What is LTE?
LTE, which stands for Long Term Evolution, is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile devices and data terminals. It was developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) as a catalyst for technological evolution of cellular networks. It aimed at improving spectral efficiency, lowering costs, improving services, making use of new spectrum and paving the way for further technological enhancements.
Core Attributes
Some of the core attributes that it brought about were increased data capacity compared to the 3G networks that preceded it. It offered lower latency for data transfers, which enhanced user LTE experience of real-time applications like browsing, video calls, streaming videos etc. It was also designed to efficiently utilize available spectrum, allowing more users to be serviced and helping telecom operators improve their revenue potential per unit of spectrum.
Under the hood, it introduced OFDMA in the downlink and SC-FDMA in the uplink, which helped maximize data rates and minimize interference. It simplified the network architecture resulting in leaner, cheaper networks for services providers to build and maintain. Streaming IP services became a core focus of it unlike previous networks, aligning with new internet-driven usage models.
Transition to 4G: Rollout Challenges
While it brought seminal improvements over 3G, transitioning existing cellular networks to the new system posed its own unique challenges. Significant investments were necessary to replace legacy equipment with new compatible infrastructure. Spectrum had to be refarmed and realigned to take maximum advantage of its capabilities.
Interoperability issues also plagued early deployment, as standards were still evolving. Roaming between markets with different stages of rollout was troublesome. Consumer device ecosystem too had to catch up, as flagship phones, data cards and IoT modules took time to become widely available and affordable.
Network capacity also emerged as a concern, as its usage rapidly outpaced early estimates. Maintaining quality of experience as data consumption exploded required continual upgrades by telcos. Early contenders like HSPA+ further complicated matters by providing competitive quasi-4G speeds as it rolled out.
Evolution to LTE-Advanced and Beyond
As deployment expanded globally, stakeholders continued enhancing the standard through a series of releases. Key among them was LTE-Advanced, which fulfilled the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) official 4G requirements that initial it releases did not fully meet.
LTE-A introduced carrier aggregation to support wider channel bandwidth for higher speeds. It added advanced MIMO antenna technologies for multi-user capability. New spectrum like Mid-Band was addressed to augment capacity. Applications of HetNets and small cells helped boost coverage and indoor performance. Direct allowed commercial device-to-device communication.
Most recently, 3GPP has finalized 5G New Radio non-standalone and standalone specifications for the next generation of cellular connectivity. 5G aims at consolidating different network types and enabling new usage models through high data rates, low latency and high reliability. It heralds technologies like URLLC, mMTC and network slicing.
As 5G rolls out, its networks will continue evolving into 5G core networks to leverage multi-generational infrastructure. Although later than originally planned, 5G commercialization is set to deliver performance uplifts beyond the capabilities that made LTE such a breakthrough technology from 3G. This will usher in new innovations across industries worldwide.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.