KT, Korea's second-largest mobile carrier, announced on Feb. 25 that it will demonstrate LTE-WiFi Link Aggregation or LTE-H technology at MWC 2015 in collaboration with Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm.
LTE-H technology combines LTE networks with WiFi connections, going beyond aggregating several frequency bands like tri-band Carrier Aggregation (CA) technology. The technique is essential for the convergence of 4G with 5G networks in the event of the evolution toward 5G. Since it is possible to use LTE and WiFi networks at the same time, the technology can offer connection speeds of up to 600 Mbps by merging existing 150Mbps LTE-A and 450Mbps GiGA WiFi.
Unlike conventional LTE-WiFi aggregation methods using software, LTE-H directly controls the WiFi connection from LTE stations, leading to higher efficiency and user convenience. It promises seamless connectivity on the move by automatically controlling the On/Off features of the WiFi connection, since base stations detect the reception of signals between terminals and Wireless LAN access points.
In addition, KT will showcase LTE-U technology, together with Samsung and Qualcomm, which can coexist with WiFi and combine existing LTE and frequencies using Listen Before Talk (LBT). The technology makes it possible to aggregate LTE and the 5 GHz frequency band of WiFi. It can utilize KT's WiFi networks, and the mobile carrier has a technology that increases the speed of LTE. As a result, subscribers can enjoy download speeds of up to 450 Mbps by combining 150Mbps LTE-A and 300Mbps WiFi.