The LTE SAE Trial Initiative (LSTI), a global group of LTE equipment vendors and operators, has outlined plans for cross-vendor device to network interoperability testing of LTE. With the testing, LSTI says it is fostering the development of a global LTE ecosystem that will include a wide range of LTE devices that will function consistently on all LTE networks worldwide. This will mean that consumers have the prospect of super-fast wireless broadband coverage no matter where on the globe they roam or what type of device they prefer.
LSTI members, including some of the telecommunications industry's largest and most innovative players, are developing a phased approach for validating LTE functionality and performing standards based interoperability testing. In an initial step, a common set of features for LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) equipment is being defined as the basis for early interoperability tests between devices and infrastructure. This feature set definition is expected to be complete by the end of 2008 and will be followed by interoperability tests across infrastructure equipment, mobile devices, and chipsets from the various LSTI member companies. These cross-vendor interoperability tests will foster increased industry synergies, consolidated 3GPP specifications, smoother LTE network launches, and improved LTE time to market.
"LTE is positioned to become a global standard for mobile broadband networks," said Dr. Jinsung Choi, vice president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Technology Research Lab. "Having common LTE specifications and achieving widespread interoperability across LTE networks regardless of who designed, built, or operates them will simplify the worldwide adoption of LTE. The network essentially becomes invisible to consumers, making connecting from anywhere in the world as simple as turning on your mobile device."
"LSTI is focused on accelerating the development of LTE wireless broadband networks and devices," said Dr. Klaus-Jurgen Krath, senior vice president of Radio Networks Engineering and Quality, T-Mobile, LSTI Member. "Not only will the early existence of a large, global, LTE ecosystem drive the adoption and proliferation of LTE mobile broadband, it will also create choices for consumers. More mobile devices, from smartphones to laptops, will allow consumers to experience true mobile broadband in any way they want to and in a way that fits their budget."
The initial device-to network interoperability tests will focus on basic connectivity and high-speed data transmission over LTE networks, including more advanced features such as high quality video. LSTI plans to begin cross-vendor interoperability testing in 2009, on the basis of 3GPP specifications which are planned for closure in the fourth quarter of 2008. This testing phase follows the LTE proof of concept work that LSTI is currently undergoing to show what the technology is capable of, including demonstrations of the download speeds needed to support high-bandwidth mobile applications such as high definition video streaming. Proof of concept work started with the FDD version of LTE and now LSTI is also developing the proof of concept validation for the TDD version of LTE to support various spectrum requirements globally.
LSTI's efforts to accelerate development of the LTE technology and ecosystem are said to have recently been enhanced by the addition of several new members to the trial initiative. The latest companies to join LSTI are Agilent Technologies Inc., Motorola, Rohde & Schwarz, and Telefonica.
LSTI is also working in close cooperation with the NGMN Alliance to further enhance the LTE ecosystem by ensuring that the tests which LSTI performs reflect the needs and perspectives of operators.