How does LTE improve data transfer speed?

1 Multiple Antennas

One of the ways that LTE improves data transfer speed is by using multiple antennas, both at the transmitter and the receiver. This technique, called MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), allows the system to send and receive more data simultaneously, using different spatial paths. MIMO also improves the signal quality and reduces interference, which enhances the performance and efficiency of the network.

2 Wider Bandwidth

Another way that LTE improves data transfer speed is by using wider bandwidth, which means the amount of radio spectrum allocated for a channel. LTE can use up to 20 MHz of bandwidth, while older technologies like 3G use only up to 5 MHz. Wider bandwidth allows more data to be transmitted in a given time, and also enables more flexibility and scalability for the network operators. LTE can also use different bandwidths depending on the demand and availability of the spectrum, which optimizes the resource utilization and quality of service.

3 OFDMA and SC-FDMA

A third way that LTE improves data transfer speed is by using advanced modulation and multiplexing techniques, which are methods of encoding and combining data signals for transmission. LTE uses OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) for the downlink, which is the direction from the network to the device, and SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) for the uplink, which is the direction from the device to the network. These techniques divide the bandwidth into multiple subcarriers, which are narrow frequency bands that carry data in parallel. OFDMA and SC-FDMA improve the spectral efficiency, which means the amount of data that can be transmitted per unit of bandwidth, and also reduce the power consumption and interference.

4 Adaptive Scheduling

A fourth way that LTE improves data transfer speed is by using adaptive scheduling, which is a process of allocating resources and adjusting parameters according to the channel conditions and user requirements. LTE uses a feedback mechanism, where the device sends information about its signal quality and data demand to the network, and the network responds by assigning subcarriers, power, and modulation schemes accordingly. Adaptive scheduling improves the user experience, as it ensures that each device receives the best possible data rate and quality based on its location, mobility, and application.

5 Higher Order Modulation

A fifth way that LTE improves data transfer speed is by using higher order modulation, which is a method of increasing the amount of data that can be transmitted per subcarrier. Modulation is the process of changing the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a carrier wave to encode data. Higher order modulation uses more complex symbols, which represent more bits of data, but also require higher signal quality and power. LTE can use up to 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), which is a 8-bit symbol, while older technologies like 3G use up to 64-QAM, which is a 6-bit symbol. Higher order modulation increases the data rate, but also increases the susceptibility to noise and interference.

6 Carrier Aggregation

A sixth way that LTE improves data transfer speed is by using carrier aggregation, which is a feature that allows the network to combine multiple carriers, or frequency bands, for a single device. Carrier aggregation can increase the bandwidth, and thus the data rate, by using different bands from the same or different spectrum regions. For example, LTE can use a combination of low-frequency bands, which have better coverage and penetration, and high-frequency bands, which have higher capacity and speed. Carrier aggregation also improves the network performance and flexibility, as it can balance the load and optimize the spectrum usage.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?