What is LWAAP (LTE WLAN Aggregation Adaptation protocol)

Technical details of LWAAP (LTE WLAN Aggregation Adaptation Protocol).

1. Overview:
   • LWAAP is a protocol that enables mobile operators to combine their LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) networks. The goal is to deliver faster and more reliable wireless data services to customers.
   • It allows mobile devices to connect to both LTE and WLAN networks simultaneously, utilizing both networks for data transmission.
   • LWAAP operates at the MAC (Media Access Control) layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, which controls access to the physical transmission medium.
2. Aggregation and Management:
   • LWAAP provides a mechanism for efficient aggregation and management of data flows between the LTE and WLAN networks.
   • When a mobile device initiates data transmission, the protocol determines the size of the data packet and the required latency.
   • If the data packet is large, it routes it through the LTE network. If it’s small and requires low latency, it routes it through the WLAN network. This process is called flow segmentation.
3. Simultaneous Connection:
   • A mobile device connected to both LTE and WLAN networks simultaneously:
     • LTE via the cellular radio interface.
     • WLAN via the Wi-Fi radio interface.
   • The device can transmit and receive data packets over both networks concurrently, enabling faster and more reliable data transmission.
4. Network Utilization:
   • LWAAP allows better utilization of network resources:
     • Combining LTE and WLAN networks provides improved data services.
     • Offloading traffic from LTE to WLAN reduces congestion and enhances overall network performance.
5. Handover Mechanism:
   • LWAAP ensures seamless switching between networks:
     • If a device is connected to WLAN and moves out of range, the protocol detects the loss of WLAN connection.
     • It automatically switches data transmission to the LTE network. This process is called handover.