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With most LTE deployments likely to be upgrades, LTE equipment and services need seamless compatibility with incumbent network technologies. Consumers selecting an LTE device will expect it to work on the first day of service deployment, so the secret to success is the testing of networks and devices, with comprehensive verification during the design, development, and deployment phases. All of this takes place against a background of intense time-to-market pressure.
Mobility
Optimal end user QoE of services such as voice and video is highly dependent on the ability of LTE networks and devices to support seamless intra-technology and inter-technology (UMTS, GPRS, CDMA, etc.) mobility. The range of complex scenarios needs to be tested in the lab prior to deployment.
Performance
Multi-mode LTE devices must deliver seamless performance across LTE, UMTS and/or CDMA networks, all while supporting other signals, such as GPS and Wi-Fi. Although promised data rates are higher than ever, achieving them relies on the performance of multi-antenna MIMO implementations at the air interface.
The elements of an LTE network’s Evolved Packet Core (EPC) must have high capacity and superior IP performance. This requires a new generation of purpose-built, highly scalable mobile core equipment, and a strong IP expertise is needed to design and test EPC implementations.
Interoperability
The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) supports standard interfaces and open protocols, enabling operators to select equipment vendors they believe are best qualified to deliver a specific network function. However, interoperability of network components in this multi-vendor environment must be thoroughly tested to avoid problems.
Evolving the Mobile Backhaul
The higher capacities required by LTE cell sites, as well as the use of native Ethernet as the physical interface for connection and transport of these services mean big changes for the mobile backhaul. Replacing TDM circuits with Ethernet means great care must be taken to achieve the highly accurate timing and synchronization required to minimize service disruptions and eliminate dropped calls.
