This is the first in a series of articles by Karl Wale on the topic of deep packet inspection. Watch for Part II of the series: “DPI: Consumer Friend or Foe.”
Mobile broadband is set to explode, and the bottom line for maintaining service quality is this: DPI will be an integral part of 3G and LTE networks. It delivers tangible benefits to both operators and subscribers – despite negative publicity associated with it.
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| Explosive data growth in mobile networks is being driven by exciting content, powerful devices, and changing demographics. |
Some consider DPI a pernicious threat to net neutrality, a way for carriers to find out about the nature of the traffic running over their networks and potentially throttle it, creating an uneven playing field for competitors and P2P application providers. But for carriers, its benefits far outweigh the stigma of using it.
Initially, DPI will be applied to improve network efficiency, but ultimately it will allow carriers to deliver tailored services that increase customer satisfaction, create differentiation and provide revenue growth.
To understand why networks need Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), it is important to first understand the issues facing mobile operators and the motivation for introducing new technology. First we should define DPI, which is a great buzzword but often misconstrued or inappropriately blamed. What we are really describing is subscriber and network monitoring and policy enforcement, with DPI being the technique that delivers these capabilities.
The case for DPI comes down to three business drivers – improved efficiency, delivering a better product and increasing revenue. In this context, “product” is the service being offered, including features, ability to tailor to users’ needs, and meeting quality of experience expectations. So the question should be, “How does DPI help a service provider reduce operating and capital expenditures, deliver a better service and increase revenue?” Let’s examine the issues and consider whether DPI delivers.
The State of Mobile Data Use
Since the introduction of popular new devices such as Apple’s iPhone, the use of data services on mobile networks has exploded. iPhone and 3G data cards have contributed significantly to driving applications such e-mail, instant messaging and Web access. “All you can eat” plans are usually offered, although contracts enforce specific limits and fair-share rules.
Growth rates look dramatic for mobile broadband, but the fact is, only a small proportion of the subscriber base uses mobile broadband. Reports suggest approximately 100 million subscribers out of a total approaching 2 billing, roughly 5 percent. Regardless, the figures disguise problems that network operators will have to face in the future to ensure that networks don’t become overwhelmed, resulting in customer churn due to poor quality of service.
