Long Term Evolution (LTE): Overview of LTE Air-Interface

With the emergence of packet-based wireless broadband systems such as WiMAX 802.16e, it is evident that a comprehensive evolution of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) specifications is required to remain competitive. As a result, work has begun on Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access and Radio Access Network aimed for commercial deployment in 2010. This paper provides a preliminary look at the air interface for LTE Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA) and associated key technologies required to reach its design objectives. Initial LTE E-UTRA system performance results show a 2 to 3x improvement over a reference Rel-6 UMTS/HSxPA system configuration for both uplink and downlink.