Long Term Evolution (LTE)

The main characteristic of 4th Generation (4G) Networks is being based on all IP architecture, operating mainly on IPv6. This includes services such as voice, video, and messaging. LTE is considered to be a 3rd Generation (3G) network and one of 4th Generation (4G) roadmap mobile access technologies. LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), on the other hand, is a 4G technology concept with evolving features. Therefore LTE is the key feature in the understanding of LTE-A evolution. The main focus of LTE is the enhancement of the packet-switched (PS) mechanisms on top of the UMTS enhancements, based on All IP Network (AIPN). IPv6 networking provides maximum service delivery flexibility, user decoupling, and scalability improvements, while leveraging the existing IETF standards. This requires major focus on network simplification, end-to-end delay reductions, optimal traffic routing, seamless mobility, and IP-based transport provisioning. This chapter aims to present a survey and highlight specific IPv6-based features presented mostly in the 3GPP standard literature, and to provide a high-level discussion on the LTE-IPv6 requirements.