
This section reviews the evolution of mobile network technologies from the advanced digital systems of the late 1990s through the introduction of Third Generation (3G) networks and the enhancements to these. The introduction sets the context for mobile broadband services and analysis the market trends and drivers for these services. The advanced 3G systems deployed on a global basis form the foundation from which fourth generation (4G) networks will emerge.
Mobile communications has been dominated by GSM technology and its 3G partner, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), with ongoing standards work for this family undertaken by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Beyond 3G the 3GPP have created a new radio technology known as Long Term Evolution, which embraces state-of-the-art modulation, coding and antenna technologies to achieve vast improvements in spectral efficiency. This section analyses the functionality and performance of the LTE architecture and the interface between the user devices and the network.
Hand-in-hand with LTE, the 3GPP standards include an evolution of the core network, known as System Architecture Evolution (SAE). SAE will be a much simplified and flattened core network architecture, when compared to today’s networks, and will be based on standard Internet protocols such as IP. This section analyses the architecture and functionality of SAE and illustrates how it interfaces to the LTE component and to other subsystems and networks. This section also discusses how services are controlled and delivered within SAE and the role of the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
Having previously introduced the features and functionality of both LTE and SAE, this section looks at how the system operates end-to-end and how it interacts with the user device to provide services. The section considers the procedures from switch-on and network acquisition to establishing traffic connections and mobility within and between networks. Also analysed are the vital processes which relate to security and Quality of Service (QoS) which are essential in providing reliable, secure and dependable services for users.
Although the 3GPP technologies support the majority of networks and subscribers on a global basis, there are other competing or even complimentary wireless technologies in use. This section considers the CDMA family and the UMB proposal, which looks likely to be overtaken by LTE, but also highlights the WiMAX family of technologies which in many markets may prove to be a competitor to LTE. All forms of WiMAX are discussed including fixed and mobile, in addition to the advanced WiMAX technology currently under development.
As with 3G, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is playing a major role in the development of the next generation of wireless systems or 4G. The ITU has created a framework for 4G functionality and capabilities and has invited regional standards organizations to submit proposals that can achieve the objectives of this framework. This phase will be followed by the submission of detailed technical proposals and the selection of applicable technologies by the ITU. This section looks at the ITU framework, concepts and timelines for 4G and relates this to work being undertaken by various standards bodies, including 3GPP.
With this programme positioned as part of Informa Teleocms & Media’s LTE World Series – Exclusively in conjunction with 3GPP, this section will include the latest facts and figures about LTE from the perspective of network operators, infrastructure vendors, handset vendors and third party service providers. So if you want to know who’s doing what and where this is place to find out.