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S4GRU

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    Epic 4G Touch radios Possibly support LTE

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 9 January 2012

     

     

    My focus on the discussions was more on yes was it possible, or no it wasn't. So I have to tell you many of the details are hazy. But it was something to the effect of...

     

    in Sprint devices, WiMax is controlled by a separate radio than the CDMA radio that controls 1x and EVDO. That separate radio was controlled by an (element?) on the SoC chipset that was hard-configured to the frequencies 2496-2690. Modifying the radio software would not get past this issue. The radio software supposedly could only be modified within that range. And I think they said it was physically possible to try to physically connect to the chipset and with the right device reconfigure it. But very few people would have the skill and equipment to do it.

     

    Also, beyond this, the WiMax radio was physically connected to a WiMax antenna, which is physically too small to broadcast 700-800MHz transmissions. 700MHz needs longer antennas to broadcast...something to do with physics. So then the device modifier would then try to physically reconnect the WiMax radio to the CDMA antenna. And then all the radio software would have to be remodified.

     

    So then, if you could develop all the software to do it, for the radios and the OS, and then do all the physical modifications you MAY have a device that will run LTE. And how well? It could be sketchy. And if you pay someone smart enough to do all this, it's way more expensive than buying a new device.

     

    So, I cannot vouch for specific details in this explanation, because it's way over my head. But after hearing it, I became very pessimistic. Especially after Sprint has said they aren't going to be even trying it. That they are just going cold turkey to new LTE devices.

    Epic 4G Touch radios Possibly support LTE

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 8 January 2012

     

    This is a subject I have talked over with several engineers and a even a Sprint device development manager. I have been told its not possible with the WiMax devices Sprint has developed to date. No one has yet to do it. And Sprint is not planning to do it through any firmware updates on any WiMax devices. And I was told specifically that even it could convert the WiMax device to LTE, it could only run on the WiMax frequencies. It would not be able to run on the lower frequencies.

     

    I would love for it to be true. I have debated this subject with several folks the past 6 months. No one has yet to give me anything concrete except generalizations about how radios work and theories. I would love some real details. Otherwise, I'm left with what I've been told from engineers.

     

    However, if its possible, I would recommend you find a way to do it for WiMax device holders and charge a few bucks to do it. You will make millions. Because Sprint isn't going to do it themselves. They've already said so.

     

    I don't want to sound cocky and arrogant. I want to encourage conversations in this forum. I really do want to be wrong. I hope you're right. And if you can dig up something that can really back this up, bring it back here and post it. I will even take it to Sprint and ask for comment.

     

    But the last time I spoke to someone at Sprint, he responded, 'we are losing millions on slowing WiMax device sales. If we could easily convert them to LTE, we would be screaming it from the rooftops, so we could still keep selling WiMax devices.' And that kind of logic I couldn't argue with.

    Epic 4G Touch radios Possibly support LTE

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 7 January 2012

     

     

    Your Epic 4G Touch will work without any update on 800MHz for voice when Network Vision comes to your area. However, your device is not capable of running on LTE. It is theoretically possible that WiMax devices can run on LTE with some modification. I read a white paper on why it may be possible. However, to my knowledge, it hasn't been done yet. And also, your WiMax radio is configured for 2490-2650MHz. It won't run on 800MHz, even if it could be converted from WiMax to LTE by hacking.

     

    So, the Epic 4G Touch will receive some benefits of having CDMA 800MHz capability, but sadly, LTE will not be one of them. You will need to upgrade to use LTE.

    Am I understanding this correctly?

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 5 January 2012

     

     

    For a demonstration of how well 800MHz overlaps for superior coverage on PCS spacing, look at this slide from this article: http://s4gru.spruz.com/pt/New-Network-Vision-and-LTE-Deployment-info-released-in-Sprint-Webinar-today/blog.htm

    393699_341345652549546_257896107561168_1626391_930575228_n.jpg

     

    As for Sprint's LTE-Advanced, it will be on two aggregated carriers...a 5x5 on 800 and a 5x5 on 1900. It will perform like a 10x10 FD-LTE carrier. But there will be some advantages with Sprint's radios up behind the antenna panels. Sprint's aggregated carrier LTE Advanced will likely provide speeds around 10 to 20MB download, with bursts over 30MB.

     

    One disadvantage for aggregated carriers on such different frequencies, is you will only get the aggregated carrier advantage if your device is in range of both frequencies, the 800 and 1900. In areas where you only get the 800, like when you go deep inside a building or at the edge of service, then you won't get the boosted aggregated speeds. Because your device will only see the one carrier. But in approximately 90% of the coverage area, you will be in an overlap zone where your device sees a signal on 800 and 1900.

     

    The real performer will be Clearwire's TD-LTE with 20MHz carriers. It will have speeds between 30MB and 50MB download, with bursts in the 60 to 80MB range.

    • Like 4

    Am I understanding this correctly?

    in Network, Network Vision/LTE Deployment

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 21 November 2011

     

    It is believed that once a tower receives full Network Vision upgrades, all the LTE equipment will be installed and ready to go. But when Sprint will turn that signal on and make it active is unknown at this time.

     

    Some believe that Sprint will not turn on the LTE where it's been deployed until LTE devices are released in Mid 2012. I believe they will turn on LTE at every tower when they install the equipment. This will allow them to continue to test and fine tune while they are deploying Network Vision. Sprint techs and Sprint execs do have LTE USB dongles that will run on Sprint's frequencies. This was confirmed by a field tech who reads our Facebook page. And they are already using them on a few towers in Chicago.

    However, if I were to guess, I don't think Sprint will announce any LTE cities until they have devices to sell. I think then they will say something like, "Our LTE devices are now for sale, oh, and by the way, our LTE network is now live in 30 cities."

     

    But what I would do, if I was them, I would announce every city the moment it goes live. Even though there are not LTE devices for sale. And show LTE coverage maps. And get people excited about LTE. And they can see the rapid progress. And then they see LTE show up in therr neighborhood. So, on the day that LTE devices go on sale, they are standing in line at the Sprint store to buy their device. Because they know this time it's real, and they Sprint's rapid progress.

     

    But that's just me! ;)

    • Like 2

    AT&T Galaxy Note with LTE appears at FCC. Does this mean Sprint will also see a LTE Note?

    in Samsung

    Posted

    Migrated from Original Forum. Originally Posted 23 January 2012

     

     

    I agree. If the Note appears at Sprint, I'm nearly certain it will be LTE. Since Sprint has gone through the trouble of telling everyone that they are no longer releasing WiMax devices, I think they will hold to that.

    I also think that the early rumors I heard about the Note coming to Sprint were from pretty credible sources. A few less than credible sources ran with the story last week, but they weren't the original breakers of the story. They are just rehashing the story and adding Verizon to the suspected list of carriers.

     

    I am very interested in the Note as my first Sprint LTE device. B)

     

    - Robert

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