EPC and 4G Packet Networks, 2nd Edition

Chapter 14

Offload Functions and Simultaneous Multi-Access

14.1 Introduction

One discussion that started to take definitive shape in the standards after 3GPP completed the architecture work on LTE and EPS is “offloading traffic” (e.g. user-plane data) from the operator’s core network or from the 3GPP radio network via different means. Though not all operators share the same view when it comes to the idea of “offloading” and the need for standardizing solutions, certain companies were very enthusiastic on embarking upon another round of architecture redesign exercises. But the reality is that GPRS was already designed to accommodate certain traffic to be offloaded from the core network via some smart and simple configuration and design ideas. In ...