LTE

Long Term Evolution

Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the latest standard in the mobile network technology tree that
previously realized the GSM / EDGE and UMTS/HSxPA network technologies. LTE is the
evolution of 3GPP UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) technology. 3GPP work on the
Evolution of the 3G Mobile System started in November 2004 and the Specifications
scheduled finalized by the end of December 2009. Currently, standardization is in progress
in the form of
The motivation / reason of LTE development are:

Need for higher data rates and greater spectral efficiency

Need for Packet Switched optimized system

Need for high quality of services

Need for cheaper infrastructure

Following are some LTE Performance parameters

Data Rate:

Instantaneous downlink peak data rate of 100Mbit/s in a 20MHz downlink spectrum

Instantaneous uplink peak data rate of 50Mbit/s in a 20MHz uplink spectrum

Cell range

5 km optimal size

30km sizes with reasonable performance

up to 100 km cell sizes supported with acceptable performance

Cell capacity

up to 200 active users per cell(5 MHz) (i.e., 200 active data clients)
Mobility

Optimized for low mobility(;15km/h) but supports high speed

Latency

user plane < 5ms

control plane < 50 ms

Improved spectrum efficiency

Improved broadcasting

optimized

Scalable bandwidth of 20, 15, 10, 5, 3 and 1.4MHz

existence with legacy standards

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data

over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band
from 2400-2480 MHz) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area
networks (PANs) with high levels of security. Created by telecoms vendor Ericsson in
1994,[1] it was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables.
It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.

ZigBee

ZigBee is a specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using

small, low-power digital radios based on an IEEE 802 standard for personal area
networks. Applications include wireless light switches, electrical meters with in-homedisplays, and other consumer and industrial equipment that requires short-range
wireless transfer of data at relatively low rates. The technology defined by the
ZigBee specification is intended to be simpler and less expensive than other
WPANs, such as Bluetooth. ZigBee is targeted at radio-frequency (RF) applications
that require a low data rate, long battery life, and secure networking. ZigBee has a
defined rate of 250 kbps best suited for periodic or intermittent data or a single signal
transmission from a sensor or input device. ZigBee operates in the industrial,
scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands; 868 MHz in Europe, 915 MHz in the USA
and Australia, and 2.4 GHz in most jurisdictions worldwide. Data transmission rates
vary from 20 to 900 kilobits/second.

2G (The Second Generation Mobile Networks)

The 2G networks mostly cover GSM and GPRS based networks. The Global System for
Mobile communications or GSM uses digital modulation to improve voice quality but the
network offers limited data service.
2G carriers have improved transmission quality and coverage than their predecessors. The
2G carriers also offer additional services, such as paging, faxes, text messages and
voicemail. The limited data services under 2G included WAP, HSCSD and MLS.

An intermediary phase, 2.5G was introduced in the late 1990s. It uses the GPRS standard,
which delivers packet-switched data capabilities to existing GSM networks. It allows users
to send graphics-rich data as packets. The importance for packet-switching increased with
the rise of the Internet and the Internet Protocol. The EDGE network is an example of 2.5G
mobile technology.

3G (The Third Generation Mobile Networks)

The 3G network allow mobile telephone customers to use audio, graphics and video
applications. Over 3G it is possible to watch streaming video and engage in video
telephony, although sometimes such activities are constrained by network bottlenecks and
over-usage.
The 3G phones deliver up to 2 Mbps, but only under the best conditions and in stationary
mode. Moving at a high speed can drop 3G bandwidth to 145 Kbps.
3G cellular services, also known as UMTS, sustain higher data rates and open the way to
Internet based applications. 3G technology supports both packet and circuit switched data
transmission, and a single set of standards can be used worldwide with compatibility over a
variety of mobile devices. UMTS delivers the first possibility of global roaming, with
possibility of access to the Internet from any location.

As published in Satcom Frontier on November 1, 2011.

Earlier this year, Intelsat General announced that it partnered with MacDonald, Dettwiler
and Associates (MDA) to provide orbital refueling, an innovative service that would
extend the life of in-orbit satellites. The ability to extend the life of in-orbit satellites has
the potential to significantly impact the economics and improve the efficiency of
communications satellites.
Intelsat Generals Richard DalBello recently presented on a panel called New
Techniques: Extending the Life of the Satellite at SATCON 2011 that focused on the
benefits and challenges of extending the life of in-orbit satellites. DalBello discussed the
MDA partnership, the future of satellite servicing and how the U.S. government and
global governments are embracing this new frontier and much more.

Launching Satellites from Aircraft as a Low Cost Alternative:

November, 2011
DARPA has released a broad area announcement (BAA) calling for information about
launching small satellites from aircraft as a low-cost alternative to expensive vertical
rocket launches. The programme, called airborne launch assist space access (ALASA),
calls for a range of modified carrier aircraft and custom-built rockets. A computergenerated picture accompanying the BAA features a heavily modified Bombardier
regional jet, providing an example of what may be to come.
BAAs do not necessarily lead to any action beyond information-gathering, but
presentations accompanying the announcement request proposals for placing a 45.3kg
(100lb) payload into orbit, using a 2,268kg (5,000lb) air-launched rocket. Such a vehicle
would allow greater flexibility in payloads and launch conditions, and could lower launch
costs significantly. The first successful air-launched satellite was orbited in 1980 by
Orbital Sciences using a Pegasus rocket and a B-52 launch platform. The company now
offers regular launches using a modified Lockheed L-1011 airliner. More frequent are
concepts, released with some regularity by companies stirring up interest, featuring
aircraft ranging from MiG-21s to massive Antonov-225s.
A DARPA/NASA report from June, 2011, examining a variety of aircraft and launch
configurations, concluded that modifying an off-the-shelf aircraft could result in costs as
low as $3,000/lb, or around one-third the price of a large conventional rocket.
The significant limitations associated with air launch have restricted the practice from
widespread use. In particular, rocket and satellite weight and performance are greatly
restricted by limited aircraft payload capacity, performance and safety issues associated
with highly explosive chemicals.
The air-launch concept, which has been studied since the first satellites proposals, has
become increasingly attractive as the necessary size and weight of satellites for a given
mission have shrunk dramatically in recent decades. Advances in aircraft reliability and
operating cost gives added incentive.
Digital Audio Broadcasting

What is DAB?

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and is a method for the terrestrial digital transmission
of radio signals. DAB allows for a much more efficient use of frequency spectrum than
traditional analogue radio. Instead of just one service per frequency as is the case on FM, DAB
permits up to nine (or more) services on a single frequency.
The interference that commonly disturbs analogue reception, which is caused by radio signals
bouncing off buildings and hills, is eliminated with DAB signals. Since DAB automatically
selects the strongest regional transmitter, reception is much clearer.
DAB is broadcast on terrestrial networks and consumers are able to receive services, with a
selection of over 1000 different devices. Since DAB was originally designed for mobility,
consumers have the added advantage of listening to services in the car and while on the
move.

Benefits of DAB

Easy

programme

selection

Rather than searching wavebands as present, users can select all available stations or
preferred formats from a simple text menu.

Improved reception
DAB eliminates interference and the problems of multipath while in a car. It "blankets" wide
geographical areas with an even, uninterrupted signal. Once full services are up and running,
a driver will be able to cross an entire country staying tuned to the same station with no
signal fade, without altering frequency.

One

receiver

does

it

all!

DAB is quite unique in that both music and data services can be received using the same
receivers. Furthermore DMB receivers also can receive these music and data services as
well as video and graphics.

Programme-associated

data

DAB/DAB+/DMB broadcasts can display text information in far greater details than the
RDSsystem, such as program background facts, a menu of future broadcasts and
complementary advertising information. Broadcasters can also display picture radio and
other interactive services. Small screens can be added to a Receiver, which can display

visual information as diverse as weather maps, CD information, traffic and safety information,
stock updates and mobile TV.

Information

services

Services from sources other than the broadcasting station are included within the same
channel for the user to access at will. These include news headlines, detailed weather
information or even the latest stock prices.

Targeted

music

or

data

services

Because digital technology allows a massive amount of different information, specific

information user groups can be targeted with great accuracy because each receiver can be
addressable.

Wide

choice

of

receivers

It is possible to access DAB/DMB services on a wide range of receiving equipment including

fixed, mobile and portable radio receivers with displays or screens including personal
computers and some mobile phones. Other types of receivers also include: USB, digital
cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, pocket TVs, in car radios and TV screens and many more.

DAB

Technology:

system

designed

for

terrestrial

mobile

reception

DAB services are available on terrestrial networks, and the same receiver can be used to
provide radio programmes and/or data services for national, regional, local and international
coverage. The DAB system requirers a low field strength, which allows the technology to be
much more mobile than other standards.

Lower

transmission

costs

for

broadcasters

DAB/DAB+/DMB allows broadcasters to provide a wide range of material simultaneously on

the same frequency. This not only makes room for a vastly increased number of programs to
increase user choice, but also has important broadcast cost-cutting implications
In spite of the variety of additional services, DAB receivers are simple and easy-to-use.
Success of DAB
There are now over 320 different DAB receivers commercially available. 30 countries have
regular DAB services on air, and more than 12 million DAB receivers have been sold worldwide.
Present Status in Pakistan:

In Pakistan the VHF \ UHF bands identified for DAB are already occupied by different services
mostly by Analog Terrestrial Broadcasting (174 ~ 240 MHz / 1452 ~ 1492 MHz ) of PTVC & STN
etc, whereas most of the Sound Broadcasting Radio Stations are operating in the FM band 87.5
~ 108 MHz .

DIGITAL VIDEO BROADCASTING - TERRESTRIAL (DVB-T)

INTRODUCTION:
Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater
number of channels i.e. 4 to 8 TV programs and other data services in a single carrier/channel
of 6, 7 or 8 MHz bandwidth. It also provides better quality of picture and sound using aerial
broadcasts to conventional antenna (or aerial) instead of satellite dish or cable connection.
Digital broadcast is transmitted on radio frequencies through the airwaves that are similar to
standard analog television, with the primary difference being the use of multiplex transmitters
making possible the transmission \ reception of high quality multiple streaming and interactive
programs on a single frequency carrier \ channel.
DVB STANDARDS:
In addition to DVB-T other DVB standards are also available for different technologies /
platforms i.e. DVB-H, DVB-S, DVB-C.
DVB IDENTIFIED BANDS:
According to ITU-R Recommendation, DTB should fit in the channels intended for analog
transmission of 6, 7 or 8 MHz bandwidth in the VHF/UHF bands. The most suitable bands for
DVB transmission are the VHF\UHF band III , IV & V (174~230 MHz, 470 ~ 960 MHz).
ITU SUPPORT FOR TRANSITION FROM ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL:
Considering the advantages of digital broadcasting, ITU is engaged in facilitating the transition
from analogue to digital. ITU has developed frequency plans for digital terrestrial broadcasting
(the GE06 Plans) for Region 1 and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Countries are to implement
these plans by 17 June 2015, except for some developing countries, which have until 17 June
2020 to make the transition. Through various projects, ITU is helping developing countries and
least developed countries to make this transition smooth.

INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES & MARKET DEPLOYMENT:

DVB-T services are on air in more than 78 countries and most successful markets where DVB-T
is launched are: UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, India, Iran, UAE, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and
Australia. Moreover more than 100 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East have signed
the ITU GE06 agreement and all the signatories to this agreement will ultimately deploy DVB-T.
PRESENT STATUS IN PAKISTAN:
In Pakistan the VHF\UHF bands identified for DVB-T are already occupied by different services
mostly by Analog Terrestrial Broadcasting 160 MHz (174 ~230 MHz and 502 ~ 598 MHz, 20
Channels) by the PTVC & STN in Pakistan, while private sector is relying on satellite delivery
platform for broadcasting the content.

Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB)

Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) is a video and multimedia technology based on DAB. It
offers a wide range of new innovative services, such as mobile TV, traffic and safety information,
interactive programmes, data information and many other applications. DMB is currently the
world's most successful mobile TV standard, with over 8 million devices sold. Countries in
Europe and Asia have implemented commercial services.

Since DMB is based on the globally used digital audio broadcasting (DAB) core standard, DMB
devices are always backwards compatible and can receive not only DMB multimedia services
but also DAB audio services. On the broadcaster side, this means that the conventional DAB
transmission system can be used for DMB transmission by simply adding a DMB video encoder
to the existing DAB system

Benefits of DMB

A wide range of TV and interactive services to be broadcast simultaneously on the same

multiplex

(video

services,

DAB

and DAB+ radio

services,

file

downloading

(podcasting),electronic programme guide, slide show, broadcast website, BIFS )

Exisiting DAB transmitter networks to be adapted to carry these new services

Robust reception of mobile TV at highway speeds (>300km/h)

Multimedia content to be delivered without the risk of network congestion

Both DMB and DAB services to be accessed on the same receiver

DMB is an open European Standard

DMB demands less spectrum commitment than other mobile TV standards, which typically use
6-8 MHz blocks. In contrast, DMB can offer both TV and radio services within a multiplex of just
1.5 MHz. Whilst this spectrum would deliver a range of approximately 7 DMB services, extra
services can be made available simply by adding further multiplexes.
DMB has the further benefit of being broadcast in Band III or L-Band, where higher powers give
rise to broader and more comprehensive coverage.

Other mobile TV standards must

use UHF Bands IV or V. As a result, transmitter powers are low and coverage areas from a
single transmitter are typically small. However, since DMB is in Band III and L-Band higher
powers give rise to broader and more comprehensive coverage.

WiFi
Wi-Fi is a popular technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data wirelessly
(using radio waves) over a computer network, including high-speed Internet connections.
The Wi-Fi Alliance, defines Wi-Fi as any "wireless local area network (WLAN) products that
are based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards".
[1] However, since most modern WLANs are based on these standards, the term "Wi-Fi" is
used in general English as a synonym for "WLAN".
A device using Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone,
tablet, or digital audio player, can connect to a network resource such as the Internet via a
wireless network access point. Such an access point (or hotspot) has a range of about 20
meters (65 ft) indoors and a greater range outdoors. Hotspot coverage can comprise an

area as small as a single room with walls that block radio signals or a large area up to many
square miles, which can be covered by multiple overlapping access points.
"Wi-Fi" is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance and the brand name for products using the IEEE
802.11 family of standards. Only Wi-Fi products that complete Wi-Fi Alliance interoperability
certification testing successfully may use the "Wi-Fi CERTIFIED" designation and
trademark.

WiMAX
WiMAX is an IP based, wireless broadband access technology that provides performance
similar to 802.11/Wi-Fi networks with the coverage and QOS (quality of service) of cellular
networks. WiMAX is also an acronym meaning "Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave
Access

(WiMAX).

WiMAX is a wireless digital communications system, also known as IEEE 802.16, that is
intended for wireless "metropolitan area networks". WiMAX can provide broadband wireless
access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for
mobile stations. In contrast, the WiFi/802.11 wireless local area network standard is limited
in

most

cases

to

only

100

300

feet

(30

100m).

With WiMAX, WiFi-like data rates are easily supported, but the issue of interference is
lessened. WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, providing a
regulated

environment

and

viable

economic

model

for

wireless

carriers.

At its heart, however, WiMAX is a standards initiative. Its purpose is to ensure that the
broadband wireless radios manufactured for customer use interoperate from vendor to
vendor. The primary advantages of the WiMAX standard are to enable the adoption of
advanced radio features in a uniform fashion and reduce costs for all of the radios made by
companies, who are part of the WiMAX Forum - a standards body formed to ensure
interoperability via testing. The more recent Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard is a similar
term describing a parallel technology to WiMAX that is being developed by vendors and
carriers as a counterpoint to WiMAX.
HAPS

The term Digital Divide is often used in our discussions. It means that the world is divided
into two portions: One portion is that which has full access to the modern age ICTs and the
second portion is fully deprived from the countless benefits of all such technologies and
developments.
There are actually two main aspects which drive the development of new technologies and
services. First one is the Humanitarian aspect: Which means that all people across the
globe should have universal access to information infrastructures irrespective of their
nationalities, language, geographic locations etc.
The second aspect is the Economic one. As we know that wealthy/ developed markets are
already saturated and to keep the business running there is a dire need for new services,
technologies and markets. One such new promising technology is Stratospheric Radio or
HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station).
The HAPS operate at a distance of approximately 20 Km above the earth. This is an
important question that why we select the height of around 20 Km. So the answer to this
question is that at this height the Wind speed is almost zero or negligible.
The HAPS have the following definition in the Radio Regulations:
RR No. 1.66A: A station located on an object at an altitude of 20 to 50 km and at a
specified, nominal, fixed point relative to the Earth.
RR No. 4.15A: Transmissions to or from high altitude platform stations shall be limited to
bands specifically identified in Article 5.
HAPS combines best features of Satellite and Terrestrial Systems. It has Short Round Trip
Delay (RTD) as compared to satellite communications. Similarly, small propagation loss
when compared to satellite. One HAPS can cover quite large areas when compared to
terrestrial station. In addition to that HAPS offers environmental friendly solutions. Re-Use is
possible in HAPS offering large capacity.
Provision for HAPS was initially given by WRC-97 as fixed service. This decision has
removed obstacles/ uncertainties in financing the development of this new
technology. During WRC 2000, several countries in Region 3 and one country in Region 1
expressed a need for a lower frequency band for HAPS due to the excessive rain
attenuation that occurs at 47 GHz in these countries. Similar request was made by
countries in Region-2 as well.

In order to accommodate the need expressed by the countries referred above, WRC 2000
adopted Nos. 5.537A and 5.543A, which were modified at WRC 03 and then again at
WRC 07 to permit the use of HAPS in the fixed service in the band 27.9-28.2 GHz and in
the band 31-31.3 GHz in certain Region 1 and 3 countries on a non-harmful interference,
non protection basis.
WRC 03 amended No. 5.543A to specify signal levels that would protect satellite passive
services and radio astronomy stations in the band 31.3-31.8 GHz. ITU R has conducted
studies dealing with sharing between systems using HAPS in the fixed service and other
types of systems in the fixed service in the bands 27.9-28.2 GHz and 31-31.3 GHz leading
to Recommendation ITU R F.1609.
The administrations listed in Nos. 5.537A and 5.543A which intend to implement systems
using HAPS in the fixed service in the bands 27.9-28.2 GHz and 31-31.3 GHz shall seek
explicit agreement of concerned administrations with regard to their stations of primary
services to ensure that the conditions in Nos 5.537A and 5.543A are met, and those
administrations in Region 2 which intend to implement systems using HAPS in the fixed
service in these bands shall seek explicit agreement of concerned administrations with
regard to their stations of services operating in accordance with the Table of Frequency
Allocations of Article 5 to ensure that the conditions in resolves 1 and resolves 3 are met
The bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110-2 200 MHz are identified in No. 5.388 as intended
for use on a worldwide basis for IMT, including the bands 1 980-2 010 MHz and 2 1702 200 MHz for the terrestrial and satellite components of IMT.
The use of HAPS as base stations within the terrestrial component of IMT is optional for
administrations, and that such use should not have any priority over other terrestrial
IMT use.
These bands are allocated to the fixed and mobile services on a co-primary basis.
ITU R has studied sharing and coordination between HAPS and other stations within IMT,
has considered compatibility of HAPS within IMT with some services having allocations in
the adjacent bands, and has approved Recommendation ITU R M.1456.
QUCOMHAPS LTD is a company based in the Republic of Ireland. The core service is to
provide a Service Delivery Platform. Commercially this is also known as the QucomHaps
Communications Platform. Fundamentally, this platform is a High Altitude Platform Stations

(HAPS) service using a piloted M55 high altitude aircraft flying in a circular corridor at an
altitude of approximately 20 km. To date, this platform offers THE ONE AND ONLY
commercial HAPS service to the world.

Cognitive Radio
A transceiver that senses / analyzes its radio environment and changes its transmission/
reception parameters to communicate efficiently by avoiding interference with other frequency
users in its operational areas is known as cognitive radio.
Traditional radios work without analyzing radio environment and operate on a specific
frequency. Cognitive Radio will operate in the unused portion of frequency thereby increasing
efficiency of the frequency spectrum. Cognitive Radio is built on Software Defined Radio (SDR)
Technology.
An SDR is a radio communication system where components that have typicall been
implemented in hardware (e.g. mixers, filters, amplifiers, modulators/demodulators etc.) are
instead implemented by means of a software on a computer.
Cognitive radio is actually an intelligent system that looks to exploit unused parts of the radio
spectrum, hence improving spectrum efficiency. It is a technology of the future and research is
still going on in the world in this particular field.

Brief on Radio Spectrum Health Hazards with necessary facts / guidelines

Radio waves and microwaves are forms of electromagnetic energy that are collectively
described by the term "radiofrequency" or "RF." Radiofrequency ranges from 9 KHz to
3000GHz. Radiation is defined as the propagation of energy through space in the form of
waves or particles. Electromagnetic "radiation" can best be described as waves of electric
and magnetic energy moving together (i.e., radiating) through space. There are two types of
radiation on the basis of Ionization characteristics:
Ionizing Radiation - Radiation that is capable of ionizing atoms and breaking chemical
bonds. e.g. X-rays, gamma rays.

Non-Ionizing Radiation - Radiation which is incapable of ionizing atoms and molecules

such as RF waves.
It has been known for many years that exposure to high levels of RF radiation can be
harmful due to the ability of RF energy to heat biological tissue rapidly. This is the principle
by which microwave ovens cook food, and exposure to very high RF power densities, i.e., of
the order of 100mW/cm2 or more, can clearly result in heating of biological tissue and an
increase in body temperature.
Keeping this in view, the Ministry of Information Technology, Pakistan has adopted the
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines for
public and professional exposure to radiation. These guidelines define the maximum
permissible exposure in terms of Electric and magnetic field strengths and other technical
parameters for different frequency ranges.

The way in which a radio wave propagates depends on its frequency. That is, different
frequencies will have different characteristics with regard to how far the radio wave travels,
or the degree of penetration through trees or into buildings. The needs of the various types
of services are also different. One of the fundamental aims of technical planning is to
maximize the use of the spectrum by matching the needs of a service with the appropriate
propagation characteristics.
Another consideration is that of equipment cost, which also often frequency dependent is.
Generally speaking, cost increases as the frequency increases.
A consequence of the above two factors is that some bands are more valuable and in much
higher demand than others.