Nokia Siemens Networks and Qualcomm have unveiled an HSPA+ feature that they claim will enhance mobile broadband.
Known as HSPA+ Multiflow, the feature allows devices located close to the edge of a mobile base station's cell to connect with a second base station serving a neighbouring cell.
According to the companies, the 'Multiflow' name refers to the two different paths data can then take to reach a device.
The feature makes far more efficient use of network resources, delivering up to double the data speed and up to 50% faster response compared to existing HSPA+ networks, they explain.
A live demonstration of the feature at Mobile World Congress 2012 next week will be based on Nokia Siemens Networks' commercial Single RAN offering and Qualcomm's prototype USB dongles.
“With 100 million smart devices being added every month, we see a consequent increase in 'smart' applications that make use of their advanced capabilities. Not only is network traffic rising dramatically, much of it is also unpredictable in nature, and this can impact user experience,” says Keith Sutton, head of the WCDMA business line for Nokia Siemens Networks.
Serge Willenegger, VP of product management at Qualcomm, says: “We are working with Nokia Siemens Networks to drive the evolution and deployment of technologies like HSPA+.
“This demonstration confirms that HSPA+ Multiflow will enable us to further enhance the HSPA+ mobile broadband user experience, and is thus a valuable contribution towards enhancing the HSPA+ value proposition and further expanding global mobile broadband coverage.”
The HSPA+ Multiflow feature is expected to be 3GPP standardised by mid-2012, and will be available commercially by the second half of 2013.
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