The Mobile Internet Report Key Themes*

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) Prioritizes Traffic to Highest Value Users /
Applications, Preventing Peer-to-Peer from Crowding Out Other Users
DPI / bandwidth management systems enable carriers to prioritize high-value traffic (voice / VoIP / web
browsing) and shift low-value traffic (peer-to-peer) to off-peak times – Reduces congestion on the radio
access network, typically the most bandwidth-constrained / expensive (highest capex requirement) link
on a wireless network, alleviating some of the need for infrastructure investment.
DPI technologies identify different types of traffic in real time, giving carriers a higher degree of control
over which applications / subscribers get more bandwidth / higher speeds – DPI technologies inspect
data packet header information to determine the type of application (VoIP / HTTP browsing / video
streaming / SMS) + type of subscriber (heavy data user that pays more per month to get higher speeds /
more bandwidth vs. light data user). Access to real-time / granular information about traffic on the
network enables carriers to prioritize / limit each subscriber’s speed / bandwidth based on the type of
subscriber / application being accessed / time of day (peak vs. off-peak).
Hypothetical DPI Network Bandwidth Management System
High-Speed Sub –
Pays 2X Low
Speed Sub to Get
Highest Priority
Data Traffic
Low-Speed Sub
VoIP Traffic (High Value)
HTTP Browsing Traffic (Medium Value)
P2P Traffic (Low Value)
VoIP Traffic (High Value)
HTTP Browsing Traffic (Medium Value)
P2P Traffic (Low Value)
Bundle Rates Max Rates Base Station Rate
1Mbps
64Kbps
3
Mbps
512
Kbps
7
Mbps
Source: Arbor Networks DPI Whitepaper.
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