Service Boost: Towards on-demand QoS enhancements for OTT apps in LTE

This paper introduces the concept of dynamic Service Boost and proposes deployment solutions in mobile networks focusing on the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) architecture. The main idea is to introduce a time bound preferential service to subscribers based on predefined service contracts. By applying a light-weight, dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) control, operators achieve both, efficient network utilization and adequate QoS for users and content/application providers. This helps operators to use resources more efficiently, for example to enable a more efficient capacity sharing in the presence of increasing mobile traffic. We initially investigate the impact of Service Boost on Over-The-Top (OTT) traffic transmitted without any specific QoS guarantees over the so-called default bearer in LTE. Then we consider the design and analysis of a Service Boost architecture and framework for managing and prioritizing service requirements for certain applications within LTE. Finally, we elaborate the realization of Service Boost through congestion accountability.