The Evolution of LTE Physical Layer Control Channels

Physical layer control signals in cellular communications serve the purpose of delivering physical layer control messages in a timely fashion to support cell radio resource management and data transmissions between the network and the mobile users. This article describes the evolution of 3GPP LTE in control channel design. The legacy LTE control channels (Release 8) have proven to be well-designed robust channels for signaling physical layer messages. However, emerging wireless communication transmission technologies continue to challenge the traditional design of LTE control channels. We have reached a point where a totally new design of the control channels has to be provided in order for the new transmission features to be introduced into LTE. In this article we first give an overview of the legacy LTE control channel, and present the new challenges. We then describe in depth the new solutions provided by LTE (Release 11). Finally, we address the limitations of the new design, which are recently identified in certain newly-emerging applications, in particular, the machine-type communications. A new round of evolution is hence imperative. New solutions provided by next release of LTE (Release 13) are presented.

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