Shared Carrier: Advantages and Disadvantages in Wireless Communication

This page explores the pros and cons of using a Shared Carrier system in wireless communication.

Introduction:

As illustrated in the figure below, the Shared Carrier concept allows multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to share the same bandwidth of a frequency spectrum.

The example below shows GSM and LTE RATs sharing spectrum. This concept is also used to allow LTE terminals to simultaneously use VoLTE and data modes.

Figure-1: Shared Carrier

Shared Carrier Advantages

Here are the key advantages of using a Shared Carrier approach:

• Bandwidth Efficiency: Sharing the spectrum makes the system more bandwidth-efficient, leading to more efficient resource allocation.
• No Additional Equipment: No extra hardware is needed, as the same radio hardware can be used by different RATs. The RF and baseband sections are controlled appropriately.
• Faster Call Establishment: Call establishment is faster because there’s less signaling overhead. This is because the system avoids forced redirection between carriers.
• Simplified LTE Configuration: In LTE networks, the same set of SIB (System Information Block) configuration is used for both carriers.
• Reduced Human Error: The concept is less prone to human errors during eNB (base station) provisioning.

Disadvantages of Shared Carrier

Despite the benefits, Shared Carrier also has some drawbacks:

• Complex Measurement Reporting: More complex configuration of measurement reports is needed to ensure accurate triggering in inter-frequency handover scenarios.
• Complex VoLTE QoS Requirements: Complex VoLTE QoS (Quality of Service) requirements are needed on both the network and user equipment (UE) sides to meet resource requirements for VoLTE users.