LONDON – The LTE SAE Trial Initiative (LSTI), a global group of LTE equipment vendors and operators, has outlined plans for cross-vendor device to network interoperability testing of LTE. With this testing, LSTI is fostering the development of a global LTE ecosystem that will include a wide range of LTE devices that will function consistently on all LTE networks worldwide. This will mean that consumers have the prospect of super-fast wireless broadband coverage no matter where on the gl
obe they roam or what type of device they prefer.
LSTI members, including some of the telecommunications industry’s largest and most innovative players, are developing a phased approach for validating LTE functionality and performing standards based interoperability testing. In an initial step, a common set of features for LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) equipment is being defined as the basis for early interoperability tests between devices and infrastructure. This feature set definition is expected to be complete by the end of 2008 and will be followed by interoperability tests across infrastructure equipment, mobile devices, and chipsets from the various LSTI member companies. These cross-vendor interoperability tests will foster increased industry synergies, consolidated 3GPP specifications, smoother LTE network launches, and improved LTE time to market.
“LTE is positioned to become a global standard for mobile broadband networks,” said Dr. Jinsung Choi, vice president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Technology Research Lab. “Having common LTE specifications and achieving widespread interoperability across LTE networks regardless of who designed, built, or operates them will simplify the worldwide adoption of LTE. The network essentially becomes invisible to consumers, making connecting from anywhere in the world as simple as turning on your mobile device.”
“LSTI is focused on accelerat