Practical Guide to LTE-A, VoLTE and IoT

1LTE and LTE‐A Overview

1.1 Introduction

Cellular mobile networks have been evolving for many years. As the smartphone market has expanded significantly in recent years and is expected to grow more in the years to come, network evolution needs to keep up with the pace of users' demands. This chapter provides an overview for network operators and interested others on the evolution of cellular networks, with particular focus on 3GPP for the main technologies of WCDMA/UMTS and LTE. In addition, it highlights the interaction of 3GPP with non‐3GPP technology (i.e. Wi‐Fi).

The initial networks are referred to collectively as the First Generation (1G) system. The 1G mobile system was designed to utilize analog; it included AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone System). The Second Generation (2G) mobile system was developed to utilize digital multiple access technology: TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). The main 2G networks were GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) and CDMA, also known as cdmaOne or IS‐95 (Interim Standard 95). The GSM system still has worldwide support and is available for deployment on several frequency bands, such as 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 850 MHz, and 1900 MHz. CDMA systems in 2G networks use a spread‐spectrum technique and utilize a mixture of codes and timing to identify cells and channels. In addition to being digital and improving capacity and security, these digital 2G systems also offer enhanced services such as SMS (Short ...