LTE- 4th Generation (4G)

LTE (Long Term Evolution ) is also known as 4G wireless communication technology. LTE is a third generation partnership project(3GPP). 3GPP is a collaboration of groups of telecommunication associations. It has produced many well known technologies like global system for mobile communications(GSM), general packet radio service(GPRS), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution(EDGE),high speed packet access(HSPA), and recently LTE and LTE Advanced(LTE-A).

The research on LTE progressed in 2004 with an aim to enhance 3GPP’s already existing UMTS by simplifying the existing hybrid circuit switchedwith a packet only core network.This helps in achieving higher data rates leading to higher throughput,lower latency resulting in lower delay or faster data transfer,lower communication cost and enhanced efficiency.

Requirements: Reduced cost per bit,reduced power consumption by terminals,flexible use of new or existing frequency bands, and simplified network architecture.

LTE  is bound to be effective for both the consumers and the service providers. It promised to  provide data rates of upto 100 Mbps for downlink and 50 Mbps for uplink, within a cell of 5km radius. The number of users that can be supported within a the cell can vary from 200 to 400.Channel bandwidths can vary from 1.4 Mhz to 20 Mhz in both uplink and downlink. LTE also claims to support mobility speeds  of upto 350 kmphwith inter cell soft handovers .Support for 350-500 kmph is under consideration. Since LTE has evolved from already existing 3G technologies,operators can upgrade the existing infrastructure to support LTE,which will prove to be economical and efficient for the operators.