Beyond 3G wireless network design for optimal resource utilization

Efficient resource utilization is a crucial goal for network operators to achieve good return on their investments. In next-generation multi-service wireless network, service integration of different access technologies such as WLAN and 3G cellular networks increases system complexity and makes system design a more tedious task especially with the embedded heterogeneity of access technologies and applications. This paper presents an optimal resource utilization problem for an integrated 3G-WLAN system. The problem solution is used to determine the values of different system parameters to achieve efficient resource utilization without resource over-provisioning. Additionally, we discuss how better resource utilization can be realized by tuning roaming policies using techniques such as dynamic pricing.