LTE - Feature set in each 3GPP release

LTE is a flat IP architecture, bringing in higher data rates with improvements of radio access technologies. In addition to that it is way say good bye to circuit switched network by moving completely to packed switched network. This intern reduces both CAPEX and OPEX.

LTE is introduced in 3GPP release 8.

Release 8:

• All IP network
• New air interface
• Reduced latency
• Support for MIMO antennas
• Higher data rates: 300Mbps/75Mbps

Release 9:

• Introduction of small cells
• Self Organizing Networks (SON)
• evolved Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast service (eMBMS)
• Location Services

Release 10:

• 3Gbps/1.5Gbps data rates
• 8x8 downlink and 4x4 uplink MIMO antennas
• Carrier aggregation of 20 MHz channels to maximum 100 MHz channel
• Relay nodes to support Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet)

Release 11:

• Improvements to carrier aggregation
• New frequency bands
• Improvements to receivers
• Multipoint transmission and reception