What is LTE-Advanced?

LTE-Advanced, also known as 4G+, is an enhancement to the original LTE (Long-Term Evolution) technology. It was standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) as part of its Release 10 and beyond. LTE-Advanced aims to provide faster and more efficient data rates, enhanced performance, and better user experience compared to its predecessor, LTE. Key features and improvements of LTE-Advanced include:

1. Carrier Aggregation (CA): One of the most significant enhancements in LTE-Advanced. Carrier Aggregation allows the network to combine multiple LTE carriers, boosting data rates by increasing the bandwidth available for data transmission.
2. Higher Order MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): LTE-Advanced supports more antennas than LTE, allowing for higher order MIMO configurations. This increases the potential data rate and capacity of the network, especially in densely populated areas.
3. Enhanced Use of Spectrum: LTE-Advanced can operate over a wider range of frequency bands and bandwidths, from 1.4 MHz up to 100 MHz. This flexibility enables better use of available spectrum and improves network performance.
4. Improved Network Efficiency: Enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (eICIC) and Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) operations are introduced to improve network efficiency, especially at cell edges and in densely populated urban areas.
5. Advanced Modulation Techniques: LTE-Advanced employs advanced modulation techniques, like 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), enabling higher throughput under suitable conditions.
6. Backward Compatibility: LTE-Advanced is backward compatible with LTE, meaning devices and networks can switch between LTE and LTE-Advanced depending on availability and network conditions.
7. Application Scenarios: LTE-Advanced is suitable for high-demand applications such as high-definition video streaming, large-scale online gaming, and high-speed mobile internet access.

In summary, LTE-Advanced represents a significant step forward in mobile network technology, offering increased speed, improved efficiency, and better overall performance, setting the stage for the transition to even more advanced technologies like 5G.