Carrier aggregation is a technology used in 4G and 5G to enhance data speeds. It comprises the combination of multiple carriers to create a wider channel for faster throughput capacity. This creates higher value for users from service providers who get to browse the internet with substantially higher downlink and upload speeds, responsive,ness and low latency than in regular scenarios.
To further illustrate their meaning, carrier aggregation allows 4G and 5G service providers to deliver data services by using two bands simultaneously. That does not happen in a non-carrier-aggregated case. For e.g., a mobile network operator (MNO) operates 4G in two carriers in 1800 MHz and 800 MHz bands. Suppose the 1800 MHz band boasts 20 MHz bandwidth and the 800 MHz band has 10 MHz bandwidth capacity, they will be capable of around 140 Mbps and 70 Mbps download speeds respectively.
If the operator combines both of these bands or more to operate at the same time (called carrier aggregation), the network will have a capacity of over 200 Mbps download speed. In a non-carrier-aggregated case, each band will provide the network capacity determined by its particular bandwidth. It is the same case with 5G but with different spectrum bands of its own.
Carrier Aggregated network: A major advantage for all
With carrier-aggregated 4G and 5G networks, smartphones and tablets become the major beneficiaries. Modern-day smartphones and tablets are built the support for carrier aggregation. Thanks to this, devices are enabled to make the maximum use of the available spectrum while carriers also improve their network coverage, strength, and overall performance.
For heavy smartphone users, CA delivers a host of benefits such as minimal battery drain, lower ping, less to no buffering, network consistency, etc. On the other hand, MNOs garner trust and value from its customers while also help increase revenue earned through users’ more time using data services.
Carrier aggregation requires support from the operator, device, and regulatory body. And not all the telcos offer it. Carrier aggregation in Nepal is provided by the state-backed company Nepal Telecom (Ntc) by combining its 1800 MHz and 800 MHz bands.
Key premises to carrier aggregation in LTE 4G and 5G
In an LTE 4G network, the carrier bandwidth ranges from 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, and 20 MHz. If aggregated, the bandwidth capacity reaches 100 MHz with the maximum of 5 carrier components or shortly put 5CC. CA is supported in both TDD (Time division duplex) and FDD (Frequency-division duplexing) technologies.
Carrier aggregation in 5G is available in mid-band and lower-band frequencies below 6 GHz which is called Frequency Range 1 or FR1 or high-band shortly called Frequency Range 2 or FR2.
The no of carrier components with CA for 5G is being increased in every latest 3GPP standards. Currently, there’s a focus on transitioning from 5G Non-standalone to Standalone architecture to bear the ultimate fruits of the next-generation network. It is known that the latest 3GPP specifications for 5G will accommodate for up to four-component carriers for 5G SA (For FR1). With more developments in the future, CA will prove to be one of 5G’s catalysts to help realize its true potential.
Carrier aggregation requires hardware level support on device for particular combination of bands. Specialized software such as MDMS (Mobile Device Management System) in Nepal can enable CA for all MNOs, as they enabled the official import of phones from the brands. And they will ensure that such officially brought phones will support those features like CA band combination available with Nepali telco carriers. Therefore, MDMS makes it possible for all operators to provide CA in Nepal.
How to check if your device supports carrier aggregation?
The easiest ways to check if your device supports or is using carrier aggregation is to look at the status bar. If it shows 4G+ or LTE-A, then it means, your device does support CA. Almost similar is the case for 5G as well.
Likewise, you can use third-party apps such as Netmonster to get a detailed look at carrier aggregation compatibility for your device. Download Netmonster app and launch>Give all permissions, on top of the interface, you see all the bands of your telco>If you notice 4G+ or LTE-A, that means your device supports CA.
Most modern-day Android smartphones are compatible with carrier aggregation. It is available in iPhones too. Starting from iPhone 6s and above till the recently launched iPhone 15 series, all these devices support CA.
