Sign in Subscribe

qci 4g

Last updated on 

QCI stands for "QoS Class Identifier." In the context of 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, QCI is used to define the Quality of Service (QoS) for different types of services or applications. QCI helps prioritize traffic and ensures that the network resources are efficiently utilized based on the requirements of each service.

Technical Details:

  1. QCI Values: In 4G LTE networks, there are different QCI values ranging from 1 to 9, each representing a specific class of service. The higher the QCI value, the higher the priority or the more stringent the requirements for that particular service.
  2. QoS Parameters: Each QCI value is associated with specific QoS parameters such as latency, packet loss rate, throughput, etc. These parameters define how the network should handle the traffic for that particular QCI value. For example, real-time services like voice over LTE (VoLTE) might require low latency and low packet loss, so they would be assigned a higher QCI value.
  3. Traffic Prioritization: QCI helps in prioritizing traffic within the network. When there is congestion or limited network resources, the network uses the QCI values to decide which traffic to prioritize. For instance, real-time services like voice and video streaming might be given higher priority (higher QCI values) compared to non-real-time services like web browsing.
  4. End-to-End QoS: QCI ensures end-to-end QoS for various services across the LTE network, including the radio access network (RAN), core network, and backhaul. By assigning appropriate QCI values to different types of traffic, operators can guarantee a consistent user experience for their subscribers.
  5. Applications and Services: Different applications and services have different QoS requirements. For example:
    • VoLTE might be assigned a QCI value of 1 or 2 because it requires low latency and high reliability.
    • Video streaming might be assigned a QCI value of 4 because it requires a certain level of quality but may tolerate slightly higher latency compared to VoLTE.
    • Best effort internet browsing might be assigned a lower QCI value like 6 or 7 since it can tolerate higher latency and packet loss.
  6. Parameter Mapping: The QCI values are mapped to specific parameters like guaranteed bit rate (GBR), maximum bit rate (MBR), packet delay budget, and packet error rate. These parameters define the traffic characteristics and requirements for each QCI class.
  7. Dynamic Adaptation: The QCI values can be dynamically adapted based on the network conditions, user requirements, and traffic patterns. Network operators can adjust the QCI values to optimize resource utilization and improve the overall network performance.

QCI in 4G LTE networks is a mechanism to define and manage the Quality of Service (QoS) for different types of services and applications. By assigning appropriate QCI values and associated parameters, operators can ensure efficient resource allocation, prioritize critical services, and deliver a consistent user experience across the network.