A Study of MVNO Data Paths and Performance

Characterization of mobile data traffic performance is difficult given the inherent complexity and opacity of mobile networks, yet it is increasingly important as emerging wireless standards approach wireline-like latencies. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) increase mobile network topology complexity due to additional infrastructure and network configurations. We collect and analyze traces on mobile carriers in the United States along with MVNO networks on each of the base carriers in order to discover differences in network performance and behavior. Ultimately, we find that traffic on MVNO networks takes more circuitous, less efficient paths to reach content servers compared to base operators. Factors such as location of the destination server as well as the provider network design are critical in better understanding behaviors and implications on performance for each of the mobile carriers.