The NetWise Director™ solution from Smith Micro enforces operator-defined rules to intelligently manage mobile data traffic across access networks. This allows mobile operators, like Sprint, to selectively target areas of congestion, providing seamless connectivity for the user.

The core solution consists of a device client, a policy server, and an analytics server. With these components, the operator can create and manage policies to reduce congestion, enforce policy by directing traffic between Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G networks, and evaluate traffic patterns.

These key components can also interoperate with third-party network elements to provide session and security persistence as the operator network evolves, further enhancing the user experience.

The client features rich routing logic across notebooks, smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices.

An intelligent client is essential for providing an integrated traffic management solution across access technologies. Why is this the case for today’s mobile networks? Because no single supplier delivers a complete, end-to-end solution that extends from the device handset to the mobile network core.

NetWise Director solves the network integration problem by using standards-based interfaces and protocols to connect all the dots.

The NetWise Director client utilizes I-WLAN protocol to interoperate with third-party gateways (e.g., PDGs, PDIFs). This provides secure access to operator core services over Wi-Fi, enabling delivery of premium services, such as parental controls over untrusted Wi-Fi networks. This is something that simply can’t be done without an intelligent client solution.

Data offload has become a critical issue for mobile network operators due to the explosive growth of traffic generated by smartphones, notebooks, and tablets.

While there are many tactics for relieving network congestion, incorporating an intelligent device client into your strategy offers many benefits that you won't get with "clientless" approaches.

Here are 7 compelling reasons why a client-based solution should be a mandatory component of any data offload strategy.

1. The overwhelming majority (95% in some trials) of WiFi usage is on private home or office access points.

Offloading to public Wi-Fi hotspots can help, but clientless solutions are not designed to support untrusted, non-operator controlled home and office Wi-Fi networks; trials indicate these are the most common places Wi-Fi is used.*

An intelligent offload client can make secure connections over any (trusted or untrusted) Wi-Fi network.

2. You can't offload data to Wi-Fi if users turn their Wi-Fi radios off.

An intelligent client can automatically turn device radios on and off, connecting users to the best network available, without requiring user intervention.

For data offload to occur with clientless solutions, subscribers must keep Wi-Fi radios turned on, which reduces battery life on mobile devices.

3. A client can redirect data traffic before it gets on your network.

Why wait for a device to be "on network" to determine that it should offload to Wi-Fi?

An intelligent client can identify and connect to a Wi-Fi network without generating any 3G traffic at all.

By managing data traffic where it starts, at the device, you dramatically reduce traffic load on your network.

4. Wi-Fi is only one piece of the traffic management puzzle.

An intelligent client can help you save money and optimize resources in many ways, such as automatically connecting to least-cost roaming partners and onloading traffic to 4G networks.

Clientless solutions simply don't offer this level of advanced policy control.

Mobile operators no longer need to be in the dark about the user experience after users connect to networks outside the operator’s control, such as Wi-Fi.

NetWise Director analytics agents become the “eyes and ears” of the operator for any network transition. It collects device-level data on any network type—3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, or roaming partner. This provides a closed feedback loop essential to refining policies and maintaining the user experience.