LTE in the Unlicensed Spectrum - But before we start More Traffic, Faster, Everywhere! LTE in the...
Transcript of LTE in the Unlicensed Spectrum - But before we start More Traffic, Faster, Everywhere! LTE in the...
LTE in the Unlicensed Spectrum
Andjela Savoia
Application Engineer
Page
The path beyond 1Gbps
2
E7515A UXM Wireless Test Set
Future-ready capabilities
• 1.6Gbps IP data throughput with LTE-A
4CC CA and 4x4 DL MIMO (with
simulated uplink)
• World’s first benchtop solution capable to
support 5CC
A validated solution
• Industry Leadership: Joint validation and
commercialization
• Mobile Industry Milestone: 1Gbps IP Data
Throughput
• 4x4 MIMO with Carrier Aggregation &
256QAM Downlink
1Gbps!
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum
PageAgenda
– The unlicensed spectrum opportunity
– It’s happening in multiple ways:
• WLAN inter-working
• LTE in the Unlicensed Spectrum
– Summary
Page
But before we start…
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 4
Page
But before we start…More Traffic, Faster, Everywhere!
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 5
Mobile data traffic grew another 75% in 2015
o From 2.1EB/month in 2014 to 3.7EB/month in 2015 (1 EB = 1 million TB)
o Expect to reach 30EB/month by 2020
The FCC closed a $45 billion wireless spectrum auction in 2015
o Auction for the so called AWS-3 mainly used to deploy 4G
Mobile video will increase 11-fold between 2015 and 2020
Source: Cisco Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2015-2020
PageAgenda
– The unlicensed spectrum opportunity
– It’s happening in multiple ways:
• WLAN inter-working
• LTE in the Unlicensed Spectrum
– Summary and conclusions
Page
The unlicensed spectrum opportunityMultiple ways to help cope the capacity crunch
Enhanced MIMO Het-Nets
Increase available Bandwidth
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 7
Page
The unlicensed spectrum opportunity
Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio bands
Portions of the spectrum reserved internationally for Industrial, Scientific and
Medical purposes
• Defined by the ITU Radio Regulations (Article 5)
• Differently regulated by each region (i.e. FCC in US, ETSI in EU)
• Exact frequency allocation depends on country
• Unlicensed operations are typically permitted
• Services operating within these bands must accept interference
2.4GHz~80MHz
5GHz~ 800MHz
60GHz~ 9000MHz
Bluetooth, ZigBee, WLAN WLAN WiGig
What is the Unlicensed Spectrum?
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 8
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Faster
Data Rates
More Users
Capacity
Indoor
Connectivity
The unlicensed spectrum opportunityOperators Benefits
WLAN ubiquity
and lower cost
infrastructure
LTE in the
Unlicensed Spectrum
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 9
PageAgenda
– The unlicensed spectrum opportunity
– It’s happening in multiple ways:
• WLAN inter-working
• LTE in the Unlicensed Spectrum
– Summary and conclusions
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Link
Aggregation
WLAN
LTE
Unlicensed
Carrier
Aggregation
WLAN
Offload
More Capacity
Unified Network
Fair Coexistence
Faster
LTE
Licensed
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 11
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Link
Aggregation
WLAN
LTE
Unlicensed
Carrier
Aggregation
WLAN
Offload
More Capacity
Unified Network
Fair Coexistence
Faster
LTE
Licensed
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 12
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Link
Aggregation
WLAN
LTE
Unlicensed
Carrier
Aggregation
WLAN
Offload
More Capacity
Unified Network
Fair Coexistence
Faster
LTE
Licensed
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 13
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Rel. 12 Rel. 13 Rel. 14Rel. 11Rel. 10
LTE/WLAN
Interworking
LTE over
unlicensed eLAA
WLAN
Offload
RAN Assisted
Interworking
RAN Controlled
Interworking
LAA
LTE-U
Aggregation LWA
LWIP
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 14
Offload
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Rel. 12 Rel. 13 Rel. 14Rel. 11Rel. 10
LTE/WLAN
Interworking
LTE over
unlicensed eLAA
WLAN
Offload
RAN Assisted
Interworking
RAN Controlled
Interworking
LAA
LTE-U
Aggregation LWA
LWIP
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 15
Offload
Page
WLAN Offload: Use Case
1. WLAN Calling offload (3GPP Network access through WLAN)
Receive and place calls, SMS through IMS in areas with poor cellular coverage
3. Seamless Offload (Session mobility)
Higher quality transitions when entering/exiting LTE or WLAN coverage
2. Smart Offload (Network selection)
Select LTE or WLAN based on environment, network conditions and per-service
• Delivery of mobile cellular traffic over WLAN to reduce congestion of the
cellular network by taking advantage of:
o Most of mobile devices usually have a built-in WLAN function
o Readily available WLAN networks
• LTE – WLAN Inter-working standardization is needed to improve QoE:
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 16
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WLAN
IMS
eNB
WLAN Calling offload using IMS
Internet
ProviderUE
3GPP Network
How could I still be reachable?
Internet
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 17
Page
WLAN
IMS
eNB
WLAN Calling offload
Internet
ProviderUE
3GPP Network
How could I still be reachable?
1. Trusted WLAN (i.e. Operators owned WLAN network)
2. Un-Trusted WLAN (i.e. WLAN at home or office)
Internet
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 18
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WLAN
IMS
eNB
WLAN Calling offload (Un-Trusted WLAN)
Internet
UE
3GPP Network
ePDG
PDN
GW
IPSec tunnel
– Step 1: Provisioning of ePDG address.
– Step 2: Secure IPsec tunnel between UE and ePDG via the WLAN access (IKEv2)
– Step 3: Authenticate USIM through IPSec tunnel to ePDG
– Step 4: IMS registration
Internet
Provider
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 19
Page
WLAN
IMS
eNB
WLAN Calling offload (Un-Trusted WLAN)
Internet
UE
3GPP Network
ePDG
PDN
GW
– Step 1: Provisioning of ePDG address.
– Step 2: Secure IPsec tunnel between UE and ePDG via the WLAN access (IKEv2)
– Step 3: Authenticate USIM through IPSec tunnel to ePDG
– Step 4: IMS registration
Hello!Internet
Provider
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 20
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WLAN
IMS
eNB
WiFi Offload: RAN Assisted Network Selection
UE
3GPP Network
Which Network should I use (3GPP or WLAN)?
- RAN Assistance via SIB17 and dedicated RRC signaling
- ANDSF is a semi-static policy provided to the UE that controls the access according to
time of the day, location and network congestion.
- Ultimately, decisions are made by the UE based on evaluation of these policies
WLAN
Provider
ANDSF
ANDSF
Server
Internet
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 21
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RAN LTE-WLAN Inter-working (Rel 12 and 13)
LTE WLAN
? Rule#1
If LTE is bad and WLAN good
steer to WLAN
Rule#2
If WLAN is good but slow
steer to LTE
…
RAN Assisted (Rel 12)
LTE WLAN
RAN Controlled (Rel 13)
Measurement Report
Steering command
(offload to WLAN or LTE)
• RAN Assisted Interworking (RALWI – Rel 12) provides the UE with parameters
and rules to help take the decision to steer to WLAN or LTE; decission led by the UE
• RAN Controlled Interworking (RCLWI – Rel 13), allows the Network Operator to
control when and where to steer through a steering command:
o Greater control by the Operator
o Harmonized with 3GPP handovers based on UE measurements
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 22
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Provided by
Commercial
Access Point
Provided
by UXM
E7515A
23
E7515A UXM
WLAN
IMS
eNB
WLAN Calling Demo
InternetInternet
ProviderUE
3GPP Network
ePDG
PDN
GW
– IMS termination (client) and server, provided by E6966B
– ePDG optional in E7515A UXM instrument
– WLAN access point - any which supports IPSec
IPSec tunnel
Provided
by E6966B
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Rel. 12 Rel. 13 Rel. 14Rel. 11Rel. 10
LTE/WLAN
Interworking
LTE over
unlicensed eLAA
WLAN
Offload
RAN Assisted
Interworking
RAN Controlled
Interworking
LAA
LTE-U
Aggregation LWA
LWIP
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 24
Offload
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Rel. 12 Rel. 13 Rel. 14Rel. 11Rel. 10
LTE/WLAN
Interworking
LTE over
unlicensed eLAA
WLAN
Offload
RAN Assisted
Interworking
RAN Controlled
Interworking
LAA
LTE-U
Aggregation LWA
LWIP
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 25
Offload
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LTE WLAN User Plane Aggregation: Use Case
• Enable link aggregation of LTE and WLAN to increase throughput
- Reliable LTE used as control and mobility anchor to secure QoE
- WLAN (using unlicensed spectrum) is opportunistically used to
increase data rates
• Operators can use deployed WLAN network as standalone for legacy
devices but also to increase data rates in new devices
• The benefits can be realized in:
- Co-located (e.g. a small-cell that integrates both LTE and WLAN)
- Non-co-located (e.g. agreement to use a partner’s WLAN network)
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 26
Co-located
Integrated LTE / WLAN small-cells
Non-co-located
Cellular network partering with WLAN operator
Page
• Uses concepts developed in Rel. 12 Dual Connectivity
• Master cell group can only be played by LTE eNBs
• Secondary cell group is replaced by a WLAN Termination (WT)
• In the case of non-co-located, Xw interface is used to connect eNB and WT
• Enables efficient control plane signaling
• Whilst exploiting a small cell WLAN hot spot
LTE WLAN Aggregation (LWA) Use Model
Data Aggregation using WLAN Hot spot
eNode B
WLAN
…00101110 …
Xw
interface
S-GW/
MME
WLAN WLAN
WT
WLAN Mobility Set
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 27
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LTE WLAN Aggregation (LWA): Fundamentals
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 28
• When non-co-located, eNB and WLAN need to support a new interface (Xw – control and data)
• WLAN nodes assumed to be deployed by Operators/Partners
• User plane split/switch between LTE/WLAN is at PDCP level
• WLAN traffic direction is DL only
Page
LWA (R13): WLAN Access Point Aggregation
eNBUE WT
WT Addition Request
WT Addition Acknowledge
RRC ConnectionReconfiguration
RRC ConnectionReconfigurationComplete
WT admits request from
the eNB to aggregate the
WLAN resource requested
WT Association Acknowledge
WLAN Connection Status Report
UE receives configuration with:
- LWA DRB configuration
- List of WLAN SSID to Add
(creating the MobilitySet)
- LWA WT Counter used to derive
the authentication key with WLAN
UE reports connection
status to WLAN(s) and the
cause of failures if any
UE Capabilities
PS ATTACHDuring the network attach, the
UE shall report LWA capabilities
including WLAN band indicator
(2.4GHz, 5GHz)
UE starts using the new LTE-WLAN aggregated DRB
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 29
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LTE WLAN IP Tunneling (LWIP): Fundamentals
• eNB-WLAN communication is over an IP tunnel (supports legacy WLAN deployments)
• When aggregated, packets could be delivered out of order
• User plane split/switch between LTE/WLAN is at IP level
• WLAN traffic direction is DL and UL
(PDCP SDUs)
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 30
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Rel. 12 Rel. 13 Rel. 14Rel. 11Rel. 10
LTE/WLAN
Interworking
LTE over
unlicensed eLAA
WLAN
Offload
RAN Assisted
Interworking
RAN Controlled
Interworking
LAA
LTE-U
Aggregation LWA
LWIP
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 31
Offload
Page
It’s happening in multiple ways…
3GPP has focused in two areas to help Operators offload traffic in the
unlicensed spectrum:
• WLAN via LTE/WLAN Interworking (via offload or aggregation)
• LTE over unlicensed spectrum
Rel. 12 Rel. 13 Rel. 14Rel. 11Rel. 10
LTE/WLAN
Interworking
LTE over
unlicensed eLAA
WLAN
Offload
RAN Assisted
Interworking
RAN Controlled
Interworking
LAA
LTE-U
Aggregation LWA
LWIP
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 32
Offload
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LTE over Unlicensed: Licensed Assisted Access
• Opportunistic use of LTE in the Unlicensed Spectrum represents an important
complement to meet traffic demand and help boost data rates
• 3GPP has analyzed different modes of Operations depending on scenarios:
Deployment model Mode of operation
Cells w/ ideal backhaul (co-located or not)
Licensed-Assisted
Carrier
Aggregation
(Rel.13 LAA)
Cells w/out ideal backhaul (non-colocated)Dual Connectivity
(Rel.14 eLAA)
Standalone cellsStandalone
non-3GPP i.e. MulteFire
• Enhanced LAA (eLAA) has been proposed as a new Release 14 Work Item
and will specify LAA support for Uplink and Dual Connectivity in the LAA SCell
• Standalone operation within unlicensed spectrum is not planned yet by 3GPP
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 33
(1) License-Assisted
(2) Standalone
Page
• Based on Carrier Aggregation with the Primary Cell being deployed in any
Licensed Band to ensure highest reliability and a set of SCells in unlicensed
spectrum to boost data rates.
LAA Overview and Design Targets
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 34
Design targets:
1. Single global solution compliant with any regional regulatory requirement
2. Effective and fair co-existence with WLAN
3. Effective and fair co-existence with others Operators’ LAA deployments
Page
LAA Functionalities
LTE functionality required:
i. Listen-Before-Talk (LBT)
ii. Frame structure type 3:
• Discontinuous transmission with limited usage of channel
• Use of incomplete subframes
• Downlink only
• No PBCH
• Use of Band 46 (5.150 – 5.925 GHz)
iii. Discovery Signals to enable RRM
More information can be found in TR 36.889
“Feasibility Study on Licensed-Assisted Access to Unlicensed Spectrum“
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 35
Page
LAA Functionalities: Listen-Before-Talk (LBT)
LBT (Listen-Before-Talk):
• Is a contention-based protocol that allows many users to use the same radio
channel withouth pre-coordination
• Relies on eNB sensing the radio channel (CCA) before starts a transmission
LAA SCell1
LAA Tx
Need to transmit
Contention Window slot (9us)
LAA DL Transmission
N Random number [0, CW]
1
N=1 Td
Td Defer time (≥21us)
LBT procedure described in TS 36.213 cl. 15.1
CCA = Clear Channel Assesment
Is channel Idle?
Yes!
Transmit
LBT
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 36
OFF OFFON
Page
LAA Functionalities: Listen-Before-Talk (LBT)
LBT (Listen-Before-Talk):
• Is a contention-based protocol that allows many users to use the same radio
channel withouth pre-coordination
• Relies on eNB sensing the radio channel (CCA) before starts a transmission
LAA SCell1
LAA SCell2
LAA Tx
N=4
Need to transmit
Contention Window slot (9us)
LAA DL Transmission
N Random number [0, CW]
1
N=1 Td
1
Td
Td Defer time (≥21us)
LBT procedure described in TS 36.213 cl. 15.1
CCA = Clear Channel Assesment
Is channel Idle?
No. Back-off
Td …
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 37
Page
LAA Functionalities: Listen-Before-Talk (LBT)
LBT (Listen-Before-Talk):
• Is a contention-based protocol that allows many users to use the same radio
channel withouth pre-coordination
• Relies on eNB sensing the radio channel (CCA) before starts a transmission
LAA SCell1
LAA SCell2
LAA Tx
N=4Td
4 LAA Tx
Need to transmit
Contention Window slot (9us)
LAA DL Transmission
N Random number [0, CW]
1
N=1 Td
1
Td Td
2 3
Td Defer time (≥21us)
LBT procedure described in TS 36.213 cl. 15.1
CCA = Clear Channel Assesment
…
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 38
Page
LAA Functionalities: Discontinuous transmission
Discontinuous transmission:
• Certain geographical regions prohibit continuous transmission and impose
limits on the maximum duration of a transmission burst in the unlicensed
spectrum.
Table 15.1.1-1: Channel Access Priority Class (TS 36.213)
• The largest burst duration (MCOT - Maximum Channel Occupancy Time)
ranges between 2ms (p = 1, highest priority) and 10ms (p = 4, lowest priority)
Contention Window MCOT
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 39
Page
LAA Functionalities: Discontinuous transmission
Discontinuous transmission:
• First subframe in a burst can last 1ms (starts at symbol 0) or 0.5ms (starts
at symbol 7):
- Signaled to the UE via RRC with “subframeStartPosition” in the
Dedicated Physical Configuration
• Last subframe in a burst can last 1ms or the duration of a Special subframe
with normal cyclic prefix ({3,6,9,10,11,12} OFDM symbols)
- Signaled to the UE via DCI Format 1C scrambled with a new CC-RNTI
Note: 's0' means symbol 0 and 's07' means symbol 0 or symbol 7
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 40
Page
LAA Functionalities: LAA Cells discovery
LAA Secondary Cells discovery:
• It is needed a way for UEs in the LAA SCell coverage range to enable RRM
measurements and reporting, even when SCells are not aggregated
• Use of Rel.12 Discovery Signals (DS), initially designed for small cells, but with
certain differences when used for LAA SCells:
- RRC signaling (DMTC) allows DS periodicity of 40ms, 80ms and 160ms
- ≥12 OFDM symbols subframe with only CRS, PSS and SS
- DS transmission can happen in any of the 6 first subframes of the period
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 41
Page
LAA Conformance Status Update
LAA RAN5 Work Item approved in Dec 2015 (RAN#69)
Conformance Test Cases definition is on going and expect to be
finished and available by late 2016:
• NEW RF test cases: Expected Chapters 7, 8 and 9 (Rx and Perf)
• NEW RRM and PCT test cases
LAA RAN4 Performance requirements expected to be finished by
June 2016 (RAN#72)
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 42
Page
T4010S Conformance Test SystemRF, RRM & Design Verification
• Based on the E7515A UXM Wireless Test Set
• Confidently runs 3GPP RF & RRM Conformance
Test on a platform validated for 3GPP test cases
using the same hardware set
• Utilize extended test plans for exhaustive Design
Verification
• Scalable & Compact solution based on a
common hardware set
• Create Custom Test Campaigns with flexibility,
use powerful debug tools for results analysis
• Free-up engineering resource by adopting test
automation
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 43
Page
LTE-U, LTE Unlicensed
Background:
• Defined by the LTE-U Forum in 2014 to enable CA using the Unlicensed band
• As 3GPP LAA does, it uses supplemental downlink deployment in the unlicensed
band using carrier aggregation with a licensed LTE cell (3GPP Rel. 12)
• With target on regions without LBT requirements such as US:
oU-NII-1 (LTE-U Band 252 - 5150-5250MHz)
oU-NII-2 (LTE-U Bands 253 and 254 - 5250-5725MHz) – for future usage due to DFS
oU-NII-3 (LTE-U Band 255 - 5725-5850MHz)
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 44
Page
LTE-U vs LAA, Main Differences
Standardization Body• LTE-U Forum (2014)
• Regulatory: US
Primary Cell Bands• FDD Only
Secondary Cell Bands• Band 252, 255 (,253, 254 future)
Coexistence:• Max ON duration = 20 ms
• CSAT Rev 1.5
o Duty cycle based transmission
Secondary Cell discovery• DS in sf#5 with SIB
Frame Structure:• Type 1 (FDD)
Standardization Body• 3GPP Release 13 (March 2016)
• Regulatory: Global (used worldwide)
Primary Cell Bands• FDD or TDD
Secondary Cell Bands• Band 46
Coexistence:• Max ON duration = 10 ms
• Listen Before Talk
o CCA before transmission
Secondary Cell discovery• DS in any of the 6 first subframes of the period
Frame Structure• Type 3 (LAA)
o No PBCH
o First subframe can last 1ms or 0.5ms
o Partial last subframe (DCI 1C)
LTE-U (LTE Unlicensed) LAA (License-Assisted Access)
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 45
Page
Demonstration: LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U)
‒ LTE carrier aggregation using
unlicensed 5 GHz ISM band
– Aggregation at the MAC level
– Support for up to 4 SCCs in
unlicensed bands
– Requires E7515A-506 extended
frequency range platform option
Ensure realistic data performance
PHY
MAC
PHY
MAC
RLC
RRC
NAS
PDCP
IP
…001010…
CC1B2 1960MHz
CC2B252 5160MHz
SCC reconfiguration to
B255 5745MHz
TCP/UDP
Validate the latest carrier aggregation techniques for improved data rates
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum
PageAgenda
– The unlicensed spectrum opportunity
– Standardization:
• It’s happening in multiple ways…
– Summary
Page
Summary
RALWI RCLWI LWA LWIP LTE-U LAA
Complete name
RAN Asissted
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
RAN
Controlled
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
LTE WLAN
Aggregation
LTE WLAN
Integration
with
IP Tunneling
LTE
Unlicensed
License
Assisted
Access
3GPP Release 12 13 13 13 12* 13
InfrastructureEPC +
legacy WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC + WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC EPC
WLAN relation Offload Offload Aggregation Aggregation co-existence co-existence
Co-existence CSMA CSMA CSMA CSMA CSAT LBT
Aggregation layer IP IP PDCP IP MAC MAC
DL and/or UL DL and UL DL and UL DL only DL (and UL) DL only DL only
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 48
*Not a 3GPP feature
Page
Summary
RALWI RCLWI LWA LWIP LTE-U LAA
Complete name
RAN Asissted
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
RAN
Controlled
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
LTE WLAN
Aggregation
LTE WLAN
Integration
with
IP Tunneling
LTE
Unlicensed
License
Assisted
Access
3GPP Release 12 13 13 13 12* 13
InfrastructureEPC +
legacy WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC + WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC EPC
WLAN relation Offload Offload Aggregation Aggregation co-existence co-existence
Co-existence CSMA CSMA CSMA CSMA CSAT LBT
Aggregation layer IP IP PDCP IP MAC MAC
DL and/or UL DL and UL DL and UL DL only DL (and UL) DL only DL only
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 49
Unified Network (LTE – WLAN) Single RAT (LTE)
*Not a 3GPP feature
LTE-WLAN
Offload
LTE-WLAN
AggregationLTE Carrier
Aggregation
Page
Summary
RALWI RCLWI LWA LWIP LTE-U LAA
Complete name
RAN Asissted
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
RAN
Controlled
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
LTE WLAN
Aggregation
LTE WLAN
Integration
with
IP Tunneling
LTE
Unlicensed
License
Assisted
Access
3GPP Release 12 13 13 13 12* 13
InfrastructureEPC +
legacy WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC + WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC EPC
WLAN relation Offload Offload Aggregation Aggregation co-existence co-existence
Co-existence CSMA CSMA CSMA CSMA CSAT LBT
Aggregation layer IP IP PDCP IP MAC MAC
DL and/or UL DL and UL DL and UL DL only DL (and UL) DL only DL only
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 50
Objectives:
• Better load balance between LTE and WLAN
• Extended coverage (i.e. WLAN Calling)
Network decides how to Offload
UE is provided with help to decide how to Offload
*Not a 3GPP feature
Page
Summary
RALWI RCLWI LWA LWIP LTE-U LAA
Complete name
RAN Asissted
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
RAN
Controlled
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
LTE WLAN
Aggregation
LTE WLAN
Integration
with
IP Tunneling
LTE
Unlicensed
License
Assisted
Access
3GPP Release 12 13 13 13 12* 13
InfrastructureEPC +
legacy WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC + WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC EPC
WLAN relation Offload Offload Aggregation Aggregation co-existence co-existence
Co-existence CSMA CSMA CSMA CSMA CSAT LBT
Aggregation layer IP IP PDCP IP MAC MAC
DL and/or UL DL and UL DL and UL DL only DL (and UL) DL only DL only
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 51
Objective:
• Faster Data Rates
- Aggregation at PDCP
- Integrated LTE/WLAN solution
- Aggregation at IP, with public IP
- In-order delivery not guaranteed*Not a 3GPP feature
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Summary
RALWI RCLWI LWA LWIP LTE-U LAA
Complete name
RAN Asissted
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
RAN
Controlled
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
LTE WLAN
Aggregation
LTE WLAN
Integration
with
IP Tunneling
LTE
Unlicensed
License
Assisted
Access
3GPP Release 12 13 13 13 12* 13
InfrastructureEPC +
legacy WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC + WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC EPC
WLAN relation Offload Offload Aggregation Aggregation co-existence co-existence
Co-existence CSMA CSMA CSMA CSMA CSAT LBT
Aggregation layer IP IP PDCP IP MAC MAC
DL and/or UL DL and UL DL and UL DL only DL (and UL) DL only DL only
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 52
LTE AggregationWLAN Aggregation
Objective:
• Faster Data Rates
*Not a 3GPP feature
Page
Summary
RALWI RCLWI LWA LWIP LTE-U LAA
Complete name
RAN Asissted
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
RAN
Controlled
LTE-WLAN
Interworking
LTE WLAN
Aggregation
LTE WLAN
Integration
with
IP Tunneling
LTE
Unlicensed
License
Assisted
Access
3GPP Release 12 13 13 13 12* 13
InfrastructureEPC +
legacy WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC + WLAN
EPC +
legacy WLANEPC EPC
WLAN relation Offload Offload Aggregation Aggregation co-existence co-existence
Co-existence CSMA CSMA CSMA CSMA CSAT LBT
Aggregation layer IP IP PDCP IP MAC MAC
DL and/or UL DL and UL DL and UL DL only DL (and UL) DL only DL only
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 53
Objective:
• Faster Data Rates
*Not a 3GPP feature
Page
It’s Becoming a Reality…
The FCC has requested special approval for any LTE-U equipment
• Strong interest from Operators like Verizon and T-Mobile among others
• WiFi Alliance currently working on a LTE-U eNB test plan
WiFi Calling is being deployed now!
• It is the next step after VoLTE, most Operators planning to roll-out
• Already available worldwide (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, EE, Vodafone,
etc…) and more coming in 2016
Although just being defined (Rel-13), LAA and LWA getting a lot of traction
• First LAA trials happening in early 2016 (Deutsche Telekom, SingTel, etc…)
• LWA is seen as an opportunity for smaller and more agile players
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 54
Page
Test Opportunities
• Functional test:
o Handovers, re-selections, interoperability, …
• Performance:
o Data Throughput, Audio quality, Battery drain, RF, …
• In-Device co-existence
• 3GPP Conformance
• Carrier Acceptance Test
Test Challenges You Need to Overcome
E7515A UXM Wireless Test Set
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 55
World’s first benchtop solution
capable to support 5CC
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R&D Design validation Compliance Manufacturing Deployment
Modelling
Integration
PHY/RF
L2/L3
Apps
RF
performance
Regression
Throughput
Battery Drain
Stress
OTA
Regulations
Lab IOT
Operator
GCF/PTCRB
IC
Debug
Module
Product
Sample
Spectrum
clearance
Operations
Installation
Optimization
Repair
Keysight Technologies
i3070 test systems
FieldFoxPropsim channel emulator
A9000 protocol conformance test
Network Analyzers
Modelling tools
VSA/VSGUXM Wireless Test Set
Source measurement units
RF & RRM conformance
Oscilloscopes
EXM Wireless Test Set
Spectrum regulation and
network optimization tools
Thermal test
Anite
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 56
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© 2016 Keysight Technologies
THANK YOU!
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 57
Page
Backup
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 58
Page
FAQs
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 59
1. Can LAA be deployed at 2.4 GHz?
LAA has been designed as Band agnostic and therefore can be deployed in any Band.
However, so far, only Band 46 which covers the 5GHz ISM band has been defined by the
3GPP.
The 2.4GHz band is used by many technologies and very populated while 5GHz is less
utilized and therefore has been agreed as the priority for LTE over the unlicensed
spectrum.
I don’t think 2.4GHz will be standardized but we’ll see.
2. Will LTE-WiFi Aggregation use home access points?
Not really… It is not the use case… I don’t want to waste my data plan MBs while I’m
home, right!?!
The use case of LTE-WiFi Aggregation is more oriented to Operators deploying their own
WiFi Network, or partnering with a WiFi Operator of course.
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FAQs
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3. How many unlicensed carriers can be aggregated?
No explicit limit has been defined in LAA as far as know… but given it is based on
Carrier Aggregation, its limit is up to 5 component carriers in total.
However, it is important to take into account that in Release 13 the number of CCs
has been extended up to 32… so that would potentially be the limit today, 31 carriers
in the unlicensed spectrum.
4. Can LWA and LAA be used simultaneously?
Yes, I don’t see any reason why this shouldn’t be possible.
Given LAA is based on Carrier Aggregation, it is seen as just an extension of the
resources available at MAC or physical layer… while LWA would be an aggregation
happening earlier in the Stack, at PDCP… So, yes, it is possible.
I would like to mention that LWA is not compatible with both LWIP and RCLWI.
Any other combination, I think should be possible.
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5. When is going to be uplink supported in LAA?
Uplink in the unlicensed spectrum is not part of the scope of LAA and has been
postponed to Release 14 as part of eLAA, a new feature.
This work is expected to be completed by the 3GPP by sometime in mid-2017.
6. Can LTE-U and LAA be used together?
Yes, kind of… It is possible as soon as the eNB and the UE support both LTE-U and
LAA. It is possible because both use different band identifiers.
That is why I mentioned earlier that LAA could be seen as an upgrade of LTE-U and
Operators deploying LTE-U could just upgrade to LAA and still being able to use LTE-U
UEs although not simultaneously.
FAQs
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6/7/2016
7. What happens if LTE coverage is lost while doing WiFi aggregation?
The connection would be completely lost.
In this case, WiFi is used just to increase data rates but the connection is
established and maintained through LTE.
8. Is it possible to do licensed and unlicensed carrier aggregation
simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible although there is a limit in the maximum number of
aggregated cells of course but that is independent of the spectrum type used.
FAQs
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FAQs
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6/7/2016
9. How is WLAN traffic and flow controlled in LWA?
There are changes in the LTE PDCP layer in order to allow status reports
so that the eNB knows which WLAN packets reached the receiver or not so
that I can retransmit or adjust the flow automatically.
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LTE over Unlicensed: Use Case
• Opportunistic use of LTE in the Unlicensed Spectrum represents an important
complement to meet traffic demand and help boost data rates
• It is an attractive option for Operators:
• Operational cost saving
• Unified Network
• Single radio access type Network (RRM, billing, service continuity, etc…):
oBetter user experience
o Improvements around mobility and roaming
Licensed Anchor
Restricted access
Security
Expensive
Unlicensed Traffic unpredictible
Shared with others
Opportunistic use (supplemental)
Free of charge
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 64
Page
LTE-U and LAA, main differences
LTE-U SCell
PCell
Frame n Frame n+4
Discovery Signal sent with
a 40, 80 or 160ms period in sf#5
(CRS, PSS, SSS, PDCCH/PDSCH for SIB1)Silent subframe
(no CRS, PSS, SSS, PDSCH)
Regular subframe with CRS
(even when no PDSCH)
Data transmitted to UE
• CSAT (Carrier Sensing Adaptive Transmission) is used to secure fair
coexistence with Wi-Fi and other LTE-U deployments:
• Based on duty cycle (ON/OFF) with no collision mechanism (LBT)
• Maximum burst duration (ON) of 20ms
• Minimum OFF duration of 1ms
• As in LAA, SCell ON/OFF state is independent of the activation state.
sf#5 sf#5
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 65
Page
• Its definition includes a User plane (Xw-U) and a Control Plane (Xw-C).
• Xw-U is built on IP transport and GTP-U (GPRS Tunneling Protocol for User
data, TS 29.281) is used on top of UDP/IP to carry the user plane PDUs.
• Detailed definition in progress in TS 36.464 and TS 36.465.
• Xw-U is built on SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) on top of IP.
• The application layer signalling protocol is referred to as Xw-AP (Xw
Application Protocol, definition in progress in TS 36.463).
LTE-WLAN Aggregation (LWA)
The Xw Interface
GTP-U
UDP
IP
Data link layer
User plane PDUs
Physical layer
SCTP
IP
Data link layer
Xw-AP
Physical layer
SGW eNB
AP
S1-U
Xw-U
MME eNB
AP
S1-MME
Xw-C
Xw-U
Xw-C
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 66
Page
RLC
• LWA bearers are DL only
LWA (R13)PDCP User Plane scheduling
RLC
MAC
MAC
LWAAP
PDCP
schedulerPHY
PHY
802 MAC
802 LLC
IP
Adaptor
1234
12
5
3
4
5
124
35
PHY
802 MAC
802 LLC
Adaptor
PHY
MAC
RLC
PDCP
1
2
4
3
5
1
2
3
4
5
IP
RRH
WiFi AP
UE
LTE bearer
LWA switched
bearer
LWA split bearer
LWA bearer
LTE bearer
LTE eNodeB
S1
Xw
SGW
LWAAP
PDCP status report
LTE in the
Unlicensed
Spectrum 67