World's first LTM field demonstration using RAN

On February 25, Ericsson announced that it had successfully conducted the world's first field demonstration of LTM (L1/L2 Triggered Mobility) using its Radio Access Network (RAN). This milestone was achieved in collaboration with KDDI and MediaTek.

The experiment utilized Ericsson's "Layer 1 (L1)/Layer 2 (L2)" low-latency mobility (LTM) function, part of the "5G Advanced Critical IoT subscription." It was demonstrated that data communication interruptions during cell switching could be reduced by 25% compared to conventional Layer 3 mobility (handover). This achieves near-seamless communication even while in motion.

This success opens up possibilities for use cases in Japan where real-time connectivity during movement is essential, such as XR, autonomous and remote operations, industrial automation, and public safety, in conjunction with AI and the cloud.

Ericsson's low-latency mobility function included in the "5G Advanced Critical IoT subscription" is based on the 3GPP standard LTM.

By using innovative software algorithms, it shortens the data communication interruption time during cell switching and significantly improves user experience and service continuity.

With the introduction of LTM in 3GPP Release 18, the network can now utilize signaling at lower layers to reduce overheads and minimize communication interruptions during cell switching, enabling communication that is as close to seamless as possible even while moving.

For telecommunications carriers, this standard-based scalable approach accelerates the introduction of time-critical services while increasing network efficiency, making it possible to effectively utilize investments in 5G Advanced for the future.

Ericsson's design, which reuses existing Layer 3 measurements, reduces requirements for user terminals while achieving early DL/UL synchronization with a single trigger, supporting devices with various capabilities.

Seamless communication is essential for individuals and companies to conduct XR, cloud applications, immersive video conferencing, and mission critical work.

Reducing interruptions during cell switching not only prevents user frustration, cancellations, and negative evaluations of the service, but also avoids situations such as safety risks, traffic disruption, and the shutdown of production lines or equipment.