LTE architecture

[magicfoot]

I understand that the LTE uses a different set of transmission antennas compared to those used for the 3G service, is that correct ? Do the LTE towers transmit and receive 3G as well, or is this an entirely different system ? If the LTE system is not available to my phone, it will use 3G: is this all done via the LTE system or is my phone interacting with two different services ?

Also: I noticed that the LTE antennas are positioned geographically at sites other than the towers using the regular GPRS. Why is this ?

 

[Ockie]

LTE is a completely new network interface compared to 3G. A tower can transmit both LTE and 3G, but via different transmitters. It will depend on the weight carrying capability of each tower if said tower can support both sets of antennas. When your phone shows LTE, it is logged on only to LTE, not LTE and 3G. If you for example get a call and your phone is on LTE and does not support Volte, then you will see your phone switching down and logging onto the 3G network first, and then your phone will start to ring.

 

[Nod]

LTE: http://www.tutorialspoint.com/lte/lte_network_architecture.htm
GSM: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/gsm/gsm_architecture.htm

Your phone will support CSFB to switch between LTE and GSM.