WeChat traffic profile and impact on mobile networks

WeChat is a social networking application developed by Tencent and has attracted more than 600 million users in China and other countries. To better understand the traffic characteristics of WeChat and potential impact on mobile networks, we proposed an analysis methodology and set up an experiment network. Extensive experiments on typical WeChat services with different smartphone terminals are conducted in an experimental 3G mobile network system. The traffic profile of typical WeChat service in mobile network environment is analyzed. It is observed that the traffic pattern of WeChat is related with the type of smartphone operating system, application running status and the specific service type. Some special characteristics of WeChat traffic pattern do have negative impact on mobile networks. Potential issues introduced by WeChat traffic to mobile networks are identified and possible optimization measures are discussed.