One challenge, two approaches

Mobile networks (2G, 3G, etc) are full of data traffic nowadays and operators struggle keeping them running under heavy user traffic. Few years back people were wondering why 3G networks are needed at all, there was so much excess capacity and networks run pretty empty for quite some time. But not any more, “data tornado” is here! Predicting the future direction seems possible, but guessing the right timing is the trickiest part.

Finnish government recently announced that they will require operators to deliver what they promise or drop promises to what they can deliver. No wonder, if you buy 3Mbit/s connection and get 50kbit/s, you have a reason for dissatisfaction. It is not easy to deliver guaranteed wireless speed at every moment and in every location. However most operators give it a serious try, they have an army of network planners that constantly optimize network configurations based on network KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) and roll out new base stations to deliver what is needed. In many large operator organizations, company bonuses are tied to a single KPI value, like "call success rate". Below 99% you go and bye, bye bonuses!

Having worked long time with mobile networks, I came to wonder one thing. Mobile networks are continuously managed based on KPI’s, but WLAN networks are not. Instead, WLAN networks are expected to perform for years with practically no expected need for maintenance in a non-regulated frequency band. WLAN network management practices have been heavily relying on end user calls to help desk. When there are enough calls, a network expert equipped with a laptop analyzer is sent onsite for troubleshooting. Why are these practices so different? It was early 2006, I decided to give it a try and do something. Trade register got an application for founding a new company called 7signal.

Veli-Pekka Ketonen/CTO