From 3GPP LTE to 5G: An Evolution

All-IP network architecture is fast becoming a norm in mobile telecommunications. The International Telecommunications Union-Radio communication sector (ITU-R) recognizes a technology as 4G after haven met the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-A) specification of a minimum of 100 Mb/s downlink data rate for high mobility and 1 Gb/s for low mobility. The Long Term Evolution specified by the 3GPP, provides a minimum downlink data rate of 100 Mb/s and marks a new beginning in Radio Access Technologies (RATs). It also notably implements an all-IP network architecture, providing higher data rates, end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) and reduced latency. Since the first release of the LTE standard (3GPP release 8), there have been a number of enhancements in subsequent releases. Significant improvements to the standard that enabled LTE to meet the IMT-A specifications were attained in release 10, otherwise known as LTE-Advanced. Some of the enhancements such as the use of small cells (known as femtocells) are envisioned to be the basis of fifth generation (5G) wireless networks. Thus, it is expedient to study the LTE technology and the various enhancements that will shape the migration towards 5G wireless networks. This paper aims at providing a technical overview of 3GPP LTE. With a brief overview of its architecture, this paper explores some key features of LTE that places it at the forefront in achieving the goals of wireless access evolution, enabling it to become a key element of the ongoing mobile internet growth. The migration to 5G may be radical, thus some enabling technologies that will shape the 5G cellular networks are also examined.