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By RCR Wireless News on MAY 9, 2014Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC), Evolved Packet Core
(EPC), Fundamentals, Software, Wireless
LTE (long term evolution) is everywhere and its time you understood the LTE basics. If you’re not
already using your smartphone on this new and improved network, chances are you will be doing so
soon. But before you can appreciate LTE, you must fully understand it. To help accomplish this, let’s go
over the LTE basics.
What is LTE?
LTE is the next generation of mobile broadband technology, and successor to the now outdated 3G
network. LTE follows UMTS 3G technology. It also carries data rates of 100 Mbps and works with IP. The
main advantages LTE brings include low latency, higher network throughput, increased data transfer
speed, better cost efficiency and overall improvements compared to the 3G network.
Evolved Node B (eNB) is the only mandatory node in the radio access network (RAC) of LTE. The eNB is
a complex base station that handles radio communications with multiple devices in the cell and carries
out radio resource management and handover decisions. There is no need for a centralized radio
network controller in LTE. Main functions include:
Supports air interface
Provides radio resource management functions
The Serving Gateway (SGW) routes and forwards user data packets, and serves as the mobility anchor
for the user plane during the inter-eNodeB handovers. SGW also acts as the anchor for mobility between
LTE and other 3GPP technologies. The SGW terminates the downlink data path and triggers paging when
downlink data arrives for the UE that is in an idle state. It manages and stores UE contexts, e.g.
parameters of the IP bearer service, network internal routing information. It also performs replication of
the user traffic in case of lawful interception. Main functions include:
Provides mobility
Responsible for routing and forwarding
The Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN GW) is the point of exit and entry of traffic for the UE,
providing connectivity from the UE to external packet data networks. A UE may have simultaneous
connectivity with more than one PGW for accessing multiple PDNs. The PGW performs policy
enforcement, packet filtering for each user, charging support, lawful interception and packet screening.
The PGW also acts as the anchor for mobility between 3GPP and non-3GPP technologies such as WiMAX
and 3GPP2 (CDMA 1X and EvDO). Main functions include: