Ubiquisys Smart Cells…enabling the EdgeCloud®
For fixed line communications, the cloud is fast becoming a delivery mechanism of choice for many reasons. For mobile internet users, where bandwidth is limited over the air, and on the backhaul, it is not necessarily best for all interactions to have to traverse the mobile network and the internet.
A superior user experience can be enabled by having applications and other key functions occurring at the edge of the network. This is known as the EdgeCloud®. In addition, the associated more efficient use of the backhaul reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) for mobile operators.
This can be achieved by providing in-line processing in the wireless network close to the point of use, through the introduction of Smart Cells.
Ubiquisys and Intel have teamed up to deliver EdgeCloud® services, and the Smart Cells that enable it. The main components are:
- Intel server with scalable CPU: atom or core, optional SSD (40+ GB), platform controller and optional WiFi.
- Ubiquisys market leading 3G, and/or LTE intelligent small cell capabilities.
- Ubiquisys CloudBase® application lifecycle management.
Ubiquisys EdgeCloud® Example Applications
Dynamic Content Engine
Smart Cells are all about giving mobile users superior performance and reducing the backhaul requirement. Key to making that work is getting the right data to the nearest users who want it before they ask for it. Features of the Dynamic Content Engine include:
Proactive content – storing repetitive web content for fast user experience and reduction of operator network loading, including video.
Predictive content – collecting prime web-traffic ahead of user demand, for superior user performance.
Compressed content – optional data compression of images files for mobile devices, where low backhaul available (trains, etc.).
Controlled content – McAfee Global Threat Management site control or others.
WiFi Wakeup – simple and engaging
WiFi Wakeup solves two of the fundamental problems that have plagued WiFi offload:
- WiFi not being turned on by the user – to conserve battery life and/or to stop all those ‘do you want to connect’ messages.
- Selection of an access point with good coverage and available bandwidth using an operator-controlled policy manager.
How does it do it?
- An application running on the handset talks to the small cell.
- Application on the handset checks over 3G with the smart cell policy manager to see if it supports WiFi, and should offload to it.
- The small cell sends the SSID and password for the WiFi access point.
- The application turns on WiFi and offloads data to it.
- On moving to a 3G-only cell, WiFi is switched off again.
