LTE & WiMAX- A Tale of Two Technologies

his paper aims to highlight the possible convergence path between LTE , WiMAX . LTE is the new kid on the block, the talk of the town ever since its inception. It has been tipped as the future for data and voice communication. LTE holds a lot of performance for the Telco operators worldwide in terms of catering for the ever increasing consumer demands for high data rates on the move along with the native voice communications. Therefore there is a great need to upgrade the current deployed networks to LTE. In an increasingly interconnected world, consumers demand high-speed communication, ease of access and flexibility. Digital convergence is revolutionizing the way data is delivered and consumed, however the challenges are to track evolving consumer demands and meet the expectations for faster and more sophisticated digitization capabilities. While WiMAX enjoys slight edge over relatively new LTE commercially, but the adoption of LTE will surpass WiMAX sometime at the end of 2012. It is largely due to LTE is backward compatible with existing GSM and HSPA networks, enabling mobile operators deploying LTE to continue to provide a seamless service across LTE and existing deployed networks. Presently LTE and WiMAX exist independently; however, the union of these technologies is expected to allow operators the flexibility to deploy multi-mode networks, enabling them to take advantage of the relative strengths of each technology while downplaying its weakness. The technology used for LTE is similar to that chosen for WiMAX even though they have both evolved from two different standards, i.e. 3GPP and IEEE802.16 respectively. The WiMAX/LTE network decision will be less complex if multimode devices are available. The Broadband wireless market has been divided into the two main groups of wireless operators: the established mobile operators with or without 3G spectrum and the new entrants, mainly greenfield operators and other fixed line operators. The WiMAX Forum and 3GPP have been pursuing two separate avenues to reach the same market mobile broadband. WiMAX was for greenfield players or operators with TDD spectrum that did not need backwardcompatibility with legacy cellular technologies supported by LTE. On the other hand, LTE was developed by mobile operators along with their vendors with little likelihood they would embrace a new disruptive standard. LTE had never been appealing to WiMAX operators as an FDD-only technology at least not until TD-LTE appeared. There is plenty of TDD spectrums available, and in most cases it is cheaper and under-utilized. Even 3G licenses frequently have TDD allocations and upcoming 2.5 GHz auctions in most cases contemplate TDD bands. In response to these trends, the WiMAX forum initiated the WiMAX 2.0 upgrade that offers most of the same features as LTE-Advanced while providing backward compatibility to WiMAX 1.0. WiMAX 2.0.

Mobile Industry Technologies As a technical point of view, mobile networks today are split into three main families with many different flavors, and are usually based on where they originated from and from what industry there were emerging from (Telecommunications versus PCs): GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the most popular standard for mobile telephony systems in the world. GSM is used by over 3 billion people across 212 countries and territories, representing 80% of the global mobile market uses (The GSM Association, 2009). IS-95 (Interim Standard 95), which represents 15% of the global market, has been originally from the US and Asia (outside Japan). The standard is more widely known under its latest release as CDMA and CDMA200 and has a long-term plan to merge with the GSM technology at the LTE (Long Term Evolution) stage. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) represents only 5% of the global market. The WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 standard) comes from IEEE family of protocols and extendsthe wireless access from the Local Area Network (typically based on the IEEE 802.11standard) to Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN). Ituses a new physical layer radio access technology called OFDMA (OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiple Access) for uplink and downlink. While the initial versions802.16-2004 focused on fixed and nomadic access, the later version 802.16-2005, an amendment to 802.16-2004 include many new features and functionalities needed to support enhanced QoS and high mobility broadband services at speeds greater than 120 Km/h. The 802.16-2004 is also called 802.16d and is referred to as fixed WiMAX while the 802.16-2005 is referred to as 802.16e or Mobile WiMAX. The Mobile WiMAX uses an all IP backbone with uplink and downlink peak data rate capabilities of upto 75 Mbps depending on the antenna configuration and modulation, practicable to 10 Mbps within a 6 miles (10 Km) radius. The earliest iterations of WiMAX was approved with the TDMA TDD and FDD with line of sight (LOS) propagation across the 10 to 66 GHz frequency range which was later expanded to include operation in the 2 to 11 GHz range with non line of sight (NLOS) capability using the robust OFDMA PHY layer with sub-channelization allowing dynamic allocation of time and frequency resources to multiple users. The 802.16m (Mobile WiMAX Release 2) Task-force is currently working on the next-generation systems with an aim for optimizations for improved interworking and coexistence with other access technologies such as 3G cellular systems, WiFi and Bluetooth and

enhance the peak rates to 4G standards set by theITU under IMT-Advanced umbrella which calls for data rates of 100 Mbps for high mobility and 1 Gbps for fixed/nomadic wireless access. LTE (Long Term Evolution) LTE, on the other hand evolves from the Third-generation technology which is based on WCDMA and defines the long term evolution of the 3GPP UMTS/HSPA cellular technology. The specifications of these efforts are formally known as the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) and evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), commonly referred to by the 3GPP project LTE. The first version of LTE is documented in Release 8 of the 3GPP specifications. It defines a new physical layer radio access technology based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) for the downlink, similar in concept to the PHY layer of Mobile WiMAX, and uses SCFDMA (single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) for the uplink. LTE supports high performance mobile access functional upto 350Km/h with 500Km/h under consideration. Peak data rates range from 100 to 326.4Mbps on the downlink and 50 to 86.4 Mbps on the uplink depending on the antenna configuration and modulation depth. The LTE also targets to achieve the data rates set by the 4G IMT-Advanced standard. The development of LTE interface is linked closely with the 3GPP system architecture evolution (SAE) which defines the overall system architecture and Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The LTE aims to provide an all IP backbone with reduction in cost per bit, better service provisioning, flexibility in use of new and existing frequency bands, simple network architecture with open interfaces, and lower power consumption. The next step in this development line was the introduction of HSPA, a 3Gtechnology capable of delivering theoretical data rates up to 14Mbps. The data rate was improved even further with the introduction of HSPA+ that increased the data rates over the two link directions; the uplink and the downlink. This technology is considered the big step towards LTE. It can be considered as a revolutionary development along the line, since it departed from the split circuit packet switch network by introducing, for the first time, an all-IP architecture as an option for the voice and data services. In addition, HSPA+ integrated the MIMO technology as a major part of its PHY layer, paving the way for its integration in LTE. A similar line of evolution was followed by the 3GPP2. It has progressively evolved IS-95 form a mere voice services network into the Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO) Rev B, a network that efficiently supports both data and voice services and at various mobility levels.

To enable possible deployment around the world, supporting as many regulatory requirements as possible, LTE is developed for a number of frequency bands, ranging from 800 MHz up to 3.5 GHz. The available bandwidths are also flexible starting with 1.4 MHz up to 20 MHz. LTE is developed to support both the time division duplex technology (TDD) as well as frequency division duplex (FDD). Since LTE provides high spectral efficiency, supports high data rates and implements flexible access architecture, it is proven to become a success amongst operators as well as customers.

Some Key Features of LTE Evolution WCDMA (UMTS) Max downlink speed bps Max uplink speed bps Latency round trip time approx 3GPP releases Approx years of initial roll out Access methodology Rel 99/4 2003 / 4 CDMA Rel 5 / 6 2005 / 6 HSDPA 2007 / 8 HSUPA CDMA Rel 7 2008 / 9 CDMA Rel 8 2009 / 10 OFDMA / SC-FDMA 150 ms 100 ms 50ms (max) ~10 ms 128 k 5.7 M 11 M 50 M 384 k HSPA HSDPA / HSUPA 14 M

HSPA+ 28 M

LTE 100M

Are WiMAX and LTE really moving towards convergence? WiMAX and LTE are expected to converge on several levels as they have many common characteristics and deliver similar performances. In addition, several stakeholders are taking steps to accelerate this union. Initially, these and other wireless networks will converge in devices on a service level through multi-mode device integration, which are expected to be much simpler and more effective in supporting seamless handoff of sessions. It is believed that both WiMAX and LTE will co-exist in certain regions, and that operators will use WiMAX for one set of applications and LTE for another. Some of the similarities can be seen below

These commonalities and developments make the merger of WiMAX and LTE a certainty in the near future. As the rollout of LTE begins, base stations, handsets, and CPE equipment will be built using baseband and RF devices that support WiMAX and LTE. LTE and WiMAX provide comparable performance,because they both use an Internet Protocol (IP) core and an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access(OFDMA) air interface as their core technologies. However, in commercial networks in most countries, WiMAX has reached a more mature state that will take a few years for LTE to match. Overlaying a LTE network to complement existing WiMAX networks will allow bundling of services and dual-mode devices. This will help increase an operators subscriber base. Achieving this is not difficult because: 1. 2. 3. An LTE overlay on WiMAX would not require additional towers. The wired network infrastructure is mostly common between systems and network management, back-office accounting, operations and billing. Other functions will also be common (operator dependent).

The 3 major factors that have made operators realize a possible convergence to LTE are Firstly, the growing support for a TDD-version of LTE, known as time-division LTE (TD-LTE), has created a more direct competitor to WiMAX. Interest in TD-LTE originated in China, but it has spread worldwide, with many mobile operators attracted by the opportunities for international roaming and for using much less expensive TDD spectrum to boost capacity in their domestic markets. Further demand for TD-LTE is driven by WiMAX operators who have started to take a more active role in the TD-LTE standardization process. In the US, for instance, Clearwire has asked the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to create a TD-LTE profile for the 2.5 GHz band it uses for its WiMAX rollout.

Second, vendors have introduced platforms that support multiple air interfaces through software upgrades, and they plan to expand the selection of affordable multimode devices. The cost and complexity of migrating to a new air interface has dropped, making it more attractive for WiMAX operators to switch to LTE or to support both WiMAX and LTE. Third, with a larger market size and commitment from most tier-one mobile operators, a powerful LTE ecosystem is rapidly building, with a wider choice of subscriber devices and competitive equipment prices. The table below shows a comparison of LTE and WiMAX

WIMAX
IP-based technology with OFDMA modulation used in the uplink and downlink. WiMAX networks operated by 559 operators covering more than 620 million people in 147 countries and supporting a rapidly growing subscriber base. Only TDD supported, in the 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz bands. Additional bands might be added in the future.

LTE
IP-based technology with OFDMA modulation in the downlink and Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) in the uplink. Few commercial networks for FDD LTE with a limited number of subscribers, and none for TD-LTE to date Commercial FDD LTE deployments are expected to increase in early 2012. Supports both TDD and FDD. TD-LTE frequencies range from 1800 MHz to 2.6 GHz (with possible inclusion of the 3.5 GHz band in the future). LTE FDD bands range from 700 MHz to 2.6 GHz. Larger market share in the long term, with better opportunities for international and domestic roaming 3GPP standardization process led by mobile operators and top vendors. Powerful ecosystem with strong vendor and operator support to ensure affordability and choice among devices. Legacy support for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) gives LTE potential access to 4.6 billion mobile subscribers. LTE Advanced is the next version of LTE; the standard is still being developed. Developed with mobility in mind, but could support fixed usage scenarios.

Less complex solution for regional/rural operators who dont need roaming with 3GPP networks. Standardization driven by vendors, operators, and greenfield players at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the WiMAX Forum. WiMAX Forum certification program supports interoperability across vendors, but smaller market size results in more limited choice of devices. The next version of WiMAXWiMAX 2, based on IEEE 802.16mis expected to be commercially available by end 2012.

Supports fixed, nomadic, and mobile usage scenarios.

Hard realities of WiMAX-to-LTE conversion

Current subscriber base

Cost to convert a subscriber is high. Declaration of intent to convert may imply to customers that the current network is obsolete.

Equipment
Will current RAN vendors solution support dual operation? (No = expensive) Some vendors RAN equipment will support both WiMAX and LTE concurrently in the same base station, which can reduce the cost of running dual networks but even these have restrictions about how this can be done. Motorola is one of the vendors claiming it can support both WiMAX and LTE in the same base station with the LTE channel turned on as overlay to the WiMAX channel. Of course a new card on the rack or a new rack can also be installed but everything that involves a visit to the site will be expensive. Another challenge is whether the base station has enough processing power to support two channels, as there may not be enough spectrum to run two parallel networks. How long will it take to fully convert subscriber base to new devices? (Quick = expensive) The core architecture of each standard is significantly different, requiring the concurrent operation of two core networks until subscribers are completely migrated. There is a small percentage of the core network that is suitable in both networks, such as the AAA and packet router, but mostly the carrier will buy separate core equipment for WiMAX and for LTE. In the case of a migration, 80% of the core infrastructure would have to be duplicated, the biggest expense being to replace the WiMAX ASN gateway with the LTE equivalent.

Spectrum
Concurrent networks require double the spectrum, albeit mitigated somewhat by variable channel sizes and novel spectrum reuse techniques available in both standards TDD and FDD are not compatible in adjacent spectrum, so most WiMAX carriers will be forced to deploy TD-LTE.

TOP WIMAX OPERATORS WORLDWIDE

IEEE 802.16 FAMILY

Standard 802.16-2001 802.16.2-2001 802.16c-2002 802.16a-2003 P802.16b P802.16d 802.16-2004 P802.16.2a 802.16.2-2004 802.16f-2005 802.16-2004/Cor 12005 802.16e-2005 802.16k-2007 802.16g-2007 P802.16i 802.16-2009 802.16j-2009 802.16h-2010 802.16m-2011 P802.16n P802.16p

Description Fixed Broadband Wireless Access (1066 GHz) Recommended practice for coexistence System profiles for 1066 GHz Physical layer and MAC definitions for 211 GHz License-exempt frequencies (Project withdrawn) Maintenance and System profiles for 211 GHz (Project merged into 802.16-2004) Air Interface for Fixed Broadband Wireless Access System (rollup of 802.16-2001, 802.16a, 802.16c and P802.16d) Coexistence with 211 GHz and 23.543.5 GHz (Project merged into 802.16.2-2004) Recommended practice for coexistence (Maintenance and rollup of 802.16.2-2001 and P802.16.2a) Management Information Base (MIB) for 802.16-2004 Corrections for fixed operations (co-published with 802.16e-2005) Mobile Broadband Wireless Access System Bridging of 802.16 (an amendment to IEEE 802.1D) Management Plane Procedures and Services Mobile Management Information Base (Project merged into 802.16-2009) Air Interface for Fixed and Mobile Broadband Wireless Access System (rollup of 802.16-2004, 802.16-2004/Cor 1, 802.16e, 802.16f, 802.16g and P802.16i) Multihop relay Improved Coexistence Mechanisms for License-Exempt Operation Advanced Air Interface with data rates of 100 Mbit/s mobile and 1 Gbit/s fixed. Also known as Mobile WiMAX Release 2 or WirelessMAN-Advanced. Aiming at fulfilling the ITU-R IMT-Advanced requirements on 4G systems. Higher Reliability Networks Enhancements to Support Machine-to-Machine Applications

Status Superseded Superseded Superseded Superseded Withdrawn Merged Superseded Merged Current Superseded Superseded Superseded Current Superseded Merged Current Current Current Current In Progress In Progress

EVOLUTION PATH TO LTE FOR DIFFERENT OPERATORS AND TECHNOLOGIES 1) 3GPP operator examples GSM(2G) GPRS(2.5g) EDGE(2.75g) WCDMA UMTS (3G) HSDPA (3.5g) HSUPA (3.75g) HSPA+ (3.95g) LTE (4G)

2) 3GPP2 operator examples CDMA1x CDMA2000 EVDO Rev O EVDO Rev A EVDO Rev B (Wimax)(HSPA/HSPA+) LTE

3) TD-LTE specific operator examples 2G TD/SCDMA TD-LTE