The recent increase of mobile data usage and emergence of new applications such as MMOG (Multimedia Online Gaming), mobile TV, Web 2.0, streaming contents have motivated the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to work on the Long-Term Evolution (LTE).

LTE is the latest standard in the mobile network technology tree that previously realized the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSxPA network technologies that now account for over 85% of all mobile subscribers. LTE will ensure 3GPP’s competitive edge over other cellular technologies.

LTE, whose radio access is called Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), is expected to substantially improve end-user throughputs, sector capacity and reduce user plane latency, bringing significantly improved user experience with full mobility. With the emergence of Internet Protocol (IP) as the protocol of choice for carrying all types of traffic, LTE is scheduled to provide support for IP-based traffic with end-to-end Quality of service (QoS).

Voice traffic will be supported mainly as Voice over IP (VoIP) enabling better integration with other multimedia services. Initial deployments of LTE are expected by 2010 and commercial availability on a larger scale 1-2 years later.

Unlike HSPA (High Speed Packet Access), which was accommodated within the Release 99 UMTS architecture, 3GPP is specifying a new Packet Core, the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network architecture to support the E-UTRAN through a reduction in the number of network elements, simpler functionality, improved redundancy but most importantly allowing for connections and hand-over to other fixed line and wireless access technologies, giving the service providers the ability to deliver a seamless mobility experience.

LTE has been set aggressive performance requirements that rely on physical layer technologies, such as, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems, Smart Antennas to achieve these targets.

The main objectives of LTE are to minimize the system and User Equipment (UE) complexities, allow flexible spectrum deployment in existing or new frequency spectrum and to enable co-existence with other 3GPP Radio Access Technologies (RATs).

Download Long Term Evolution (LTE): A Technical Overview

PDF format, 714KB, 15Pages.

CONCLUSIONS
In this paper, we described the system architecture and performance objectives of the next generation access-network technology being developed by 3GPP.

We also discussed how mobility is handled in the new system. Motorola’s role in this enhancement of 3GPP LTE technology was also explained.

With the envisaged throughput and latency targets and emphasis on simplicity, spectrum flexibility, added capacity and lower cost per bit, LTE is destined to provide greatly improved user experience, delivery of new revenue generating exciting mobile services and will remain a strong competitor to other wireless technologies in the next decade for both developed and emerging markets.

Motorola is leveraging its extensive expertise in mobile broadband innovation, including OFDM technologies (wi4 WiMAX), cellular networking (EVDOrA, HSxPA), IMS ecosystem, collapsed IP architecture, standards development and implementation, comprehensive services to deliver best-in-class LTE solutions.

For more information on LTE, please talk to your Motorola representative.

Visit Motorola LTE Website

LTE (Long Term Evolution) will deliver a highly compelling user experience with ultra-broadband speeds and almost instantaneous responsiveness for mega multimedia applications.

For operators, LTE will provide a much improved business proposition with incredible spectrum flexibility, significant added capacity and a platform for delivering premium applications cost effectively in both developed and emerging markets.

Leveraging our latest OFDM platforms, the Motorola LTE portfolio will offer a smooth migration for both 3GPP and 3GPP2 operators. Motorola’s LTE solution will provide operators with a reliable and leading edge end-to-end solution for their next generation mobile broadband networks.

Appendix A: LTE Reference Points
S1-MME Reference point for the control plane protocol between EUTRAN and MME. The protocol over this reference point is eRANAP and it uses Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) as the transport protocol

S1-U Reference point between EUTRAN and SGW for the per-bearer user plane tunneling and inter-eNB path switching during handover. The transport protocol over this interface is GPRS Tunneling Protocol-User plane (GTP-U)

S2a It provides the user plane with related control and mobility support between trusted non-3GPP IP access and the Gateway. S2a is based on Proxy Mobile IP. To enable access via trusted non-3GPP IP accesses that do not support PMIP, S2a also supports Client Mobile IPv4 FA mode

S2b It provides the user plane with related control and mobility support between evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) and the PDN GW. It is based on Proxy Mobile IP

S2c It provides the user plane with related control and mobility support between UE and the PDN GW. This reference point is implemented over trusted and/or untrusted non-3GPP Access and/or 3GPP access. This protocol is based on Client Mobile IP co-located mode

S3 It is the interface between SGSN and MME and it enables user and bearer information exchange for inter 3GPP access network mobility in idle and/or active state. It is based on Gn reference point as defined between SGSNs

S4 It provides the user plane with related control and mobility support between SGSN and the SGW and is based on Gn reference point as defined between SGSN and GGSN

S5 It provides user plane tunneling and tunnel management between SGW and PDN GW. It is used for SGW relocation due to UE mobility and if the SGW needs to connect to a non-collocated PDN GW for the required PDN connectivity. Two variants of this interface are being standardized depending on the protocol used, namely, GTP and the IETF based Proxy Mobile IP solution

S6a It enables transfer of subscription and authentication data for authenticating/ authorizing user access to the evolved system (AAA interface) between MME and HSS

S7 It provides transfer of (QoS) policy and charging rules from Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) in the PDN GW. This interface is based on the Gx interface

S10 Reference point between MMEs for MME relocation and MME to MME information transfer

S11 Reference point between MME and SGW

SGi It is the reference point between the PDN GW and the packet data network. Packet data network may be an operator-external public or private packet data network or an intra-operator packet data network, e.g. for provision of IMS services. This reference point corresponds to Gi for 2G/3G accesses

Rx+ The Rx reference point resides between the Application Function and the PCRF in the 3GPP TS 23.203

Wn* This is the reference point between the Untrusted Non-3GPP IP Access and the ePDG. Traffic on this interface for a UE initiated tunnel has to be forced towards ePDG

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