Sometimes referred to as 4.5G, LTE (Long-Term Evolution) Advanced Pro is generally looked at as a steppingstone to 5G broadband.
Others see LTE Advanced Pro as a 5G-like technology available now while mobile providers set up their 5G long-term networks over the next few years.
LTE Advanced Pro products started showing up in 2018 and immediately provided data speeds up to 3Gbps as well as enhanced capacity and efficiency.
The main technologies underpinning LTE Advanced Pro include:
- Carrier Aggregation: LTE Advanced enabled combined frequencies to be transmitted in parallel – delivering higher throughput. However, the next step up, LTE-Advanced Pro, increased this to 32 carriers, each with a bandwidth of 100MHz – delivering a maximum aggregated bandwidth of 640 MHz.
- 4×4 MiMo Antennas: Increase capacity by allowing multiple transmit and receive signals simultaneously.
- 256 QAM Modulation Scheme: This allows the capacity to carry more bits of data per symbol, increasing throughput and making better use of the spectrum.
- Longer Battery Life: Up to 10x more.
- Closer Alignment with 5G: For improved network future-proofing.
- Spectrum Sharing: This benefits private organizations that desire to establish private LTE networks without having to buy a spectrum license.
Compatible Use Case for LTE Advanced Pro
Because LTE Advanced Pro was designed to offer faster data speeds and improved network efficiency and capacity, one excellent use case is in-vehicle. One key application is Wi-Fi hotspots, which grant mobile workforces the ability to connect their devices and quickly access centralized systems on the go without the need to travel back to the head office.
In-vehicle applications are expected to be of particular benefit to organizations such as emergency services, where it is imperative that critical data is exchanged in real time to ensure public safety.
In-vehicle also provides faster passenger Wi-Fi inside and around public transport vehicles to improve customer experience so everyone can consume any content at the same time without the annoying buffer. Additionally, public transport organizations benefit by delivering quicker connectivity for other extended services that are being adopted on an increasing scale across the industry, including Point of Sale and electronic and mobile ticketing.
Telematics is another in-vehicle application that will advance with LTE A Pro and then be handed off to 5G. Fleets are already employing telematics coupled with active GPS to transmit and collect valuable data in real time, including driver behavior and fuel consumption. By collecting and analyzing this data, fleet managers are able to plan routes, manage energy consumption and train drivers more effectively.
Want to know more about LTE Advanced Pro? Tonex offers LTE Advanced Pro Training, a 3-day course that covers topics involving major advances in 3GPP Release 13 establishing the foundation of 5G.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.