LTE technology - what is it? IN modern world innovative technologies Wireless communication is observed rapid development. Many have already heard about lTE technologyBut not everyone understands what it is, and why it is necessary at all.

Thanks huge amount All sorts of tablet PCs, smartphones and laptops, which are available in the domestic market, users more and more often need high-speed wireless internet connection. And, as you know - the demand gives rise to an offer. So here, mobile operators, given the huge demand, are simply forced to provide their subscribers a better and high-speed connection.

It is for this reason in modern networks mobile communications New technologies are actively being introduced, the most promising of which is the LTE technology. Today we are seeing a gradual transition from 3G to the fourth generation of communication, and the LTE technology allows you to make it smoothly and unnoticed for users. This is explained by the fact that the implementation of LTE is possible in different frequency bands.

1. What does LTE mean?

The answer to the question is what LTE is Long Term Evolution means that translated into Russian means a long evolution. Initially, WiMAX technology was planned as the fourth generation of mobile communications, but due to the many factors testifying to LTE, WiMAX was still moved to the background.

LTE is a unique technology for building a mobile network, which refers to the fourth generation of communication. This technology is built on the basis of IP technologies, which means technology has an increased rate of information transfer. The LTE standard was developed and approved by the 3GPP International Affiliate Association.

Some believe that LTE technology is a simple improvement of the third generation of communication, but this opinion is erroneously. In fact, LTE is a deeper and significant change. This is a transition from CDMA (WCDMA) systems to OFDMA systems. In addition, LTE technology marks the transition from a system that uses channel switches to a system that uses packet switching (E2E IP).

What is LTE standard? This is a new communication system, which is introduced into the available networks, and ensures higher velocities of Internet connections.

2. LTE Standard Development Goals

First of all, the LTE communication standard was designed to achieve the following goals:

• Reducing the cost of transferring information over a wireless network;
• Significant increase in the data rate;
• Expanding the range of services provided and reducing their value;
• Increase the flexibility of the application of existing mobile communication systems.

The main goal of developing the LTE standard is to increase the data transfer rate over wireless networks. All other goals will be automatically achieved when the first is reached. LTE technology integration provides the ability to create high-speed mobile communication systems that will be optimized precisely for batching melon. At the same time, the speed in the receive channel (download), theoritically, is 326 Mbps, and in the return channel (UPLOAD) - 75 Mbps.

However, given the fact that the technology is still under refinement and only began to implement in the current networks, the actual data transfer rate is slightly varied with the theory and in ideal conditions is 100 Mbps when receiving a signal and 50 Mbps when driving. It is worth noting that today even such indicators are achieved far from everywhere. Although in any case the data transfer rate on the LTE network is significantly higher than in 3G.

3. Voice support in the LTE network

As mentioned above, LTE technology is under refinement and is only being implemented in existing networks, but many ask a question - LTE mode What is it? Is voice communication possible in this network?

Initially, LTE technology was fully developed based on IP protocols. Because of this this technologyIn its main form, it is capable of maintaining data exclusively. However B. currently Active developments are conducted, which will allow operators to offer their subscribers some decisions that allow us to use voice communication in the LTE network.

Already today such IP solutions are developed that will provide the same functional compatibility, uninterrupted work, as well as flexibility, which are able to offer the available mobile technologies of the second and third generations.

4. LTE on iPhone 5S and what is LTE: video

Such opportunities are available at IMS. These are multimedia subsystems that use IP protocols. It is ims that provides mobile operators with the opportunity to provide high-quality services voice communication LTE. At the same time, the LTE network is built in such a way that in the case of the subscriber's output from the LTE coating zone, it automatically switches to 3G without loss of communication.

In the plans of mobile operators, the following development scenario is planned. To begin with, the LTE network will be built only for data transfer. There will be 3G and 2G available for voice communication. However, over time, it is planned to switch to LTE to LTE, both for data transmission and voice-over (Volte - Voice-over-LTE) based on IMS.

VOLT technology is the specificization of voice transmission of traffic from channel switching systems and SMS to packet switching systems. In other words, thanks to the voolet voice traffic will be transmitted directly through the LTE connection using IMS.

5. Advantages of LTE technology

First of all, it is worth understanding that LTE is not a revolutionary, but an evolutionary path in the development of mobile communications. After all, an existing infrastructure is used to implement this technology. Even despite the fact that the third generation network will be used for a long time in all countries of the world, LTE technology and the fourth generation of communication is the future of mobile networks. This is explained by a number of undeniable and obvious advantages:

• Significantly higher bandwidth and, accordingly, higher Internet speed;
• Simplicity. LTE technology maintains flexible bandwidth options with a carrier frequency of 1.4-20 MHz. In addition, this technology supports duplex data transmission with the possibility of separating signals in frequency (FDD), as well as time (TDD);
• Low delay. LTE technology has a significantly smaller delay in data transmission for the user plane protocols. This opens up a lot of opportunities, for example, the subscribers have the opportunity to play multiplayer online games;
• More wide spectrum Subscriber mobile devices. It is planned to equip LTE modules not only cell phones (smartphones) and tablet PCs, but also laptops, video cameras, game consoles, as well as other household and portable devices.

Wireless data transmission today is a rapidly developing technology. In the world, where most of the time of our lives passes on the Internet, a high data transfer rate is needed. An important component of this phenomenon is the communication devices that allow us anywhere and at any time to enter the World Wide Web. This trend puts high requirements for modern devices and quality of cellular communication.

The implementation of iPhone 5S in the markets of the CIS countries began at the end of 2013. Many have had difficulty with the transition to LTE technology in the iPhone. The reason for this, the desire of Apple itself to choose when and with whom from cellular operators to cooperate. For a long time there was a situation when iPhones were sold, formally Apple supported LTE into the iPhone, in fact it was impossible to connect to it. Today there were long-awaited changes in the data.

Long Term Evolution is translated as long-term development and is written by the LTE abbreviation. Operators usually use the name 4G in advertising. LTE does not fully suit the requirements of this type of transmission. Under this generation only LTE-Advanced is suitable.

4G - Comes from G (Generation is translated as generation), i.e. Fourth generation of data transmission over the Internet. In 2008, quality standards were delivered: 1 Gbit / s for stationary devices100 Mbps for moving. As a rule, cellular operators reduce speed up to 20 Mbps to prevent overloading networks. Although today this question has already improved its indicators and at the presentation of Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus there was a speed of support for LTE in smartphones 150 Mbps.

To understand what speed is available for the device, look at the icon next to the communication level indicator in upper corner phone If there is no coverage for LTE in this place, then the previous generation of data transfer (3G) will be displayed. If it is not available and it will be visible earlier type of generation.

Allocate four generations of data transfer:

1. GPRS, speed 0.08 Mbps.
2. EDGE, operates at a speed of 0.06 to 1.0 Mbps.
3. 3G or H +, operates in the range of 3 - 5 Mbps.

The calculation of the cost of the Internet comes from the flow of 1 MB of data, regardless of the type of connection. When accessing high speed, the freight traffic is increased at times.

What is LTE in iPhone?

The reasons for Apple makes a decision on opening access to LTE telecom operators is due to the fact that it first tests the communication provider. Only after this procedure is allowed to operate LTE. Blocking the connection goes through the operators SIM cards, and not through the Apple iPhone firmware, as many believe.

For such locks there is a reason. Mobile operators have a poorly functioning CSFB (Circuit Switched Fallback), which is responsible for moving from LTE to the vocal call. A clearly similar situation is displayed by missing calls, during the LTE enabled on the iPhone.

IPhones, starting with 5S and 5C, have a real opportunity to work in LTE. At first it was possible only formally. After direct circulation of Russian mobile operators to Apple, this issue brought change. And now Beeline, Megaphone and MTS subscribers, iPhone owners can connect LTE. Today, work is underway to improve wireless data transmission and the situation changes for the better day of day.

How to turn on 4g on iPhone

When you're happy 5S / 5C iPhone owner And you are not available LTE, but I must, through the settings, go to the "Main" tab. Click "About this Device" and you will open automatically update your mobile operator settings. Agree and wait for the end of the process. If, upon completion of this procedure, the connected LTE on the iPhone has not earned, then you need to update the SIM card. Probably, the available does not support 4G. Supporting SIM card is black with 4G designation, if you are offered such white color, Know is a test card and its functionality is still tested, and there are failures.

How to enable LTE on iPhone

Data transmission on iPhones is carried out in several ways. It depends on the mobile operator. It is divided into mobile operators supporting VOLTE and not supporting.

Availability of VOLTE support by operator

Volte is decrypted as Voice Over LTE. On your phone, go to the "Cellular Communication" through the settings menu and go to "Cell data parameters". With the support of this technology, items will open:

• Shutdown. Full shutdown LTE.
• Voice and data. The use of voice calls and mobile data is included.
• Only data. Voice calls are disconnected at the time you enable mobile data.

If in the process of using this technology you often have problems with communication or its termination, use the full shutdown. If after this measure improves the quality of communication, contact your cellular operator for help.

Lack of support volte operator

In this case, the operator uses the GSM standard and offers the following data handling options:

• LTE LTE. or 4G based on the availability of the coating area.
• 3G. . Using data is included on the network 3G. If it allows the coverage area.
  
• 2G. . Using data is included on the network 2G. if it allows the coverage area.
  

4G designation is possible by UMTS and LTE software. It depends on the mobile operator. When using CDMA Standard It will only be available to "Enable LTE".

To use the data transfer possibility, you need to be the owner of the current tariff plan or have a connection to the World Wide Web. Per for more information You can contact your mobile operator.

To obtain high-quality data transfer, you need to clarify the area of \u200b\u200bthe cellular connection of the operator used, where you are at most of the time. Or use the services of the operator with the most wide service area.

If you are outside the service zone of your operator, you can use the services of another available where you are. To do this, you need to go through the settings in the "Cell data" and click on the "Rowing Data" button. In this situation, the service is likely to pay, so take care that you have had funds to pay for payment. After using this opportunity to avoid the loss of funds from the account, disable "roaming data".

Today, Russian cellular operators actively expand the coverage area of \u200b\u200bthe fourth generation. LTE - The term used to designate networks whose bandwidth is at least 10 Mbps. 4G-networks are a new standard of communication, which is characterized, first of all, the speed of connection and high quality voice calls.

List of LTE frequencies on which Russian cellular operators work

The 4G networks of each domestic operator are located in a certain frequency range. The table presented contains information about LTE Bendahs (from English Band), which are supported in our country:

Beda name	Frequency
Band 3.	1800-1880 MHz
Band 7.	2620-2690 MHz
Band 20.	790-820 MHz
Band 31.	450 MHz
Band 38.	2570-2620 MHz

The LTE standard is not compatible with the networks of the second and third generations, therefore special data transfer channels were allocated for it. Band is the frequency bands of any LTE network. The Bed number indicates the period of starting the use of this range in the world (there are now 44 ranges).

The bend presented in the table is used by each cellular operator. It should be noted that these frequency ranges are constantly expanding, which allow providers to provide a greater number of users to the Internet connection. In some cases, operators are combined for the construction of cellular needles: such an agreement concluded Beeline and Megafon in 2016. Another example of cooperation was the contract between Beeline and MTS, in accordance with which operators use general frequencies on the territory of some subjects of the Russian Federation.

The acquisition of bold frequencies occurs by open tradeswhere providers buy the right to broadcast their signal on certain channels. MTS, for example, spent 4 billion rubles per range of 2500 MHz, distributed in all Russian Federation In addition to the Moscow region and Crimea. Tele2 first launched 4G in the Kaliningrad region and a number of other subjects of our country at a frequency of 450 MHz.

Now you can familiarize yourself with the table, which presents the actual characteristics of the fourth generation networks in the Russian Federation.

Operator	Duplex	Band
Yota.	2500-2530 / 2620-2650	FDD.	Band 7.
Megafon.	2530-2540 / 2650-2660	FDD.	Band 7.
Megafon.	2575-2595	TDD.	Band 38.
MTS.	2540-2550 / 2660-2670	FDD.	Band 7.
MTS.	2595-2615	TDD.	Band 38.
Beeline.	2550-2560 / 2670-2680	FDD.	Band 7.
Tele2	2560-2570 / 2680-2690	FDD.	Band 7.
MTS.	1710-1785 / 1805-1880	FDD.	Band 3.
Tele2	832-839.5 / 791-798.5	FDD.	Band 20.
MTS.	839.5-847 / 798.5-806	FDD.	Band 20.
Megafon.	847-854.5 / 806-813.5	FDD.	Band 20.
Beeline.	854.5-862 / 813.5-821	FDD.	Band 20.

In addition to five federal operators, there are also regional, each of which has its own frequency network.

Top and lower frequencies

From a financial point of view, the development of LTE networks at the lower frequencies (less than 2000 MHz) is most beneficial for operators. Such frequencies are better penetrated into the building, but are not able to provide high-speed connectivity with high population density. The functions of the upper frequencies are opposite to the functionals of the lower, so the optimal version of the high-quality connection is the combination of both frequency channels, which allows to get rid of "shadow" sites on large spaces. Also in megalopolis there is a tendency to install on the roofs office buildings Special instruments contributing to the spread of the high-speed network indoors.

The main modes LTE

LTE standard is divided into two types: TDD and FDD. The first implies temporary (from the English. Time) Signal separation, and the second - frequency (from the English. Frequency). FDD is a more convenient communication mode, since, from the point of view of everyday use, it works more stable.

The difference between these concepts is the method of downloading and unloading data. Thanks to the FDD, there is a parallel processing of incoming and outgoing Internet traffic. Imagine that the user watches the video on YouTube and simultaneously sends a whole album of photos to the cloudy storage. Viewing video will be considered a download-operation, and sending a photo - upload, and in FDD mode, the gadget distributes both operations on different frequency channels. For example, LTE from a Russian megaphone operates at a frequency of 17 MHz, 11 of which can be used to load the content, and the remaining 6 - for unloading.

Separate processing of traffic increases the stability of the speed of each individual process, thereby ensuring a better connection.

TDD processes traffic sequentially. In other words, the same 17 MHz will also be loaded, and discharge of data - but already without separation, and alternately in one channel. The disadvantage of such a regime is possible "jumps" speeds.

Currently, Russian cellular operators seek to combine the work of TDD and FDD stations. Combining modes into one network, providers increase the overall connection speed.

LTE-Advanced technology (4G +)

LTE-Advanced is an "advanced" 4G network and is denoted by Russian operators 4G +. Although such a name emphasizes the increase in the speed of the new standard, it is not correct, since LTE-A according to its real indicators is the usual 4G. What is called 4G in Russia is significantly inferior to the nominal standards of the fourth generation.

The advantage of the Advanced standard is to summarize all frequencies belonging to the cellular operator, which reduces the "Sailing" coefficient in the data transmission channel. Thanks to the merger of several bands, Band 7 to one Megafon managed to increase the theoretical connection speed of up to 300 Mbps. If you add band 3 frequencies to Band 7, then the rate of data transfer will be 450 Mbps (40 MHz + 20 MHz \u003d 300 Mbps + 150 Mbps). Unfortunately, the real bandwidth of the Advanced channels is lower than the declared and corresponds only to the nominal standards 4G.

Use various frequency channels can any cellular operator with an appropriate license and necessary equipment. Now there is a tendency to expand the bandwidth of channels, the volumes of which are just dependent frequency range. It is also worth noting that to support LTE-A, the user device must have special technical characteristics.

Speed \u200b\u200b4G.

It is worth understanding that the real speed of the compound is almost always different from the nominal. The theory does not take into account such factors such as the landscape, the remoteness of cellular stations or the stay of the user in the building - similar conditions create interference with the connection and significantly reduce its quality.

The speed of data transmission also depends on the operator's workload: the more users have access to the fourth generation networks, the lower the indicators of high-speed qualities. In wireless networks, the width of the frequency range is determined, as well as the implementation of the communication duplex. These characteristics depend on the operator. Although some providers guarantee 300 Mbps indicators, on average, the actual speed is only 75 Mbps (Tele2, MTS and Beeline).

The Beeline and Megafon already mentioned by Tandem recently launched to the LTE-Advanced standard, which allowed to increase the speed of up to 160 Mbps at some coverage points. Now such a standard is represented in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but it will have to wait for the regions for a long time: the total distribution of 4G + throughout Russia is now impossible for two reasons. The first is the cost of the desired equipment, and the second (follows from the previous one) - in the fact that, with an increase in the coating zone, the load on already available cellular tower will grow, that is, the average speed indicator will only decrease.

Since the speed of compounds depends on the width of the frequency range, it can be said that today there is a megaphone in the most advantageous position, which, after the absorption of Yota, added channels of the acquired company to their own frequencies. Theoretically, the MEGAFON network can operate on a 40 MHz channel and accelerate in FDD mode up to 300 Mbps, but since part of the channel is given to subscribers of a subsidiary, the real speed is approximately 100 Mbps.

If we compare the third and fourth generation networks, then the latter speed is several times more: an average of 80 Mbps against the maximum 3 Mbps. HSPA + was able to dispel 3G to 45 Mbps, but these indicators are still lagging behind 4G.

Further development LTE

Despite the launch of the testing of the fifth generation networks in the world, some regions of the Russian Federation still do not even support 3G. In connection with this circumstance, it is necessary to predict, first of all, the widespread development of LTE technology. Also, the fourth generation networks are non-alternative in the territory of a number of subjects of Russia a way to access the global web, which stimulates the domestic cellular operators to develop precisely 4G standard.

In some cases, the wired connection is simply impossible, which contributes to the distribution of wireless technologies: the capabilities of cellular stations can be extended by special signal repeater antennas. The user can independently acquire such an antenna. It is important to take into account that each repeater works only with certain frequencies and mode (FDD or TDD).

Previously, questions about LTE asked a lot. Today it remained the most important: when? When will this happiness come to us in Russia? A month ago, I did not know what to answer people. It was very complex about this, because it is so close to the topic. Doubted whether the end of 2012, whether the beginning of 2013 is. No definition! But now, after the historical decision of the GCRH of September 8, everything finally became clear.

I'm a slope, what is LTE?

LTE - LONG TERM EVOLUTION (English, long-term evolution). When scientists brought to the mind of 3G (he same UMTS, he is WCDMA) within the framework of the 3GPP project, they "calculated the first-second." Half began to "cheese" 3G to HSPA: These were minor refinement of the radio interface while maintaining the base - the principle of code separation of the channels (CDMA). They planned to finish quickly, so called short-term evolution among themselves. Other half took the question: what if subscribers want mobile Internet At speeds are an order of magnitude higher than in 3G? Such questions are not quickly solved. Here you need to think, tight and long. Hence the evolution of long-term - LTE. Marketers, by the way, are often called LTE 4G.

About iron

LTE base stations do not contain anything supernatural. There is a radio module (they are the same transceivers, TRXs), a signal digital signal processing unit (BBU), interface cards (FE / GE ports, electrical, optical). Radiomoduli are remote - RRU. Mounted near the antenna (to reduce losses in the RF feeder), the BBU is connected by outpic (CPRI standard). All as in the BS 3G, but are called beautiful - Evolved Nodeb (literally - the product of the evolution of the "node b", i.e. Actually BS 3G).

Base station

Base station

And since BS. different standards More similar than different, manufacturers quickly guessed to do everything "in one bottle." The solution is called Singleran. One BS for 3 Standards: GSM, 3G and LTE. Very convenient to the operator from the point of view of saving and nutrition on the site, cutting time on installation and so on. We have already begun to purchase and install on the network. So, as soon as, right away ...

For LTE, do not need any special antennas. Complete panel antennas with cross-polarization are completely suitable. They, for example, are used in GSM and 3G networks. True, if in GSM and 3G two polarizations are usually used to use, and only one (2RX / 1TX scheme) is transmitted, then both polarizations are used in LTE, and on reception and transmission (2RX / 2TX). This is necessary for the implementation of MIMO2x2 technology. At the first stage, the introduction of LTE will be enough. Then the bandwidth of the sector can be increased by adding another cross-floor antenna by one cross-floor. It turns out a 4RX / 4TX and MIMO4x4 scheme. The main thing to disseminate the antennas in the space at a sufficient distance (about 10 wavelengths).

What else from the "iron"? Access Network Controller (as BSC in GSM, or RNC in 3G), as a separate physical and logical node on the LTE network, no, the BS are connected directly to the Core nodes, and exclusively by IP. Core is used only batch. Called EPC (Evolved Packet Core). To our happiness, a relatively new ordinary Packet Core turns into EPC by upgrade software. MME functionality (mobility management node in LTE) can be used to the SGSN used for GPRS / 3G, and the GGSN should be able to cope with the PGW / SGW functions. I will not say that all SGSN / GGSN-B "BILAIN" HW-READY to LTE, but we are confidently moving in this direction.

Plus SAE-HSS (subscriber profile storage), which also rises on an existing NGHLR HW platform "a. Here, in fact, the entire LTE network.

Architecture LTE.

About transport

GE ports on the BS. This, how to say Winnie Pooh, no reason: you probably understand what the backbone should be with such a backhaul "e! If someone from dear readers have several free billion dollars, I can tell how to spend them with benefit ...

About frequency

Unlike other mobile standards, LTE is not tied to a specific frequency range. This is his power. Developers (3GPP) identified more than 30 ranges for which manufacturers can produce standard LTE radio equipment. This fell here as frequencies used now for other standards (for example, 900, 1800 (GSM), 2100 (UMTS), 2500 (WiMAX) and "new", for example 700-800 MHz (the so-called "digital dividend"). It is clear that not all of the possible ranges will be widespread in the world. Most likely, in the end, "surviving" no more than 4-5 bands. Large quantity It is very difficult to implement in one subscriber device, and this is already a problem for ensuring global roaming. If you ask what bands to make a bet, my preferences are as follows:

• 800 MHz (3GPP Band 20) - highlighted or planned under LTE in almost all European countries, including Russia; beneficial in terms of costs for solid coverage; equipment is produced by all leading manufacturers;
• 2.5 GHz (3GPP BAND 7) - highlighted or planned under LTE in almost all countries of Europe and Asia, including Russia; beneficial when providing capacity in hot spot; Equipment is produced by all the leading manufacturers.
• 1800 MHz (3GPP Band 3) - will be released as the number of GSM-Only phones decreases and the 3G coating expansion (so that it is where to translate voice); It is good from the point of view of providing the balance between the container and the coating; GSM operators will provide an opportunity to save due to re-use of the access network infrastructure (transceivers, antennas); Equipment is produced by almost all leading manufacturers.

In general, the choice of the correct range for the development of LTE is not the task of simple. In the lower ranges, where everything is fine, the problem is to find a strip sufficient for a full LTE width. In the upper usually good with the frequency resource, but the BS must be put every 400-500 meters, we will break on a solid coating! Probably the majority networks LTE.Similar to GSMU, there will be two-ranges.

About speed

Maximum data transmission rates are the key wicker indicator of the standard for end users. And LTE is really cool! You can talk long about theoretical possibilities of different standards, the prospects for their development, and so on, but the fact that subscribers in the already working LTE networks are available more than 100 Mbps - this is a fact. And this is only the beginning of a bright future: I am sure that the achievement in the networks LTE speeds up to 1 Gbit / s is a question of several years. See further. Most likely, you need another breakthrough, both in the theory of radio communications and in the production technology of the element base.

About coverage

The coating zone of one BS in LTE can be absolutely different. What does it depend on it first? Right! From the frequency range used. If you compare the extreme options, then the coating area of \u200b\u200bone ENodeB operating in the lower LTE-band (700 MHz) turns out to be, other than those equal, 5-6 times more than for a base operating in 2.5 GHz. Under urban development, the cell radius, therefore, can be from several hundred meters to several kilometers. As for the LTE BS LTE Record, it was installed during the race of the Greek operator Cosmote on Huawei equipment at the beginning of this year - at a distance of 102 km from the BS, the transmission rate was obtained 135 Mbps. Of course, it was direct visibility and one subscriber in the cell. But from the point of view of the limit features of the standard - rather convincing.

About gadgets

Available in the market Subscriber devices with support for LTE include (by type):

USB modems (in the picture - Huawei E398)

Smartphones (in the photo - HTC Thunderbolt, OS Android)

Tablet (in the photo - Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, OS Android)


Portable LTE / Wi-Fi Hotspot (in the photo - SAMSUNG SCH-LC11)


Laptop (on the picture HP Pavilion DM1-3010NR)

At the moment, more than 100 subscriber devices with LTE support are available on the market and this amount grows every day. The main players in this market are our old familiar: Samsung, LG, HTC, ZTE, Huawei.

About experiences

See how LTE works live, I wanted a long time ago. The first time happened at the beginning of last year in Stockholm. Thanks to the colleagues from Ericsson, they called to look at the world's first commercial network LTE - Telia-Sonera. Honestly confess, was a little disappointed. Speeds while skated in the city on a minibus, ranged from 0 to 8 Mbps. In addition, the connection was constantly rushing. Colleagues were justified by the fact that the network was not yet optimized, the BS is not enough, the high range is 2.5 GHz. Everything, of course, is understandable, but wanted a miracle.

Upon arrival from Sweden, they conceived to build a LTE pilot network in one of our countries. The easiest way to agree with the regulator about the allocation (at the time of the pilot) frequencies under LTE was in Kazakhstan. The frequency range chose the lowest from the available - 700 MHz (more precisely, Band 13, it is those rates on which the American Verizon network is built). By the end of October 2010, in cooperation with the Alcatel-Lucent network in two main cities of Kazakhstan (Astana and Almaty). What happened to show also officials, and journalists, and the most interested in potential customers. You can read more.

About voice

Does the transfer of voices in LTE need? On the one hand, the standard of mobile communications claiming to remain global, without a basic connected service, it seems to be indecent. On the other hand, to present that the cover of LTE will appear where there is no GSM or 3G, it is difficult. That is, without a voice, the subscriber will not remain any.
Sooner or later, LTE-Advanced will come, additional frequencies will be required. And where to take them, how not to networks GSM and 3G? Then LTE will remain one on one with the subscriber who, as before, will need to talk - and, it means that the voice will be in LTE, the question of time. Now in the first commercial networks, the CS Fallback function is implemented to provide voice calls. Having received an incoming call on the LTE network to the service channel, the subscriber device switches to GSM or 3G mode and informs the network of readiness to accept the call. After that, the call is pumped through the GSM / 3G CS CORE.

CS Fallback in action

In the future, when moving to the All-IP architecture, the voice in mobile networks will remain only in the form of VoIP. Then the question of choosing a radio access network, through which voice calls will go, will be reduced to capacitive characteristics - the greater the bandwidth of the sector, the more simultaneous calls it can serve.

Due to the fact that there are more and more smartphones in the Russian market with a built-in LTE module, many are wondering - what is LTE in the smartphone? In order to answer this question most clearly, you need to understand what LTE is and what advantages this technology has. After all, knowing the answer to these questions, even the most distant Mobile user can understand what advantages LTE smartphone has.

1. LTE technology and its features

Modern technologies do not stand still. In particular, this concerns mobile technologies. If you recall all mobile technology available to simple subscribers, some regularity can be distinguished. Each communication generation, starting with 2G, has a certain time interval. That is, 2G technology was developed in 1990, and it was integrated only in 2000. Similarly, 3G - developed in 2000, and fully began to work only in 2010. Now it came to a turn of the fourth generation of communication. Already today we can observe a gradual transition from 3G to 4G. And it is LTE and is the same technology that allows this transition smoothly and unnoticed for subscribers.

LTE is a fourth-generation technology technology. Such mobile communication technologies that can provide subscribers to subscribers the speed of an Internet connection of at least 100 Mbps will be available. The main difference of this technology consists in high data transfer rates, which in the theory is 300 Mbps when receiving information (download) and 170 Mbps at arrival (UPLOAD). However, given the novelty technology and the fact that it is only implemented, the actual data transfer rate differs from the theory and is about 100 Mbit / s when receiving a signal and 50 Mbps at return.

Thus, it becomes clear that LTE smartphones allow the user to have access to a high-speed Internet. Thanks to this, subscribers receive a lot of new, absolutely not limited features. For example, high-quality double-sided video call, watching films online in FullHD format and so on.

In addition, LTE technology is embedded in 3G network and allows you to use the infrastructure already available. This makes the transition from 3G to the fourth generation of communication more smooth and invisible to subscribers. In addition, in the overwhelming majority of cases, smartphones with LTE are able to work in third generation networks, and even 2G. In other words, even if the subscriber's exit from the LTE coverage area, the device automatically switches to 3G mode without loss of communication.

1.1. LTE communication modes

In addition, the feature of LTE technology is that it is capable of working immediately in two communication modes:

• FDD is a bilateral communication mode with frequency separation of signals. That is, downward and upstream information flows have different frequencies. This achieves higher stability of the established connection and high connection speed. In this case, the number of channels in both directions is equal.
• TDD is a bilateral connection with the time separation of signals. That is, the bond is implemented by temporary sealing downward and upstream data channels on one carrier frequency. The advantage of this communication mode is that it allows you to more optimally use the resources of radio lines. At the same time, the number of time intervals in the downstream and upstream communication channels is different.

Already today, understanding the need to combine these modes, mobile device manufacturers make terminals supporting both modes. Moreover, the complexity device having a combined terminal is not significantly different from simple device FDD.

2. Smartphones with LTE for Russia

Given all the advantages of LTE technology, it becomes clear that the smartphone with LTE is able to provide the user to the mass additional features and higher quality of communication, as well as the speed of the Internet connection.

In addition, mobile operators providing LTE services clearly understand that the availability of mobile subscriber devices, in particular LTE smartphones, directly affects the demand of such services. This is explained simple rule - Demand creates supply. After all, what more people They can afford to purchase a mobile device with LTE, the higher the demand for this technology, the more, accordingly, technology will be developed faster and implement.

Understanding this relationship, the largest mobile operators created a strategic partnership and filed a request for a decrease in customs duty on the import of mobile devices, in particular smartphones. This will reduce their cost and make them more accessible to Russians.

However, there is one nuance. Not every smartphone with support for LTE will be able to work in Russian networks. This is explained by the fact that at the moment devices are available with LTE modules configured to a certain frequency. For example, if the smartphone is set to the frequency of 2100 MHz, then in Russia it will not work, since the LTE networks are built in the frequency bands of 791-862 MHz and 2500-2700 MHz. In the specifications of the device, the supported frequency is required.

To date, units of smartphones models can be operated in Russia, including:

• Nokia Lumia 920;
• LG Optimus G;
• LG Optimus F5;
• Sony Xperia V;
• Sony Xperia SP;
• SAMSUNG GALAXY EXPRESS;
• Alcatel Idol S;
• HTC One SV;
• BlackBerry Z10.

However, even these models do not support all frequencies. In most cases, they can only work under the lower range. In order to know exactly what frequencies does the smartphone support, see specifications. In addition to these devices, other smartphones meet on the Russian market. With the development of technologies, new and new models appear, capable of working in Russian LTE networks.

3. Benefits LTE smartphones

Given all the advantages and features of LTE technology, all the advantages of LTE smartphones become obvious. LTE support smartphones are not easy comfortable tool For traveling vast space. First of all, these are multifunctional devices that allow you to solve a wide variety of tasks that may be related to both multimedia (watching FullHD movies, listening to music, image processing, and so on) and with the Internet (video conferencing, online presentation, high-quality communication and high internet speed). All this becomes available to each owner of the LTE smartphone.

In addition to ordinary models in the Russian market, you can meet two-minute smartphones with LTE. They allow you to use the fourth generation link from different operators. At the moment it is a huge advantage, since still LTE networks do not cover the entire territory of the country. Different operators cover different cities. So in those cities in which there is no LTE cover from MTS, there are biline or megaphone networks. Here in these cases, smartphones with two SIM cards are an excellent solution.

One more very important advantage It is that LTE smartphones for Russia are able to work not only in the fourth generation networks. They support the connection of the third, and even the second generation. Thus, the subscriber always remains in touch. At the moment there is an automatic transition technology between networks. In other words, when leaving the LTE coverage zone, the smartphone automatically goes into 3G mode without loss of communication and unnoticed for the user.

4. Available LTE Smartphone from Samsung: Video

LTE for modern smartphones is a significant expansion of opportunities. This is a lot of fascinating entertainment. For example, multiplayer online Gameswhich used to be available only when Wi-Fi connect is available today to each LTE subscriber. In addition, the smartphone itself can be used as a Wi-Fi router, distributing the Internet to all others. That is, if there is no LTE module on the laptop, you need to connect your smartphone to the Internet via the 4G network and enable Wi-Fi access point in the settings. At the same time, high-speed Internet will be heard on your laptop, as well as other subscriber devices equipped with Wi-Fi module.

In the modern world of high technologies, always remain in touch is not a luxury, but necessity, therefore, for business people, smartphones with LTE are a real salvation, since they can create a video conference at any time and anywhere else tasks, associated with Internet access and sending files. And given the compact sizes of such devices, they are always and everywhere you can take with you.