Qualcomm StreamBoost and the Limitations of "Dumb Network"

From time to time, when network architects think about how to best design large IP networks, and what is the "best" way to do so, there can be a divergence of opinion about how much "intelligence" to build in, and where that intelligence should be located.

These days, there is some thinking intelligence should be at the edge, while others argue logically that it should be at the core of the network. 

Count Qualcomm as among those who believe lots can be done, and should be done, at the edge of the network. 

Qualcomm Atheros,"StreamBoost™" technology for Wi-Fi routers and gateways manages and shapes traffic, and giving each connected device and application the priority and bandwidth required for optimal performance.

Qualcomm also is introducing a companion cloud service that monitors application usage and can adapt the router based on actual usage, to prioritize any new apps as well. 

Service providers might once again find themselves frustrated by the new technology, in a sense, as once again within the Internet ecosystem, innovation and value are properties of devices or Internet apps, not the transport or access.