Mid Sweden University

The Department of Information Technology and Media (ITM) Author: S.M. Hasibur Rahman E-mail address: hasibur.rahman29@yahoo.com Study programme: Wireless Internet Access, 7.5 higher education credits Examiner: Dr. Stefan Pettersson, stefan.pettersson@miun.se Tutors: Dr. Stefan Pettersson, Prof. Theo Kanter, Mr. Arif Mahmud Scope: 4041 words Date: 2010-10-30

M.Sc Project Report within Computer Engineering, Wireless Internet Access

Introduction to Long Term Evolution (LTE)

S.M. Hasibur Rahman

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Abstract S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

Abstract
The aim of this project is to provide an introductory knowledge about Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE is the upcoming big footstep in the wireless family and a leap towards the fourth generation (4G) wireless technology. LTE intends to provide high speedy broadband services to the end user and to make it costeffective for the operators at the same time. LTE is supposed to provide improved user experience and is targeting to simplify the existing technology. LTE is evolved in a way that can help the operators to migrate smoothly from 3G to 4G thus making LTE compatible with the present technologies. This paper will demonstrate the basic architecture of LTE, some pre-LTE technologies, scope of LTE in today's world, the increasing demand of mobile broadband and the reason for evolvement of LTE.

Keywords: Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless, fourth generation (4G), Mobile broadband

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Acknowledgements S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

Acknowledgements
This project has helped me to learn about some new and old broadband technologies. I would like to offer my earnest thanks especially to Dr. Stefan Pettersson to help me in selecting the project. I would thank all our faculty members associated with this course namely Dr. Stefan Pettersson, Prof. Theo Kanter and Arif Mahmud. I am also thankful to my friend, Mohammad Masum Billah, who helped me with some valuable tips. I also want to thank Md. Mezbah Uddin, Tahmid Hossain, Debashish Sen and Mushfiqur Kabir who have been inspiring me during the course. I am also appreciative to my two opponents (Aditya Polisetti and Alexandre Perez-boutavin) who helped me with their feedbacks to improve the final report. Last but not the least I am grateful to my family for their continuous and tireless support.

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Table of Contents S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents
Abstract-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------II Acknowledgements----------------------------------------------------------------------------------III Table of Contents ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV List of Figures ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- V List of Table ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VI Terminology ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VII 1 Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 1.1 Background and motivation------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1.2 Overall aim -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 1.3 Scope --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 1.4 Concrete and verifiable goals ----------------------------------------------------------- 2 1.5 Outline-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 1.6 Contribution------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 2 Background Study ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 2.1 Pre-LTE Technologies------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 2.1.1 HSPA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 2.1.1.1 HSDPA---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.1.1.2 HSUPA---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.1.2 Evolved HSPA (HSPA+) --------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.1.3 WiMAX ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 2.2 Technology associated with LTE ----------------------------------------------------------- 8 2.2.1 OFDM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 2.2.2 SC-FDMA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 2.2.3 FDD ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 2.2.4 TDD---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 2.2.5 MIMO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 2.3 LTE architecture------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 2.3.1 LTE design targets ----------------------------------------------------------------------10 2.3.2 LTE Structure ---------------------------------------------------------------------------11 2.3.3 LTE radio access ------------------------------------------------------------------------12 3 Methodology ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 4 Results-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14 4.1 Demand of mobile broadband --------------------------------------------------------------14 4.2 LTE versus other technologies -------------------------------------------------------------15 4.3 Data Rate variations within LTE-----------------------------------------------------------16 4.4 Summary of LTE key issues----------------------------------------------------------------18 5 Discussion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19 References --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution List of Figures S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

List of Figures
Figure 1 Growth of mobile broadband in popularity [1] .....................................................1 Figure 2 HSPA downlink and uplink [8] .............................................................................4 Figure 3 Data rate differences between HSPA and HSPA+ [10] ........................................6 Figure 4 How WiMAX works [12]......................................................................................7 Figure 5 OFDM [13]............................................................................................................8 Figure 6 Structure of LTE [1] ............................................................................................11 Figure 7 Fixed broadband vs Mobile broadband subscribers in 2014......................14 Figure 8 Data Rate variation between LTE and others......................................................15 Figure 9 LTE carrier aggregations [23] .............................................................................16 Figure 10 Possible data rates within LTE (Downlink).....................................................17 Figure 11 Possible data rates within LTE (Uplink) ..........................................................17

Introduction to Long Term Evolution List of Table S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

List of Table
Table 1 LTE key issues......................................................................................................18

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Terminology S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 _______________________________________________________________________

Terminology
Acronyms / Abbreviations
4G: Fourth Generation HSPA: High Speed Packet Access WiMAX: Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing HSDPA: High Speed Downlink Packet Access HSUPA: High Speed Uplink Packet Access EUL: Enhanced Uplink E-DCH:Enhanced Dedicated Channel HSPA+: Evolved HSPA FDD: Frequency Division Duplexing TDD: Time Division Duplexing SC-FDMA: Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output SAE: System Architecture Evolution E-UTRAN: Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications WCDMA: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Introduction S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

1 Introduction
Chapter 1 illustrates the motivation behind the project, overall aim, scope and goals of the project. Then outline of the project is shown.

1.1

Background and motivation

The need for faster and smooth access to the Internet is ever-increasing. Mobile broadband is no more a delusion, it is now a certainty. It has made internet browsing possible while on move. Use of mobile broadband among the people is mounting at a higher rate. According to a survey conducted by Ericsson, number of broadband users will jump to 3.4 billion by the year 2014. Mobile broadband subscribers will be 80% of them, and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks will be leading the market in providing the service [1]. This is shown in the following figure:

Figure 1 Growth of mobile broadband in popularity [1]

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Introduction S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________ Sending e-mails, sharing videos and music, browsing internet are already at people's hand. People can have these services by the means of HSPA. However, people are not still contented. Demand for other services like interactive TV, video streaming, advanced games and other social services is greater than ever. LTE will provide these services more reliably and conveniently. Users will have better mobile broadband experience.

1.2

Overall aim

The core objective of this project is to gain knowledge about LTE. This project will let us expand our understanding about mobile broadband and will also give us broad idea about fourth generation (4G), HSPA, HSPA+, WiMAX, OFDM, MIMO etc.

1.3

Scope

This project will provide an overview of Long Term Evolution (LTE). It will elaborate the basic architecture of LTE, some pre-LTE technologies, comparison with pre-LTE technologies and what could be the future of LTE. In conclusion, merits of LTE will be portrayed.

1.4

Concrete and verifiable goals

The issues that will be dealt during the project are: i. What are the reasons behind the popularity of mobile broadband? ii. Why LTE is evolved? iii. What are the advantages of LTE? iv. What makes LTE so special and 4G compatible? v. Can LTE satisfy both customer and operator? vi. Comparison between LTE and present technologies 2

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Introduction S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

1.5

Outline

Chapter 2 demonstrates the pre-LTE technologies, as well as the technology associated with LTE and the basic architecture of LTE. Chapter 3 portrays how the project will be carried out. Chapter 4 focuses the result. Chapter 5 discusses the outcome of the project and summarizes the key points within the project.

1.6 Contribution
This project is carried out with my own understanding through literature search. I have read many articles and few books to complete the project.

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

2 Background Study
Chapter 2 demonstrates some technologies that were in use before LTE emerged. The chapter also includes the materials that are associated with LTE. Then the basic architecture of LTE is portrayed.

2.1 Pre-LTE Technologies

In this section some technologies that were in use before the arrival of LTE are described.

2.1.1 HSPA
HSPA is short for High Speed Packet Access. It is a third generation (3G) wireless technology [2], [3]. HSPA is used for high speed broadband wireless service. HSPA has increased system capacity as well as reduced the cost. In the downlink HSPA supports 14.4 Mbps data rate and in the uplink it supports 5.8 Mbps data rate [4]. This is why among the operators HSPA has been the most popular and prevailing mobile broadband technology. When we talk about HSPA it usually refers to High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). These two terminologies are described in the next two sub-sections.

Figure 2 HSPA downlink and uplink [8]

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

2.1.1.1 HSDPA
HSDPA stands for High Speed Downlink Packet Access. HSDPA is known as 3.5G (3.5 Generation). It provides data rate up to 14.4 Mbps. HSDPA is referred to as an enhancement to WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access). HSDPA is based on the following technologies [5], [6]: - Shared channel transmission - Channel dependant scheduling - Shorter transmission time interval - Hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) - Fast Packet Scheduling - Adaptive modulation and coding (QPSK and 16-QAM)

2.1.1.2 HSUPA
Although it is referred as HSUPA, 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) does not support the name. It is more often than not known as Enhanced Uplink (EUL). HSUPA was named by Nokia [7]. It provides data rate in the uplink about 5.8 Mbps. HSUPA/EUL introduces a new transport channel in the uplink namely Enhanced Dedicated Channel (E-DCH). On E-DCH, HSUPA/EUL implements fast scheduling and HARQ. Same as used by HSDPA. The technologies might be same; however, there are some elementary differences between them, means the implementation to be bit different [5].

2.1.2 Evolved HSPA (HSPA+)

HSPA+ or Evolved HSPA is used interchangeably. Some refer this as I-HSPA (Internet HSPA) too. People were initially somewhat satisfied with HSPA. But with the passage of time, greed and need for high speed data rate amplified. Consequently, world has seen evolvement of HSPA+. It is an improvement to the

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________ technology described earlier that is HSPA. With HSPA+ people can get downlink speed as high as 42 Mbps or 84 Mbps depending on which channel bandwidth HSPA+ is implemented [9]. In the uplink HSPA+ can support up to 23 Mbps in 10 MHz channel bandwidth. The difference between HSPA and HSPA+ in terms of data rate is shown below:

Figure 3 Data rate differences between HSPA and HSPA+ [10]

What makes HSPA+ faster than HSPA? The major differences are listed below [11]: - Inclusion of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system - Adoption of higher order modulation (64-QAM) technique - Option for an all-IP based architecture These additional technologies are being used in HSPA+ making it faster and better user friendly technology.

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

2.1.3 WiMAX
WiMAX means Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It can also be referred as IEEE 802.16. WiMAX is a technology which provides broadband internet access while on the go. WiMAX is due to provide data rate up to 70 Mbps. WiMAX has become popular more not because of its speed rather the area that it covers. It typically covers a radius of 30 miles with a single base station. This is the case with the fixed stations. However, for mobile stations the range is approximately 3-10 miles. WiMAX was designed to solve the problem for mobile broadband access. WiFi was solving the problem before but it was not covering a large space. People wanted internet access while on the move. WiMAX has provided exactly that. Along with broadband internet service WiMAX also provides some other services like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Internet TV, etc. WiMAX operates on two modes. One is non-light-of-sight and other one is line-of-sight. In non-light-of-sight, WiMAX operates between 2 GHz to 11 GHz frequency. And in line-of-sight, it operates on 66 GHz frequency.

Figure 4 How WiMAX works [12]

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

2.2 Technology associated with LTE

Here some of the technologies that are associated with LTE will be discussed.

2.2.1 OFDM
OFDM stands for Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing. In recent years OFDM has been very popular for many wireless communications as the modulation technique. OFDM is based on almost the same concept that of FDM (Frequency-division multiplexing). But the modulation and demodulation technique is different. The original signal is divided into several smaller signals and then transmitted at the same time with different spaced frequencies. This frequency difference is what gives the idea of orthogonality. figure illustrates the basic idea of OFDM. The following

Figure 5 OFDM [13]

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________ The Advantages of OFDM are [13] [14]: - Bandwidth efficient - Can deal with the extreme channel condition - Caters for ISI or crosstalk - Simplified Channel equalization - Diminishes time-dispersion - Excellent for high data rate communications - Limits the frequency selective fading issue

2.2.2 SC-FDMA
SC-FDMA means Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access. It, like other multiple access techniques, allows more than one user to share the same communication system. SC-FDMA is the combination of single carrier modulation, DFT-spread orthogonal frequency multiplexing, and frequency domain equalization [18]. SC-FDMA has been chosen to be used in the LTE uplink because of its lower peak-to-average power ratio of the transmitted signal.

2.2.3 FDD
FDD literally means Frequency Division Duplexing and is a paired spectrum. It is very useful when transmitter and receiver both want to use the transmission system simultaneously. Separate frequency is utilized by the communication system for transmitter and receiver. This makes simultaneous communication from both sides effective. FDD also decreases chances of interference during transmission as transmitter or receiver does need to hear each other. This technology also allows efficient utilization of the available frequencies which significantly improves the communication quality. technologies around the world. FDD is used by many

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

2.2.4 TDD
TDD is a short for Time Division Duplexing and is an unpaired spectrum. In TDD, transmitter and receiver share the same frequency channel but both cannot access the transmission system simultaneously. Transmitter and receiver are separated by time. TDD is very flexible in utilizing the frequency. To meet the demand and need of subscribers, frequency can be reallocated. This means TDD is very frequency efficient. No frequency is wasted by TDD. In FDD, a guardband is needed to avoid interference. Whereas no guard-band is required by TDD, however a guard time is employed by TDD. TDD is more sought-after duplexing technology among the operators.

2.2.5 MIMO
MIMO stands for Multiple Input Multiple Output. In MIMO, multiple antennas are used at both the transmitter and receiver. MIMO has been an attractive technology in the wireless communication because of the fact that without increasing the bandwidth and transmit power, it outstandingly provides higher data rate and increased link range [19].

2.3 LTE architecture

2.3.1 LTE design targets
LTE design targets were set by 3GPP and are documented in 3GPP TR 25.913 [15], [5], [21]. These design targets are: - Capabilities (100 Mbps for downlink, 50 Mbps for uplink) - System Performance (user throughput, spectrum efficiency, mobility, coverage, and further MBMS) - Deployment-related aspects (Spectrum flexibility and deployment, Compatibility with present technologies) 10

Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________ - Architecture and migration -Radio Resource Management (improved support for Quality of Service, policy management across different radio access

technologies) - Complexity (Overall System and mobile terminal complexity) -General aspects (Cost and Service)

2.3.2 LTE Structure

In order to meet the packet-data capabilities supported by LTE, System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network has been developed [5]. The structure of LTE can be described from the following figure perspective.

Figure 6 Structure of LTE [1]

As seen from the figure that SAE introduces two nodes namely LTE base station (eNodeB) and the SAE Gateway. And the present cellular systems like GSM, WCDMA/HSPA, and CDMA are integrated in the LTE architecture. This integration has been made possible by the means of signaling interface and the integration allows flexible migration to LTE, a key feature of LTE.

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Background Study S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

2.3.3 LTE radio access

LTE radio access, also known as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) [16], uses OFDM in the downlink and SC-FDMA in the uplink. Advantages of OFDM (see section 2.2.1) make it the smart choice as the downlink technique for LTE. To be able to provide high data rate, large area coverage and high capacity for mobile broadband service, LTE needs to have multiple antenna system. Therefore, LTE makes use of MIMO. LTE supports both FDD and TDD, means LTE is capable of operating both in paired and unpaired spectrum. Different FDD and TDD frequency bands have been set by 3GPP for LTE [17]. LTE is also set to operate in multiple spectrum bandwidths ranging from 1.25 MHz to 20 MHz. This flexibility is really beneficial to the operators as it allows them to adopt LTE in both latest and older bands. It also allows LTE to be deployed in all cellular systems.

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Methodology S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

3 Methodology
To meet the goal of the project and to answer the questions stated in the introduction chapter, data will be collected by the means of literature search. To accomplish this purpose, plenty articles will be gathered from the Internet.

Before getting familiar with the LTE, first one needs to know the following technologies: HSPA HSPA+ WiMAX Mobile Fi EDGE Therefore, a study on these technologies will be materialized and most popular technologies will be spotlighted in the background study chapter. After that, the architecture of LTE will be discussed. Focus will be on the LTE design targets and how LTE is structured and which technologies form LTE.

Based on the knowledge gained in the background study chapter, result chapter will be produced. The figures in the results chapter will be created using Microsoft Office Excel-2003. A figure will be plotted to reveal data rate disparity between LTE and other technologies. Another figure will show the possible data rates within LTE technology. After that, a table will summarize the LTE as a whole.

Discussion chapter will answer all the questions which were cited in the concrete and verifiable goals section. A possible scenario about the future of LTE will be exposed.

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Results S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

4 Results
In this chapter, results are shown by the help of figures and a table. This is shown to demonstrate the rise of mobile broadband, speed variations in popular broadband technologies and possible data rates that LTE could offer.

4.1 Demand of mobile broadband

Demand of mobile broadband is rising ever than before. By the year 2014, ratio between fixed broadband and mobile broadband subscribers would be 1:4. This can be perceived in the following figure:

Fixed Broadband Subscribers vs Mobile Broadband Subscribers

20% Fixed Broadband Subscribers Mobile Broadband Subscribers 80%

Figure 7 Fixed broadband vs Mobile broadband subscribers in 2014

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Results S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

4.2 LTE versus other technologies

From the background study, it is clear that LTE provides the fastest data rate among the existing technologies. But the rate varies. When LTE standardization took place it was targeted that LTE will provide 100 Mbps in the downlink and 50 Mbps in the uplink. As we are in the year 2010, we can see that LTE is targeting to support more than 300 Mbps in the downlink. This has been made possible because of the use of MIMO technology. These data rate variations between LTE and other technologies can be visualized from the following figure:

Data rate variation in different technologies

350 300 Data Speed in Mbps 250 200 150 100 50 1.89 0 Different Technologies 42 14.4 84 100 70 80
LTE (Minimum Target) LTE (3GPP Rel 8)

326
Evolved EDGE HSPA HSPA+ (5 MHz) HSPA+ (10 MHz) WiMAX Mobile Fi

Figure 8 Data Rate variation between LTE and others

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Results S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

4.3 Data Rate variations within LTE

Data rate up to 1.5 Gbps can even be achieved, which is far more than the requirement, by the means of carrier aggregation. This carrier aggregation along with the MIMO technology allows LTE to operate in 100 MHz bandwidth and to support data rate up to 1.5 Gbps. This is possible by aggregating five LTE carriers (see figure no. 9), each operating on 20 MHz which results data rate shooting up to approximately (5 x 326 Mbps) 1.5 Gbps.

Figure 9 LTE carrier aggregations [23]

This clearly demonstrates how dominant LTE will be in near future in terms of data rate. Possible data rate within LTE (Downlink) is shown in the following figure:

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Results S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

Possible data rates within LTE (Downlink)

1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1630

Data rate in Mbps

LTE (Minimum Target) LTE 3GPP Rel 8 LTE Future (with carrier aggregation)

326 100 Different LTE versions

Figure 10 Possible data rates within LTE (Downlink)

And, possible data rate within LTE (Uplink) is shown in the following figure:

Possible data rates within LTE (Uplink)

600 500 Data rate in Mbps 500 LTE (Minimum Target) 400 300 200 100 0 Different LTE versions
Figure 11 Possible data rates within LTE (Uplink)

LTE 3GPP Rel 8 LTE Future(with carrier aggregation)

50

86

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Results S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

4.4 Summary of LTE key issues

Here in the following table summary of LTE has been rendered [21], [22]:

Spectrum diversity

1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHz DL: 100 Mbps,326 Mbps, 1.5 Gbps

Data rate variations

UL: 50,86,500 Mbps DL: OFDM

Radio access plan

UL: SC-FDMA User plane: less than 5 ms

Latency

Control plane: less than100 ms SISO,MIMO QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM

Antenna design Modulation technique

Coverage

ranging from 5 km to as far as 100 km

Capacity

more than 200 users in each cell

Mobility Support

as high as 500 kmph

Table 1 LTE key issues

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Discussion S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

5 Discussion
In today's hectic world, easy and quick access to the internet is a burning demand. People want access to the internet while on the go. Reasons are many: blogging, social networking, online TV, interactive file sharing, advanced games etc have become part and parcel of people's life in recent years. Therefore, mobile broadband is the answer to fulfill these demands. This is why figure no. 7 has the ratio of 1:4 between fixed and mobile broadband users. LTE was evolved to meet this increasing demand, as HSPA and LTE will be pioneer in providing the mobile broadband service. The other reasons behind the LTE evolvement are spectrum flexibility that allows LTE to operate in different bandwidths; very high data rate; very low latency; large area coverage; an all-IP based architecture is an issue which makes LTE evolution attractive; support for paired spectrum as well as unpaired spectrum etc. These are the some key features which tempted the engineers to develop LTE. This is summarized in the table no. 1. Also these features lead LTE to be 4G compatible.

LTE will be the hottest and remarkable broadband service to the people in the coming years. Within a short period of time, LTE will become available to the mass. Devices to support LTE are already in the market. LTE will be accessible via notebooks, laptops, cellular phones, iPhone, cameras and other devices that support broadband.

Cost is an imperative factor that outlines success of any technology deployment. The smooth migration from LTE to any existing mobile networks makes it very cost efficient for the operators. Spectrum flexibility of LTE makes this migration possible. Also if there is no coverage for LTE services, then the current available network in those areas can provide back-up which makes convenient to the

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution Discussion S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________ operators. LTE base stations can also be easily installed in the existing cellular base stations, not only that the dedicated LTE base station is also cheaper for installation. LTE is cost efficient to the users too. Users do not need to buy any new devices; they can use their present broadband devices. LTE also ensures end-to-end QoS and convenient connection.

The main difference between LTE and other technologies is undoubtedly the data rate as seen from the figure no. 8 in the result chapter. Along with the data rate there are some other features that hold opposing views of LTE from others like very low latency, cost-efficiency, enhanced experience for the user, larger area coverage, and smooth migration to 4G. This project has highlighted all these introductory issues related to LTE.

In Future, it will be of no surprise if LTE provides data rate exceeding 1Gbps to the users on their mobile phones. That is what I foresee LTE's contribution in the horizon of mobile broadband. More advanced research on carrier aggregation would clearly demonstrate this fact. However, the data rates that have been drawn in this report are all theoretical. It remains to be seen what practical data rate LTE can actually afford. Irrespective of what data rate LTE eventually makes available, it will be nonetheless advantageous for both the party who will be using this technology and the other who will be providing the service.

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution References S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________

References
[1] LTE- an Introduction, by Ericsson, June 2009 Source: http://www.ericsson.com/res/docs/whitepapers/lte_overview.pdf [2] HSPA, Source: http://www.3gamericas.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&sectionid=247 [3] Mobile Broadband Today, source: http://www.gsmamobilebroadband.com/about-hspa/default.asp [4] High Speed Packet Access, source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Speed_Packet_Access [5] 3G Evolution, HSPA and LTE for Mobile Broadband by Erik Dahlman, Stefan Parkvall, Johan Skold, Per Beming [6] High Speed Downlink Packet Access, source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Speed_Downlink_Packet_Access [7] High Speed Uplink Packet Access, source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Speed_Uplink_Packet_Access [8] 3G UMTS HSPA - High Speed Packet Access Tutorial, Source: http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/3g-hspa/umts-highspeed-packet-access-tutorial.php [9] Evolved HSPA / HSPA+, Source: http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/3g-hspa/evolved-highspeed-packet-access-evolution.php [10]HSPA+ for Enhanced Mobile Broadband, Source: http://www.qualcomm.com/common/documents/white_papers/HSPAPlus_Mobi leBroadband_021309.pdf [11]Evolved HSPA, Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolved_HSPA

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Introduction to Long Term Evolution References S.M. Hasibur Rahman 2010-10-30 ________________________________________________________________________ [12]How WiMAX Works, Source: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wimax1.htm [13] WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS [Page no. 338], 2nd Edition by William Stallings [14] Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthogonal_frequency-division_multiplexing [15] Requirements for Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA) and Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRA, 3GPP, 3GPP TR 25.913 Source: http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/html-info/25913.htm [16]Long Term Evolution, a Technical Overview. Source: http://www.motorola.com/web/Business/Solutions/Industry%20Solutions/Service %20Providers/Wireless%20Operators/LTE/_Document/Static%20Files/6834_Mot Doc_New.pdf [17] 3GPP TS 25.103/104 [18] SC-FDMA in LTE, Source: http://www.ixiacom.com/pdfs/library/white_papers/SC-FDMA-INDD.pdf [19]MIMO, Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple-input_multiple-output_communications [20] HSPA+, Source: http://www.3gamericas.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&pageid=1086#_2 [21] The mobile broadband standard Source: http://www.3gpp.org/LTE [22] Introduction to Long-Term Evolution, By Dr. Phone Lin, Professor Mobile Communications Networking Lab, NTU [23] LTE-advanced- Evolving LTE towards IMT- Advanced By Stefan Parkvall, Erik Dahlman, Anders Furuskar, Ylva Jading, Magnus Olsson, Stefan Wanstedt, Kambiz Zangi Ericsson Research, Stockholm, Sweden.

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