LTE Radio Interface

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LTE Radio Interface

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Index

Contents

LTE Radio Interface Objectives xi

Section 1 LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack 1

Lesson 1 LTE Introduction 3
Drivers for Mobile Broadband 3
Typical Applications and Network Requirements 4
LTE E-UTRAN Objectives 5
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 9
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 11

Lesson 2 Architecture Overview 13

System Architecture Evolution (SAE) 13
Evolved UMTS Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) 13
Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 14
Serving Gateway (SGW) 15
Mobility Management Entity (MME) 15
Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW) 15
LTE Reference points 16
LTE Roaming Architecture 18
Non-3GPP Access 19
Interworking with 2G/3G networks 21
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 23
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 27

Lesson 3 Spectrum Requirements for LTE 29

Spectrum Requirements for LTE 29
WRC 2007 Spectrum 30
LTE Spectrum Requirements 31
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 33
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 35

Lesson 4 An Introduction to the LTE Protocol Stack 37

LTE Protocol Stack Overview 37

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The OSI 7 Layer Model 37

Application Layer 38
Presentation Layer 39
Session Layer 39
Application Layer 39
Session Layer 39
Transport Layer 39
The Network Layer 41
Data Link Layer 42
The Physical Layer 43
RS 232 Connector 44
Services and Bearers in the E-UTRAN 44
The LTE Protocol Stack 45
General Protocol Architecture 45
Structure of the LTE Protocol Stack 46
The User Plane and Control Plane Protocols 47
The User Plane 47
PDCP Layer 48
RLC Layer 48
MAC Layer 48
The Control Plane 49
Protocol Stack Summary and References 51
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 53
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 57

Section 1 Practice Paper 59

End-Of-Section Assignment 60
End-Of-Section 1 Multiple Choice Questions 61
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 69

Section 2 The LTE Physical Layer 71

Lesson 1 OFDM principles 73
Physical layer services and protocol architecture 73
Inter symbol interference and frequency selective fading 75

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Index

OFDM – minimising the impact of ISI 77

OFDM – Defeating ISI 78
OFDM – Spectral efficiency 80
OFDM – making it happen 81
Peak to average power ratio (PAPR) 82
OFDM – frequency sensitivity 84
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 85
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 89

Lesson 2 OFDMA Structure and Modulation 91

OFDM and OFDMA 91
LTE OFDMA structure 91
Quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) 92
16 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16 QAM) 93
64 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (64 QAM) 94
Single carrier – Frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) 94
Single carrier – Frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) 96
Single carrier – Frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) 97
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 99
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 101

Lesson 3 LTE Timing and Frame Structures 103

LTE Timing and Framing 103
Frame Type 2, TDD 103
The Resource Block 105
Comparison of Resource Blocks, Channel Size and Sampling Rate 106
LTE Physical Channels and Signals 107
Mapping Channels to the Resource Block 109
Channel Mapping on a 10MHz channel 110
Uplink Mapping of Physical Channels 112
Uplink Mapping of the Control Channel 112
Overall Picture of UL Mapping 113
Physical Channels and Modulation Schemes 114
Cell Search and Synchronisation 115
PSS and SSs in the Frame Structure 117

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Cells Supporting Differing Bandwidths 119

LTE Power Control 119
Physical Control Format Indication Channel (PCFICH) 120
Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) 121
Physical HARQ Indication Channel 122
Physical channel processing 123
Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 123
Segmentation 123
Encoding 123
Rate Matching 124
HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Request) 125
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 127
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 133

Lesson 4 LTE Antenna Techniques 135

Introduction to Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) techniques 135
Single input single output (SISO) 135
Multiple input single output (MISO) – Transmit diversity 135
Single input multiple output (SIMO) 136
Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) 136
Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) 137
Single user, multiple user, and cooperative MIMO 138
Single User MIMO (SU-MIMO) 138
Multiple user MIMO (MU-MIMO) 138
Cooperative MIMO (Co-MIMO) 139
Beamforming 140
LTE downlink multiple antenna schemes 141
Open-loop Tx diversity 141
Receive diversity 141
Spatial multiplexing - MIMO 141
Spatial multiplexing - MIMO 142
Closed loop spatial multiplexing 142
Open loop spatial multiplexing 143
Cyclic Delay Diversity (CDD) 143
Reporting of UE feedback 144

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Index

Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 147

Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 151

Section 2 Practice Paper 153

End-Of-Section Assignment 154
End-Of-Section 2 Multiple Choice Questions 155
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 163

Section 3 The LTE Protocols Layer 2 MAC, RLC and PDCP 165
Lesson 1 Logical, Transport and Physical Channels in LTE 167
Introduction to the LTE Layer 2 Protocols 167
Medium Access Layer (MAC) 168
LTE Channels and Channel Mapping 169
LTE Logical channels 170
Control Channels 170
Traffic Channels 171
LTE Transport Channels 172
LTE Physical Channels 174
Channel Mapping 176
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 179
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 183

Lesson 2 MAC Layer Functions 185

The MAC Protocol Data Unit (PDU) 185
Priority Handling 186
Hybrid-ARQ 188
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 191
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 193

Lesson 3 RLC Functions 195

Radio Link Control (RLC) 195
Transmission Modes of RLC 195
RLC Protocol Data Units 197
RLC Segmentation and Concatenation 198

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Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 201

Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 203

Lesson 4 PDCP Layer Functions 205

Packet Data Control Protocol (PDCP) 205
PDCP Frame Formats 206
Encryption and Data Integrity 208
Robust Header Compression (ROHC) 208
Compression Efficiency 210
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 213
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 215

Lesson 5 RRC Layer Functions 217

Radio Resource Control (RRC) 217
Complete List of RRC functions 218
Radio Resource Control States 219
RRC_IDLE State 219
RRC_CONNECTED State 221
LTE Mobility States Mapped to 2.5G and 3G 222
Signalling Radio Bearers 222
RRC Messages 224
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 225
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 229

Section 3 Practice Paper 231
End-Of-Section Assignment 232
End-Of-Section 3 Multiple Choice Questions 233
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 243

Section 4 LTE Procedures 245

Lesson 1 Connection States and System Information 247
LTE Connection States 247
LTE Procedures 248
Network Attachment 248

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Objectives

System Information Broadcast 249

System Information Block Scheduling 252
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 253
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 255

Lesson 2 Cell Selection and Reselection 257

PLMN and Cell Selection 257
Cell Reselection 258
IDLE Mode Location Management in LTE 260
Multiple Tracking Areas 261
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 263
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 267

Lesson 3 Random Access 269

Random Access Procedure 269
Contention Based Random Access 269
Non-Contention Based Random Access 271
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 273
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 275

Lesson 4 RRC Connections, Security and Handover 277

Establishing RRC Connections 277
Registration Procedure 277
Registration Procedure 278
EMM State Machine 279
Security in LTE 280
Service Request and Initial Bearer Establishment 282
ESM State Machine 284
Connected Mode Mobility 284
Measurements for Handover 286
Measurement Scenarios 287
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions 289
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 293

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LTE Radio Interface

Section 4 Practice Paper 295

End-Of-Section Assignment 296
End-Of-Section 4 Multiple Choice Questions 297
Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid 303

x © Telecoms Academy
Objectives

LTE Radio Interface Objectives;

This module is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the development of

3.9G/4G mobile broadband networks. At the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Describe the key factors influencing the future development of the mobile
marketplace and the evolution of mobile broadband networks and services
• Identify some of the main trends in mobile revenues, EBITDA, pricing, traffic,
subscribers and devices to 2013
• Outline the standardization procedures for mobile technologies
• Describe the historical evolution path for 3GPP and 3GPP2 mobile networks
• Evaluate the role of different mobile broadband technologies in different
environments
• Outline the key underlying digital radio and other new technologies that enable
the development of 4G mobile broadband systems
• Identify how mobile network operators can migrate their legacy infrastructure
to LTE and future 4G broadband technologies
• Outline the timetable for the standardization and commercial deployment of
4G networks
• List the future services and applications that 4G networks are required to
support.

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LTE Radio Interface

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Section 1

LTE Introduction, Architecture

Overview and Protocol Stack

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Lesson 1 LTE Introduction

Drivers for Mobile Broadband

After a slow start mobile data has finally taken off. Many factors, technical and non-
technical, relating to the success of mobile data have come together to provide data
services that are both easy to use and meets the users performance expectations.

Network and handset capability have met with content and billing regimes and along with
growing consumer confidence and experience this is leading to increased use of data
services provided by operators. As consumers, operators and third party application
providers gain more experience with data services beyond the plain WAP home page, the
demand for data is forecast to continue growing for the foreseeable future. Good news for
operators who are generally seeing a reduction in revenues from traditional voice based
services. Revenues in the next decade will depend on increasing efficiency and finding
alternative non-voice services.

The graph opposite shows the increase in use of both fixed and mobile broadband
services, it also shows that the use of mobile broadband is set to overtake fixed
broadband in the future, this will only be possible if we can deliver a high performance and
consistent service that the subscribers will come to expect.

Figure 1 – Increase in Broadband Usage

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Figure 2 – Typical Services and Network Requirements

Typical Applications and Network Requirements

While voice remains the most popular application for large user segments, several distinct
trends will influence mobile communications in the years ahead:

• Common, access-independent Internet applications will replace silos for

mobile applications and residential applications

• Web2.0 applications empower users to participate in communities, and will

generate content and interact in virtual worlds and increase the requirement to
greater uplink capabilities

• Streaming services that deliver individual video content on demand and

mobile TV on demand are emerging as a favoured application

• Mobile, interactive remote gaming and real-time gaming will undoubtedly

become a major industry in its own right

• The quadruple play of voice, data, video and mobility bundles for residential
and mobile use is heating up the battle over fixed-mobile substitution in the
consumer market

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• Mobile office comprising smart phones, notebooks, ubiquitous broadband

access and advanced security solutions will free business users from their
office desk.

The network capability will need to evolve to ensure a consistent and reliable user experience,

such network evolutions include;

• The network’s capacity to support high peak user data rates and high average
data throughput rates

• Low user data plane’s and signalling channels’ response time, or latency

• Guaranteed radio coverage ensuring full use of services up to the cell’s edge

• A viable means of creating and maintaining individual connections and the

entire system’s quality of service (QoS)

• Service continuity between access networks

• Single sign-on to all network access

• Competitive prices, with many users favouring flat-rate fees for reasons of cost
control

LTE E-UTRAN Objectives

LTE is focusing on optimum support of Packet Switched (PS) Services. Main requirements
for the design of an LTE system are outlined in 3GPP TR 25.913 (2006) and can be
summarized as follows:

Data Rate: Peak data rates target 100 Mbps (downlink) and 50 Mbps (uplink) for 20 MHz
spectrum allocation, assuming 2 receive antennas and 1 transmit antenna at the terminal.

Throughput: Target for downlink average user throughput per MHz is 3-4 times better
than release 6. Target for uplink average user throughput per MHz is 2-3 times better than

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release 6. (release 6 – HSPA)

Spectrum Efficiency: Downlink target is 3-4 times better than release 6. Uplink target is
2-3 times better than release 6.

Latency: The one-way transit time between a packet being available at the IP layer in
either the UE or radio access network and the availability of this packet at IP layer in the
radio access network/UE is less than 5 ms. Also C-plane latency is reduced, e.g. to allow
fast transition times of less than 100 ms from camped state to active state.

Bandwidth: Scaleable bandwidths of 5, 10, 15, 20 MHz are supported. Also bandwidths
smaller than 5 MHz are supported for more flexibility, i.e. 1.4 MHz and 3 MHz for FDD
mode.

Interworking: Interworking with existing UTRAN/GERAN systems and non-3GPP

systems is ensured. Multimode terminals support handover to and from UTRAN and
GERAN as well as inter-RAT measurements. Interruption time for handover between
E-UTRAN and UTRAN/GERAN is less than 300 ms for real time services and less than
500 ms for non real time services.

Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS): MBMS is further enhanced and is

then referred to as E-MBMS.

Mobility: The system is optimized for low mobile speed (0-15 km/h), but higher mobile
speeds are supported as well including high speed train environment as special case.

Spectrum allocation: Operation in paired (Frequency Division Duplex / FDD mode) and
unpaired spectrum (Time Division Duplex / TDD mode).

Co-existence: Co-existence in the same geographical area and co-location with GERAN/
UTRAN. Also, co-existence between operators in adjacent bands as well as cross-border
coexistence.

Quality of Service: End-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) is supported.

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Figure 3 – LTE E-UTRAN Requirements

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Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions

LTE Introduction.....

Q1
which one of the following can be attributed to the increase in data traffic observed by
many mobile operators?
a) flat rate SMS
b) smart handsets
c) increased market share
d) decreased fixed network traffic

Q2
common, access independent internet applications and web 2.0 will affect…
a) they way people communicate in coming years
b) mobile market penetration
c) fixed – mobile substitution rates
d) is not thought to affect any aspect of the mobile market

Q3
higher capacity networks, service continuity, single sign-in and competitive pricing are
enabled by….
a) battery longevity
b) the user experience
c) network capability evolution
d) inter-network service agreements

Q4
which of the following are LTE eUTRAN objectives?
a) support for market penetration greater than 100%
b) voice over IP
c) low cost roaming
d) 100Mbps peak downlink data rates

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LTE Radio Interface

Q5
spectral efficiency for LTE eUTRAN is expected to be, how many times better than the
current release 6 HSPA ?
a) 3-4 times better in the downlink
b) 3-4 times better in the uplink
c) 2-3 times better in the downlink
d) no significant improvement

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid

Transfer your answers onto the grid for easy assessment and future reference

Name…………………………………………………………………………………...

Question set……………………………………………………………………………

Question a b c d

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Lesson 2 Architecture Overview

System Architecture Evolution (SAE)

One of the main objectives of the LTE architecture is an overall simplification of the
network with a reduction in the number of nodes required in the radio access and core
network components. The evolution of the network is designed to optimise performance
and improve cost efficiency. Also interoperability with the existing 3.5G infrastructure is
important, particularly mobility and handover between the networks.

The Evolved Packet System (EPS) is divided in to radio access and core network.

Figure 4 – System Architecture Evolution (SAE)

Evolved UMTS Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)

Evolved UMTS Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) contains a single element known
as the Evolved Node Bs (eNB). The eNB supports all the user plane and control
plane protocols to enable communication with the UE. It also supports radio resource

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management, admission control, scheduling, uplink QoS enforcement, cell broadcast,

encryption and compression/decompression of user data.

The eNB is connected to the core network on the S1 interface. The S1 interface allows
the eNB to communicate with the Mobility Management Entity (MME) via the S1-MME
interface and the Serving Gateway (SGW) via the S1-U interface. The interfaces support
a many to many relationship between eNB and SGW/MME.

The eNB are also networked together using the X2 interface. The X2 interface is based o
the same set of protocols as the S1 and is primarily in place to allow user plane tunnelling
of packets during handover to minimise packet loss.

Figure 5 – E-UTRAN Architecture

Evolved Packet Core (EPC)

The Evolved Packet Core contains two principle functions, high speed packet handling
and mobility management, these functions are carried out by the SGW and MME. This
separation of function allows each to be implemented on a platform optimised for data

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handling or message processing. This will result in more optimised performance and
allows independent scaling of each component and efficient topological optimisation of
platforms to ensure consistent service i.e. reduced latencies and maximised throughput.

Serving Gateway (SGW)

The SGW acts as a router, routing and forwarding packets of user data, it is able to
provide transport level packet marking, and the marking process may be used for QoS
management by other network elements. Also some accounting functions for UL/DL
services.

The SGW will act as a local anchoring point for inter eNB handover and can also act as
a 3GPP anchoring point for handovers between UMTS and LTE. It provides idle mode
functions such as packet buffering and initiation of network triggered service request.

The SGW is also one of the Lawful Interception points in the network.

Mobility Management Entity (MME)

The Mobility management entity (MME) is the primary signalling node in the EPC,
NAS signalling is terminated at this point and included signalling related to bearer
establishment and authentication of the UEs through interaction with the Home Subscriber
Server (HSS). It is also the decision point for SGW selection, and MME, SGW selection
during handover where EPC node change is necessary.

The MME handles roaming functions such as allocation of temporary identities, admission
control and communication with the home HSS on the S6a interface.

Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW)

The P-GW is the entry and exit point for UE connectivity with external data networks.
It provides functions of packet filtering, via deep packet inspection, allocation of UE
IP addresses, downlink packet marking, and service level charging, gating and rate
enforcement.

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LTE Radio Interface

The P-GW also acts as an anchor for mobility between 3GPP and non-3GPP technologies
such as 3GPP2 CDMA2000 and WiMAX.

Figure 6 – volved Packet Core (EPC) Components

SGW-Serving Gateway; router, packet marking, anchor for inter-eNB handover,

some accounting
MME-Mobility Management Entity; NAS signalling point, admission control, bearer
setup, authentication, roaming functions, selects SGW
P-GW-Packet Gateway; date entry/exit point, packet inspection/filtering, IP address
allocation, mobility anchor for non-3GPP handover

LTE Reference points

S1: It provides access to Evolved RAN radio resources for the transport of user plane and
control plane traffic. The S1 reference point shall enable MME and UPE separation and
also deployments of a combined MME and UPE solution.

S2a/b: It provides the user plane with related control and mobility support between a
trusted/ not-trusted non-3GPP IP access and the SAE Anchor.

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S3: It enables user and bearer information exchange for inter 3GPP access system
mobility in idle and/or active state. It is based on Gn reference point defined between
SGSNs.

S4: It provides the user plane with related control and mobility support between GPRS
Core and the 3GPP Anchor and is based on Gn reference point as defined between
SGSN and GGSN.

S5a: It provides the user plane with related control and mobility support between MME/
UPE and 3GPP anchor. It is FFS whether a standardized S5a exists or whether MME/
UPE and 3GPP anchor are combined into one entity.

S5b: It provides the user plane with related control and mobility support between 3GPP
anchor and SAE anchor. It is FFS whether a standardized S5b exists or whether 3GPP
anchor and SAE anchor are combined into one entity.

S6: It enables transfer of subscription and authentication data for authenticating/

authorizing user access to the evolved system (AAA interface).

S7: It provides transfer of (QoS) policy and charging rules from PCRF to Policy and
Charging Enforcement Point (PCEP). The allocation of the PCEP is FFS.

SGi: It is the reference point between the Inter AS Anchor and the packet data network.
Packet data network may be an operator external public or private packet data network or
an intra operator packet data network, e.g. for provision of IMS services. This reference
point corresponds to Gi and Wi functionalities and supports any 3GPP and non-3GPP
access systems.

The interfaces between the SGSN in 2G/3G Core Network and the Evolved Packet Core
(EPC) will be based on the GTP protocol. The interfaces between the
SAE MME/UPE and the 2G/3G Core Network will be based on the GTP protocol.

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Figure 7 – LTE-SAE Reference points

LTE Roaming Architecture

Roaming is supported by the SAE, the figure opposite show the situation where a user is
roamed on to a V-PLMN (Visitor – PLMN). A roaming agreement must exist between the
home and visited systems. The pictured scenario may be when the user visits a different
country or where national roaming is supported.

Part of the connection is handled by the visited network, this includes the radio access,
mobility management and elements of session management. U-plane data is routed via
visited SGW to the home network P-GW and the S8 interface.

The S8 interface carries both user plane data and control signaling and is based on the
Gp interface first defined in the GPRS/UMTS core network specifications.

The S6 interface connects the MME to the HSS and handles session and mobility related
signaling including security.

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The data sessions are managed locally by the visited network but the call is anchored in
the home network, allowing the home operator to maintain control of the session. This
may not be the most efficient routing in terms of cost and system resources, therefore,
there is an option to route the U-plane traffic to a P-GW in the V-PLMN and make
connections, for example, directly to the internet or local services.

Figure 8 – EPC Roaming Architecture – traffic routed to H-PLMN

Non-3GPP Access

The diagram opposite shows the architecture that allows IP access to the EPC using
non-3GPP access technologies, i.e. Wireless LAN (802.11a,b,g,) WiMAX. There are two
possible access scenarios, both of which appear on the diagram, trusted and non-trusted
access.

Where the operator owns and operates the WLAN network, this may be considered a
trusted case, the user data from the WLAN network may be sent directly to the P-GW

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via the IP based S2 interface. Information relating to subscriber profiles, authentication

vectors, network identity, charging and QoS information may all be provided to the WLAN
access via the Ta interface. The information is provided via the 3GPP AAA server which
acts as an inter-working point between the 3GPP and IETF worlds. The main purpose of
the 3GPP AAA server is to allow end to end interaction, such as authentications to take
place using 3GPP credentials stored in the HSS via the Wx interface.

In the non-trusted case, e.g. a corporate entity has its own WLAN network and would like
to offer 3GPP access to its customers, there are additional network elements to maintain
the infrastructure security and integrity. The ePDG (evolved Packet Data Gateway)
element carried all the traffic from the WLAN via a secure tunnel (IPSec) over the Wn
interface. The Wm interface allows the user related data from the HSS via the 3GPP AAA
Server, to be exchanged, ensuring proper tunneling and encryption between the user
terminal and the P-GW.

In both of these cases the MME and SGW are redundant.

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S2 – IP based User-plane data

Ta/Wa – Transport authentication, authorisation and charging-related
information in a secure manner
Wx – Communication between WLAN AAA infrastructure and HSS,
Security data, Sub profile, charging
Wn – Force non-trusted traffic via ePDG tunnel
Wm – Authorisation/authentication data, tunnel attributes, identity
mapping, charging characteristics

Figure 9 – Non-3GPP Access to EPC

Interworking with 2G/3G networks

Where 2G/3G cells are adjacent or overlaid on to E-UTRAN cells there will be a
requirement for interworking between the different infrastructures to support inter-system
mobility. No new systems elements are required but 2 additional interfaces are specified,
S3 and S4.

S3 supports the user and bearer information exchange between the SGSN and the MME
during handover/cell reselection. QoS and user context will be exchange so the target
system has all the information required to re-establish the bearers on the new cell. S3 is
based on the IP Gn interface designed for 2G/3G core architecture.

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S4 carries the user plane data between the SGSN and the SGW. The SGW play the role of

the mobility anchor in inter-system exchanges, it has a very similar role to the GGSN in 2G/3G

networks. The S4 interface is also based on the Gn interface.

Figure 10 – 2G/3G – LTE Interworking

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Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions

Architecture Overview.....

Q1
fill in the blanks in the statement below;
One of the main objectives of the LTE architecture is an overall _____________ of the
network with a _____________ of the number of network nodes
a) complication, reduction
b) simplification, increase
c) simplification, reduction
d) complication, reduction

Q2
how many network nodes are defined within the eUTRAN ?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Q3
the eNB connects to the SGW using which interface?
a) X2
b) S1_MME
c) S1_U
d) S2

Q4
the S1_MME interface carries which type of information?
a) user data only
b) user data and signalling
c) voip signalling and data
d) signalling only

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Q5
which EPC node acts as an anchoring point for inter eNB handovers between UMTS and
LTE?
a) eNB
b) SGW
c) MME
d) PGW

Q6

which EPC node acts as a router, provides transport level packet marking and some accounting

functions ?

a) eNB
b) SGW
c) MME
d) PGW

Q7

which EPC node is the primary signalling node, terminating NAS signalling related to mobility

management and bearer management?

a) eNB
b) SGW
c) MME
d) PGW

Q8

which EPC node is the entry and exit point for UE connectivity and provides deep packet

inspection, DL packet marking and service level charging ?

a) eNB
b) SGW
c) MME
d) PGW

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Q9

which of the following SAE reference points provides the user plane with control and mobility

support between trusted and non-trusted IP access networks and the SAE anchor ?

a) S1
b) S2a/b
c) S4
d) S5a

Q10

which SAE reference point enables user and bearer information exchange for inter 3GPP access

mobility?

a) S1
b) S2
c) S3
d) S4

Q11

which SAE reference point the transfer of QoS policy and charging rules from the PCRF to the

PCEP?

a) S5a
b) S5b
c) S6
d) S7

Q12

which SAE reference point provides a connection between the SAE anchor and an external

system?

a) S1
b) S7
c) S5
d) SGi

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Q13

interfaces between the 2G/3G core and the EPC uses which protocol?

a) GTP
b) RLC
c) SS7
d) MTP

Q14

the S8 and S6 interfaces are used to support which service?

a) VoIP
b) WAP gateway access
c) roaming
d) security

Q15

roaming connections will most likely be…

a) passed through the local PDN

b) routed back to the H-PLMN
c) handled by a 3rd party
d) roaming for LTE is not yet specified

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Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid

Transfer your answers onto the grid for easy assessment and future reference

Name…………………………………………………………………………………...

Question set……………………………………………………………………………

Question a b c d

10

11

12

13

14

15

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Lesson 3 Spectrum Requirements for LTE

Spectrum Requirements for LTE

It is very apparent from many industry sources that the mobile broadband revolution
has begun, in the next few years there will be an ever increasing demand for access to
high speed broadband data services. Technologies like LTE and WiMAX seem very well
placed to be able to offer these services to subscribers in a very cost effective way.

One of the greatest problems to overcome will be availability of spectrum and the
availability of spectrum in suitable bands. There is a great deal of work currently taking
place to ensure that operators have access to a sufficient amount of spectrum to solve the
principle problems of coverage and capacity that they face right now and may potentially
face to a greater extent in the future.

The ITU-R already recognises the coming issues and has begun to address the problem
at WRC 07 and will make further resolutions at WRC11.

Figure 11 – IMT 2000 spectrum Allocations (WRC 2000)

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WRC 2007 Spectrum

Under Agenda Item 1.4 “to consider frequency-related matters for the future development
of IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000.

“WRC-07 has identified globally harmonised spectrum for use by International

Mobile Telecommunications (IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced)”.

Additional spectrum was allocated for IMT systems in various new bands, resulting in 392
MHz of new spectrum in total in Europe and 428 MHz in the Americas:

• 20 MHz in the band 450−470 MHz (globally)

• 72 MHz in the band 790−862 MHz for Region 1 (Europe) and parts of Region
3 (Asia)
• 108 MHz in the band 698−806 MHz for Region 2 (Americas) and some
countries of Region 3 (Asia)
• 100 MHz in the band 2.3−2.4 GHz (globally)
• 200 MHz in the band 3.4−3.6 GHz (no global allocation, but identified in 82
countries)

Note: These bands will not be available immediately for NGMN usage, but opened to
the market following transition periods of up to several years. Additionally, the allocations
regarding the bands 790-862 MHz and 3.4 - 3.6 GHz in Region 1 will only come into full
effect in 2015 and 2010 respectively. 

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• 20 MHz in the band 450−470 MHz (globally)

• 72 MHz in the band 790−862 MHz for Region 1 (Europe) and parts of Region
3 (Asia)
• 108 MHz in the band 698−806 MHz for Region 2 (Americas) and some
countries of Region 3 (Asia)
• 100 MHz in the band 2.3−2.4 GHz (globally)
• 200 MHz in the band 3.4−3.6 GHz (no global allocation, but identified in 82
countries)

Figure 12 – Additional Spectrum Identified at WRC 2007

LTE Spectrum Requirements

The table opposite shows the existing bands supported by 3GPP and 3GPP2. The
majority of these are already in use with the well known 2G/3G technologies. One of the
largest areas of interest for operators and regulators alike is the potential for spectrum
re-farming in these bands. Spectrum neutrality is becoming increasing wide spread, where
the regulator lifts the technology specific nature of the licenses.

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UMTS900 has already been approved and there is work taking place on the USA in
the 700MHz band. The digital dividend is also another area of interest, analogue TV
broadcast are coming to an end in many parts of the word leaving behind spectrum in the
ranges 470 – 862 MHz.

Figure 13 – Existing and Future 3GPP Bands

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Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions

Spectrum Requirements for LTE.....

Q1
which of the following spectrum bands was identified as part of the IMT 2000 family?
a) 1520 – 1590MHz
b) 2410 – 2490MHz
c) 82 – 105MHz
d) 450 – 470MHz

Q2
what future event will make more radio spectrum available particularly in the 470 –
862MHz band?
a) analogue TV switch off
b) 2G networks being switched off
c) spectrum refarming
d) use of LTE technology

Q3
in band 13 (XIII) of the proposed LTE spectrum bands how much radio spectrum is
available?
a) 60MHz
b) 2 x 45MHz
c) 2 x 12 MHz
d) 24MHz

Q4
what LTE radio spectrum does band II refer to?
a) 2.1GHz
b) 800MHz
c) lower 700MHz
d) 1900MHz

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Q5
the 1700MHz LTE radio band available in Japan is also referred to as…
a) band I
b) band IX
c) band XIV
d) band VI

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid

Transfer your answers onto the grid for easy assessment and future reference

Name…………………………………………………………………………………...

Question set……………………………………………………………………………

Question a b c d

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Lesson 4 an Introduction to the LTE Protocol Stack

LTE Protocol Stack Overview

The OSI 7 Layer Model

Dating back to the late 1970s the OSI (Open Systems Integration) Model was
formulated by the International Standards Organisation as a means of organising data
communications between computers. The aim was to provide a means whereby many
different sorts of systems from a variety of manufacturers would be able to communicate
with each other reliably, economically and efficiently. The reference model is not a
communication standard as such, but does provide a structure into which internationally
agreed standards may be fitted.

Each of the layers is associated with particular well-defined aspects of communication

between the communicating machines or applications. The concept is of communication
between corresponding layers at each end of the link and indeed this “peer-to-peer”
communication is the reality of the model. However in a practical sense, messages are
passed from the “application” (residing above the model), down through the various layers
in descending order, transported across a physical interconnecting link, and passed back
up through the layers in ascending order at the receiving entity. Each layer (in descending
order) at the transmitter adds it’s own information in the form of a “header”. At the
receiving end (in ascending order) each layer header is removed as each layer “completes
its responsibilities” until eventually the required data is passed to the receiving application.

At the upper end of the model, Layers 7,6 and 5 are generally classed as being
associated with Information technology rather than telecommunications. These layers
are concerned with the issues such as the semantics, presentation and organisation of
the data rather than the actual transport of the data. In many modern communication
protocols these 3 layers are often grouped together or are simply left out of the protocol
stack. A brief explanation of these layers is offered:

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LTE Radio Interface

Figure 14 – OSI 7 Layer Model

Application Layer

This can be a misleading term as it is not the application itself. The Application Layer
communicates with the software application and provides communications services for
it. It is the interface between the application and the supporting 7 Layer model. This layer
contains management functions and generally useful mechanisms that support distributed
applications. In addition, general purpose applications such as file transfer, electronic mail,
and terminal access to remote computers are considered to reside within this layer.

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Presentation Layer

The Presentation Layer makes provision for a common representation to be used between
applications, thereby making applications independent of syntax. For instance, this layer
is concerned with code and character set conversions and the layout of the data, for
example on a computer screen.

Session Layer

This layer is concerned primarily with the setting up and orderly clearing down of
communication sessions and establishing agreed synchronisation points from which
communication may be continued in the event of an interruption to the session.

The above three layers are not concerned with the actual transport of data and as
such are of little or no relevance to GPRS which, as a bearer service (by definition), is
concerned with the lower layers of the 7 Layer Model. These layers are now examined in
more detail.

Application Layer

• Link between the application and the (communications) protocol stack.

Presentation Layer

• Ensuring that the receiving end can understand the information sent to it.

Session Layer

• Concerned with the establishment, clearing down and synchronisation of

communication “sessions”.

Transport Layer

The Transport Layer provides for reliable communications between the communicating
entities on an end-to-end basis.

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LTE Radio Interface

As a simple example, a Layer 4 protocol might label a sequence of packets such that the
receiving entity is able to confirm receipt of the complete sequence. Should any packets
be missing or duplicated then the Layer 4 protocol would be able to identify this and to
take appropriate action.

A convenient way of explaining the transport Layer is as a division between the higher
three Layers (the meaning of the message), and the lower three layers (the delivery of the
message).

Many of the characteristics of the Transport Layer appear similar to those found within
Layer 2 (the Data Link Layer). The key differentiator between them is that the Transport
Layer works on an end-to-end basis, whilst the Data link Layer works point-to-point, that
is between adjacent communicating nodes within an end-to-end chain forming a complete
communications link.

Layer 4 – The Transport Layer

Figure 15 – The Transport Layer

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

The Network Layer

The Network Layer is concerned with the routing of packets through a communications
network. In the previous section it was described how each node within a network must
examine the addressing within a packet and make a decision about which node to
route the packet to. This function is operating at the Network Layer. The Network Layer
therefore operates at each node. All Layers above the Network Layer operate solely at the
ends of the link. The diagram opposite illustrates this point.

Figure 16 – The Network Layer

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Data Link Layer

The Data Link Layer operates at a point-to-point level throughout a communications link.
As stated previously, its’ functions are somewhat similar to those of the Transport Layer
which operates end-to-end as opposed to point-to-point.

There are many Data Link Layer protocols many of which can be traced back in origin to
IBM’s Synchronous Data Link Control SDLC. Examples include:

• High Level Data Link Control HDLC

• Link Access Procedure for the D channel LAPD (ISDN)
• LAPM (for modems)
• LAPF (for Frame Relay
• Point-to-point Protocol PPP (dial-up access to ISPs)

A generalised Data Link Layer protocol is shown. It consists of:

• Flags. A unique pattern, usually a single octet which is used to delimit the Data
Link Layer packet
• An address for routing purposes (decision made at the Network Layer)
• Control Information which includes numbering of transmitted and received
packets such that corrupted, lost or duplicated packets may be identified and
retransmitted as necessary
• Cyclic redundancy Check. An error detection scheme used to verify the
integrity of the packet

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Figure 17– Layer 2 – Data Link Layer

The Physical Layer

The Physical Layer relates to the actual physical (transmission) link adjoining two nodes
within a communication path. Possibly the most common and best known link in this
context is the RS232 connection that is commonly used between a PC and its common
peripherals such as keyboard, printer and mouse.

The RS232 standard defines physical aspects of this link such as:

• The numbering of the pin connectors

• The physical dimensions of the plug and socket connectors
• The voltage levels on the line

Within the standard (non GPRS) GSM Air Interface the Physical Layer procedures are
concerned with the processing of data prior to transmission over radio. Such procedures
will be examined in detail later and include:

• Error protection – most notably convolutional coding for error correction

• Encryption

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LTE Radio Interface

• Burst Formatting
• Multiplexing (TDMA)
• Modulation
• Power control

All of the above are associated directly with the physical properties of the Air Interface link
between the mobile and the base station. As such these functions are the responsibility of
the Physical Layer.

RS 232 Connector

• pin positions
• physical plug dimensions
• voltage levels

GSM Air Interface

• Convolutional coding for error protection
• Encryption
• Burst Formatting
• Multiplexing – TDMA
• Modulation
• Power Control

Figure 18 – Layer 1 – The Physical Layer

Services and Bearers in the E-UTRAN

Following on from the basic architecture of the E-UTRAN the figure opposite shows the
relationship between end to end services and underlying bearers.

The end to end service is an application level relationship established between the
application present on the UE and a peer application resident on a server or peer device
located inside or outside the current network. This service is dependant on the underlying
connections or bearers to ensure the required QoS.

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The Evolved Packet System (EPS) bearer represents the connection between the UE
and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and is established through Non-Access Stratum
(NAS) signalling. The QoS experienced by the end to end service is determined by the
EPS bearer, when the EPS bearer is established between the UE and the EPC the QoS
parameters and packet forwarding treatment will be negotiated.

The external bearer is established by the gateway device and the interconnected network.

The radio bearer, S1 bearer and S5/S8 bearers are all established to carry the data and
the entitles managing the bearers will maintain a one to one mapping in order to bind the
radio to the S1 bearer, etc. All of these bearers are established using their respective
Access Stratum signalling.

E-UTRAN EPC Internet

UE eNB S-GW P-GW Peer

Entity

End-to-end Service

EPS Bearer External Bearer

Radio Bearer S1 Bearer S5/S8 Bearer

Radio S1 S5/S8 Gi

Figure 19 – Services and Bearers in the E-UTRAN

The LTE Protocol Stack

General Protocol Architecture

The protocol architecture is split into two major elements, the Non-Access Stratum
(NAS) and Access Stratum (AS). The NAS carries data and signalling directly and
transparently from the UE to the core network, information such as IP data originating at a
UE application will be carried out to the core network via the NAS, NAS signalling will be

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used to setup and negotiate the bearers required to carry the IP data. The AS generally
provides all of the data delivery and transport services required by the NAS across both
the Uu and S1 interfaces.

This separation of access and non-access systems allows all of the access functions to
be carried out independently of the core network, similarly the non-access network (i.e.
the core network and end to end functions) can maintain independence from the access
functions.

Structure of the LTE Protocol Stack

The stack consists of two principle layers, the Radio Network Layer and the Transport
Network Layer. The functions of the E-UTRAN are supported by the Radio Network
Layer, (e.g. Radio Resource Control and NAS functions). The Transport Network Layer
supports the basic functions of data transport and includes protocols such as RLC and
MAC. These can be viewed as standard transport technologies which are independent of
system or application.

The protocol stack also has a vertical separation into the User Plane and control plane.
The Control Plane application protocol manages the process for establishing bearers in
the radio network layer. Typical Control Plane applications may be radio resource control
(RRC), S1AP or X2AP referring to the E-UTRAN interfaces. The transport network layer
supports the transfer of Control Plane information in signalling bearers

User data is transferred using data streams in the User Plane via the data bearers
established by the transport network layer. The data is transferred transparently in the
network transport layer using tunnelling protocols.

46 © Telecoms Academy
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Figure XX Information Transfer in LTE

Figure 20 – General Layout of the LTE Protocols

The User Plane and Control Plane Protocols

The User Plane

Figure 21 show the User Plane protocols, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link

Control (RLC) and Medium Access Control (MAC). These protocols will originate and terminate in

the eNB and UE

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PDCP Layer

The PDCP will receive user data from the NAS and forward it to the RLC layer, and vice
versa. It also provides retransmission, sequencing, and duplicate packet detection for
handover when RLC operates in acknowledged mode.

Ciphering, header de/compression and timer based packet discard are some of the other
functions that this layer provides.

RLC Layer

The principal function of RLC is to provide a layer 2 datalink-like function. The RLC layer
will receive data user data from the PDCP and forward it for scheduled transmission to the
MAC layer and vice versa.

This layer can provide ARQ based error detection/correction, segmentation and
reassembly of packets, sequenced delivery of upper layer information (not during
handover) and duplicate detection.

RLC supports 3 modes of data transfer acknowledged mode, un-acknowledged mode,

and transparent mode (AM, UM, TM). Each transfer mode will be selected depending on
the required QoS of the upper later services.

MAC Layer

The MAC layer is primarily responsible for ensuring user data is mapped to the correct
channels for transmission on the physical layer, this process is known as logical to
physical channel mapping.

Other functions include multiplexing/de-multiplexing of information from multiple radio

bearers, HARQ error correction, priority handling and scheduling, transport format
selection and padding. The MAC layer can also report traffic volume measurements to
upper layers.

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Figure 21 – The LTE protocol stack user plane

The Control Plane

The lower layers of the User Plane and Control Plane share the same protocols, PDCP,
RLC, MAC and PHY, the functions of these layers are the same as for the user plane,
the principle difference being the support of signalling bearers to carry the upper layer
signalling and control messages.

The Control Plane application protocol use across the radio interface is radio resource
control (RRC). The Control Plane also handles messages from the NAS such as mobility
and session management.

RRC is responsible for broadcasting and paging of information as well connection

management and radio bearer control. It also manages the mobility of the user at the radio
level and allows the UE to take and report measurements from the radio system.

The NAS control protocol, which terminates in the mobility management entity (MME)
in the EPC allows the EPS bearer to be managed as well as authentication idle mode
mobility services and co-ordination of paging.

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RRC functions NAS functions

- Broadcast; - EPS bearer management;
- Paging; - Authentication;
- RRC connection management; - ECM-IDLE mobility handling;

- RB control; - Paging origination in ECM-IDLE;

- Mobility functions; - Security control.

- UE measurement reporting and control.

Figure 22 – The LTE protocol stack control plane

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Protocol Stack Summary and References

The picture below shows the overall structure of the protocol stack indicating the user ad control

planes. The 3GPP specifications for each layer are also shown.

36.331 RRC Protocol

User-Plane Control-Plane
Specification

APPs NAS (SM, GMM)

TCP/UDP RRC

IP 36.331 RRC Protocol Specification

PDCP-User PDCP-Control

36.323 PDCP Protocol Specification

Radio Bearers
RLC

36.322 RLC Protocol Specification

Logical Channels
MAC

36.321 MAC Protocol Specification

Transport Channels
36.201 PHY General PHY
36.211 PHY Channel and Modulation
36.212 Multiplexing and Channel Coding
36.213 PHY Procedures
36.214 Measurements

Physical Channels

Figure 23 – General Layout of the LTE protocol Stack

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Self Assessment Multiple Choice Questions

An Introduction to the LTE Protocol Stack.....

Q1
in the OSI 7 layer reference model the abbreviation OSI stands for…
a) Open Standards Interface
b) Object Systems Integration
c) Open Systems Integration
d) Open Systems Interfacing

Q2
which layers of the OSI reference model may be considered as end to end protocols?
a) physical and datalink layers
b) datalink and network layers
c) transport and network layers
d) session and presentation layers

Q3
which of the OSI reference model layers is responsible for communicating with the
application and providing communication services for it?
a) application layer
b) presentation layer
c) session layer
d) transport layer

Q4
frame relay, ATM, and Ethernet are generally consider to be example of which OSI model
layer?
a) application layer
b) presentation layer
c) session layer
d) data link layer

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Q5
in LTE architecture which service connects the UE to the peer entity ?
a) radio bearer
b) EPS bearer
c) external bearer
d) end to end service

Q6 In LTE architecture the EPS bearer connects which network nodes?

a) UE and eNB
b) UE and SGW
c) UE and PGW
d) UE and peer entity

Q6 in LTE architecture which bearer service connects the SGW and PGW

a) EPS bearer
b) external bearer
c) S5/S6 bearer
d) radio bearer

Q7 in LTE protocol architecture which component carrier user data and signalling transparently

from the UE to the EPC?

a) AS
b) NAS
c) DTAP
d) S1-MME

Q8 the LTE protocol architecture is split into the Radio Network Layer and Transport Network

Layer, what is the general function of the Radio Network Layer?

a) basic functions of data transport including RLC and MAC

b) E-UTRAN functions including RRC and NAS
c) network access and mobility management
d) bearer control and session management

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Q9 in the LTE radio interface protocol stack which of the layers is responsible for header

compression, encryption and packet sequencing?

a) RLC
b) PDCP
c) MAC
d) PHY

Q10 in the LTE radio interface protocol stack which of the layers is responsible for datalink layer

functions including segmentation and reassembly, sequenced delivery and duplicate detection?

a) RLC
b) PDCP
c) MAC
d) PHY

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LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid

Transfer your answers onto the grid for easy assessment and future reference

Name…………………………………………………………………………………...

Question set……………………………………………………………………………

Question a b c d

10

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Section 1

Practice Paper

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End-Of-Section Assignment

What vendors are providing LTE network nodes ?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What issues do you foresee with LTE terminal equipment

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What kind of terminal equipment is most likely to be available when operators begin to roll
out LTE networks?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Many operators and vendors are running LTE trials, what sort of performance are they
currently showing ?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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End-Of-Section 1 Multiple Choice Questions

Q1
higher capacity networks, service continuity, single sign-in and competitive pricing are
enabled by….
a) battery longevity
b) the user experience
c) network capability evolution
d) inter-network service agreements

Q2
which of the following are LTE eUTRAN objectives?
a) support for market penetration greater than 100%
b) voice over IP
c) low cost roaming
d) 100Mbps peak downlink data rates

Q3
which SAE reference point provides a connection between the SAE anchor and an
external system?
a) S1
b) S7
c) S5
d) SGi

Q4
in the LTE radio interface protocol stack which of the layers is responsible for header
compression, encryption and packet sequencing?
a) RLC
b) PDCP
c) MAC
d) PHY

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Q5
fill in the blanks in the statement below;
One of the main objectives of the LTE architecture is an overall _____________ of the
network with a _____________ of the number of network nodes
a) complication, reduction
b) simplification, increase
c) simplification, reduction
d) complication, reduction

Q6
how many network nodes are defined within the eUTRAN ?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Q7
common, access independent internet applications and web 2.0 will affect…
a) they way people communicate in coming years
b) mobile market penetration
c) fixed – mobile substitution rates
d) is not thought to affect any aspect of the mobile market

Q8
which of the following spectrum bands was identified as part of the IMT 2000 family?
a) 1520 – 1590MHz
b) 2410 – 2490MHz
c) 82 – 105MHz
d) 450 – 470MHz

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Q9
which EPC node acts as an anchoring point for inter eNB handovers between UMTS and
LTE?
a) eNB
b) SGW
c) MME
d) PGW

Q10
which EPC node is the primary signalling node, terminating NAS signalling related to
mobility management and bearer management?
a) eNB
b) SGW
c) MME
d) PGW

Q11
the LTE protocol architecture is split into the Radio Network Layer and Transport Network
Layer, what is the general function of the Radio Network Layer?
a) basic functions of data transport including RLC and MAC
b) E-UTRAN functions including RRC and NAS
c) network access and mobility management
d) bearer control and session management

Q12
which of the following SAE reference points provides the user plane with control and
mobility support between trusted and non-trusted IP access networks and the SAE
anchor?
a) S1
b) S2a/b
c) S4
d) S5a

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Q13
which SAE reference point the transfer of QoS policy and charging rules from the PCRF to
the PCEP?
a) S5a
b) S5b
c) S6
d) S7

Q14
which layers of the OSI reference model may be considered as end to end protocols?
a) physical and datalink layers
b) datalink and network layers
c) transport and network layers
d) session and presentation layers

Q15
what LTE radio spectrum does band II refer to?
a) 2.1GHz
b) 800MHz
c) lower 700MHz
d) 1900MHz

Q16
roaming connections will most likely be…
a) passed through the local PDN
b) routed back to the H-PLMN
c) handled by a 3rd party
d) roaming for LTE is not yet specified

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Q17
in band 13 (XIII) of the proposed LTE spectrum bands how much radio spectrum is
available?
a) 60MHz
b) 2 x 45MHz
c) 2 x 12 MHz
d) 24MHz

Q18
the S1_MME interface carries which type of information?
a) user data only
b) user data and signalling
c) voip signalling and data
d) signalling only

Q19
in the OSI 7 layer reference model the abbreviation OSI stands for…
a) Open Standards Interface
b) Object Systems Integration
c) Open Systems Integration
d) Open Systems Interfacing

Q20
interfaces between the 2G/3G core and the EPC uses which protocol?
a) GTP
b) RLC
c) SS7
d) MTP

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Q21
which of the OSI reference model layers is responsible for communicating with the
application and providing communication services for it?
a) application layer
b) presentation layer
c) session layer
d) transport layer

Q22
in LTE architecture which service connects the UE to the peer entity ?
a) radio bearer
b) EPS bearer
c) external bearer
d) end to end service

Q23
In LTE architecture the EPS bearer connects which network nodes?
a) UE and eNB
b) UE and SGW
c) UE and PGW
d) UE and peer entity

Q24
in LTE architecture which bearer service connects the SGW and PGW
a) EPS bearer
b) external bearer
c) S5/S6 bearer
d) radio bearer

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Q25
which EPC node is the entry and exit point for UE connectivity and provides deep packet
inspection, DL packet marking and service level charging ?
a) eNB
b) SGW
c) MME
d) PGW

Q26
in the LTE radio interface protocol stack which of the layers is responsible for datalink
layer functions including segmentation and reassembly, sequenced delivery and duplicate
detection?
a) RLC
b) PDCP
c) MAC
d) PHY

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68 © Telecoms Academy
LTE Introduction, Architecture Overview and Protocol Stack

Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid

Transfer your answers onto the grid for easy assessment and future reference

Name…………………………………………………………………………………...

Question set……………………………………………………………………………

Question a b c d

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

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Self Assessment Multiple Choice Answer Grid cont.....

Question a b c d

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

70 © Telecoms Academy