Introduction to LTE

Listed from R99 - R9, the process of each period screenshot.

R99,
This included the first deployable version of UMTS inaddition to various enhancements to support existing GSM/GPRS networks - namely EDGE. The majority of deployments today are based on Release99 specifications. refer to screenshot R99_EDGE.jpg

R4,
This release included support for soft switching and the use of IP as a transport mechanism in the core network. There were also improvements to Pre-Release 4 specs coving MMS, LCS,IP Qos and 911. refer to screenshot R4_MMS.JPG

R5,
This included the first phase of the IMS in addition to fully supporting the use of IP in the core network rather than ATM. HSDPA was also included in this release in order to imporve downlink data rates. refer to screenshot R5_ims_atm_hsdpa.jpg

R6,
This release included support for HSUPA or EUL. Enhanced multimedia suppor through MBMS was also included along with servral advanced radio techniques such as MIMO and Beam Forming Antenas. The Release 6 specs further enhanced support for the IMS along with interworking with WLAN technologies such as Wi-Fi. refer to screenshot R6_HSUPA_MIMO_MBMS_WLAN.jpg

R7,
This included further support for HSDPA and EUL through HSPA+ in addition to many radio based enhancements ensuring better spectral efficiency and performance. CPC is also included which enables efficient 'always on' service and enhanced uplink VoIP capacity in addition to reducing call setup delay in PoC. R7 also saw the introduction of LTE, althrough at this stage the standards were in their infancy. refer to screenshot R7_hspa_Voip.jpg

R8,
This release defined the architecture of the Evolved UTRAN and the Evolved Packet Core. Refer to screenshot R8_Evolved_UTRAN.JPG

R9,
This includes Enhancements to IMS, Femto Cell operation, Femto Cell security and LTE. R10 is the baseline for LTE-A(LTE-Advanced).refer to screenshot R9.