Mitigating Congestion, Deferring New Radio Rollout
Data traffic management is a powerful to manage congested scenarios – complementary to radio options. A simple example is using real time classification and quality of service to manage the quantity of data flowing in a network – without the user seeing any difference and independently of the large content providers (aka the big 6 or over the top players[OTT]).
Case Study: Service Provider in Italy
A prime example of the value of Enea’s RAN Congestion Management Solutions is the implementation with a Tier 1 Communication Service Provider in Italy, which operates approximately 22,000 cell sites across the country.
Challenge: Significant Congestion
Each day, for sustained periods of time [4-6 hours], about two-thirds of these sites (around 14,000) experience significant congestion. In effect the physical radio resource blocks are reaching their upper limits, resulting in packet loss and delay. In turn, this congestion impacts network performance and service resiliency. A simple response is ‘Why not roll out some new radio?’ but this is both time and investment dependent – while not addressing the immediate customer experience issues. Quite a challenge for the mobile radio network.
Outcome: 12-16% Reduction in Traffic on Congested Cells
Enea’s data traffic management software addresses this challenge by optimizing traffic flow based on cell site location and time of day. The software identifies peak congestion periods, which typically occur for three hours each weekday evening and for approximately 11 hours each day on weekends.
The result?
A 12-16% reduction in traffic on congested cells, leading to a more consistent and enjoyable user experience. This dynamic data optimization approach allows operators to maximize the efficiency of their existing network resources without resorting to costly infrastructure upgrades. In other words the benefit is achieved without touching the radio network – any additional radio changes will be complementary & augment this data optimization.
To ensure ongoing performance, Enea’s software continuously monitors traffic conditions. Data traffic reports provide actionable insights, enabling operators to assess improvements and make real-time adjustments as needed.
For even greater precision, Enea’s advanced AI Mode takes optimization to the next level. By analyzing a combination of network and IP parameters—including round-trip time and data loss—it identifies congestion at the application content level. This continuous, real-time analysis allows for even more targeted interventions.
Alternative Approach – Higher Costs
While one alternative is to deploy new radio infrastructure to address congestion, this approach is significantly more expensive and time-consuming. Enea’s traffic management solution works as a complementary measure, offering a faster, more cost-effective way to relieve congestion. Notably, the software’s configuration can be enabled or disabled selectively, giving operators the flexibility to adapt as network conditions change.
Let’s Reduce the Traffic Congestion in Your Network!
Want to turn those red warning lights in your NOC back to green? Contact the Enea team today to see how our smart traffic management solutions can make it happen.
