New-Tech Magazine - Europe | January Digital edition

leverage LTE Direct to benefit from this space, and understanding key platform considerations for an LTE Direct deployment, which is currently being standardized in 3GPP as part of Release 12. VoLTE (Voice Over LTE) Current LTE M2M devices are classified not only by 3GPP category standards but also single or multi modes. A multi- mode LTE device supports fallback to 3G and even 2G when LTE coverage become weak or non-existent, while single-mode devices support LTE only. The voice call feature in a multi-mode device can be supported by falling back to GSM/WCDMA network service, then establishing the call. In LTE only mode (or multi-mode devices implementing VoLTE), the call is established on LTE based on IMS (IP Mobile System) system network defined in 3GPP. VoIP global status is growing fast, together with the new LTE network implementation. The current status is as follows: 111 operators are investing in VoLTE in 52 countries (deployments, trials, studies) 30 operators commercially launched VoLTE HD voice in 21 countries LTE Category 1 The LTE Category 1 specifically addresses the needs of M2M device makers for an especially low cost solution. Cat 1 provides up to 10 Mbps in downlink and has been part of the earliest 3GPP LTE specifications, in Release 8. Cellular operators can deploy LTE Cat 1 device support with no need for new network equipment or major upgrades, allowing them to manage their networks more efficiently by not allocating excessive resources to devices that require low throughput. Cat 1 provides meaningful

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power and at a lower cost than their 3G and 4G counterparts. Cat 0 will mean big changes for the operators in terms of the infrastructure and in the way they manage and allocate spectrum. LTE-M (up to 200 Kbps) is associated with the forthcoming Release-13 standard. LTE-M will support the following capabilities: Reduced device bandwidth of 1.4 MHz in downlink and uplink Reduced maximum transmit power of 20 dBm Reduced support for downlink transmission modes Further device processing relaxations are under consideration PSM Power-Saving Mode In 3GPP Release 12, a device power- saving mode (PSM) was introduced, enabling a significant improvement in device battery life. If the device supports PSM, it asks the network for a certain active timer value during an attach or tracking area update procedure; the active timer determines the duration for which

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cost and power reductions compared to today’s Cat 3 (up to 100Mbps) and Cat 4 (up to 150Mbps). A few networks are already configured to allow Cat 1 devices, and more are expected to follow in the next few months. Now that LTE Cat 1 chipsets are available, we will see Cat 1 devices ramping up steadily in 2016. Release 13 - LTE-M (MTC) Category 0 (up to 1 Mbps) is still being defined in 3GPP’s Release 12 LTE standard. 3GPP Release 12 introduces Cat 0 for the first time and defines features for M2M, specifically for what the 3GPP calls Machine Type Communications, or MTC. When it becomes fully defined, it will describe significant reductions in complexity and address the need for battery- powered devices consuming far less

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