Supporting wireless access markets with a user-centric QoE-based geo-database

This paper presents the u-map, a novel user-centric geo-database for wireless access markets that enables clients to upload information about their profile, their quality-of-experience (QoE) feedback for a service, traffic demand, network/spectrum conditions (e.g., interference, coverage), providers, and their position (e.g., GPS-based measurements) in a spatio-temporal geo-database. To evaluate the impact of the u-map on wireless access markets and study the evolution of such markets, we have developed an economic-driven modeling framework. The framework integrates models of the channel, clients and network operators, wireless infrastructures, types of interaction, and price adaptation in a modular manner. We have implemented a simulation platform based on this framework and instantiated a cellular-based duopoly. Via simulations, we analyzed the impact of the u-map, user profiles, and network coverage of providers on the evolution of the market. The analysis demonstrates that the u-map can be beneficial to users in their network operator selection process. We also developed a proof-of-concept implementation of the u-map and performed a preliminary analysis. Finally, the paper highlights the research directions that need to be explored for developing a robust and effective mechanism.