LTE Advanced in unlicensed spectrum

 For operators to meet the anticipated 1000x increase in data traffic, deploying more small cells and utilizing all spectrum resources are key. Although licensed spectrum is the foundation, bandwidth-rich unlicensed spectrum around 5 GHz band can be used to effectively augment the capacity. The question is how to best opportunistically utilize it.

Extending the benefits of LTE Advanced to unlicensed spectrum brings its basic tenets of high-efficiency and robust mobility, while also making it a seamless extension of the larger LTE Advanced network. That means higher performance for operators and better broadband experience for users, and a common unified network for all spectrum types.

Enhanced user experience

Since a unified network with common core and integrated small cells offers the same LTE Advanced service on both licensed and unlicensed spectrum, users get the most seamless mobility between the two. Additionally, carrier aggregation between the licensed and unlicensed bands creates a fatter data pipe as well as the anchor in the licensed spectrum provides reliability. In essence users get an enhanced mobile broadband experience. 

Co-exists with Wi-Fi

LTE Advanced in unlicensed spectrum has been carefully designed to protect Wi-Fi so that both can harmoniously co-exist. This benefits all users — LTE in unlicensed users because of its better performance, and in many cases even neighboring Wi-Fi users — when operators switch from carrier Wi-Fi. I am sharing with you a Webinar below from Qualcomm. Please go through it to explore more.
Courtesy: Qualcomm




 Question And Answers:
  • First question comes to your mind what is unlicensed spectrum ?
Spectrum which are currently being used in your living room for accessing wifi (2.4Ghz) and bluetooth (2.4 GHz ) without paying any charges to anyone. A complete set of unlicensed spectrum's are available through out the world and commonly used unlicensed spectrum are in the four distinct frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, and 5.9 GHz bands.

  • Second question comes to our mind why 5 GHz Band ?
 Its free and wider range of BW available in 5GHz through out the world.

  • How we can use unlicensed spectrum with licensed spectrum ? 
Best possible technology available with us is Carrier Aggregation. 
  • Is it possible to use unlicensed spectrum with LTE both in uplink and downlink ?
Yes, technically it is possible in both. but main focus now on FDD downlink and  for TDD both in uplink and downlink it can be used.


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