Long Term Evolution (LTE)

Long Term Evolution Overview

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 Enhanced 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). 

LTE is backed by most 3GPP and 3GPP2 service providers who along with the other interested parties aim to complete and agree the EUTRAN Standards by Q4-2007 and the EPC by Q1-2008.

LTE planned features and capabilities

The simplified network architecture of LTE will offer the following features and capabilities:

Evolved UMTS Radio Access Network (EUTRAN)

•  Downlink OFDM 100Mbps+    (20MHz spectrum)               

•  Uplink SC-FDMA 50Mbps+     (20MHz spectrum)               

•  (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) – based radio design and techniques are 

    used to spread data over many sub-carriers provides greater immunity to fading, resulting in

    an overall increase in delivery reliability)

•  FDD – Frequency Division Multiplex

•  End-user latency <10mS

•  Control plane latency (Transition time to active state) < 100mS (for idle to active)

•  Flexible and Scaleable Bandwidth –  (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20MHz) 1.25MHz suitable for in-

    band migration (re-use of existing spectrum) and 5MHz – 20MHz for clear spectrum green

    field deployments and expansion of spectrum as demand grows

•  Frequency spectrum choice and flexibility of deployment in GSM, CDMA, UMTS bands (450,

    700, 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2500MHz) means that global roaming will be possible

•  Mobility will be supported up to 500kmph but like other technologies will be optimized for

    lower speeds (from 0 to 15kmph)

•  Coverage (Cell sizes) 5 – 100km with slight degradation after 30km

•  VoIP Roughly 3 times UMTS voice capacity

•  MIMO - Advanced antennas already standardized will increase the overall sector throughput

•  E2E QOS allowing prioritization of different class of service

Evolved Packet Core (EPC)

•  New and simplified data centric (all IP) core network featuring collapsed architecture and

    improved redundancy

•  Centralized mobility and application/services layer (IMS based)

•  E2E QOS allowing prioritization of different class of service

•  Access technology agnostic core network allowing connection to other wireless and fixed line

    access networks

•  Connection to legacy GSM/UMTS core offers smooth subscriber LTE migration.

Motorola and Long Term Evolution

Motorola’s Advances in Mobile Broadband

Motorola’s advances in Mobile Broadband over the past decade have been significant. This learning and experience is now coming into its own as we move towards the next phase of technology development and

subsequent deployment.

Motorola’s Commitment

Motorola has always been an innovator and pioneer in the mobile telecommunications industry. We are very

well placed and able to leverage our extensive WiMAX, IMS ecosystem and Seamless Mobility expertise to

our advantage. This is reflected in our commitment and contributions to LTE where we are proud to be the

leading contributor in LTE standards RAN 1 & 2 and a top 3 contributor to EPC 1 & 2 standards.

Network Evolution Path

LTE is expected to be the next generation mobile broadband technology for the 3GPP and 3GPP2 community

from about 2010 onwards. As service providers expand their LTE coverage and the subscriber base migrates,

it is feasible to consider repositioning the EDGE/HSxPA  and  CDMA/EV-DO assets as necessary. Existing 2G

and 3G spectrum can gradually be re-farmed to LTE, providing a means to efficiently and cost effectively assimilate the ever increasing demand for both voice and data traffic.

Phased Service Deployment

A service provider may choose to deploy LTE for selected geographical areas to serve high traffic hot zones.

LTE mobile terminals will also leverage existing 2G and 3G networks, thus allowing service to be offered in a

phased deployment. For example, a service provider may offer EDGE/HSxPA or CDMA/EV-DO service ubiquitously, while LTE may  at first be deployed to serve high density urban areas and strategic indoor locations

(e.g. airports, business parks etc.).

Increased Voice Capacity

The increased spectral efficiency and resulting voice capacity is a needed aspect of the continuing evolution

of mobile technologies. With LTE and VoIP, voice capacity is a direct function of the data rate or throughput.

Indeed, early simulations indicate that a 1MHz LTE carrier (using an 8kbps CODEC) may support up to 105

simultaneous voice calls, a ~3  times improvement over UMTS Release 99.

This high voice capacity will not only provide a lower cost of voice delivery but can also facilitate in-band migration and spectrum mining, offering service providers the ability to retire and recycle existing spectrum allocations in the coming years, potentially improving coverage and meeting the ever increasing traffic demands.

Reduced Latency

In addition to greatly increasing the data rate and throughput, LTE is also expected to deliver significant improvements and end-user experience through reduced latency. Real-time and interactive applications (such

as online gaming, multi-cast and VoIP) will deliver more compelling user experiences with reduced round trip

latency. The reduced latency offers a very responsive experience, very short VoIP call set-up times and near

instantaneous buffering for streaming services.

Coupled with IMS, LTE will be a key part of seamless mobility and Fixed-Mobile Convergence.

Lower cost per bit

The combination of LTE’s increased spectral efficiency and flexibility, added capacity and simpler network

architecture should offer a very cost effective value proposition. For example, each EUTRAN cell will support up to four times the data and voice capacity when compared to HSxPA Release 6. Combined with the

improved coverage resulting from the possible deployment in low frequency bands and the use of advanced

antenna systems, LTE networks will provide service providers with a significant improvement on cost per bit delivered.

Service Evolution

With LTE the end-user should experience performance comparable to today’s wired broadband internet services, but with the added value that mobility brings. Today’s services delivered by HSxPA or EV-DO can be

delivered faster and better, improving the quality of service experience. For example, deployment of wideband

codecs and higher resolution video conferencing  for the mass market will be much more feasible and widespread. In addition, the high bandwidth and low latency will drive the development and uptake of real-time services with added mobility yet to be conceived.

Seamless mobility experience

Thanks to LTE’s access agnostic core and centralised application layer, service providers will have the ability

to offer full seamless mobility services. This will allow their subscribers to remain connected via any access

technology (WiFi, WiMAX, xDSL, FTTx) wherever they are, ensuring that their applications, contents, streams

will follow them through their journey whatever device (laptop, mobile, tablet PC, TV, etc…) they feel is the

most appropriate to use at any given time.

Global appeal

LTE will be fully endorsed by ITU and will be deployed in ITU recognised frequency bands allowing global roaming capabilities similar to today’s GSM/UMTS networks.

Because LTE devices will be backward compatible with GSM and UMTS, even at early stage of LTE deployment, LTE subscribers will be able to roam worldwide irrespective of the country they are in.

Today’s 3GPP network technologies carry over 85% of mobile subscribers, it is expected that LTE will benefit

from similar volume price effect to drive in momentum and benefit from numerous and affordable devices

suitable for both developed and emerging markets.

Mobile Devices

LTE mobiles will carry the benefits of incorporating multi-mode and multi-band radios, allowing LTE mobiles to

roam freely while seamlessly crossing the technology boundaries. LTE mobile vendors can anticipate a highly

integrated chipset and complimentary RF modules for multi-mode terminals. Mobiles are expected to deliver

improved performance in the Reverse Link, as the wider bandwidth of the carrier supports an improved speedpower metric. Initial mobile devices are likely to be data-cards (PCMCIA or embedded) for laptop PC and PDA

deployments.

Conclusion

Motorola’s LTE solution presents a straight-forward evolution to the world of mobile broadband for the 3GPP

service provider. 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.

To realize these goals 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.

Leveraging the benefits of Motorola’s mobile broadband experience and proven expertise in OFDM network

deployments, Motorola’s LTE end-to-end solution will provide a seamless and flexible path to LTE with a high

degree of future proofing for the service provider. Following this path, Motorola’s customers will be well positioned to provide the world’s most compelling mobile broadband service.

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

AT&T's 4G LTE Devices Launching August 21

AT&T just announced plans to launch its first 4G LTE devices on August 21.

The LTE network will go live by the end of summer in five cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

LTE is a faster mobile internet connection. It's the same technology that Verizon currently uses for its 4G network.

AT&T will begin selling a USB 4G modem for laptops called the USBConnect Momentum 4G. It'll cost $49.99 with a two-year contract and $50 mail-in rebate.

AT&T will also sell the Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G for $69.99 with a two-year contact and $50 mail-in rebate.

4G plans start at $50 per month for 5 GB of data. Each additional GB over that will cost $10.

It's important to note that if you already have a "4G" phone from AT&T, you will not have access to the faster LTE speeds. The current family of AT&T's "4G" phones run on a HSPA+ network, which is slower than LTE.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/att-4g-lte-2011-8#ixzz1Y2ZlYD2Q

AT&T’s First LTE Devices To Launch On August 21st

Tired of waiting for AT&T to launch their first LTE devices? Yeah — so is AT&T, it would seem. So much so, in fact, that they’re prepping to launch their first LTE devices early next week… before their LTE network is even officially fired up.

So, why launch these devices before the LTE network is up and ready? Because it lets them say they’ve got LTE devices, of course. Plus, they’ll still work, to some degree — they’ll just be limited to AT&T’s not-quite-4G-but-they-call-it-4G-anyway HSPA+ network until the LTE starts to light up later this summer.

Now, before my fellow phone-geeks get too worked up: in what seems to be a trend for the carriers as of late, AT&T’s first devices to run on the new network won’t be phones — they’re laptop tethering devices.

For the lone road warriors, AT&T’s launching the USBConnect Momentum (pictured right), which’ll juice your laptop into the LTE network over USB. For the folks that roam in packs, they’re launching the Elevate (pictured up top), a MiFi-esque, 4G-powered WiFi hotspot (turn it on, let it connect to the 4G network, and connect up to 5 devices over WiFi). Both are launching on August 21st, though the price tags for these things still seem to be under wraps. (Update: Looks like the Momentum will go for $50 on a two-year contract, while the Elevate will go for $70.)

AT&T also took the opportunity to confirm the monthly pricing for LTE “data-only mobile broadband” devices (read: not phones): $50 a month gets you 5 gigabytes, with each gigabyte you use over costing you another $10. The future of data continues to look pretty damned expensive.

Now, bulbs can be used to broadcast household broadband!

Tue Aug 23 2011, 15:04 hrsLondon:

Imagine that by simply turning on the light bulb in your room, you can also switch on your wireless Internet connection at home.

Well, it's a reality now, thanks to a leading British physicist of Edinburgh University who claims to have developed a technology which can send data through the same connection as a normal lamp.

Prof Harald Hass says the invention, dubbed D-Light, can send data faster than 10 megabits per second, which is the speed of a typical broadband connection, by altering the frequency of the ambient light in the room.

He says that other possibilities of the device – which he has dubbed 'Li-fi', or Light Fidelity -- include sending wireless data from "white space" in your TV spectrum or unused satellite signals.

By replacing old fashioned incandescent models with LED bulbs he has claimed he could turn them all into Internet transmitters, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

It has new applications in hospitals, airplanes, military, and even underwater. Aeroplane passengers could in theory be able to surf the Internet from signals beamed out of the lights on board, according to the physicist.

"The way we transmit wireless data is inefficient electromagnetic waves, in particular radio waves which are limited, they are sparse, they are expensive and only have a certain range.

"It is this limitation which does not cope with wireless data, and we are running out of efficiency. Light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum... wouldn't it be great to use it for wireless communications?" Prof Hass said.

Why Blackberry

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/ataglance/domorevideo.jsp

Distracted Driving Law in now in effect in Alberta

Distracted Driving Legislation Bill (16)

Highlights:

• Restricts drivers from:
  

  • using hand-held cell phones
  • texting or e-mailing
  • using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)
  • entering information on GPS units
  • reading printed materials in the vehicle
  • writing, printing or sketching, and
  • personal grooming
• Complements the current driving without due care and attention legislation
• Applies to all vehicles as defined by the Traffic Safety Act, including bicycles
• Applies to all roads in both urban and rural areas of the province
• The fine for this new offence is $172

The most frequently asked question regarding the new law is whether pets are specifically addressed by the law. Here's the answer! In situations where the driver becomes too involved with their pet, police could reasonably argue that the distraction is comparable to the specifically banned activities of reading, writing and grooming and lay a charge.   

Also, existing legislation - Traffic Safety Act 115(2)(i) - allows police to charge a driver who permits anything, including a pet, to occupy the front seat of the vehicle such that it interferes with the driver's access to the vehicle controls and the safe operation of the vehicle.  Further, Traffic Safety Act 115(2)(j) - allows police to charge a driver who permits anything, including a pet, to cause any obstruction to the driver's clear vision in any direction. We encourage the continued use of these existing provisions.
If a driver violates a new distracted driving provision and an existing provision in the Traffic Safety Act it would be up to the discretion of the officer as to if one or both charges would apply.
For the safety of both pets and road users, it is best if pets are secured in an appropriate pet carrier.
For more information on the Bill(16) visit:-
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/distracteddriving.htm

Alberta's distracted driving legislation now in Effect

Effective date

September 1, 2011

Alberta is the last province to implement distracted driving legislation.  Alberta's law (Bill 16) to improve road safety and prohibit a wide variety of distracted driving behaviours includes restricting drivers from:

·         using hand-held cell phones

·         texting or e-mailing

·         using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)

·         entering information on GPS units

·         reading printed materials in the vehicle

·         writing, printing or sketching

·         personal grooming

The fine for this new offence is $172.