This paper investigates the use of WiFi and mobile device-to-device networks, with vehicular ad hoc networks being a typical example, as a complementary means to offload and reduce the traffic load of cellular networks. A novel cooperative content dissemination strategy is proposed for a heterogeneous network consisting of different types of devices with different levels of mobility, ranging from static WiFi access points to mobile devices such as vehicles. The proposed strategy offloads a significant proportion of data traffic from cellular networks to WiFi or device-to-device networks. Detailed analysis is provided for the content dissemination process in heterogeneous networks adopting the strategy. On that basis, the optimal parameter settings for the content dissemination strategy are discussed. Simulation and numerical studies show that the proposed strategy effectively reduces data traffic for cellular networks while guaranteeing successful content delivery.
Using a typical cooperative content dissemination strategy @cite_13 , the service providers first deliver the content to only a small group of users, then these users can further disseminate the content to other subscribed users when their mobile devices are in the proximity and can communicate using WiFi tethering or Bluetooth technology. It is obvious that such opportunistic content dissemination cannot guarantee the delivery of content. This paper proposes a mechanism that can provide guarantee on the delivery of content.
@cite_13
1986247300
Over the last few years, data traffic over cellular networks has seen an exponential rise, primarily due to the explosion of smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This increase in data traffic on cellular networks has caused an immediate need for offloading traffic for optimum performance of both voice and data services. As a result, different innovative solutions have emerged to manage data traffic. Some of the key technologies include Wi-Fi, femtocells, and IP flow mobility. The growth of data traffic is also creating challenges for the backhaul of cellular networks; therefore, solutions such as core network offloading and media optimization are also gaining popularity. This article aims to provide a survey of mobile data offloading technologies including insights from the business perspective as well.