF and HS2.0 specifications define policy objects and protocols for intelligent and seamless automatic next-generation network selection and enhanced user experience. However, there is not yet a single organization or program in the industry that brings them together.

Coordinated Shared Spectrum

As wireless usage continues to increase throughout the world, policymakers and regulators with responsibility for the allocation and oversight of spectrum resources are looking to new management frameworks and regimes to meet the ever-increasing need for additional bandwidth.
This paper is an analysis of Coordinated Shared Spectrum (CSS) programs. It provides some historical background on both LSA and CBRS, contemplates the service offerings and business models that such approaches will enable, and contrasts anticipated CSS solutions with existing solutions based on traditional methods of spectrum management.

IoT New Vertical Value Chains and Interoperability

Learn about the key priorities for operators and technology vendors, and the monetization potential for unlicensed technologies for IoT. The report reveals that 85% of companies have made IoT a key focus area over the last 12 months, but have prioritized Consumer and Home, Transportation and Energy. When using unlicensed technology within IoT, monetization will be driven by non-traditional approaches, such as big data and new advertising models. This white paper also analyzes the use of Passpoint/Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) based roaming to facilitate the adoption of IoT services using unlicensed based radio technologies. WBA explores the evolution of identities for IoT-centric devices, moving up the stack to an association with applications and embedded identifiers. Download the white paper now

Connected City Blueprint 2016

Written and compiled with the guidance of the Connected City Advisory Board (CCAB), the Connected City Blueprint serves as the first in an ongoing series of documents that will aim to aggregate and present the views, case studies, and opinions of city officials, local authorities, and more.

Roadmap for Coexistence and Convergence in 5G – Market Research

5G intends to enable a seamlessly connected society in the 2020 timeframe and beyond that brings together people along with things, data, applications, transport systems and cities in a smart networked communications environment.

Several industry bodies are currently defining and working on 5G related topics, such as ITU, ETSI, 3GPP, NMGM, among others.

This document reports on the Industry Perspective of the role that Wi-Fi and unlicensed technologies can play to enable the 5G framework, complemented with the vision of key industry technologists.

Unlicensed Spectrum LTE – Market Drivers and Roadmap

This paper is to examine and contrast LAA, LWA and LWIP proposals, from the point of view of the business cases, the implications for operator deployments and roadmap.

At this stage several strong market drivers for LTE in unlicensed spectrum were identified:

• Increased Data Capacity
• No Spectrum Expense
• Direct Incorporation of Unlicensed Spectrum into the MNO’s RAN and EPC

Technology and market landscape for LTE in unlicensed spectrum bands is continuing to evolve, and the usage scenarios and anticipated market impact are also only beginning to gel. You will learn the first phase view of how these technologies are progressing, and several further steps are recommended to continue to monitor and track how they mature. Especially, its interworking with Carrier Wi-Fi will unfold into several working streams in liaison with key industry forums.

WBA Wi-Fi Calling – Opportunities and Challenges towards 5G

Wi-Fi calling can reduce costs and deliver a universal mobile communications service to consumers worldwide.
The paper discusses the significant role Wi-Fi calling can play in addressing industry issues such as coverage, as well as highlights the gaps in the market to help promote the deployment, use and growing momentum of Wi-Fi calling.

Software defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) for Wi-Fi networks

A lack of flexibility in today’s Wi-Fi network architectures makes it difficult to respond rapidly to new technologies designed to enhance user experience and improve quality of service. This new white paper explains how Network Function Virtualization can help address such challenges, speed the introduction of new services, while bringing a wide range of benefits to network operators.

Industry perspectives, trusted WLAN architectures and deployment considerations

With the explosion in data use throughout the wireless ecosystem set to continue for many years, networks face unprecedented challenges to meet ever-growing demand. As part of an ongoing study into integrated networks, the Wireless Broadband Alliance and Small Cell Forum Joint Task Force has produced the first comprehensive technical documentation, assessment and specification of the architecture and interfaces for integrated small cell and ‘trusted’ Wi-Fi (ISW) networks. The white paper considers the architectural options, interfaces and deployment aspects of the TWAN (Trusted Wireless Wan). It also incudes a comprehensive industry survey of major operators and vendors addressing the business and technical implications of integration.

This is the first study of its kind to bring clarity to the architecture of the TWAN that connects the access points, controller and gateways of the integrated ISW network, an area that has fallen out of the scope of the 3GPP and has not been addressed by any other standards organizations.

Wi-Fi Roaming Business Case

WBA suggests that up to 70% of international travellers now rely on Wi-Fi networks to stay connected while abroad.

Our latest white paper Wi-Fi Roaming examines how to leverage this opportunity to create new services and products that can result in additional roaming revenues, while delivering an outstanding user experience.

Packed with facts, stats and business cases, the white paper covers:

• Roaming set-up best practices for service providers
• Benefits from providing roaming services
• Suitable strategies to adopt
• Wi-Fi roaming business models
• Next Gen Wi-Fi ready network insights from the industry and global Operator