End to end quality of service / quality of experience evaluation for HTTP-based services over LTE

This thesis aims to analyze and study the end-to-end Quality of Service (e2e QoS) for HTTP-based services over LTE through a top-down approach. HTTP web browsing and HTTP video streaming are analyzed both in MNO-managed and Over-The-Top (OTT)-managed cases. Chapter 1 presents the main standardization bodies involved in QoS and relative normatives. Chapter 2 introduces architectural and sistemistic aspects of LTE network, together with the native functionalities for QoS management. Chapter 3 describes the major mobile broadband services, classifying them as security-sensitive, delay-sensitive and HTTP-based. Their main characteristics related to QoS are also analyzed. Chapter 4 deals with a description of the e2e QoS evaluation techniques, QoS/QoE correlation criteria and mathematical models known in the literature. Chapter 5 describes the workflow used for the evaluation of e2e QoS in the case of HTP-based services through a top-down approach and a matching with Apdex index. Chapter 6 is focused on functional models to simulate using OPNET software tool. Different simulation scenarios are composed, both in MNO-managed and OTT-managed cases. Chapter 7 lists the simulation results, identification of QoE acceptable thresholds and related network configurations deducted by statistical regression techniques. Chapter 8 explains main conclusions drawn discussing identified mathematical models and numerical simulation results. Their applicability in a realistic situations is also discussed.