What is Shared Carrier in Wireless Communication: Advantages and Disadvantages

Shared carrier is a wireless communication approach in which multiple users or services utilize the same radio frequency carrier through resource sharing techniques. Its advantages include improved spectrum efficiency and reduced infrastructure costs, whereas its disadvantages include increased interference, resource contention, and performance variations during heavy network traffic.

Shared Carrier Concept

As illustrated in the figure below, the Shared Carrier concept allows multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to share the same bandwidth of a frequency spectrum.

The example below shows GSM and LTE RATs sharing spectrum. This concept is also used to allow LTE terminals to simultaneously use VoLTE and data modes.

Figure-1: Shared Carrier

Benefits or Advantages of Shared Carrier

1. Bandwidth Efficiency: Sharing the spectrum makes the system more bandwidth-efficient, leading to more efficient resource allocation.
2. No Additional Equipment: No extra hardware is needed, as the same radio hardware can be used by different RATs. The RF and baseband sections are controlled appropriately.
3. Faster Call Establishment: Call establishment is faster because there’s less signaling overhead. This is because the system avoids forced redirection between carriers.
4. Simplified LTE Configuration: In LTE networks, the same set of SIB (System Information Block) configuration is used for both carriers.
5. Reduced Human Error: The concept is less prone to human errors during eNB (base station) provisioning.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Shared Carrier

1. Complex Measurement Reporting: More complex configuration of measurement reports is needed to ensure accurate triggering in inter-frequency handover scenarios.
2. Complex VoLTE QoS Requirements: Complex VoLTE QoS (Quality of Service) requirements are needed on both the network and user equipment (UE) sides to meet resource requirements for VoLTE users.

Summary

Shared carrier technology improves wireless spectrum utilization by allowing efficient allocation of communication resources among multiple users. Its operational advantages enhance network capacity and reduce deployment costs, although interference management, quality of service, and traffic balancing remain essential design considerations.