. What Is Cs Fallback In Lte?

Answer :

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?

Answer :

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)?

Answer :

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?

Answer :
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?

Answer :

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?

Answer :

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?

Answer :

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.
4G Interview Questions
Question 18. What Is Son & How Does It Work In Lte?
Answer :

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?

Answer :

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?

Answer :

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?

Answer :

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.

Question 22. How Many Operators Have Committed For Lte?

Answer :

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)?

Answer :

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?

Answer :
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
How Does Lawful Interception Works In Lte Evolved Packet System?

Answer :

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.

Question 26. What Is Carrier Aggregation In Lte-advanced?

Answer :

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?

Answer :

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.
What Are The Measurement Events In Lte?

Answer :

Intra/Inter Frequency Events:

Event A1 (Serving becomes better than threshold)

Event A2 (Serving becomes worse than threshold)
Event A3 (Neighbour becomes offset better than PCell)
Event A4 (Neighbour becomes better than threshold)
Event A5 (PCell becomes worse than threshold1 and neighbour becomes better than
threshold2)
What Are The Measurement Events In Lte?

Answer :

Intra/Inter Frequency Events:

Event A1 (Serving becomes better than threshold)

Event A2 (Serving becomes worse than threshold)
Event A3 (Neighbour becomes offset better than PCell)
Event A4 (Neighbour becomes better than threshold)
Event A5 (PCell becomes worse than threshold1 and neighbour becomes better than
threshold2)
Event A6 (Neighbour becomes offset better than SCell)
Inter RAT Events:

Event B1 (Inter RAT neighbour becomes better than threshold)

Event B2 (PCell becomes worse than threshold1 and inter RAT neighbour becomes
better than threshold2)
Question 29. When Radio Link Failure Is Detected?

Answer :

Radio link failure to be detected:

upon T310 expiry

upon random access problem indication from MAC while neither T300, T301, T304 nor
T311 is running
upon indication from RLC that the maximum number of re-transmissions has been
reached
Question 30. What Is Srs Used For?

Answer :

UL reference signal used to measure the channel quality over a section of the
bandwidth.

Node B use this information for frequency selective scheduling and link adaptation
decisions.

Question 31. What Is Dmrs/drs?

Answer :

DMRS/DRS is uplink reference signal.

Used for :

Channel Estimation and synchronization in UL

EnodeB can use DMRS for calculating TA command for each UE.
Two Types: 1) PUSCH DMRS.
2) PUCCH DMRS.
PUSCH DMRS:

Included in every resource block allocated to UE for PUSCH transmission.

Distributed only in Frequency domain to preserve the PAPR characteristic of SC-
FDMA.
12 Resource element per resource block allocated to PUSCH DMRS.
PUCCH DMRS:
Included in every resource block allocated to UE for PUCCH transmission(if
transmitted).PUCCH occupies 2 resource block per 1 ms subframe when transmitted.
No of REs used for PUCCH DMRS depends on
a) PUCCH format to be transmitted and whether
b) normal or extended cyclic prefix used.
PUCCH DRMS used more no of bits in case of format 1,1a,1b and less no of bits in
caseof format 2, 2a, 2b.
Question 32. What Is Timing Advance? What Happens If Timing Advance Timer Expires?

Answer :

The timing of UL radio frame is relative to DL radio frame. EnB provides timing
advance command to each UE such that all UL transmissions arrive at the eNodeB in
synchronous manner.

If TA timer expires UE goes of reestablishment procedure or move to idle.

Question 33. What Is Backoff Indicator? What Is The Use Of Backoff Indicator?

Answer :

Backoff Indicator is a special MAC subheader that carries the parameter indicating
the time delay between a PRACH and the next PRACH.

if the Random Access Response contains a Backoff Indicator subheader:

set the backoff parameter value in the UE as indicated by the BI field of the
Backoff Indicator subheader

else,

set the backoff parameter value in the UE to 0 ms.

Routing Protcol Interview Questions

Question 34. What Is Bsr?

Answer :

The Buffer Status reporting procedure is used to provide the serving eNB with
information about the amount of data available for transmission in the UL buffers
of the UE.

Question 35. At What Scenario Ue Triggers Bsr?

Answer :

UL data, for a logical channel which belongs to a LCG, becomes available for
transmission in the RLC entity or in the PDCP entity and either the data belongs to
a logical channel with higher priority than the priorities of the logical channels
which belong to any LCG and for which data is already available for transmission,
or there is no data available for transmission for any of the logical channels
which belong to a LCG, in which case the BSR is referred below to as "Regular BSR";
UL resources are allocated and number of padding bits is equal to or larger than
the size of the Buffer Status Report MAC control element plus its subheader, in
which case the BSR is referred below to as "Padding BSR"
retxBSR-Timer expires and the UE has data available for transmission for any of
the logical channels which belong to a LCG, in which case the BSR is referred below
to as "Regular BSR"
periodicBSR-Timer expires, in which case the BSR is referred below to as "Periodic
BSR".
Question 36. When Different Types Of Bsr Are Triggered?

Answer :

For Regular and Periodic BSR:

if more than one LCG has data available for transmission in the TTI where the BSR
is transmitted

report Long BSR

else,
report Short BSR.

For Padding BSR: if the number of padding bits is equal to or larger than the size
of the Short BSR plus its subheader but smaller than the size of the Long BSR plus
its subheader:

if more than one LCG has data available for transmission in the TTI where the BSR
is transmitted: report Truncated BSR of the LCG with the highest priority logical
channel with data available for transmission;
else
report Short BSR.

else if the number of padding bits is equal to or larger than the size of the Long
BSR plus its subheader, report Long BSR.

Network Administrator Interview Questions

Question 37. What Is The Content Of Rar?

Answer :

A MAC RAR consists of the four fields

R
Timing Advance Command
UL Grant
Temporary C-RNTI
Question 38. In What Are The Scenario Ue Triggers Rrc Connection Reestablishment?

Answer :

UE Triggers RRC Connection Reestablishment procedure on following condition:

Upon detecting Radio Link Failure

Handover Failure
Mobility From E-UTRA Failure
Integrity Failure Indication Received From Lower Layers
RRC Connection Reconfiguration Failure
Question 39. When Ue Activates Integrity And Ciphering?

Answer :

The SECURITY MODE COMMAND message is used to command the UE for the activation of
AS security. E-UTRAN always initiates this procedure prior to the establishment of
Signalling Radio Bearer2 (SRB2) and Data Radio Bearers (DRBs).
AS security comprises of the integrity protection of RRC signalling (SRBs) as well
as the ciphering of RRC signalling (SRBs) and user plane data (DRBs). The integrity
protection algorithm is common for signalling radio bearers SRB1 and SRB2. The
ciphering algorithm is common for all radio bearers (i.e. SRB1, SRB2 andDRBs).
Neither integrity protection nor ciphering applies for SRB0.
The eNodeB sends integrity protected SECURITY MODE COMMAND message to the UE. The
UE shall derive KeNB and KRRCint which is associated with integrity protection
algorithm indicated in the SECURITY MODE COMMAND. Then, UE verifies the Integrity
of the received SECURITY MODE COMMAND by checking the Message Authentication Code
(MAC) in the SECURITY MODE COMMAND message. If the SECURITY MODE COMMANDmessage
fails the integrity protection check, then the UE sends SECURITY MODE FAILURE to
the eNodeB.
If the SECURITY MODE COMMAND passes the integrity protection check, then the UE
shall derive the encryption keys KRRCenc key and the KUPenc keys associated with
the ciphering algorithm indicated in theSECURITY MODE COMMAND.
The UE shall apply integrity protection using the indicated algorithm (EIA) and the
integrity key, KRRCintimmediately, i.e. integrity protection shall be applied to
all subsequent messages received and sent by the UE, including the SECURITY MODE
COMPLETE message.
The UE shall apply ciphering using the indicated algorithm (EEA), KRRCenc key and
the KUPenc key after completing the procedure, i.e. ciphering shall be applied to
all subsequent messages received and sent by the UE, except for the SECURITY MODE
COMPLETE message which is sent un-ciphered.
Question 40. What Is The Difference Between Lte Fdd And Lte Tdd?

Answer :

The difference lies in the LTE frame structure in both the FDD and TDD versions of
the LTE. In FDD there will be pair of frequencies assigned in the downlink and
uplink directions and hence transmissions from multiple subscribes can happen at
the same time but on different frequencies as mentioned. In TDD, one single
frequency will be used at different time instants by multiple subscriber terminals
(UEs). Both frame versions of LTE will have 1 ms sub-frame duration and 0.5 ms slot
duration.

4G Interview Questions
Question 41. What Is Resource Block In Lte?

Answer :

LTE frame is divided based on time slots on time axis and frequency subcarrier on
frequency axis. Resource block is the smallest unit of resource allocation in LTE
system. It is of about 0.5ms duration and composed of 12 subcarriers in 1 OFDM
symbol. One time slot is equal to 7 OFDM symbols in normal cyclic prefix and 6 OFDM
symbols in extended cyclic prefix. One full resource block is equal to 12
subcarriers by 7 symbols in normal CP. Hence it consists of total 84 time/frequency
elements referred as resource elements in LTE network.

Question 42. What Are The Lte Logical, Transport And Physical Channels?

Answer :

All these channels help LTE UE establish the connection with the eNodeB, maintain
the connection and terminate the same. Logical channels are characterized by the
information that is transferred. Transport channels are characterized by how the
data are transferred over the radio interface. Physical channel corresponds to a
set of resource elements used by the physical layer. Channels are further divided
into control channel and traffic channel at logical channel stage.

3G Interview Questions
Question 43. Explain The Difference Between Reference Signal (rs) And
Synchronization Signal (ss) In The Lte? Also Mention Types Of Rs And Ss?
Answer :

Reference signal (RS) is used as pilot subcarrier in LTE similar to other broadband
wireless technologies such as WLAN, WIMAX etc. Synchronization signal is used as
preamble sequence in LTE for synchronization purpose. RS is used for channel
estimation and tracking. SS are of two types viz. P-SS and S-SS. P-SS is used for
initial synchronization. S-SS is used for frame boundary determination.

RS are of two types viz.

Demodulation RS (DRS)
Sounding RS (SRS).
DRS is used for sync and channel estimation purpose. SRS is used for channel
quality estimation purpose. DRS is used in both the uplink and downlink, while SRS
is used only in the uplink.

Question 44. What Is The Function Of Lte Physical Broadcast Channel I.e. Pbch?

Answer :

After initial cell synchronization is completed, UE reads MIB (Master information

block) on PBCH (Physical channel). Broadcast channel is referred as BCH at
transport level and BCCH at logical level. MIB composed of downlink channel
bandwidth in units of RBs, PHICH duration, PHICH resource and system frame number.

Question 45. What Is The Advantage Of Using Sc-fdma In The Lte Uplink?

Answer :

The main advantage of SC-FDMA is low PAPR compare to OFDMA used in LTE downlink.
This increases the efficiency of power amplifier and hence increases the battery
life.

Question 46. What Is Rssi?

Answer :

RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indication. It is used almost in all the
RATs to identify power received from the cell in idle as well as
connected/dedicated modes. This helps UE always camped on to the best cell all the
time. In case of drop in power measured using RSSI, either UE or network initiates
the handover or cell re-selection is carried out.

Question 47. Explain Circuit Switch Fall Back I.e. Csfb With Respect To Lte And
Gsm?

Answer :

Framework allowing the provisioning of voice services by reuse of legacy GSM served
CS infrastructure when the UE is served by E-UTRAN (LTE).To provide voice call
support, Circuit Switch Fall Back is carried out to GSM RAT from LTE RAT to
facilitate the voice over LTE (VoLTE) feature.

Question 48. Explain Lte Network Architecture And Various Interfaces?

Answer :

There are various entities forming the LTE network architecture, the main
interfaces are Uubetween UE and eNB, X2 interface between eNBs and S1 interface
between eNB and EPC(Evolved Packet Core).

Question 49. Is Lte A 4g Protocol?

Answer :

The networking industry recognizes LTE a 4G technology along with WiMax and HSPA+.
None of these qualified as 4G based on the original definition of the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards group, but in December 2010 the ITU
redefined 4G to include them.

While some marketing professionals and press have labeled LTE-Advanced as 5G, no
widely-approved definition of 5G exists to justify the claim.

Question 50. What Is The Difference Between Lte And Lte Advanced?

Answer :

LTE is specified in 3GPP release 8 and release 9. LTE advanced is specified in 3GPP
release 10. The main difference between them is carrier aggregation is introduced
in LTE advanced. Number of antennas supported by MIMO has been increased to 8 in
LTE advanced.