For both voice and data connectivity, as well as support for internet of things-type devices, operators are working to keep up with insatiable and steadily-increasing demand for capacity. One inherent limitation is the availability of licensed spectrum. This paradigm has put unlicensed spectrum, particularly in the 5 GHz band that has long supported Wi-Fi, into the spotlight.
To deliver gigabit LTE networks, based on the LTE Advanced Pro specification, service providers use Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) to aggregate licensed and unlicensed component carriers to create a bigger, faster data pipe.
