As wireless network capacity demands skyrocket, carriers are using WLAN (wireless local area network) or Wi-Fi technology to offload traffic. As those networks evolve toward more extensive LTE deployments, Wi-Fi is trying to keep pace by moving to next-generation services in order to provide...
Expectations are high for the needs of LTE backhaul: high capacity, high speed, and high quality of service. Providers are building out their new LTE networks at a fast pace, necessitating investments in LTE backhaul as those networks are turned on across the country.
LTE...
Backhaul is often spoken of as critical to telecom networks – but what is it? Which part of the mobile network is considered the “backhaul” network, and what does it do? We asked network experts to give us their backhaul network definitions.
Glen Hunt, principal...
The Best LTE Network Architecture Diagrams
Wireless operators are rapidly expanding their LTE networks to take advantage of additional efficiency, lower latency and the ability to handle ever-increasing data traffic. RCR Wireless presents a collection of LTE network architecture diagrams.
This diagram from standards body 3GPP shows...
More than 1 in 5 IT professionals expect to deploy software-defined networking this year, and about one-third are expecting deployments by 2015, according to the seventh annual State of the Network report from Network Instruments.
The report says that there is "a strategic shift in how...
Wireless carriers are scrambling to acquire and free up new spectrum resources in an attempt to feed consumer desire for mobile data services. This quest for spectrum along with the deployment of more efficient LTE services could meet those short-term needs, but a recent...
DAS contracts increase in size, outpacing market growth
Typical distributed antenna system contracts for hardware only (hubs, nodes, remote radio heads, antennas, etc.) now range from $5 million to $10 million, compared to just $1 million a few years ago, according to analyst Stéphan Téral...
Long term evolution (LTE) is the standard for today's wireless networks, and replaces third generation (3G) technology. LTE technology is a based on a 3GPP standard that provides for a downlink speed of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps) and an uplink speed of up...
Test Types and Parameters for LTE Driving Testing
LTE drive tests are an important part of how wireless carriers determine whether their networks are performing well -- and get a glimpse into their competitors' network performance. There are multiple types of LTE drive tests, as...
When it comes to Long Term Evolution (LTE), it's all about the user experience and therefore, user equipment testing is extremely important. LTE is cutting edge in terms of speed and network performance, but according to Aeroflex, in any real-life mobile communications network there...
The arrival of Long Term Evolution (LTE) brought significantly different wireless network capabilities. Today's wireless user wants and expects superior service and performance. To make sure this happens, extensive and frequent network testing needs to be done. And when it comes to LTE testing,...
It's a country ahead of the curve in many areas, but wireless innovation is not one of them. But don't count them out just yet. One high-profile Thailand mobile operator is right on the cusp of launching Long Term Evolution (LTE), as promised. What...
LTE LTE LTE! It's all we've been talking about. But as mentioned in previous articles, it is important to appreciate our past, GSM specifically. One integral part of the GSM network is the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), a non-voice service added to existing TDMA networks,...
With the continued massive rollout of Long Term Evolution (LTE) and more and more operators becoming obsessed with staying up to date, the issues of limited spectrum remains. Multi-layer heterogeneous network layout including small cell base stations are key for further enhancements of the...
Today, there actually are not many questions when it comes to the HSPA LTE debacle. The answer is clear, Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the future. Upgrading to LTE technology is part of the natural upgrade process. But, how do they differ? Let's dig...
The LTE attach procedure call flow is a subject that may seem hard to understand. So let's break it down. How does the LTE attach procedure call flow work?
Well first, the UE needs to register with the network to receive services that require registration. This registration...
Like any other wireless network, LTE (long term evolution) is only as good as its components. This means delivery of services is extremely important. This is now achieved with LTE MBMS (multimedia broadcast multicast services). LTE MBMS is a point-to-multipoint interface that delivers broadcast...
We talk over and over again about the complex Long Term Evolution (LTE) and its many components. One of these components, known as the non-access stratum (NAS), is highest stratum of the control plane between user experience (UE) and Mobility Management Entity (MME) at the radio...
Today, LTE is on the tip of everyone’s tongues. It’s the up and coming, lighting fast data network we've been waiting for. When discussing LTE, however, there are many technical terms and many complexities. To help you better understand, an LTE architecture overview of...
While there are challenges associated with building any new wireless network, constructing the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network comes with a bushel of its own issues.One of these challenges is managing neighbor cells. This is a tough task even for traditional mobile networks, and it...
What is the GUTI?
In LTE, the GUTI is the Globally Unique Temporary ID, and identifies the mobile device to the LTE network. The GUTI is assigned to the device by the Mobility Management Entity (MME), the access network's primary control node. By allocating a...
Understanding Call Flow In-Depth
With Long Term Evolution (LTE) comes a myriad of new and exciting attributes. One of these is the LTE call flow itself. In fact, call flow and signaling is unique for LTE, and is driven by 3GPP standards. Call flow is...
Wi-Fi and distributed antenna system provider Boingo Wireless is facing pressure from the New York City Council to offer free Wi-Fi service at the three major New York-area airports, for which the company holds the exclusive right to provide wireless Internet access.
The New York...
