The standalone DPI device benefits from being easier to deploy in existing networks as well as having established reporting and analysis functionality. These devices are also designed to sit in the network without impacting network service in case of a failure. The standalone DPI device does, however, make the extraction of critical RAN information more challenging. It also necessitates the addition of another device into the network, increasing both capital and operational expenditures.

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Conclusion
The application of DPI for providing tiered-SLA type services in today's mobile networks represents a near-term opportunity for wireless operators to generate increased ARPU in the face of current flat-rate data plans. The challenges and opportunities for combining DPI applications with mobile networks are clear. Successful targeting of this market requires organizations to have existing core competency in either DPI or wireless or to partner with companies that already have the distinct competencies they may be lacking in-house.

The good news is that the opportunity does not stop with current 3G networks, but instead amplifies as operators plan their LTE rollouts. Establishing the tiered-SLA paradigm today is critical to delivering similar services integrated into LTE tomorrow. Rather than coming in after subscribers are conditioned for "all-you-can-eat plans," LTE services can be delivered immediately on a tiered-SLA basis. And last but not least, DPI technology is absolutely required as operators move to an all-IP core network if one assumes that building out the LTE network with these capabilities from the beginning will be critical to successful deployments.

References
1. "Why is deep packet inspection (DPI) essential for wireless networks," www.mobilehandsetdesignline.com/howto/215801091;jsessionid=42
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2. "DPI: Managing Data Traffic in LTE Networks," www.ccpu.com/news/articles/200809-DPIinLTE.html

3. "Yahoo Grabs T-Mobile Search Deal," www.redherring.com/Home/25545

Todd Mersch is senior product line manager for Trillium Protocol Software at Continuous Computing. His oversight includes more than 80 distinct protocol software products that span eight technology domains, including LTE, femtocell, IMS, 3G/4G wireless, SUP, and various legacy networks.