Module-06 Long-Term Evolution (LTE) of 3GPP

• LTE System Overview,

• Evolution from UMTS to LTE
• LTE/SAE Requirements
• SAE Architecture
• EPS: Evolved Packet System
• E-UTRAN
• Voice over LTE (VoLTE),
• Introduction to LTE-Advanced
• Self-Organizing Network (SON-LTE)
• SON for Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet)
• Comparison between Different Generations (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G),
• Introduction to 5G

5M Questions

1. Explain in short voice over LTE.

2. Compare LTE and LTE advanced.
3. Compare various telecommunication generations.

10M Questions

1. Explain self-organizing networks for heterogenous networks.

2. Explain different components used in LTE Architecture with diagram
3. What do you mean by SON. Explain its architecture.
LTE SYSTEM OVERVIEW:

• Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication

technology developed by 3GPP as an evolution of GSM and UMTS systems.
• LTE is mainly responsible for the radio communication part, i.e., how the user
equipment (mobile phone) communicates with the network over the air.
• However, LTE alone is not a complete system. It works together with System
Architecture Evolution (SAE), which defines the core network architecture.
Together, LTE and SAE form the Evolved Packet System (EPS), which is a
complete end-to-end mobile communication system based entirely on packet
switching.

LTE/SAE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Flat Architecture
LTE/SAE is designed with a flat network structure where only one type of base
station (eNodeB) is used. Intermediate nodes like BSC and RNC are removed to
reduce delay, simplify routing, and improve overall system performance.

2. Support for Packet-Switched Communication

LTE supports only packet-switched services. All types of communication such as
voice, video, and data are transmitted as IP packets. Circuit switching is
completely eliminated, making the network more efficient and suitable for
modern applications.

3. Low Latency
One of the key requirements is to reduce transmission delay. LTE/SAE minimizes
latency by using a simplified architecture and efficient data routing, making it
suitable for real-time services like VoIP and video conferencing.

4. Interoperability with Other Networks

LTE must be compatible with existing networks such as GSM, UMTS, and WLAN.
This ensures seamless handover and continuous connectivity when a user
moves between different network technologies.
5. Support for Self-Configuration and Self-Optimization
LTE networks should be capable of automatic configuration, optimization, and
maintenance. This reduces manual intervention and improves network reliability
and efficiency.
LTE\SAE ARCHITECTURE:

The LTE/SAE architecture is designed as a flat, all-IP based network to provide high-
speed data communication with low latency. It mainly consists of three major
components:

1. User Equipment (UE)

User Equipment is the mobile device used by the subscriber to access LTE services. It
includes all the necessary hardware and software required for communication with the
network.

• The UE consists of Mobile Termination (MT), which handles radio

communication functions such as transmission and reception of signals.

• It also includes Terminal Equipment (TE), which manages user applications and
data processing.

• The Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), similar to a SIM card, stores
subscriber identity, authentication data, and security keys.

• UE connects to the LTE network through the Uu interface, which is the wireless
interface between the device and the base station.

2. E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network)

E-UTRAN is the radio access part of LTE responsible for communication between the UE
and the core network.

• It mainly consists of eNodeBs (evolved Node Bs), which act as base stations.

• The eNodeB combines the functionalities of both NodeB and RNC of UMTS,
making the architecture simpler and faster.

• It performs radio transmission and reception, modulation, coding, and resource

allocation.

• It also handles user scheduling, handover management, and encryption.

• eNodeB directly communicates with the core network, eliminating intermediate

controllers and reducing latency.

3. Evolved Packet Core (EPC)

The EPC is the core network of LTE that handles data routing, mobility management,
and connectivity to external networks.
a) Mobility Management Entity (MME)

• MME is responsible for control plane functions such as authentication, security,

and mobility management.

• It keeps track of the location of the user and manages session establishment.

• It does not handle actual user data, only signalling.

b) Serving Gateway (SGW)

• SGW acts as a data router between the eNodeB and the Packet Gateway.

• It forwards user data packets and maintains data continuity during handover.

• It also buffers data temporarily when the user moves between cells.

c) Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW)

• PGW connects the LTE network to external networks such as the Internet and
private networks.

• It assigns IP addresses to users and manages Quality of Service (QoS).

• It also performs filtering and policy control for data traffic.

d) Home Subscriber Server (HSS)

• HSS is a database that stores subscriber information.

• It contains user identity, authentication details, and service subscription data.

• It supports MME during authentication and authorization.

4. Interfaces in LTE/SAE

• The Uu interface connects UE to eNodeB and supports wireless

communication.

• The S1 interface connects eNodeB to EPC. It has two parts:

o S1-MME for control signals

o S1-U for user data

 • The SGi interface connects the Packet Gateway to external networks like the
Internet.

5. Overall Working of Architecture

• The user sends data from UE, which is transmitted to the eNodeB over the Uu
interface.

• The eNodeB processes the data and forwards it to the Serving Gateway via the S1
interface.

• The Serving Gateway routes the data to the Packet Gateway.

• The Packet Gateway then sends the data to external networks such as the
Internet.

• At the same time, the MME manages signalling operations like authentication
and mobility.

VOICE OVER LTE:

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a technology that enables voice communication over LTE
networks using IP-based packet switching. Since LTE is a pure packet-switched
network and does not support circuit switching, VoLTE is used to carry voice calls as
data packets over the LTE network.

VoLTE is based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), which provides the framework
for delivering multimedia services such as voice, video, and messaging over IP
networks.

1. Need for VoLTE

• LTE was designed mainly for high-speed data, and traditional circuit-switched
voice was not supported.

• To support voice communication in LTE, voice signals must be converted into IP

packets and transmitted over the data network.

• VoLTE provides a solution by enabling voice over packet-switched LTE

networks.

• It eliminates the need for fallback to 2G/3G networks for voice calls.
2. VoLTE Architecture (IMS-based)

VoLTE uses a simplified IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) architecture to handle voice
communication.

a) IP-CAN (IP Connectivity Access Network)

• It includes the LTE network components such as E-UTRAN and MME.

• It provides IP connectivity between the user equipment and the IMS network.

• Acts as the access network through which the user connects to VoLTE services.

b) P-CSCF (Proxy Call Session Control Function)

• It is the first point of contact between the user and IMS.

• All SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) signalling messages from the user pass
through this node.

• It acts as a proxy server and forwards requests to the IMS core.

c) I-CSCF (Interrogating Call Session Control Function)

• It acts as an intermediate node within the IMS network.

• It forwards SIP requests to the appropriate S-CSCF.

• It helps in locating the correct server for processing the request.

d) S-CSCF (Serving Call Session Control Function)

• It is the main control entity in IMS.

• It handles call setup, session management, and user registration.

• It communicates with HSS to verify subscriber details.

• All VoLTE sessions are controlled by this component.

e) AS (Application Server)

• Provides voice-related services such as call forwarding, voicemail, and

conferencing.
 • It treats voice as an application over IP.

f) HSS (Home Subscriber Server)

• It is a database that stores subscriber information.

• It contains user identity, authentication data, and service profiles.

• It supports authentication and authorization during call setup.

4. Working of VoLTE

• The user device first connects to the LTE network and obtains IP connectivity.

• The device registers with the IMS network using the SIP protocol.

• When a call is initiated, SIP signalling messages are sent through P-CSCF, I-
CSCF, and S-CSCF.

• The S-CSCF processes the request, verifies the user through HSS, and
establishes the session.

• Once the session is established, voice data is transmitted as IP packets over the
LTE network.

• At the receiver side, these packets are decoded and converted back into voice.

• When the call ends, the session is terminated using SIP signalling.

5. Benefits of VoLTE

• Improves spectrum efficiency compared to circuit-switched voice.

• Reduces network complexity by eliminating separate voice networks.

• Provides better voice quality and reliability.

7. Limitations of VoLTE

• Requires strong LTE network coverage.

• Initial deployment cost is high.

• Performance may degrade in weak signal conditions.

LTE ADVANCED:

Point LTE (4G) LTE-Advanced (4G+)

1. Standard Defined in 3GPP Release 10 and

Defined in 3GPP Release 8/9
Release above

Supports high data rates (up to Supports very high data rates (up
2. Data Speed
~100 Mbps DL) to 1 Gbps DL)

Does not fully meet IMT-

3. IMT Fully satisfies IMT-Advanced (true
Advanced (true 4G)
Requirement 4G standard)
requirements

4. Carrier Maximum bandwidth up to 20 Uses carrier aggregation to

Bandwidth MHz achieve bandwidth >100 MHz

5. Carrier Supported (combines multiple

Not supported
Aggregation carriers for higher speed)

6. MIMO Supports basic MIMO (e.g., Supports advanced MIMO (up to

Technology 2×2, 4×4) 8×8 DL, higher efficiency)

7. Spectral Higher spectral efficiency due to

Good spectral efficiency
Efficiency advanced techniques

Advanced techniques like ICIC,

8. Interference
Basic interference handling eICIC for better interference
Management
control

Supports relay nodes to improve

9. Relay Nodes Not supported
coverage and capacity

10. Coverage & Improved coverage (especially at

Good coverage and capacity
Capacity cell edges) and higher capacity
SELF ORGANIZING NETWORKS:
SON FOR HETEROGENEOUS NETWORKS (HETNET):

• Modern wireless networks face rapid growth in users and data-intensive services
such as video streaming, social networking, and IoT communication. To handle
this demand, operators deploy Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets), which
consist of a mix of macro, micro, pico, and femto cells.

• While HetNets improve coverage and capacity, they also increase network
complexity due to multiple cell layers and overlapping coverage.

• To manage this complexity efficiently, Self-Organizing Networks (SON) are

introduced.

• A Self-Organizing Network (SON) is an intelligent system that enables the

network to automatically configure, optimize, and maintain itself with
minimal human intervention.

• Unlike traditional networks where engineers manually set parameters, SON

continuously monitors network conditions and dynamically adjusts parameters
such as power, frequency, and handover settings.

• Thus, SON makes the network adaptive, automated, and self-managing.

✓ Need for SON in HetNet

• HetNets consist of multiple types of cells operating together, which leads to

issues such as interference, frequent handovers, and complex resource
management.

• The deployment of a large number of small cells makes manual configuration

impractical and error-prone.

• SON is required to:

o Reduce operational complexity

o Improve network efficiency

o Automatically adapt to changing network conditions

✓ Working of SON in HetNet

• In a heterogeneous network, SON acts as an intelligent controller embedded

within the system.
 • When a new base station (such as pico or femto cell) is deployed, SON
automatically integrates it into the network by detecting neighbouring cells and
configuring parameters like frequency and transmission power.

• During operation, SON continuously monitors network performance parameters

such as signal strength, traffic load, and interference levels.

• Based on this analysis, it dynamically adjusts network parameters to optimize

performance. For example, it may balance traffic between cells or modify
handover thresholds.

• In case of a failure, SON detects the fault and compensates by adjusting

neighbouring cells, ensuring uninterrupted service.

✓ Core Functions of SON

a) Self-Configuration

• Self-configuration allows automatic setup of new network elements.

• When a new cell is added, it configures itself by selecting appropriate frequency

bands, transmission power, and neighbour relationships without manual
intervention.

b) Self-Optimization

• Self-optimization continuously monitors network performance and adjusts

parameters to improve efficiency.

• It helps in reducing interference, improving coverage, balancing load among

cells, and enhancing overall Quality of Service (QoS).

c) Self-Healing

• Self-healing enables the network to detect failures and recover automatically.

• If a base station fails, SON compensates by increasing the coverage of

neighbouring cells or rerouting traffic, thereby maintaining service continuity.

✓ Advantages of SON in HetNet

• SON reduces the need for manual configuration, thereby lowering operational
cost.

• It enables faster deployment of new cells, especially in dense areas.

 • It improves network performance through dynamic optimization and efficient
interference management.

• It enhances user experience by providing better coverage, higher data rates, and
reliable connectivity.

✓ Limitations of SON

• Implementation of SON requires complex algorithms and intelligent decision-

making mechanisms.

• Dependence on automation may lead to incorrect decisions if algorithms fail.

• Security concerns may arise due to automatic configuration and control of

network elements.

COMPARISON BETWEEN DIFFERENT GENERATIONS:

• Mobile communication has evolved through multiple generations to meet the

increasing demand for better speed, capacity, and services.
• Each generation introduced new technologies to improve communication quality
and support advanced applications.
• The evolution started from 1G analog systems and has progressed to 5G ultra-
high-speed intelligent networks.
• With every generation, there has been improvement in data rate, latency,
security, and quality of service.
• Modern generations like 4G and 5G are based on all-IP architecture, enabling
services such as video streaming, IoT, and real-time communication.
Parameter 1G 2G 3G 4G (LTE) 5G

Advanced
Technology Analog Digital Digital + All-IP digital (AI-
Type communication communication multimedia digital driven, ultra-
fast)

High-
Voice + Ultra-high-
speed
Services Voice only Voice + SMS data + speed data,
data, VoIP,
multimedia IoT, AR/VR
video

Circuit Circuit + Fully

Switching Circuit Fully Packet
switching Packet Packet
Technique switching switching
(mainly) switching switching

High (~100 Very high (~10

Very low (~2.4 Moderate
Data Speed Low (~64 kbps) Mbps – 1 Gbps and
kbps) (~2 Mbps)
Gbps) above)

Multiple OFDMA,
CDMA OFDMA /
Access FDMA TDMA / CDMA Massive MIMO,
(WCDMA) SC-FDMA
Technique Beamforming

Cloud-based
Core Not well Circuit- Mixed core All-IP core core, Service-
Network defined switched core (CS + PS) (EPC) based
architecture

Low (~10 Very low (~1

Latency High High Moderate
ms) ms)

Very strong
Strong
Basic Improved (advanced
Security Very poor security
encryption security encryption, AI
(IP-based)
security)

Ultra-reliable
Quality of
Poor Better than 1G Moderate High QoS low latency
Service
(URLLC)

UMTS, LTE, LTE-

Examples AMPS GSM, CDMA 5G NR
WCDMA Advanced