Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC) Promises Greater Energy Efficiency

Nokia Siemens Networks has completed the world's first call using "continuous packet connectivity" (CPC), a technology that once incorporated into an operator's HSPA+ radio access network could yield significantly longer battery life for smartphones. The CPC data call was made using network equipment from Nokia Siemens Networks and a device supplied by Qualcomm using the QSC6295 chipset.


Nokia Siemens Networks calculates that CPC can mean up to 100 percent longer battery life when devices are used for data applications, and up to 50 percent during voice calls. The company explains that during extended HSPA data sessions, there are typically long periods of idle time between transmissions of data packets, during which a device continues to use its battery. The CPC feature of 3GPP Release 7 uses the"discontinuous transmission and reception" method to shut down the device's transmitter and receiver during the idle phases to reduce power consumption. It has no effect on the actual data rates experienced by the end-user.


"With CPC, subscribers will enjoy an improved mobile data experience, while operators will benefit from enhanced network capacity -- even with heavy smartphone use -- due to less interference in the radio connection, not to mention higher revenues due to increased usage of the service," said Tommi Uitto, head of Network Systems product management at Nokia Siemens Networks.


"At Qualcomm, we are committed to driving the evolution of technology features that provide the maximum benefit to end-users," said Alex Katouzian, vice president of product management for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies."The CPC feature further enhances the HSPA+ mobile broadband experience for end-users by allowing them to enjoy these services without worrying about device battery life."


Nokia Siemens Networks noted that its Flexi Base Station and radio network controller can support the CPC feature with a simple software upgrade. The company is the leader in driving Evolved HSPA, also known as HSPA+. In May 2009, Nokia Siemens Networks and Elisa Finland made the world's first circuit-switched call over HSPA, which allows operators to simplify and cost-effectively increase voice capacity of their 3G networks.
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