Deutsche Telekom (DT), in collaboration with Qualcomm, has conducted tests demonstrating LTE Licensed-Assisted Access’ (LAA) ability to extend coverage and increase network capacity. The over-the-air trial was completed on November 20th, 2015, in Nuremberg, Germany after a three-week period of extensive measurement campaigns. The trial used LAA test equipment designed and deployed by Qualcomm Research, the R&D division of Qualcomm Technologies. Deutsche Telekom provided the licensed spectrum for the LTE anchor carrier augmented with 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum and used on a multiple node LAA test network deployed over Qualcomm Technologies’ Nuremberg campus.
LAA extends the benefits of 4G LTE Advanced to unlicensed spectrum bands, and is one of the new features of LTE Advanced Pro standards being developed in 3GPP Release 13, which is expected to be ready in the first half of 2016. The aggregation of licensed and unlicensed spectrum is another step in the evolution of 4G LTE towards development of a unified 5G platform, envisioned to offer native support for aggregation of unlicensed spectrum right from the start.
“LAA is one of the key technologies that will help satisfy the increasing demand for data and better mobile connectivity,” said Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, chief technology officer, Deutsche Telekom. “The trial will help the wireless ecosystem and key stakeholders verify and experience the benefits of LAA first hand.”
“This trial is an important milestone demonstrating how global LAA technology will soon provide enhanced consumer benefits to users in Europe,” said Matt Grob, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We are pleased to collaborate with Deutsche Telekom on testing and demonstrating technologies that will enhance mobile broadband.”
