Mobile Phone Technology

4G Mobile Network Architecture.

3G Mobile Network

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The move to 4G LTE involves transitioning to an enhanced UTRAN architecture. The technology behind 4G is LTE (Long Term Evolution), and the transition from 3G to 4G was an evolution of the previous network.

The 4G LTE or Enhanced UTRAN comprises :

  • An enhanced Node B, which controls the air interface and switches to the evolved Packet Core;
  • The evolved packet core includes the serving gateway that controls access to the packet gateway or packet data network.
  • The MME (Mobility Management Entity) manages the 4G network. This is the core component of the 4G LTE architecture. The MME authenticates mobile devices and maintains their locations, thus taking over the roles of the Authentication Centre (AUC) and Visitor Location Register (VLR) in 3G. An HSS (Home Subscriber Service) provides HLR (Home Location Register) functionality. The MME also selects the correct SGW (Serving Gateway) for the user equipment to pass data through. Pooling MME resources can provide a more robust network.
  • The MME can also switch the device to the 2G/GSM network if separate phone services are required. This occurs when VoLTE is unavailable for the device at its location.

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