Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a 4th generation (4G) wireless technology that promises a much higher air interface data rate (over 100 Mbps) to users while reducing the cost per bit for wireless service providers. The building blocks of LTE include OFDM, multiple antenna techniques, and all-IP technologies. Multiple antennas can increase data rates, throughput, coverage, and lower battery consumption in a mobile device. This course provides an in-depth discussion of the LTE air interface. First, it introduces the LTE/E-UTRAN network architecture and protocols. It then provides comprehensive coverage of the frame structure, channels, resource allocation, and multiple antenna techniques. Finally, the course discusses the operations of acquisition, system access, data session setup, DL and UL traffic operations and handovers.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  • Sketch the LTE/E-UTRAN network architecture and associated interfaces and protocols
  • Sketch the frame structure and resource mapping for DL and UL
  • List various multiple antenna techniques of LTE
  • List LTE channels in DL and UL and map them on the frame structure
  • Describe the synchronization operation and use of sync and reference signals
  • Step through the system access and data session setup procedure
  • Describe traffic operations in DL – CQI reporting, scheduling, MCS selection and HARQ feedback
  • Describe traffic operations in UL – Scheduling request, UL grants, UL transmission and HARQ feedback
  • Explain key concepts of LTE mobility and handovers

Intended Audience

This is a detailed technical course, primarily intended for a technical audience, including those in RF design, development, integration, deployment and systems engineering.

Suggested Prerequisites

• LTE Overview (eLearning)

Course Length

2 Days Instructor Led

Course Outlines

1.   Introduction

1.1.     Goals and requirements of LTE

1.2.     E-UTRAN nodes and interfaces

1.3.     LTE air interface protocols

1.4.     UE categories

1.5.     Life of a UE in LTE

2.   LTE Air Interface Essentials

2.1.     OFDMA and SC-FDMA

2.2.     PHY frame structure

2.3.     PHY channels and signals

2.4.     MIMO techniques in LTE

3.   System Acquisition

3.1.     DL synchronization

3.2.     PCI determination

3.3.     MIB and SIB processing

3.4.     System selection

4.   System Access Operation

4.1.     Random access procedure

4.2.     UL synchronization

4.3.     RRC connection establishment

5.   Data Session Setup

5.1.     Initial attach

5.2.     Default EPS bearer setup

6.   Downlink Operations

6.1.     DL transmission process

6.2.     Channel quality indicator (CQI) reporting

6.3.     DL scheduling and resource allocation

6.4.     DL data transmission and HARQ

6.5.     DL operations using MIMO

7.   Uplink Operations

7.1.     UL transmission process

7.2.     Bandwidth requests

7.3.     UL scheduling and resource allocation

7.4.     UL data transmission and HARQ

8.   Mobility and Power Control

8.1.     Cell selection

8.2.     Cell reselection and tracking area update

8.3.     PHY measurements

8.4.     LTE handover overview

8.5.     Power control in LTE

Appendix A: OFDM Essentials

A.1.   Orthogonality in OFDM

A.2.   Cyclic Prefix for ISI

A.3.   OFDM transmitter/receiver block diagram