Integration of LTE and Wi-Fi using Link Aggregation

Kanika Anand, Manish Damani, Manmeet Singh Khurana, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department,
University of Florida, Gainesville
Abstract The modern mobile systems are facing severe
challenges due to the current spectrum scarcity. The current
cellular deployment ranges mainly from 700MHz to 2.6GHz
spectrum. The ever-increasing MBB (mobile broadband) traffic
load has lead to a pressing need for additional spectral resources
for cellular systems. Operators are facing the challenge of
catering to soaring traffic with the increasing number of people
using mobile broadband services. While mobile broadband
system (MBB) in licensed spectrum is highly strained due to
limited capacity, the unlicensed spectrum (Wi-Fi) enjoys highspeed data. Wi-Fi operates in the unlicensed frequency spectrum
of 2.4GHz and 5GHz and is a potential contender for efficient
and high-speed data traffic. In this paper, we aim to provide a
performance evaluation of integrated LTE and Wi-Fi systems as
a solution to current spectrum scarcity and show some of the
challenges being faced.

In recent times, the use of smartphones, tablets and other

handheld wireless devices has caused an exponential increase
in wireless capacity demands [4]. According to CISCO there
will be about 20 billion devices connected to Internet. Since the
licensed spectrum is limited, these ever-increasing Internet
subscribers have over burdened it. This has resulted in licensed
spectrum to be very limited and is becoming very scarce.

KeywordsLTE, WiFi, Integration, Link aggregation, network

coexistence, Carrier aggregation, NS3

I.

INTRODUCTION

First lets see how the wireless communication standards

have evolved from first generation to the fourth. From Fig. 1
we can see that with the evolution of standards from 1G to 4G,
new features were added over time.

Fig. 2. Available Unlicensed Spectrum [5]

One of the most promising techniques for dealing with the lack
of available spectrum is the concept of LTE-WiFi aggregation.
There are two types of integration: 1.

Link Aggregation

2.

Carrier Aggregation

Fig. 1. Evolution of wireless communication systems

Currently we are using 4G, which is named as Long Term
Evolution (LTE). LTE has several advantages as compared to
earlier generations of GSM, CDMA, and HSPA. It gives faster
data rates, supports flexible bandwidths (1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20
MHz), faster scheduling, Multiple Input Multiple Output
(MIMO) antenna systems and self-organizing networks.

Fig. 3. LTE-WiFi aggregation techniques

As shown in Fig.3 we can integrate the LTE and Wi-Fi in a

link aggregation or carrier aggregation. In link aggregation [2],
whenever the load increases, the LTE traffic is routed/switched
to the WiFi through LTEs Packet Gateway (PGW). It is to be
noted here that the LTE is working in its unlicenced spectrum
only and its switched to WiFi as and when the need arises.

In carrier aggregation [3], the LTE works on licensed as well

as unlicensed (Wi-Fi) spectrum. So instead of switching to WiFi when the traffic surges, LTE itself operates on unlicensed
spectrum. So LTE is sharing the Wi-Fi spectrum and hence its
called carrier aggregation.

In our project, we have tried to simulate link aggregation using

NS3 simulator. The project flow was maintained as per the
following algorithm in Fig.5

From Fig 4 we can see the architecture of link aggregation [6].

Fig. 5 Algorithm Flow Chart

II.

REFERENCE PAPER DESCRIPTION

A. Abstract : WHEN CELLULAR MEETS WI-FI IN WIRELESS

SMALL CELL NETWORKS
Fig. 4 Link Aggregation Architecture

The User Equipment (UE) is operating in an environment of

multiple carriers and Access Points. The air interface of the UE
is operated on the LTE but the network has the decisionmaking capability to off load the data traffic on the nearby
wireless AP. The Mobility Control Gateway (MC-GW) of
WiFi AP is connected to LTE via Packet Data Network
Gateway (P-GW). Here, LTE acts as an anchor and the link
from Wi-Fi Access Points (AP) are aggregated at the device.
Operators will be able, not only to connect the Wi-Fi hotspots
to LTE network, but also manage the WiFi resources. Wi-Fi
and LTE APs dont have to be collocated, which means
operators can get going pretty quickly without major changes
to the existing LTE and Wi-Fi infrastructure.

The deployment of small cells overlaid on existing

macrocellular systems is seen as a key solution for offloading
traffic, optimizing coverage, and boosting the capacity of
future cellular wireless systems. The next generation of small
cells is envisioned to be multimode which will be capable of
transmitting simultaneously on both licensed and unlicensed
bands. This constitutes a cost-effective integration of WiFi and
cellular radio access technologies to efficiently cope with peak
wireless data traffic and quality of service requirements. The
paper discusses about the means by which small cells selforganize and automatically route their traffic flows across
different radio access terminals [1].

Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF)

do the discovery and selection of the WiFi Access Points. It is
decision-making entity within the evolved packet core (EPC)
whose main function to assist the UEs to discover, select and
offload the traffic. Fig explains more of the ANDSFs
functions in detail.

Fig. 6. An illustration of a macrocell deployment

Fig. 5. ANDSF Functions

The paper talks about introducing a fully distributed and

dynamic traffic offloading framework, in which small cells
automatically steer their traffic to WiFi RATs, depending on
the traffic type, quality of service (QoS) requirements, network
load, and interference levels. Small cells are assumed to have a
wired backhaul connection to the core network. This developed

framework, called as cross-system learning, endows small cells

with self-organizing capabilities allowing them to transmit
simultaneously on LTE and WiFi bands.
The paper also introduces a concept of Reinforcement learning
(RL) which is an area of machine learning where a number of
decision makers are able to make autonomous decisions to
optimize a certain cumulative objective function. A key design
criterion in RL is to develop strategies to strike a balance
between exploring the network and exploiting it. In the context
of cellular and WiFi integration, the goal is to devise an
intelligent and online learning mechanism to optimize its
licensed spectrum transmission, and WiFi by offloading delaytolerant traffic.

III.

SIMULATION DESCRIPTION

In communication and network behavior study, simulator is a

powerful device to model the real network using multiple
network entities (client, server, packets), mathematical
formulas, scripting and coding. For all the simulator options we
had like NS-3, NS-2, Matlab, we chose to work with NS3. Our
choice of simulator was influenced by various factors.
NS-3 is a new software development effort focused on
improving upon the core architecture, software
integration, models, and educational components of NS2. The project commenced in July 2006 and the first
release was made on June 30, 2008.
NS-3 has pre-defined modules [11] for LTE, Wi-Fi, and
uses python/C++ scripts to run simulations.
NS3 comes with bundled NetAnim animator, which can
be used to show the real time movement of packets over
wired/wireless network.
NS3 is highly industry relevant thereby giving us an
edge and an add-on in our profile.
We adopted modular approach dividing our project in 5
modules. First 2 modules involved background study, NS-3
installation, and running initial scripts (including trace files
generation). Over the course of next 3 modules, we studied and
implemented LTE module [12] (with a basic x2 handover), WiFi module (with WiFi LAN handover) and finally the link
aggregation between LTE and WiFi.

Fig.7 Flow chart of cross-system learning procedure

The cross-system learning framework is composed of the

following interrelated components: Subband selection, power level allocation, and cell
range expansion bias: Every small cell learns over
time how to select appropriate subbands with their
corresponding transmit power levels in both licensed
and unlicensed spectra, in which delay-tolerant traffic
is steered toward the unlicensed spectrum.
Proactive scheduling: Once the small cell acquires its
subband, the scheduling decision is traffic-aware,
taking into account QoS requirements like
throughput, delay tolerance, and latency.
B. Citation
Chosen paper: - When Cellular Meets Wi-Fi in Wireless
Small Cell Networks. Authors: - (a) Mehdi Bennis, University
of Oulu. (b) Meryem Simsek and Andreas Czylwik, University
of Duisburg-Essen. (c) Walid Saad, University of Miami. (d)
Stefan Valentin, Bell Labs, Alcatel-Lucent. (e) Merouane
Debbah, SUPELEC.

A. Module 1 and 2
We started with the installation of 3.19 version of NS-3 in
Ubuntu environment. Apart from pre-defined modules in NS-3
there also are predefined example files, which helps, in the
thorough understanding and the workflow. first.cc [9] is an
example file which scripts the packet transfer between two
point-to-point nodes. second.cc [10] is a script for
connecting nodes to the wired LAN. In order to learn the
packet transfer and topology we ran these two files and
observed the output as in Fig.8 and Fig.9..

Fig. 8. Output: first.cc

Publication source: Communications Magazine, IEEE

(Volume:51 , Issue: 6 ), Page: 44-50, Dates: June 2013,
Citations: 12
Fig. 9. Output: second.cc

Parts of these two file codes have been included in our final
program.
B. Module 3
This module dealt with the study of LTE [8] and the behavior
and challenges of basic x2 handover. The Lena x2 handover
occurs between two eNB nodes. In order to see what actually
goes on while the program is being run, we used the tracing
concept. Using tracing helps keep the track of nodes and
program flow. The following code was added to enable the
tracing feature in NS3.

C. Module 4
In this module we learnt the working of WiFi [7] and how
WiFi could be connected to LAN. The script file used here is
WiFi_LAN_Scenario.cc. Again tracing feature was used to
get in-depth understanding on how the simulation was running.
This script helped us understand

Defining WiFi nodes

Setting default channel model
Creating WiFi physical objects
Configuring MAC parameters
Defining bounds for mobile nodes
Routing model
Creating point-to-point connection between client
and server

The output of this script can be seen in the Fig 12.

Fig. 10. Tracing Codes

In order for these codes to work, we have to include a library

named ns3/mobility-module.h. To the LTE handover part,
we used lena-x2-handover.cc file, which illustrates a
handover between 2 eNB nodes. Using this script we learnt
how to
Define LTE nodes (eNB)
Create a RemoteHost
Create an Internet Stack
Install Mobility model eNBs
Install LTE Devices on eNBs and UEs
Install the IP stack on the UEs
Add X2 interface
Implement X2-based Handover
We also learnt the gdb debugger at this stage for debugging our
code. Since debugging involves the deeper workflow and
understanding of the C++, therefore it was quite challenging
for us.

Fig. 12. Output: WiFi_LAN_Scenario

D. Module 5
After working on all four modules and learning the
architecture, flow and behavior of the LTE and WiFi, we
worked on our main objective i.e. LTE-WiFi Integration. The
script made and used for implementing this is
LTE_WiFi_Integration.cc. As explained earlier, there can be
two types of integration i.e. Link and Carrier Aggregation.
We used Link Aggregation for our project and we used the
concept of PGW i.e. Packet Data Network Gateway. This is
where the WiFi and LTE are integrated and a seamless off
loading is done between the two. The layout of the code is as
follows: 1. We defined four nodes (One WiFi access point node
wifiApNode, Two WiFi Station Nodes wifiStaNodes
and one LTE enbNode).
2. Used a WiFi helper class to set the default WiFi standard.

Fig. 11 Output: lena-x2-handover.cc

3. Created a channel model using YansWifiChannelHelper

class.

4. Configured MAC parameters using NqosWifiMacHelper

class
5. Mobility was configured wherein one WiFi station node
was assigned random mobility model whereas others were
assigned stationary mobility model.
6. Bounds of Mobility model were defined. The bound was set
to study the handover in a defined area.
7. IPv4 addresses were assigned using InternetStackHelper
class.
8. LTE radio access network (RAN) was defined using an
object of the ltehelper class. This also triggers the EPC
configuration.
9. RemoteHost which will act as a server, was created with
properties defined like Internet stack, point to point
interface with UE (acting as a client).

Fig.14. Output 2: LTE_WiFi_Integration.cc

10. Uplink port was defined between Client and Server.

11. Maximum packet size was set to 1000000 and
Transmission time was set to 500 milliseconds for the
client. These are set parameters for the handover to take
place.
12. With packet size and transmission time as parameters, the
handover will take place from LTE node to WiFi Access
Point if condition is met. We can see the handover
happening place in the following figure.

IV.

CONCLUSION

A. Opinions
We tried to integrate LTE WiFi using the NS3 simulator. This
is a long and a complex task, which involves numerous
functions and a deeper knowledge of the NS3. Although we
achieved the packet movement between the LTE WiFi nodes
indicating that the handover is occurring. We are in the
process of achieving next step would to retrieve the lost
packets and get the throughput value. We believe that NS3
helped us a lot for achieving our goal and no other simulator
could have been better for this project.
B. Challenges
We faced various hinders during our project. First, we didnt
have any background experience with NS3 or C++, so we had
to start from the scratch. Another issue was to become familiar
with gdb debugger, to know where the errors were in our
program and how to deal with them. The issue of defining
bounds for the mobility of the mobile nodes was another
problem, which took almost a weeks of our time.

Fig.13 Output: LTE_WiFi_Integration.cc

From the output figure, we can see that the packets are moving
between the nodes implying that the handover is taking place.
But we were unable to see the final destination of the received
packets. So we made some changes to the present script so that
we could have a look at the transmitted and received packets
along with the throughput. But again we did not get any value
for received packets and throughput. This is due to the fact that
our packets are being lost between the Tx and Rx but still their
final destination couldnt be located.

Finally there were compatibility issues, which we figured out

gradually. The 3.19 version of NS-3 doesnt support [13]
802.11n standard and so we had to install 3.20 version to deal
with it.
C. Division of Labor
We were successfully able to divide the project in three equal
parts. The first two modules dealt with the background study
of the project and the simulator installation. It was done
together as a team. Though we worked and helped each other
in a collaborative effort, still each one of is responsible
individually for the following tasks as defined.

Team
member

Responsibilities

Kanika
Anand

LTE Module Study, Implementation of LTE

module in NS3 and Final Simulation.

Manmeet
Singh
Khurana
Manish
Damani

Wi-Fi Module Study, Implementation of WiFi module in NS3 and Final Simulation.
Integration of LTE & Wi-Fi Module and
Final Simulation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This project is a partial requirement towards completion of the
course, EEL6591 Wireless Networks. We thank Dr. Janise
Mcnair and Mr. Gokul Bhat for guiding us with every little
details about the work and providing valuable inputs
throughout the time of working on this project.
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B. Mehdi, S. Meryem, C. Andreas, S. Walid, V. Stefan, D. Merouane,

When Cellular Meets Wi-Fi in Wireless Small Cell Networks, IEEE,
Communications Magazine, vol. 51, Issue 6, pp. 44-50, June 2013
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