IMB
Integrated Mobile Broadcast (IMB) is a technology, defined as a part of the 3GPP Rel. 8 standard, which enables spectrally-efficient delivery of Broadcast services using TDD radio techniques. This is achieved using technical specifications that are greatly aligned with existing FDD WCDMA unicast technology, which in turn allows for smooth handover between IMB delivery and unicast.
One of the key advantages of IMB is that it can be deployed within unpaired TDD spectrum bands held by operators in some parts of the world. To date TDD spectrum has been largely unused by these operators. IMB can offer capacity relief to the FDD channels by allowing TDD spectrum to be used for the deployment of Broadcast applications. Support for existing Rel. 7 MBSFN and other TDD services has been incorporated within IMB, through the reuse of the definitions of TDM pilots used in FDD MBMS frame and slot structure. This results in the increased spectral efficiency of MBMS services and a reduction in the functional complexity in the user terminal, which in turn will result in lower power consumption and hence extended terminal battery life.
View the press release here
Download the white paper here
