LTE moves ahead following completion of TD-LTE 'proof of concept'

The LTE/SAE Trial Initiative (LSTI) group has announced the successful completion of proof of concepts tests that it claims demonstrates that TD-LTE and SAE (Service Architecture Evolution) are achievable.

For the TD-LTE trial, LSTI identified a core set of proof points aligned with the 3GPP and NGMN Alliance requirements for LTE/SAE. Test results from over 90 measurement campaigns from seven vendors were consolidated and analysed, with regard to ensuring that operators understand the practicalities in the field and that users get an enhanced experience.

The tests achieved the industry's peak spectral efficiency target of 5bps/Hz downlink and 2.5bps/Hz uplink in a live air test using prototype equipment, while 2x2 MIMO delivered 40Mbps rates and 7.3bps/Hz spectral efficiency.

The LSTI group said: "End user rates will vary widely depending on radio conditions and network loading. The minimum offered speed at cell edge during busy hours is expected to be around 0.06bps/Hz/User spectral efficiency (with 10 active users per cell). This aligns with the 3GPP design target of 2-3 times higher than HSDPA."

It added that TD-LTE/SAE could also support guaranteed bit rates, important for real time services such as IPTV, and could work at speeds up to 350km/h, or even 500km/h in good radio conditions. One way over-the-air packet transmit times of under 5ms were achieved.

With the proof of concept completed, the LSTI confirmed plans to move to new phases of its work, including interop testing and friendly customer trials for both FDD and TDD modes. Hou Fang of Huawei, chairman of the LSTI's TDD proof of concept group, said in a statement: "Having stable specifications and accelerating industry-wide interoperability testing within LSTI will simplify the worldwide adoption of LTE/SAE technology regardless of who designed, built or operates these networks and devices."

China Mobile, a keen advocate of TD-LTE, said that it planned to begin large-scale outdoor TD-LTE trials in 2010, adding that it would install 15 TD-LTE base stations at next year's Shanghai 2010 World Expo.

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