Sistem KomSel 2 #12 - Roaming in 4G LTE

Summary

This video explains the process of roaming in 4G LTE, focusing on two types of roaming: Home Routed and Local Breakout. It highlights key differences, such as network responsibility (Home PLMN vs. Visited PLMN) and billing processes, with clear comparisons on costs and payment methods. The video also delves into the architecture, showing how the system handles roaming using components like HSS, PGW, and CRF. By the end, viewers will understand the technical nuances of roaming, and how different roaming methods affect their communication and costs when traveling abroad.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the roaming process on 4G LTE, which involves two types: Home Routed and Local Breakout.
• 😀 Home Routed roaming means the home PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) is responsible for communication and billing, even when the user is abroad.
• 😀 Local Breakout roaming shifts the responsibility for communication and billing to the visited PLMN (the network in the country being visited).
• 😀 The architecture of 4G LTE roaming includes two main networks: the Home Network (originating country, e.g., Indonesia) and the Visited Network (destination country, e.g., Malaysia).
• 😀 In Home Routed roaming, communication is handled by the home network’s PGW (Packet Gateway), while billing is also handled by the home network’s CRF (Charging Rules Function).
• 😀 In Local Breakout roaming, communication is handled by the visited network’s PGW, and billing is managed by the visited network’s CRF.
• 😀 Both types of roaming have the same components in terms of network infrastructure (e.g., HSS, PGW, CRF), but their roles differ depending on the roaming type.
• 😀 Home Routed roaming is generally cheaper for the user because communication and billing are managed by the home network, which they already have a connection with.
• 😀 Local Breakout roaming can be more expensive because it involves the visited network’s infrastructure, and it may incur additional charges.
• 😀 Payment methods differ: Home Routed allows for both prepaid and postpaid options, while Local Breakout typically only allows postpaid payments after the user returns to their home country.
• 😀 The two networks (home and visited PLMNs) must have a roaming agreement in place for the user to access services abroad. Without this, the user may not receive any signal while traveling.

Q & A

What are the two types of roaming processes discussed in the video?

The two types of roaming processes discussed are 'home-routed' and 'local breakout'.

What is the main responsibility during home-routed roaming?

In home-routed roaming, the responsibility for communication, billing, and charging lies with the home PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network), i.e., the network from the user's home country.

How does local breakout roaming differ from home-routed roaming?

In local breakout roaming, the responsibility for communication, billing, and charging is handled by the visited PLMN (the network in the country being visited), not the home PLMN.

What does the 'home PLMN' refer to in the context of roaming?

The home PLMN refers to the network in the user's home country, where the user originally subscribes to mobile services.

What is the role of the 'visited PLMN' during local breakout?

The visited PLMN is responsible for managing the communication and billing during local breakout roaming, as the user is in the visited country.

What components are common in both the home PLMN and visited PLMN networks for 4G LTE roaming?

Both the home and visited PLMN networks share common components like HSS (Home Subscriber Server), PGW (Packet Gateway), CRF (Charging Rules Function), SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node), and SGW (Serving Gateway).

What is the purpose of the 'Dea' in the roaming architecture?

The Dea (Diameter Edge Agent) acts as a bridge between the home and visited networks, ensuring communication and data exchange between them.

Why is the cost higher for local breakout roaming compared to home-routed roaming?

Local breakout roaming is more expensive because the user’s communication is handled by a different operator in the visited country, and they are charged for using a foreign network, unlike home-routed roaming where the charges are handled by the home network.

How are payments handled differently in home-routed and local breakout roaming?

In home-routed roaming, payments can be made using either prepaid or postpaid methods, while in local breakout roaming, only postpaid payments are possible, as the user is billed after using the services.

What happens if the home and visited networks do not have a cooperation agreement?

If there is no cooperation agreement between the home and visited networks, the user will not receive signal or be able to use mobile services while roaming in the visited country.