Cover Story |
the information in a single place , thus significantly streamlining the efficiency of an engineer ’ s workflow .
Broadband Forum : The first challenge is to recognise that there is a QoE issue across what can be multiple legacy , as well as new elements in the broadband ecosystem . QoE has to be end-toend ( from the cloud all the way to the user ’ s device ). Recognising the ‘ pain points ’ in the network is key to solving the problem .
This means that the budgetconscious service provider can focus on improving the elements that are most affecting the subscriber experience first . Standards for QoE monitoring across multiple vendor elements is critical to this . That is the overarching aim of the Broadband Forum ’ s Broadband Quality of Experience Delivered ( QED ) work . QED defines metrics that capture variability in network quality , relating directly to enduser QoE . The framework uses principles of Quality Attenuation to characterise performance metrics , measurements , and analysis , addressing factors such as latency , consistency , predictability , and reliability .
A key challenge for service providers is delivering a reduced level of fragmentation at the chipset , CPE and software platform level . This can slow innovation and the introduction of new value-added services . This in turn hinders service providers ’ ability to unlock new revenue streams and increase Average Revenue Per User . However , by taking a standards-based , containerised approach , any worries can be alleviated .
An open standards model at the lower and higher layers of a network can ensure that software or hardware can be replaced without difficulty . Without standardisation , the integration time when introducing new services can be significant , especially with devices and platforms that use different vendors and proprietary technologies .
For budget-conscious service providers , there has been a growing demand for more intelligent , services-led broadband .
QoE will play a central role in these future networks . Currently , the entire broadband industry looks set to strategically transition from basic connectivity business models .
A recent report by Omdia , in conjunction with Broadband Forum , revealed that nearly three quarters ( 72 %) of the
|
111 global broadband service providers plan to introduce service-aware and applicationappropriate QoE for the service or application in use . This technology means that broadband networks can dynamically adapt and prioritise certain traffic if congestion is experienced . Therefore , customers can access greater bandwidth and lower latency for certain services when needed .
Many broadband service providers have marketed speed and price over a great broadband experience . Yet attention now turns sharply to the introduction of valueadded services in addition to just broadband connectivity . This is clearly a keen area of focus , according to the report . Additional premium value-added services , such as home security , energy management , working from home packages , and Internet of Things enablement through Matter are all among the main offerings over the next 12 months and beyond . Interra Systems : An OTT stream traverses multiple video processing points , and to ensure QoE , ideally , video is monitored at most of these points . However , performing this monitoring requires service providers to invest in both equipment and staff .
Furthermore , ABR streaming requires the creation of multiple profiles at different bit rates for the same video — in order to cater
|
to a range of devices — which translates into high encoding , storage , and delivery costs . And for premium content , collecting quality stats at all critical locations in the delivery chain can be cost-prohibitive for many budget-conscious video service providers . One way to address these QoE challenges is by taking a balanced approach , combining post-origin server validation with a simple monitoring system for content availability at the edge .
In addition , smaller OTT video service providers tend to deliver content using their own delivery infrastructure , which might not offer the same level of service or sophistication as an established CDN provider . Typically , CDN providers are well equipped to handle issues such as redundancy , peak traffic conditions , and sudden increases in load . Plume : Plume IQ has revealed three main trends that can affect the QoE service providers deliver to their customers :
• The global increase in data usage ( including broadband data )
• The explosive growth of neighbouring WiFi networks – other networks that each home network can see , where the signal of the neighbour will create interference when communicating with IoT devices
• The increase of fast interference optimisations - WiFi optimisations performed in real-time to resolve high levels of interference . These trends reveal that service providers should embrace cloud-based and AI-powered solutions to keep up with rising customer expectations and stay competitive . Torque Video Systems : Well , you do get what you pay for . Diverse networks make it very difficult to collect , collate and analyse QoE without spending a lot of money to deploy technology to collect the raw data in the first place . VeEX : Challenges include the cost of access network modernisation and optimisation ( replacing DSL , upgrading DOCSIS plant , adding PON , considering fixed 5G , etc .), to offer the speed , latency and reliability required to maintain good QoE scores . Then , using the right tools to validate their actual QoS to assure QoE .
Another challenge is helping subscribers understand that there is a difference in the paid internet service provided to the subscriber ’ s ONT / DOCSIS modem / etc ., versus the WiFi
|