LTE Frequently Asked Questions

 What is LTE?
 What is goal of LTE?
 What speed LTE offers?
 What is LTE Advanced?
 What is LTE architecture?
 What is EUTRAN?
 What are LTE Interfaces?
 What are LTE Network elements?
 What are LTE protocols & specifications?
 What is VoLGA?
 What is CS Fallback in LTE?
 How does LTE Security works?
 What is IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)?
 How does measurements work in LTE?
 What is Automatic Neighbour Relation?
 How does Intra E-UTRAN Handover is performed?
 How does policy control and charging works in LTE?
 What is SON & how does it work in LTE?
 How does Network Sharing works in LTE?
 How does Timing Advance (TA) works in LTE?
 How does LTE UE positioning works in E-UTRAN?
 How many operators have committed for LTE?
 What is Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC)?
 How does Location Service (LCS) work in LTE network?
 How does Lawful Interception works in LTE Evolved Packet System?
 What is carrier aggregation in LTE-Advanced?
 What is Relay Node and how does Relaying works in LTE-Advanced?

What is LTE?

LTEi (Long Term Evolution) is initiated by 3GPPi to improve the mobile phone standard to
cope with future technology evolutions and needs.

What is goal of LTE?

The goals for LTE include improving spectral efficiency, lowering costs, improving services,
making use of new spectrum and reformed spectrum opportunities, and better integration
with other open standards.

What speed LTE offers?

LTE provides downlink peak rates of at least 100Mbit/s, 50 Mbit/s in the uplink and RAN
(Radio Access Network) round-trip times of less than 10 ms.

What is LTE Advanced?

LTE standards are in matured state now with release 8 frozen. While LTE Advanced is still
under works. Often the LTE standard is seen as 4G standard which is not true. 3.9G is more
acceptable for LTE. So why it is not 4G? Answer is quite simple - LTE does not fulfill all
requirements of ITU 4G definition.

Brief History of LTE Advanced: The ITU has introduced the term IMT Advanced to identify
mobile systems whose capabilities go beyond those of IMT 2000. The IMT Advanced
systems shall provide best-in-class performance attributes such as peak and sustained data
rates and corresponding spectral efficiencies, capacity, latency, overall network complexity
and quality-of-service management. The new capabilities of these IMT-Advanced systems
are envisaged to handle a wide range of supported data rates with target peak data rates of up
to approximately 100 Mbit/s for high mobility and up to approximately 1 Gbit/s for low
mobility.

What is LTE architecture?

The evolved architecture comprises E-UTRAN (Evolved UTRAN) on the access side and
EPC (Evolved Packet Core) on the core side.

The figure below shows the evolved system architecture

What is EUTRAN?

The E-UTRAN (Evolved UTRAN) consists of eNBs, providing the E-UTRA user plane
(PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE.
The eNBs are interconnected with each other by means of the X2 interface. The eNBs are
also connected by means of the S1 interface to the EPC (Evolved Packet Core), more
specifically to the MME (Mobility Management Entity) by means of the S1-MME and to the
Serving Gateway (S-GW) by means of the S1-U.

What are LTE Interfaces?

The following are LTE Interfaces : (Ref: TS 23.401 v 841)

 S1-MME :- Reference point for the control plane protocol between E-UTRAN and
MME.
 S1-U:- Reference point between E-UTRAN and Serving GW for the per bearer user
plane tunnelling and inter eNodeB path switching during handover.
 S3:- It enables user and bearer information exchange for inter 3GPP access network
mobility in idle and/or active state.
 S4:- It provides related control and mobility support between GPRS Core and the
3GPP Anchor function of Serving GW. In addition, if Direct Tunnel is not
established, it provides the user plane tunnelling.
 S5:- It provides user plane tunnelling and tunnel management between Serving GW
and PDN GW. It is used for Serving GW relocation due to UE mobility and if the
Serving GW needs to connect to a non-collocated PDN GW for the required PDN
connectivity.
 S6a:- It enables transfer of subscription and authentication data for
authenticating/authorizing user access to the evolved system (AAA interface) between
MME and HSS.
 Gx:- It provides transfer of (QoS) policy and charging rules from PCRF to Policy and
Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) in the PDN GW.
 S8:- Inter-PLMN reference point providing user and control plane between the
Serving GW in the VPLMN and the PDN GW in the HPLMN. S8 is the inter PLMN
variant of S5.
 S9:- It provides transfer of (QoS) policy and charging control information between the
Home PCRF and the Visited PCRF in order to support local breakout function.
 S10:- Reference point between MMEs for MME relocation and MME to MME
information transfer.
 S11:- Reference point between MME and Serving GW.
 S12:- Reference point between UTRAN and Serving GW for user plane tunnelling
when Direct Tunnel is established. It is based on the Iu-u/Gn-u reference point using
the GTP-U protocol as defined between SGSN and UTRAN or respectively between
SGSN and GGSN. Usage of S12 is an operator configuration option.
 S13:- It enables UE identity check procedure between MME and EIR.
  SGi:- It is the reference point between the PDN GW and the packet data network.
Packet data network may be an operator external public or private packet data
network or an intra operator packet data network, e.g. for provision of IMS services.
This reference point corresponds to Gi for 3GPP accesses.
 Rx:- The Rx reference point resides between the AF and the PCRF in the TS 23.203.
 SBc:- Reference point between CBC and MME for warning message delivery and
control functions.

What are LTE Network elements?

eNB
eNB interfaces with the UE and hosts the PHYsical (PHY), Medium Access
Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), and Packet Data Control
Protocol (PDCP) layers. It also hosts Radio Resource Control (RRC)
functionality corresponding to the control plane. It performs many
functions including radio resource management, admission control,
scheduling, enforcement of negotiated UL QoS, cell information
broadcast, ciphering/deciphering of user and control plane data, and
compression/decompression of DL/UL user plane packet headers.

Mobility Management Entity

manages and stores UE context (for idle state: UE/user identities, UE mobility state, user
security parameters). It generates temporary identities and allocates them to UEs. It checks
the authorization whether the UE may camp on the TA or on the PLMN. It also authenticates
the user.

Serving Gateway
The SGW routes and forwards user data packets, while also acting as the mobility anchor for
the user plane during inter-eNB handovers and as the anchor for mobility between LTE and
other 3GPP technologies (terminating S4 interface and relaying the traffic between 2G/3G
systems and PDN GW).

Packet Data Network Gateway

The PDN GW provides connectivity to the UE to external packet data networks by being the
point of exit and entry of traffic for the UE. A UE may have simultaneous connectivity with
more than one PDN GW for accessing multiple PDNs. The PDN GW performs policy
enforcement, packet filtering for each user, charging support, lawful Interception
and packet screening.

What are LTE protocols & specifications?

In LTE architecture, core network includes Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving
Gateway  (SGW), Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN GW) where as E-UTRAN has E-
UTRAN NodeB (eNB).

Protocol links are as below

  Air Interface Physical Layer
 GPRS Tunnelling Protocol User Plane (GTP-U)
 GTP-U Transport
 Medium Access Control (MAC)
 Non-Access-Stratum (NAS) Protocol
 Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)
 Radio Link Control (RLC)
 Radio Resource Control (RRC)
 S1 Application Protocol (S1AP)
 S1 layer 1
 S1 Signalling Transport
 X2 Application Protocol (X2AP)
 X2 layer 1
 X2 Signalling Transport

What is VoLGA?

VoLGA stands for "Voice over LTE via Generic Access". The VoLGA service resembles the
3GPP Generic Access Network (GAN). GAN provides a controller node - the GAN
controller (GANC) - inserted between the IP access network (i.e., the EPS) and the 3GPP
core network.

The GAN provides an overlay access between the terminal and the CS core without requiring
specific enhancements or support in the network it traverses. This provides a terminal with a
'virtual' connection to the core network already deployed by an operator. The terminal and
network thus reuse most of the existing mechanisms, deployment and operational aspects.

What is CS Fallback in LTE?

LTE technology supports packet based services only, however 3GPP does specifies fallback
for circuit switched services as well. To achieve this LTE architecture and network nodes
require additional functionality, this blog is an attempt to provide overview for same.

In LTE architecture, the circuit switched (CS) fallback in EPS enables the provisioning of
voice and traditional CS-domain services (e.g. CS UDI video/ SMS/ LCS/ USSD). To
provide these services LTE reuses CS infrastructure when the UE is served by E UTRAN.

How does LTE Security works?

 The following are some of the principles of 3GPP E-UTRAN security based on 3GPP
Release 8 specifications:
  The keys used for NAS and AS protection shall be dependent on the algorithm with
which they are used.
 The eNB keys are cryptographically separated from the EPC keys used for NAS
protection (making it impossible to use the eNB key to figure out an EPC key).
  The AS (RRC and UP) and NAS keys are derived in the EPC/UE from key material
that was generated by a NAS (EPC/UE) level AKA procedure (KASME) and
identified with a key identifier (KSIASME).
 The eNB key (KeNB) is sent from the EPC to the eNB when the UE is entering ECM-
CONNECTED state (i.e. during RRC connection or S1 context setup).

What is IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)?

The 3GPP IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) technology provides an architectural framework

for delivering IP based multimedia services. IMS enables telecom service providers to offer a
new generation of rich multimedia services across both circuit switched and packet switched
networks. IMS offers access to IP based services independent of the access network e.g.
wireless access (GPRS, 3GPP’s UMTS, LTE, 3GPP2’s CDMA2000) and fixed networks
(TISPAN’s NGN)

IMS defines a architecture of logical elements using SIP for call signaling between network
elements and Provides a layered approach with defined service, control, and transport planes.
Some of IMS high level requirements are noted below:

The application plane provides an infrastructure for the provision and management of
services, subscriber configuration and identity management and defines standard interfaces to
common functionality.

The IMS control plane handles the call related signaling and controls transport plane. Major
element of control plane is the Call Session Control Function (CSCF) , which comprises
Proxy-CSCF (P-CSCF),  Interrogating-CSCF (I-CSCF) and Serving-CSCF (S-CSCF). The
CSCF (Call/Session Control Function) is essentially a SIP server.

The IMS transport plane provides a core IP network with access from subscriber device over
wireless or wireline networks.

How does measurements work in LTE?

In LTE E-UTRAN measurements to be performed by a UE for mobility are classified as

below

 Intra-frequency E-UTRAN measurements

 Inter-frequency E-UTRAN measurements
 Inter-RAT measurements for UTRAN and GERAN
 Inter-RAT measurements of CDMA2000 HRPD or 1xRTT frequencies
What is Automatic Neighbour Relation?

According to 3GPP specifications, the purpose of the Automatic Neighbour Relation (ANR)
functionality is to relieve the operator from the burden of manually managing Neighbor
Relations (NRs). This feature would operators effort to provision.

How does Intra E-UTRAN Handover is performed?

Intra E-UTRAN Handover is used to hand over a UE from a source eNodeB to a target
eNodeB using X2 when the MME is unchanged. In the scenario described here Serving GW
is also unchanged. The presence of IP connectivity between the Serving GW and the source
eNodeB, as well as between the Serving GW and the target eNodeB is assumed.

The intra E-UTRAN HO in RRC_CONNECTED state is UE assisted NW controlled HO,

with HO preparation signalling in E-UTRAN.

How does policy control and charging works in LTE?

A important component in LTE network is the policy and charging control (PCC) function
that brings together and enhances capabilities from earlier 3GPP releases to deliver dynamic
control of policy and charging on a per subscriber and per IP flow basis.

LTE Evolved Packet Core (EPC) EPC includes a PCC architecture that provides support for
fine-grained QoS and enables application servers to dynamically control the QoS and
charging requirements of the services they deliver. It also provides improved support for
roaming. Dynamic control over QoS and
charging will help operators monetize their LTE  investment by providing customers with a
variety of QoS and charging options when choosing a service.

The LTE PCC functions include:

 PCRF (policy and charging rules function) provides policy control and flow based
charging control decisions.
 PCEF (policy and charging enforcement function) implemented in the serving
gateway, this enforces gating and QoS for individual IP flows on the behalf of
 the PCRF. It also provides usage measurement to support charging
 OCS (online charging system) provides credit management and grants credit to the
PCEF based on time, traffic volume or chargeable events.
 OFCS (off-line charging system) receives events from the PCEF and generates
charging data records (CDRs) for the billing system.

What is SON & how does it work in LTE?

Self-configuring, self-optimizing wireless networks is not a new concept but as the mobile
networks are evolving towards 4G LTE networks, introduction of self configuring and self
optimizing mechanisms is needed to minimize operational efforts. A self optimizing function
would increase network performance and quality reacting to dynamic processes in the
network.

This would minimize the life cycle cost of running a network by eliminating manual
configuration of equipment at the time of deployment, right through to dynamically
optimizing radio network performance during operation. Ultimately it will reduce the unit
cost and retail price of wireless data services.

How does Network Sharing works in LTE?

3GPP network sharing architecture allows different core network operators to connect to a
shared radio access network. The operators do not only share the radio network elements, but
may also share the radio resources themselves.

How does Timing Advance (TA) works in LTE?

In LTE, when UE wish to establish RRC connection with eNB, it transmits a Random Access
Preamble, eNB estimates the transmission timing of the terminal based on this. Now eNB
transmits a Random Access Response which consists of timing advance command, based on
that UE adjusts the terminal transmit timing.

The timing advance is initiated from E-UTRAN with MAC message that implies and
adjustment of the timing advance.

How does LTE UE positioning works in E-UTRAN?

UE Positioning function is required to provide the mechanisms to support or assist the

calculation of the geographical position of a UE. UE position knowledge can be used, for
example, in support of Radio Resource Management functions, as well as location-based
services for operators, subscribers, and third-party service providers.

How many operators have committed for LTE?

List of operators committed for LTE has been compiled by 3GAmericas from Informa
Telecoms & Media and public announcements. It includes a variety of commitment levels
including intentions to trial, deploy, migrate, etc.

What is Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC)?

Along with LTE introduction, 3GPP also standardized Single Radio Voice Call Continuity
(SRVCC) in Release 8 specifications to provide seamless continuity when an UE handovers
from LTE coverage (E-UTRAN) to UMTS/GSM coverage (UTRAN/GERAN). With
SRVCC, calls are anchored in IMS network while UE is capable of transmitting/receiving on
only one of those access networks at a given time.

How does Location Service (LCS) work in LTE network?

In the LCS architecture, an Evolved SMLC is directly attached to the MME. The objectives
of this  evolution is to support location of an IMS emergency call,  avoid impacts to a
location session due to an inter-eNodeB handover, make use of an Evolved  and support
Mobile originated location request (MO-LR) and mobile terminated location request MT-LR
services.

Release 9 LCS solution introduces new interfaces in the EPC:

 SLg between the GMLC and the MME

 SLs between the E-SMLC and the MME
 Diameter-based SLh between the HSS and the HGMLC

How does Lawful Interception works in LTE Evolved Packet System?

3GPP Evolved Packet System (EPS) provides IP based  services. Hence, EPS is responsible
only for IP layer interception of Content of Communication (CC) data. In addition to CC
data, the Lawful Interception (LI) solution for EPS offers generation of Intercept Related
Information (IRI) records from respective control plane (signalling) messages as well.

What is carrier aggregation in LTE-Advanced?

To meet LTE-Advanced requirements, support of wider transmission bandwidths is required

than the 20 MHz bandwidth specified in 3GPP Release 8/9. The preferred solution to this is
carrier aggregation.

It is of the most distinct features of 4G LTE-Advanced. Carrier aggregation allows expansion

of effective bandwidth delivered to a user terminal through concurrent utilization of radio
resources across multiple carriers. Multiple component carriers are aggregated to form a
larger overall transmission bandwidth.

What is Relay Node and how does Relaying works in LTE-Advanced?

For efficient heterogeneous network planning, 3GPP LTE-Advanced has introduced concept
of Relay Nodes (RNs). The Relay Nodes are low power eNodeBs that provide enhanced
coverage and capacity at cell edges.  One of the main benefits of relaying is to provide
extended LTE coverage in targeted areas at low cost.

The Relay Node is connected to the Donor eNB (DeNB) via radio interface, Un, a modified
version of E-UTRAN air interface Uu. Donor eNB also srves its own UE as usual, in addition
to sharing its radio resources for Relay Nodes.