LTE Small Cell Optimization

3 LTE-Advanced Evolution in Releases 12–13

Antti Toskala

1. 3.1 Introduction
2. 3.2 Machine-Type Communications
3. 3.3 Enhanced CoMP
4. 3.4 FDD–TDD Carrier Aggregation
5. 3.5 WLAN-Radio Interworking
6. 3.6 Device-to-Device Communication with LTE
7. 3.7 Single Cell Point to Multipoint Transmission
8. 3.8 Release 12 UE Capabilities
9. 3.9 Conclusions
10. References

3.1 Introduction

This chapter covers summary of Release 12 and 13 enhancements outside the big themes such as small cells, macro cell evolution or LTE-unlicensed. The topics covered in this chapter are Machine-Type Communications, enhanced CoMP with non-ideal backhaul, FDD–TDD carrier aggregation, WLAN interworking as well as device-to-device (D2D) operation intended both for public safety and commercial use cases.

3.2 Machine-Type Communications

One of the use cases for mobile communications is Machine-Type-Communication (MTC), also known as Machine-To-Machine (M2M) or as Internet of Things (IoT). A typical use case considered in 3GPP is the metering application where the data rates needed are relatively low. In such a case, the advanced capabilities of LTE are not likely to be needed, but even a modem based on GSM/GRPS could do the job. As GSM/GPRS modem prices are in the range of 5 USD or less, it offers an attractive approach to consider those. Also 3G modems based on HSDPA can be obtained at only slightly higher price point. The higher complexity of LTE modems causes them to be somewhat more expensive than 2G or 3G modems. If the price ...