LTE System Architecture
LTE System Architecture
Along with 3G LTE - Long Term Evolution that applies more to the radio access
technology of the cellular telecommunications system, there is also an evolution of
the core network. Known as SAE - System Architecture Evolution. This new
architecture has been developed to provide a considerably higher level of
performance that is in line with the requirements of LTE.
As a result it is anticipated that operators will commence introducing hardware
conforming to the new System Architecture Evolution standards so that the
anticipated data levels can be handled when 3G LTE is introduced.
The new SAE, System Architecture Evolution has also been developed so that it is
fully compatible with LTE Advanced, the new 4G technology. Therefore when LTE
Advanced is introduced, the network will be able to handle the further data
increases with little change.
100 Mbps, and the focus of the system being on mobile broadband, it will be
necessary for the network to be able to handle much greater levels of data.
To achieve this it is necessary to adopt a system architecture that lends itself
to much grater levels of data transfer.
2. All IP architecture:
as circuit switched data. Since then there has been a relentless move to IP
data. Accordingly the new SAE, System Architecture Evolution schemes have
adopted an all IP network configuration.
3. Reduced latency:
much faster responses, the new SAE concepts have been evolved to ensure
that the levels of latency have been reduced to around 10 ms. This will
ensure that applications using 3G LTE will be sufficiently responsive.
4. Reduced OPEX and CAPEX:
costs. It is therefore essential that any new design reduces both the capital
expenditure (CAPEX)and the operational expenditure (OPEX). The new flat
architecture used for SAE System Architecture Evolution means that only two
node types are used. In addition to this a high level of automatic
configuration is introduced and this reduces the set-up and commissioning
time.
an optimised architecture for the user plane with only two node types.
a split in the control / user plane between the MME, mobility management
entity and the gateway.
a radio access network / core network functional split similar to that used on
WCDMA / HSPA.
The main element of the LTE SAE network is what is termed the Evolved Packet
Core or EPC. This connects to the eNodeBs as shown in the diagram below.
The SAE MME acts the termination point for ciphering protection for
NAS signaling. As part of this it also handles the security key
Paging procedure
The SAE MME also terminates the S6a interface for the home HSS for
roaming UEs.
It can therefore be seen that the SAE MME provides a considerable level of
overall control functionality.
element within the LTE SAE. Its main purpose is to manage the user plane
mobility and it also acts as the main border between the Radio Access
Network, RAN and the core network. The SGW also maintains the data paths
between the eNodeBs and the PDN Gateways. In this way the SGW forms a
interface for the data packet network at the E-UTRAN.
Also when UEs move across areas served by different eNodeBs, the SGW
serves as a mobility anchor ensuring that the data path is maintained.
the UE to external packet data networks, fulfilling the function of entry and
exit point for UE data. The UE may have connectivity with more than one
PGW for accessing multiple PDNs.
the entity within the LTE SAE EPC which detects the service flow, enforces
charging policy. For applications that require dynamic policy or charging
control, a network element entitled the Applications Function, AF is used.
Network
Controllers
(RNCs)
which
carried
out
the
majority
of
the
management of the radio resource. In turn the RNCs connected to the core network
and connect in turn to the Core Network.
To provide the required functionality within LTE SAE, the basic system architecture
sees the removal of a layer of management. The RNC is removed and the radio
resource management is devolved to the base-stations. The new style base-stations
are called eNodeBs or eNBs.
The eNBs are connected directly to the core network gateway via a newly defined
"S1 interface". In addition to this the new eNBs also connect to adjacent eNBs in a
mesh via an "X2 interface". This provides a much greater level of direct
interconnectivity. It also enables many calls to be routed very directly as a large
number of calls and connections are to other mobiles in the same or adjacent cells.
The new structure allows many calls to be routed far more directly and with only
minimum interaction with the core network.
In addition to the new Layer 1 and Layer 2 functionality, eNBs handle several other
functions. This includes the radio resource control including admission control, load
balancing and radio mobility control including handover decisions for the mobile or
user equipment (UE).
The additional levels of flexibility and functionality given to the new eNBs mean that
they are more complex than the UMTS and previous generations of base-station.
However the new 3G LTE SAE network structure enables far higher levels of
performance. In addition to this their flexibility enables them to be updated to
handle new upgrades to the system including the transition from 3G LTE to 4G LTE
Advanced.
The new System Architecture Evolution, SAE for LTE provides a new approach for
the core network, enabling far higher levels of data to be transported to enable it to
support the much higher data rates that will be possible with LTE. In addition to
this, other features that enable the CAPEX and OPEX to be reduced when compared
to existing systems, thereby enabling higher levels of efficiency to be achieved.