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.
A live demonstration at Mobile World Congress 2012 of the feature 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," said Keith Sutton, head of the WCDMA business line for Nokia Siemens Networks. "This is where HSPA+ Multiflow helps operators - it reduces imbalances that typically occur in network resource usage, and increases HSPA+ speed and capacity."
HSPA+ Multiflow enables simultaneous transmission of two data streams from base stations in two adjacent cells to a single user device instead of one data stream from one base station as is the case with HSPA+ today. Overall, this can up to double throughput (data speeds) for users at cell edge. Due to Nokia Siemens Networks' highly scalable Single RAN equipment, operators can protect their earlier network investments by evolving their existing HSPA networks to the new technology with a simple software upgrade.
"We are working with Nokia Siemens Networks to drive the evolution and deployment of technologies like HSPA+," said Serge Willenegger, vice president of product management at Qualcomm. "This demonstration confirms that HSPA+ Multiflow will enable us to further enhance the HSPA+ mobile broadband user experience, and is thus a valuable contribution toward 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 from Nokia Siemens Networks by second half of 2013.
