Abstract

The concept of multiple cell cites started form the first generation (1G) of cellular
technology though it was just the analog service where a higher frequency was used to
modulate the signal. With the start of the second generation (2G) cellular technology
got shifted to digital approach that included digital encryption of voice hence
increasing security. 2G also introduced Short Messaging Service (SMS). With the
release of third generation (3G) cellular technology was no longer just about voice
calls and SMS. The mobile devices now started to connect with the internet and also
got enhanced on security and privacy. LTE (Long Term Evolution) started with 3G
technology but its said to be the fourth generation (4G). To be a new generation of
cellular technology the technology that difference should be that the latest and
previous technology doesnt share backward compatibility. So LTE over the same
service provider is termed as evolved 3G service but its marketed as 4G LTE.
Justification of LTE to be 4G technology is that it is a fully packet based service
which was not so in any of the previous generation. Though 3G supports the packet
data through HSPA and other technology circuit switching mechanism was used for
all the voice data. Most distinctive feature of LTE is the ultra broadband internet
connection thats meant to revolutionize the mobile device.
LTE has evolved with the promises of increased downlink and uplink peak data rates,
scalable bandwidth (1.4 to 20 MHz), improved spectral efficiency and most important
of all delayed latency which is scaled down to less than 10ms. Use of OFDMA and
MIMO technology provides a improved performance for the LTE service. And to
incorporate the high speed and low latency LTE has evolved new system architecture
which is generalized as System Architecture Evolution (SAE). New interface such as
S1 and X2 are developed for the interconnection of evolved Nodes and service
gateways or between evolved Nodes.
Porting the LTE services to the conventional 3G network is more of a technological
hitch as LTE is fully packet based it tries to make circuit switching a history in
cellular technology. Though some methods are devised to attempt to port the services
such as VoLTE (Voice over LTE), CSFB (Circuit Switched Fallback), and SVLTE
(Simultaneous Voice and LTE).

Of all the things mentioned about LTE is obvious that it is the technology of
tomorrow. Incorporating everything with packet based network it has just proven
itself to be a new improved window to access internet with ultra high speed providing
not just simple user experience that were mere attempt of 3G technology but to
provide a real life experience of virtual cyber space that modern mankind has created.