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INTEGRATION OF LTE AND MOBILE WIMAX

TECHNOLOGIES FOR NEXT GENERATION
MOBILE NETWORK

Conference Paper · November 2011

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 The 4th AUN/SEED-Net Regional Conference on Information and Communication Technology 18 – 19 October 2011, HCMC, Vietnam

INTEGRATION OF LTE AND MOBILE WIMAX TECHNOLOGIES

FOR NEXT GENERATION MOBILE NETWORK

F. AMIRKHAN, W.R. WONG, F.R.MAHAMD ADIKAN

ABSTRACT

As wireless technology makes its way to the next generation of mobile systems, it is
important to enable seamless integration of emerging 4G access technologies within currently
deployed and evolved 2G/3G communications. In this paper, an architecture model for
integration of 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) and Mobile WiMAX (Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access) is introduced to reach the next generation of mobile
network.

Key words: 3GPP LTE, mobile WiMAX, Handover.

1. INTRODUCTION

Evolution of wireless access technologies has reached its fourth generation (4G). Started
with the first generation (1G), designed for voice using analog signals, it is then followed by the
second generation (2G), designed to provide higher quality and coverage for digitized voice. The
third generation (3G) refers to a combination of technologies that provide a variety of services,
data, and voice, at higher speeds to open the gates for truly “mobile broadband” experience.
Broadband refers to an Internet connection that allows support for data, voice, and video
information at high speeds, typically given by DSL (Digital subscriber line) or cable services.
Mobile broadband has considered broad because multiple types of services can travel across the
wide band. [1]
It is expected that many wireless networking systems such as 3GPP LTE systems,
WiMAX/WiBro systems and WLAN system will co-exist in the next generation wireless
communication environment. Under such environment, various communication services will be
introduced by integrating wireless networking technologies, especially at the radio access
network. In order to provide such integrated communication services, integrated radio resource
management and seamless vertical handover across networks such as heterogeneous access
networks should be supported.
Further sections of this paper discuss the key features and performances of both 3GPP LTE
and mobile WiMAX. Then highlight different handover architecture of both technologies with
others which suggests the architecture model for integration of two networks This section is used
to provide an introduction of your paper.

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 2. LONG TERM EVOLUTION (LTE)

LTE was introduced in 3GPP Release 8. The 3GPP is a partnership agreement that was
established in December 1998, which brings together a number of telecommunication standards
bodies, known as organizational partners. Performance of LTE technology is better than existing
systems in various ways. As highlighted in UMTS Forum on 2008, the main objective of the
LTE project is to offer higher data rates for both down- and uplink transmission. Other main
improvements by LTE are reduction in packet latency and improvement in the state of being
responsive in gaming, VoIP, video conferencing, and other real-time services. The service
provider can organize cells with any of the bandwidths. This enables service providers to alter
their services depending on the amount of available spectrum or the ability to start with limited
spectrum for lower upfront cost and grow the spectrum for extra capacity[2].
The 3GPP TR 25.913 document, [3],which provides guidance and collects requirements of
LTE, has summarized the improved features as following: reduced delays in terms of both
connection establishment and transmission latency; increased user data rates ; increased cell-
edge bit-rate for uniformity of service provision; reduced cost per bit which implies improved
spectral efficiency; greater flexibility of spectrum usage in both new and pre-existing bands;
simplified network architecture; seamless mobility, including between different radio-access
technologies; and reasonable power consumption for the mobile terminal.
Table I. summarizes the main performance requirements of LTE. The requirements shown
in this table are discussed and explained in more detailed below.
Table I. Summary of key performance requirement targets for LTE

Metric
Peak data rate
Mobility support
Control plane latency
(Transition time to active
state)
User plane latency
Control plane capacity
Coverage (Cell sizes)
Spectrum flexibility
Requirement
DL: 100Mbps & UL: 50Mbps (for 20MHz spectrum)
Up to 500kmph but optimized for low speeds from
0 to 15kmph
<100ms (from idle to active)
< 5ms
> 200 users per cell (for 5MHz spectrum)
5-100km with slight degradation after 30km
1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20MHz

The peak data rate in LTE system for uplink and downlink are set to 100 Mbps and 50
Mbps respectively within a 20 MHz bandwidth, corresponding to respective peak spectral
efficiencies of 5 and 2.5 bps/Hz. The LTE uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
(OFDM) for downlink but for the uplink Single Carrier – Frequency Division Multiple Access
(SC-FDMA) technology is used. To minimize the effects of noise and to increase the spectrum
utilization and link reliability, LTE uses multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) technique to
transmit the data. This leads to significant increases in achievable data rates and throughput[4].
User plane latency is an important performance metric for real-time and interactive services.
The LTE system is also required to operate one-way data-packet latency with IP-layer across the
radio access network at least 5 ms in optimal conditions. Moreover, call setup delay is required

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to be considerably reduced compared to existing cellular systems. This enables a good user
experience and affects the battery life of terminals as well.
As demand for suitable radio spectrum for mobile communications increases, LTE is
required to be able to operate in a wide range of frequency bands and sizes of spectrum
allocations in both uplink and downlink. The LTE system uses spectrum allocations ranging
from 1.25 to 20 MHz with a single carrier and it also addresses all frequency bands currently
identified for IMT systems by ITU, International Telecommunications Union, including those
below 1 GHz.
Flexible interoperability for service continuity with other radio access technologies is
essential, especially during the migration phase in early deployments of LTE with partial
coverage, where handover to legacy systems will often occur. LTE relies on an evolved packet
core network, allowing interoperation with various access technologies, particularly earlier
3GPP technologies (GSM/EDGE and UTRAN) and non-3GPP technologies (e.g.WiFi,
CDMA2000 and WiMAX). Although, service continuity and short interruption times can only
be guaranteed if measurements of the signals from other systems and fast handover mechanisms
are integrated in the LTE radio access design. In its first releases LTE will thus support tight
inter-working with all legacy 3GPP technologies and some non-3GPP technologies such as
CDMA2000.
One of the most significant features of LTE is its transition to a ‘flat’, all-IP based core
network with a simplified architecture and open interfaces. Indeed, much of 3GPP’s
standardization work targets the conversion of existing core network architecture to an all-IP
system. Within 3GPP, this initiative has been referred to as Systems Architecture Evolution
(SAE) – now called Evolved Packet Core (EPC). SAE/EPC enables more flexible service
provisioning plus simplified interworking with fixed and non-3GPP mobile networks.
EPC is based on TCP/IP protocols – like the vast majority of today’s fixed data networks –
thus providing PC-like services including voice, video, rich media and messaging. This
migration to an all-packet architecture also enables improved interworking with other fixed and
wireless communication networks[2].

3. MOBILE WIMAX TECHNOLOGY

The Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access technology, known as WiMAX, is a

technology that aims to provide wireless long-distance broadband access for a variety of
applications. It all started in 1999 when the IEEE Standards Association authorized the start of
the working group known as 802.16, also referred to as the Wireless MAN (Metropolitan Area
Network) working group. Moreover this group put more emphasis on the medium access
control (MAC) and PHY layers[5].
The IEEE 802.16-2004 standard has been developed by group IEEE 802.16d. It was
developed for point-to-point and point-to-multi-point operations, which includes profiles for
operations in the 2–11 GHz spectrum. In its early days, this standard mainly focused on fixed
applications. However, the latest versions include many new features and functionalities needed
to support enhanced QoS and mobility. The other important development that took place in this
period was the creation of the industry partnership in 2001 called the WiMAX Forum. This
Forum defines itself as an industry committed to promote and certify interoperable WiMAX
products. In 2007, WiMAX Forum was completed.

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 Finally, The IEEE 802.16 standard consider aiming at a new version of the technology that
was suitable to provide services to mobile terminals. In end of 2005, the corresponding standard
was approved and is known as IEEE 802.16e-2005 that is often called Mobile WiMAX or m-
WiMAX [6]. This part skips discussion on primarily addressed fixed network application and
focuses on mobile WiMAX system and their evaluation. Figure 1 is shown a view of mobile
WiMAX systems evolution, which is summarized different key elements of mobile WiMAX
standardization and documentation, which are presented on different factors.
The release 1.5 system profile was started to enable mobile WiMAX in new spectrum
including FDD bands. This system profile addresses a few MAC efficiency enhancements
needed for technology competitiveness and organize the system profile with advanced network
services supported by network release 1.5. All required fixes and minor enhancements needed
for supporting release 1.5. are included in IEEE 802.16 REV2. This standard merges the IEEE
802.16-2004 base standard together with IEEE 802.16e/f/g amendments and related corrigenda
into one specification document.

Figure 1, Mobile WiMAX technology and network evolution roadmap.

3.1. Significant Features in Mobile WiMAX

Mobile WiMAX systems provide scalability in both network architecture and radio access
technology, thus it supports a great deal of flexibility in network deployment options and service
offerings. There are some significant features supported by Mobile WiMAX in the following [7].
1. Both the connection and service-type-based QoS are designed to meet the
requirements of mobile broadband services. These two QoS mechanisms manage
both UL and DL directions and support two-way traffic such as VoIP. The mobile
WiMAX QoS has the features of service multiplexing, low data latency, and
varying granularity to support real-time broadband multimedia applications.
2. MIMO antenna techniques along with flexible sub-channelization schemes, and
Advanced Coding and Modulation enable high connection availability that support
peak data rates up to 63 Mbps and 28 Mbps in downlink and uplink respectively.
3. Based on the security features of the fixed WiMAX standard, the mobile WiMAX
specification introduces a number of enhancements.

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 4. The spectrum resources for wireless broadband worldwide are mostly not uniform
in its allocations. Mobile WiMAX technology is designed to be able to measure to
work in different channelization from 1.25 to 20 MHz complying with various
worldwide requirements as efforts lead to achieve spectrum harmonization in the
longer term.
5. Mobile WiMAX provides optimized handover schemes with latencies less than 50
ms to ensure real-time applications such as VoIP perform without service
degradation. Flexible key management schemes assure that security is maintained
during handover. Moreover, Interworking between WiMAX and traditional cellular
networks is a key to the success of mobile WiMAX and its adoption by established
mobile operators. Mobile WiMAX is designed to support mobility applications up
to 160 km/h.

4. INTEGRATION OF LTE & WIMAX

One of the common challenges between LTE and WiMAX technologies is Inter-Working
with Other Radio Access Technologies like themselves. The main requirement to achieve
seamless integration of WiMAX and 3GPP access networks (such as LTE) is to reduce handover
interruption and preserve the QoS as the mobile device moves between mobile WiMAX and
3GPP access technologies. The purpose is to transport the user from one access network to
another as transparent as possible with seamless mobility. Users may make use of both access
technologies to meet the best charging and QoS requirements.
Simultaneously, operators may use seamless mobility to offer compelling value added
services as well as improve their network capacity and availability of services. To offer seamless
handover, several issues need to be addressed. First issue is how fast the service data flow (for
example, the stream of data packets associated with an ongoing service) can be switched from
the old path through the old access network to the new path through the new access network.
One of the solutions is using common or similar link layer access-procedures in both the old and
new access networks that can greatly speed up the handovers. One of the challenges associated
with the integration of mobile WiMAX and 3GPP accesses occurs from their differences in
terms of AAA procedures, QoS mechanisms, and mobility protocols.
This paper, particularly, focuses in the integration of mobile WiMAX within 3GPP
networks especially LTE. This integration is made by the evolved packet network architecture
that has recently been standardized by 3GPP in the context of Rel-8 specifications [8, 9].

4.1. Handover architecture of LTE and non-3GPP

According to standard [9], the architecture of interworking between LTE and Non-3GPP
(Trusted or Untrusted) and 3GPP access network are defined as illustrated in Figure 2. What is
Trusted or Untrusted Non-3GPP Access Network? It is related to UE during initial attach or
handover attach. The UE needs to discover the trust relationship of the non-3GPP access
network in order to know which non-3GPP IP access procedure to initiate. The trust relationship
of a non-3GPP access network is made known to the UE with one of options that is: if the non-
3GPP access supports 3GPP-based access authentication, the UE discovers the trust relationship
during the 3GPP-based access authentication; another option is the UE operates based on pre-
configured policy in the UE.

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 This standard[9] consists of the 3GPP access network, which is UTRAN and GERAN, the
trusted Non-3GPP (for example WiMAX network) and the un-trusted Non-3GPP (for example
legacy WLAN). As shown in Figure 2, the different access networks are connected to an EPC
based on IP technology through different interfaces. All 3GPP-specific access technologies are
connected through S-GW, while all non-3GPP-specific access technologies are typically
connected through P-GW or ePDG, which provides extra security functionality for un-trusted
access technologies.
The objective of this study is interworking between LTE and WiMAX. Therefore, in this
case it will be considering Trusted Non-3GPP IP access with LTE by means of S2a reference
point to connect to P-GW, Gxa reference point to connect to PCRF and STa reference point to
connect to 3GPP AAA server.

Figure 2, Non-Roaming Architecture within EPS using S5, S2a, S2b

4.2. Handover Architecture of WiMAX and Non-WiMAX IP access

According to WiMAX Forum Network Architecture[10], the interworking architecture of

Mobile WiMAX system with Non-WiMAX Access Networks (such as: Wi-Fi, 3GPP2 HRPD,
3GPP LTE, 3GPP HSPA) is defined as shown in Figure 3. The UE from the Non-WiMAX
access networks can connect to Mobile WiMAX network through IP Core Network and ASN-
GW node. In the WiMAX Forum, a new function element is considered in the architecture for
registration of the UE before the procedure of handover from Non-WiMAX IP Access Network
to WiMAX [10].
The role of S2a in LTE network is similar to R3 in WiMAX, which is acting as the
connecting reference point in handover procedure. According to [9], the handover between
WiMAX and LTE performs through S2a reference point, which is equivalent to R3 reference
point in mobile WiMAX.

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 Figure 3, Interworking Architecture of WiMAX with Non-WiMAX Access.

4.3. WiMAX and LTE handover architecture

The Network Reference Model for interworking between the 3GPP Evolved Packet System
(EPS) and the Mobile WiMAX system, defined as Trusted Non-3GPP IP Access system in the
TS 23.402, is shown in Figure 4. This architecture is defined in both 3GPP and WiMAX
standards as their interworking architecture [9, 11]. Figure 4 demonstrates the logical interfaces
connecting Mobile WiMAX and the 3GPP EPC. There are four major logical interfaces
deployed here:
3GPP S2a: This reference point supports the user plane and the related mobility
management procedures between the WiMAX access network and 3GPP core network. It is
defined between the Mobile Access Gateway (MAG) in WiMAX ASN-GW and 3GPP P-GW.
This reference point is specified in [9, 11].
Gxa: It supports transfer of (QoS) policy information from PCRF to the Trusted Non-3GPP
accesses. It is also included in WiMAX R3.
STa: This reference point is defined between the WiMAX AAA Proxy and the 3GPP AAA
Server/Proxy function in the 3GPP EPC. It is used to carry the access authentication,
authorization, QoS, accounting and mobility information related to a specific subscriber. STa
reference point is defined in the 3GPP TS 23.402[9, 11]. It comprises in WiMAX R3.
STa+: It is defined between the Authenticator function in the WiMAX ASN and the
WiMAX AAA Proxy function. This reference point is used to carry WiMAX specific attributes
in addition to 3GPP AAA attributes define in STa. Other references in the Figure 4 are defined
in the 3GPP TS 23.402 as well.

105
 Figure 4, 3GPP LTE- WiMAX Architecture

5. CONCLUSION & FUTURE WORK

In this paper, key features of 3GPP LTE and mobile WIMAX are discussed in detail to
highlight their performances. Brief explanation about the interworking of both networks with
other technologies is given. The common challenges to integrate networks between Mobile
WiMAX and LTE are also described. Finally, the architecture model for seamless handover
between these two technologies is introduced. In the future work, this model of architecture will
help to survey the performances of handover between two networks.

REFERENCES

1. M. Ergen, Mobile Broadband: Including WiMAX and LTE: Springer Verlag, 2009.
2. UMTS Forum, "Towards Global Mobile Broadband," 2008, February.
3. 3GPP, "3GPP TR 25.913 V7.3.0 " (2006-03).
4. UMTS Forum, "Mobile Broadband Evolution: the roadmap from HSPA to LTE;," 2009,
February.
5. A. Ghosh, D. R. Wolter, J. G. Andrews, and R. Chen, "Broadband wireless access with
WiMax/802.16: current performance benchmarks and future potential," IEEE
Communications Magazine, vol. 43, pp. 129-136, 2005.
6. WiMAX Forum, "Mobile System Profile Release 1.0.Approved Specification," Rev. 1.4.0:
2007-05-02.
7. WiMAX Forum, "Mobile WiMAX – Part I:A Technical Overview and Performance
Evaluation," August, 2006.
8. 3GPP TS 23.401, "General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enhancements for Evolved
Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Access (Release 8)."
9. 3GPP TS 23.402, "Architecture Enhancements for Non-3GPP Accesses (Release 8)."

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 10. W.-T.-.-R. v. WiMAX Forum "Network Architecture, Detailed Protocols and
Procedures,Single Radio Interworking between Non-WiMAX® and WiMAX® Access
Networks," 2010.
11. W.-T.-.-R. v. WiMAX Forum "Network Architecture, Detailed Protocols and
Procedures,WiMAX® - 3GPP EPS Interworking," 2010.

Address:
F. Amirkhan,
Department of Electrical Engineering,
University of Malaya,
50603
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

W.R. Wong,
Department of Electrical Engineering,
University of Malaya,
50603
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

F.R.Mahamd Adikan
Department of Electrical Engineering,
University of Malaya,
50603
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

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