Technology for
Faster Downloads
The
major
carriers are using different methods to give you more data bandwidth
and speed than is available from a single cellular channel.
Most methods use multiple channels which
are possible with carriers that have spectrum holdings spread
across various locations in the Radio Frequency spectrum.
This page
explains the specific technologies that provide
these
greater download capabilities.
Our maps show spectrum and
coverage used by the wireless
carriers where this
technology can potentially
use the
additional spectrum.
Dynamic
Spectrum Sharing
DSS
is a new technology that actually uses 5G channels and technology, and
achieves additional bandwidth by 'borrowing' additional frequencies
from other 5G and non-5G channels.
LTE
Advanced
LTE
Advanced
is used to increase download speeds by accessing
multiple wireless channels at the same time. Also
called LTE A or Carrier Aggregation, this technology has the
potential of increasing bandwidth from 50%
to 500%. Carrier
aggregation can work with contiguous component carriers that are
located within the same operating frequency band, or with
non-continuous carriers from different bands across different operating
frequencies. LTE Advanced usually uses MIMO technology.
A major benefit of Carrier Aggregation is that it allows for full
backwards and forwards compatibility between existing LTE networks and
LTE Advanced compatible devices. LTE Advanced connections are
provided through existing LTE bands, so standard LTE users will
continue to use LTE as normal, whereas Advanced connections will make
use of multiple LTE carriers.
MIMO
(Multiple Input Multiple Output)
Multiple-Input
Multiple-Output (MIMO) is a wireless technology that uses
multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same
time. The mobile device or the access point (AP) must support MIMO. For
optimal performance and range, both must support MIMO.
MIMO
technology uses a natural radio-wave phenomenon called multipath. With
multipath, transmitted information bounces off walls, ceilings, and
other objects, reaching the receiving antenna multiple times at
different angles and slightly different times. In the past,
multipath caused interference and slowed down wireless
signals. With multipath, MIMO
technology uses multiple, smart transmitters and receivers
with an added spatial dimension, increasing performance and range.
MIMO increases
receiver signal-capturing power
by enabling antennas to combine data streams
arriving from different paths and at different times. Smart antennas
use spatial diversity technology, which puts surplus antennas to good
use. When antennas outnumber spatial streams, the
antennas can add receiver diversity and increase range. More antennas
usually equate to higher speeds.
Legacy
wireless systems use Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) technology. They
can only send or receive one spatial stream at a time.
4X4
MIMO
Put
a number in front of MIMO and you're increasing the number of channels
or bands used to further increase data bandwidth. It could
reach 6X6 or even 8X8 and theoretically the bandwidth is multiplied by
the additional number of transmitters, receivers and antennas, but the
real world keeps us within more conservative expectations.
VoLTE,
eSRVCC, CoMP, SON, HetNets, EVS, etc.
There
are several equally important but less known technologies that
use
various methods of compression, timing and coding to increase the
amount of data flowing through the pipe. While useful, none
are as effective delivering faster downloads than Advanced and MIMO
technologies.
5G Evolution
We've
included this name to help identify its meaning and use. 5G
Evolution, or 5Ge, is a name for those areas earmarked for upgrade to
actual 5G coverage. In some cases it is actually LTE Advanced, but more
often it is used as a marketing tool.
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