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HetNet News: DAS contract sizes increase

DAS contracts increase in size, outpacing market growth Typical distributed antenna system contracts for hardware only (hubs, nodes, remote radio heads, antennas, etc.) now range from $5 million to $10 million, compared to just $1 million a few years ago, according to analyst Stéphan Téral...

The Ins and Outs of LTE Protocol Testing

Long term evolution (LTE) is the standard for today's wireless networks, and replaces third generation (3G) technology. LTE technology is a based on a 3GPP standard that provides for a downlink speed of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps) and an uplink speed of up...

LTE Drive Test

Test Types and Parameters for LTE Driving Testing LTE drive tests are an important part of how wireless carriers determine whether their networks are performing well -- and get a glimpse into their competitors' network performance. There are multiple types of LTE drive tests, as...

LTE User Equipment Testing: Not for the Meek

When it comes to Long Term Evolution (LTE), it's all about the user experience and therefore, user equipment testing is extremely important. LTE is cutting edge in terms of speed and network performance, but according to Aeroflex, in any real-life mobile communications network there...

LTE Testing: What's It All about?

The arrival of Long Term Evolution (LTE) brought significantly different wireless network capabilities. Today's wireless user wants and expects superior service and performance. To make sure this happens, extensive and frequent network testing needs to be done. And when it comes to LTE testing,...

LTE Networks in Thailand – 2013 Forecast & TrendsTrials Underway

It's a country ahead of the curve in many areas, but wireless innovation is not one of them. But don't count them out just yet. One high-profile Thailand mobile operator is right on the cusp of launching Long Term Evolution (LTE), as promised. What...

GPRS Network Giving an Arm and a Leg to GSM

LTE LTE LTE! It's all we've been talking about. But as mentioned in previous articles, it is important to appreciate our past, GSM specifically. One integral part of the GSM network is the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), a non-voice service added to existing TDMA networks,...

ICIC LTE Addressing Inter-Cell Interference Issues

With the continued massive rollout of Long Term Evolution (LTE) and more and more operators becoming obsessed with staying up to date, the issues of limited spectrum remains. Multi-layer heterogeneous network layout including small cell base stations are  key for further enhancements of the...

HSPA or LTE? That is the Question

Today, there actually are not many questions when it comes to the HSPA LTE debacle. The answer is clear, Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the future. Upgrading to LTE technology is part of the natural upgrade process. But, how do they differ? Let's dig...

LTE Attach Procedure Call FlowAddress the Basics of Attach Procedures

The LTE attach procedure call flow is a subject that may seem hard to understand. So let's break it down. How does the LTE attach procedure call flow work? Well first, the UE needs to register with the network to receive services that require registration. This registration...

LTE MBMS Delivering Broadcast and Multicast Services at LTE Speed

Like any other wireless network, LTE (long term evolution) is only as good as its components. This means delivery of services is extremely important. This is now achieved with LTE MBMS (multimedia broadcast multicast services). LTE MBMS is a point-to-multipoint interface that delivers broadcast...

LTE NAS Gets the Job DoneAn Important Part of the LTE Architecture, LTE NAS Connects

We talk over and over again about the complex Long Term Evolution (LTE) and its many components. One of these components, known as the non-access stratum (NAS), is highest stratum of the control plane between user experience (UE) and Mobility Management Entity (MME) at the radio...

LTE Architecture Overview to the RescueA Guide to Understanding the LTE Network Architecture, in a Way that Makes Sense

Today, LTE is on the tip of everyone’s tongues. It’s the up and coming, lighting fast data network we've been waiting for. When discussing LTE, however, there are many technical terms and many complexities. To help you better understand, an LTE architecture overview of...

LTE PCIPlanning for Pesky Neighbors

While there are challenges associated with building any new wireless network, constructing the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network comes with a bushel of its own issues.One of these challenges is managing neighbor cells. This is a tough task even for traditional mobile networks, and it...

GUTI – understanding the unique ID in LTE

What is the GUTI? In LTE, the GUTI is the Globally Unique Temporary ID, and identifies the mobile device to the LTE network. The GUTI is assigned to the device by the Mobility Management Entity (MME), the access network's primary control node. By allocating a...

LTE Call Flow

Understanding Call Flow In-Depth With Long Term Evolution (LTE) comes a myriad of new and exciting attributes. One of these is the LTE call flow itself. In fact, call flow and signaling is unique for LTE, and is driven by 3GPP standards. Call flow is...

Boingo Wireless responds to pressure for free NYC airport Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi and distributed antenna system provider Boingo Wireless is facing pressure from the New York City Council to offer free Wi-Fi service at the three major New York-area airports, for which the company holds the exclusive right to provide wireless Internet access. The New York...

American Tower boasts strongest growth among tower giants

The nation's three largest tower companies continue to benefit from demand for tower space driven by the transition to LTE networks, and by the seemingly insatiable consumer appetite for mobile data. American Tower, Crown Castle International and SBA Communications all reported double digit increases...

Cell Tower News: Supreme Court to hear T-Mobile US cell tower case

Welcome to this week’s edition of cell tower industry news, created by Jarad Matula and brought to you by Towercrews.net. Tower companies and carriers are certainly getting their day in court lately. Last week it was a federal court debating police use of cell tower...

Defining virtualization and software-defined networking: What's the difference?

Comprehending the differences and connections between SDN and NFV is essential to ensure that they are implemented and leveraged in the most effective manner.

Extreme Networks sees modest revenue growth from Enterasys acquisition

Extreme Networks reported a net loss on its first full quarter of results that include its acquisition of Enterasys. However, the company reported that combined revenues grew three percent on a pro-forma basis, when compared to the prior year. GAAP net loss for the quarter...

HP makes a $1B OpenStack bet

Hewlett-Packard is betting its future on the cloud with a commitment to invest more than a billion dollars in software-based solutions that have the potential to replace HP servers and other hardware. Like many other network hardware companies, HP realizes that its customers are...

LTE is king of the road now, but LTE-A, 5G look ready to challenge

Looking to add some clarity to the burgeoning LTE space, RCR Wireless News spoke with Chris Pearson, president of trade group 4G Americas, to get his view on the launch of LTE services across the Western Hemisphere; the progress of LTE-Advanced; regional challenged to...