LTE Global Deployment Status
The massive deployment of LTW by network operators worldwide has started. By the end of 2015, more than 440 operators had commercially launched LTE coverage in more than 150 countries. Around 90 percent of operators have deployed FDD mode, with 60 operators launching services in TDD mode in their networks. Eighteen operators have used both FDD and TDD. Ninety-seven LTE-Advanced systems were launched in 48 different countries, while more than 140 operators are investing in LTE-Advanced in more than 60 different countries. The following figure shows the LTE Category per standard and the Peak Data Rate supported:
The following figure shows the number of LTE-Advanced systems launched per category:
What Is 3GPP Standard Status?
3GPP is the body in charge of defining the standard ruling for the development of cellular devices and network infrastructure. The body includes main companies and key players in the cellular world. All components, hardware and software of cellular infrastructure and devices must comply with the 3GPP standard. The following figure shows the main 3GPP releases and their main Data Rate Characteristics:
The 3GPP body releases a new updated version every three to six months, making major and minor improvements to the actual standards. The following figure shows the relationship between 3GPP releases, timeline and future features:
Device-2-Device (D2D)
An LTE Direct workshop organized by Qualcomm and Samsung in May 2013 brought together thought leaders from Deutsche Telekom, DOCOMO, KDDI, Orange, Placecast, Samsung, SAP, Sapient, SKT, Softbank, Tagged, and Verizon. Workshop goals included understanding the business opportunity for proximate services in the mobile retail and social discovery space, discussing how operators can leverage LTE Direct to benefit from this space, and understanding key platform considerations for an LTE Direct deployment, which is currently being standardized in 3GPP as part of Release 12.
VoLTE (Voice Over LTE)
Current LTE M2M devices are classified not only by 3GPP category standards but also single or multi modes. A multi-mode LTE device supports fallback to 3G and even 2G when LTE coverage become weak or non-existent, while single-mode devices support LTE only. The voice call feature in a multi-mode device can be supported by falling back to GSM/WCDMA network service, then establishing the call. In LTE only mode (or multi-mode devices implementing VoLTE), the call is established on LTE based on IMS (IP Mobile System) system network defined in 3GPP. VoIP global status is growing fast, together with the new LTE network implementation. The current status is as follows:
- 111 operators are investing in VoLTE in 52 countries (deployments, trials, studies)
- 30 operators commercially launched VoLTE HD voice in 21 countries
LTE Category 1
The LTE Category 1 specifically addresses the needs of M2M device makers for an especially low cost solution. Cat 1 provides up to 10 Mbps in downlink and has been part of the earliest 3GPP LTE specifications, in Release 8. Cellular operators can deploy LTE Cat 1 device support with no need for new network equipment or major upgrades, allowing them to manage their networks more efficiently by not allocating excessive resources to devices that require low throughput. Cat 1 provides meaningful cost and power reductions compared to today’s Cat 3 (up to 100Mbps) and Cat 4 (up to 150Mbps).
A few networks are already configured to allow Cat 1 devices, and more are expected to follow in the next few months. Now that LTE Cat 1 chipsets are available, we will see Cat 1 devices ramping up steadily in 2016.
Release 13 – LTE-M (MTC)
Category 0 (up to 1 Mbps) is still being defined in 3GPP’s Release 12 LTE standard. 3GPP Release 12 introduces Cat 0 for the first time and defines features for M2M, specifically for what the 3GPP calls Machine Type Communications, or MTC. When it becomes fully defined, it will describe significant reductions in complexity and address the need for battery-powered devices consuming far less power and at a lower cost than their 3G and 4G counterparts. Cat 0 will mean big changes for the operators in terms of the infrastructure and in the way they manage and allocate spectrum. LTE-M (up to 200 Kbps) is associated with the forthcoming Release-13 standard.
LTE-M will support the following capabilities:
- Reduced device bandwidth of 1.4 MHz in downlink and uplink
- Reduced maximum transmit power of 20 dBm
- Reduced support for downlink transmission modes
- Further device processing relaxations are under consideration
PSM Power-Saving Mode
In 3GPP Release 12, a device power-saving mode (PSM) was introduced, enabling a significant improvement in device battery life. If the device supports PSM, it asks the network for a certain active timer value during an attach or tracking area update procedure; the active timer determines the duration for which the device remains reachable for a mobile terminated transaction moving from connected to idle mode. The device starts the active timer when it transactions from connected to idle mode. When the active timer expires, the device moves to power-saving mode. While the device remains in power-saving mode, it is not reachable as it does not check for paging, but it is still registered with the network. The device remains in PSM until a mobile-originated transaction occurs.
The PSM will significantly increase and extend the device’s battery life, increasing the DRX cycle (Discontinuous Reception) with different transaction cycles for an LTE-M device.
Using Release 12 PSM with 10 minutes’ DRX cycle and a weekly transaction cycle may extend a typical 1500mAH battery’s life to more than 10 years.
Main Characteristics of PSM:
- Enhanced power-saving mode (PSM)
Efficiently turning OFF–ON modem, optimized for device-originated or scheduled applications
- Extended Discontinuous Reception (DRX)
Longer sleep cycles optimized for delay-tolerant, device-terminated applications
- Connectionless Random Access Channel (RACH)
Data transmissions via a common channel for more efficient transition between states
- Less frequent Tracking Area Updates (TAUs) and measurements
Configurable for low-to zero-mobility M2M applications
Conclusion
It is widely accepted that LTE will be used for nearly everything that requires a wireless connection, including M2M and IoT applications where it was once deemed too expensive and complex. LTE means more than high throughput; it offers better spectral efficiency, longevity, scalability and economic benefits for device makers and operators. The migration to LTE has already started for M2M and IoT businesses, and all connected devices, from the high-tier smart phone to the lowest utility meter or wearable device, will be LTE. LTE Category M will be on 3GPP implementation till the end of 2017, with commercial deployment in 2019. In the current scheme of deployment of 3GPP Rel-12 and Rel-13 LTE for M2M standards, looking at the long period of integration in M2M/IoT products/systems and regional carrier plans, it will take some time to transition and switch on toward full Machine Type Communications LTE-M support, while the LTE Category 1 will perfectly fit M2M needs in terms of complexity, price and functionality.
Quectel Is Developing LTE-Cat1 Module Tailored for M2M/IoT Applications
Quectel Wireless Solutions, a leading global supplier of GSM/GPRS, UMTS/HSPA/LTE and GNSS modules, solutions and services, will launch the LTE-Cat 1 module optimized specially for M2M and IoT applications in Q2, 2016. Samples of this module will be available in Q1, 2016.
Key Benefit of Quectel LTE-Cat1 Module:
- Low-cost, low-power LTE connectivity optimized for broadband IoT applications
- Worldwide LTE and UMTS/HSPA+ and GSM/GPRS/EDGE coverage
- MIMO technology meets demands for data rate and link reliability in modem wireless communication systems
- GNSS receiver available for applications requiring fast and accurate fixes in any environment
- Embedded power management unit (PMU) featuring ultra-low deep sleep current consumption
