Towards elastic application-oriented bearer management for enhancing QoE in LTE networks

This paper introduces the concept of elastic bearer in Evolved Packet System (EPS), which allows, on one hand, the users to enhance on-demand the performance of certain applications and on the other hand, it permits the network to efficiently manage the resource allocation considering the application type. In particular, the paper introduces a set of mechanisms to trigger and support bearer elasticity in EPS based on Quality of Experience (QoE) perceived by users or based on feedback from Radio Access Network (RAN). Bearer elasticity can be attained through potential Packet Data Network/Serving Gateway (PDN/S-GW) relocation to eventually improve QoE within and beyond the mobile network operator premises. The paper also introduces a set of methods to identify and cope with a “storm” of requests for particular applications at densely populated areas.