High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) is an enhanced 3G (third-generation) m

obile-telephony communications protocol in the High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) f

amily, also dubbed 3.5G, 3G+, or Turbo 3G, which allows networks based on Univer
sal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to have higher data speeds and capac
ity. As of 2013 HSDPA deployments can support down-link speeds of up to 99.3 Mbi
t/s.[citation needed] HSPA+ offers further speed increases, providing speeds of
up to 337.5 Mbit/s with Release 11 of the 3GPP standards.[1]
Contents [hide]
1 Technology
1.1 High-Speed Downlink Shared Channel
1.2 Hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ)
1.3 Fast packet scheduling
1.4 Adaptive modulation and coding
1.5 Dual-Cell
1.6 Other improvements
2 User Equipment (UE) categories
3 Roadmap
4 Adoption
4.1 Marketing as mobile broadband
5 See also
6 References
7 Further reading
8 External links
Technology[edit]
High-Speed Downlink Shared Channel[edit]
For HSDPA, a new transport layer channel, High-Speed Downlink Shared Channel (HS
-DSCH), has been added to 3GPP release 5 and further specification. It is implem
ented by introducing three new physical layer channels: HS-SCCH, HS-DPCCH and HS
-PDSCH. The High Speed-Shared Control Channel (HS-SCCH) informs the user that da
ta will be sent on the HS-DSCH, 2 slots ahead. The Uplink High Speed-Dedicated P
hysical Control Channel (HS-DPCCH) carries acknowledgment information and curren
t channel quality indicator (CQI) of the user. This value is then used by the ba
se station to calculate how much data to send to the user devices on the next tr
ansmission. The High Speed-Physical Downlink Shared Channel (HS-PDSCH) is the ch
annel to which the above HS-DSCH transport channel is mapped that carries actual
user data.
Hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ)[edit]
Data is transmitted together with error correction bits. Minor errors can thus b
e corrected without retransmission; see forward error correction.
If retransmission is needed, the user device saves the packet and later combines
it with retransmitted packet to recover the error-free packet as efficiently as
possible. Even if the retransmitted packets are corrupted, their combination ca
n yield an error-free packet. Retransmitted packet may be either identical (chas
e combining) or different from the first transmission (incremental redundancy).
Since HARQ retransmissions are processed at the physical layer, their 12 ms roun
d-trip time is much lower compared to higher layer retransmissions.
Fast packet scheduling[edit]
The HS-DSCH downlink channel is shared between users using channel-dependent sch
eduling to make the best use of available radio conditions. Each user device con
tinually transmits an indication of the downlink signal quality, as often as 500
times per second. Using this information from all devices, the base station dec
ides which users will be sent data in the next 2 ms frame and how much data shou
ld be sent for each user. More data can be sent to users which report high downl
ink signal quality.

The amount of the channelisation code tree, and thus network bandwidth, allocate
d to HSDPA users is determined by the network. The allocation is "semi-static" i
n that it can be modified while the network is operating, but not on a frame-byframe basis. This allocation represents a trade-off between bandwidth allocated
for HSDPA users, versus that for voice and non-HSDPA data users. The allocation
is in units of channelisation codes for Spreading Factor 16, of which 16 exist a
nd up to 15 can be allocated to the HS-DSCH. When the base station decides which
users will receive data in the next frame, it also decides which channelisation
codes will be used for each user. This information is sent to the user on one o
f up to 4 HS-SCCHs, which are not part of the HS-DSCH allocation previously ment
ioned, but are allocated separately. Thus, for a given 2 ms frame, data may be s
ent to a number of users simultaneously, using different channelisation codes.
Adaptive modulation and coding[edit]
The modulation scheme and coding are changed on a per-user basis, depending on s
ignal quality and cell usage. The initial scheme is quadrature phase-shift keyin
g (QPSK), but in good radio conditions 16QAM and 64QAM can significantly increas
e data throughput rates. With 5 Code allocation, QPSK typically offers up to 1.8
Mbit/s peak data rates, while 16QAM offers up to 3.6 Mbit/s. Additional codes (
e.g. 10, 15) can also be used to improve these data rates or extend the network
capacity throughput significantly.
Dual-Cell[edit]
Dual Cell HSDPA (DC-HSDPA), known also as Dual Carrier, is the natural evolution
of HSPA by means of carrier aggregation in the downlink.[2] UMTS licenses are o
ften issued as 5, 10, or 20 MHz paired spectrum allocations. The basic idea of t
he multicarrier feature is to achieve better resource utilization and spectrum e
fficiency by means of joint resource allocation and load balancing across the do
wnlink carriers.
An advanced HSPA network can theoretically support up to 28 Mbit/s and 42.2 Mbit
/s with a single 5 MHz carrier for Rel7 (MIMO with 16QAM) and Rel8 (64-QAM + MIM
O), in good channel conditions with low correlation between transmit antennas. A
n alternative method to double the data rates is to double the bandwidth to 10 M
Hz (i.e. 25 MHz) by using DC-HSDPA. Additionally, some diversity and joint schedu
ling gains can also be expected[3] with improved QoS for end users in poor envir
onment conditions where existing techniques such as MIMO spatial multiplexing ca
nnot be used to increase data rates. In 3GPP a study item was completed in June
2008. The outcome can be found in technical report 25.825.[4] New HSDPA User Equ
ipment categories 21-24 have been introduced that support DC-HSDPA. DC-HSDPA can
support up to 42.2 Mbit/s, but unlike HSPA, it does not need to rely on MIMO tr
ansmission.
From Release 9 onwards it will be possible to use DC-HSDPA in combination with M
IMO used on both carriers.[5] This will allow theoretical speed of up to 84.4 Mb
it/s.
The support of MIMO in combination with DC-HSDPA will allow operators deploying
Release 7 MIMO to benefit from the DC-HSDPA functionality as defined in Release
8. While in Release 8 DC-HSDPA can only operate on adjacent carriers, Release 9
also allows that the paired cells can operate on two different frequency bands.
Future releases will allow the use of up to four carriers simultaneously.
Other improvements[edit]
HSDPA is part of the UMTS standards since release 5, which also accompanies an i
mprovement on the uplink providing a new bearer of 384 kbit/s. The previous maxi
mum bearer was 128 kbit/s.
As well as improving data rates, HSDPA also decreases latency and so the round t
rip time for applications.

In later 3GPP specification releases HSPA+ increases data rates further by addin
g 64QAM modulation, MIMO and Dual-Cell HSDPA operation, i.e. two 5 MHz carriers
are used simultaneously.
User Equipment (UE) categories[edit]
HSDPA comprises various versions with different data speeds.
The following table is derived from table 5.1a of the release 11 of 3GPP TS 25.3
06[6] and shows maximum data rates of different device classes and by what combi
nation of features they are achieved. The per-cell per-stream data rate is limit
ed by the Maximum number of bits of an HS-DSCH transport block received within a
n HS-DSCH TTI and the Minimum inter-TTI interval. The TTI is 2 ms. So for exampl
e Cat 10 can decode 27952 bits/2 ms = 13.976 MBit/s (and not 14.4 MBit/s as ofte
n claimed incorrectly). Categories 1-4 and 11 have inter-TTI intervals of 2 or 3
, which reduces the maximum data rate by that factor. Dual-Cell and MIMO 2x2 eac
h multiply the maximum data rate by 2, because multiple independent transport bl
ocks are transmitted over different carriers or spatial streams, respectively. T
he data rates given in the table are rounded to one decimal point.
3GPP Release
Category
Max. number of
HS-DSCH codes (per cell)
Modulation[note 1]
MIMO, Multi-Cell
Code rate at
max. data rate[note 2] Max. data rate
[Mbit/s][note 3]
Release 5
1
5
16-QAM
.76
1.2
Release 5
2
5
16-QAM
.76
1.2
Release 5
3
5
16-QAM
.76
1.8
Release 5
4
5
16-QAM
.76
1.8
Release 5
5
5
16-QAM
.76
3.6
Release 5
6
5
16-QAM
.76
3.6
Release 5
7
10
16-QAM
.75
7.2
Release 5
8
10
16-QAM
.76
7.2
Release 5
9
15
16-QAM
.70
10.1
Release 5
10
15
16-QAM
.97
14.0
Release 5
11
5
QPSK
.76
0.9
Release 5
12
5
QPSK
.76
1.8
Release 7
13
15
64-QAM
.82
17.6
Release 7
14
15
64-QAM
.98
21.1
Release 7
15
15
16-QAM MIMO 2x2
.81
23.4
Release 7
16
15
16-QAM MIMO 2x2
.97
28.0
Release 7
17
15
64-QAM
.82
17.6
15
16-QAM MIMO 2x2
.81
23.4
Release 7
18
15
64-QAM
.98
21.1
15
16-QAM MIMO 2x2
.97
28.0
Release 8 [note 4]
19
15
64-QAM MIMO 2x2
.82
35.3
Release 8 [note 5]
20
15
64-QAM MIMO 2x2
.98
42.2
Release 8
21
15
16-QAM Dual-Cell
.81
23.4
Release 8
22
15
16-QAM Dual-Cell
.97
28.0
Release 8
23
15
64-QAM Dual-Cell
.82
35.3
Release 8
24
15
64-QAM Dual-Cell
.98
42.2
Release 9
25
15
16-QAM Dual-Cell + MIMO 2x2
.81
46.7
Release 9
26
15
16-QAM Dual-Cell + MIMO 2x2
.97
55.9
Release 9
27
15
64-QAM Dual-Cell + MIMO 2x2
.82
70.6
Release 9
28
15
64-QAM Dual-Cell + MIMO 2x2
.98
84.4
Release 10
29
15
64-QAM Triple-Cell
.98
63.3
Release 10
30
15
64-QAM Triple-Cell + MIMO 2x2 .98
126.6
Release 10
31
15
64-QAM Quad-Cell
.98
84.4
Release 10
32
15
64-QAM Quad-Cell + MIMO 2x2
.98
168.8
Release 11
33
15
64-QAM Hexa-Cell
.98
126.6

Release 11
34
15
64-QAM Hexa-Cell + MIMO 2x2
.98
253.2
Release 11
35
15
64-QAM Octa-Cell
.98
168.8
Release 11
36
15
64-QAM Octa-Cell + MIMO 2x2
.98
337.5
Release 11
37
15
64-QAM Dual-Cell + MIMO 4x4
.98
168.8
Release 11
38
15
64-QAM Quad-Cell + MIMO 4x4
.98
337.5
Notes:
Jump up ^ 16-QAM implies QPSK support, 64-QAM implies 16-QAM and QPSK support.
Jump up ^ The maximal code rate is not limited. A value close to 1 in this colum
n indicates that the maximum data rate can be achieved only in ideal conditions.
The device is therefore connected directly to the transmitter to demonstrate th
ese data rates.
Jump up ^ The maximum data rates given in the table are physical layer data rate
s. Application layer data rate is approximately 85% of that, due to the inclusio
n of IP headers (overhead information) etc.
Jump up ^ Category 19 was specified in Release 7 as "For further use". Not until
Release 8 simultaneous use of 64QAM and MIMO were allowed to obtain the specifi
ed max. data rate.
Jump up ^ Category 20 was specified in Release 7 as "For further use". Not until
Release 8 simultaneous use of 64QAM and MIMO were allowed to obtain the specifi
ed max. data rate.
Roadmap[edit]
The first phase of HSDPA has been specified in the 3rd Generation Partnership Pr
oject (3GPP) release 5. Phase one introduces new basic functions and is aimed to
achieve peak data rates of 14.0 Mbit/s (see above). Newly introduced are the Hi
gh Speed Downlink Shared Channels (HS-DSCH), the adaptive modulation QPSK and 16
QAM and the High Speed Medium Access protocol (MAC-hs) in base station.
The second phase of HSDPA is specified in the 3GPP release 7 and has been named
HSPA Evolved. It can achieve data rates of up to 42.2 Mbit/s.[1] It introduces a
ntenna array technologies such as beamforming and Multiple-input multiple-output
communications (MIMO). Beam forming focuses the transmitted power of an antenna
in a beam towards the user s direction. MIMO uses multiple antennas at the sendin
g and receiving side. Deployments were scheduled to begin in the second half of
2008.
Further releases of the standard have introduced dual carrier operation, i.e. th
e simultaneous use of two 5 MHz carriers. By combining this with MIMO transmissi
on, peak data rates of 84.4 Mbit/s can be reached under ideal signal conditions.
After HSPA Evolved, the roadmap leads to E-UTRA (Previously "HSOPA"), the techno
logy specified in 3GPP Releases 8 and 10. This project is called the Long Term E
volution initiative. Different LTE user equipment categories offer data rates up
to 3 Gbit/s for downlink and 1.5 Gbit/s for uplink using OFDMA modulation.
Adoption[edit]
GPRS-speed in a HSDPA plan
As of 28 August 2009, 250 HSDPA networks have commercially launched mobile broad
band services in 109 countries. 169 HSDPA networks support 3.6 Mbit/s peak downl
ink data throughput. A growing number are delivering 21 Mbit/s peak data downlin
k and 28 Mbit/s. Several others will have this capability by end 2009 and the fi
rst 42 Mbit/s network came online in Australia in February 2010. Telstra switche
s on 42 Mbit/s Next G, plans 84 Mbit/s through the implementation of HSPA+ Dual
Carrier plus MIMO technology upgrade in 2011.[7] This protocol is a relatively s
imple upgrade where UMTS is already deployed.[1] First week in May 2010, Secondranked Indonesian cellular operator Indosat launched the first DC-HSPA+ 42 Mbit/
s network, beating Australia's Telstra, Singapore's StarHub and Hong Kong's CSL
to stake its claim as the first operator in Asia-Pacific to offer theoretical do
wnload speeds of 42 Mbit/s via HSPA+.[8][9]

CDMA2000-EVDO networks had the early lead on performance, and Japanese providers
were highly successful benchmarks for it. But lately this seems to be changing
in favour of HSDPA as an increasing number of providers worldwide are adopting i
t. In Australia, Telstra announced that its CDMA-EVDO network would be replaced
with a HSDPA network (since named NextG), offering high speed internet, mobile t
elevision and traditional telephony and video calling. Rogers Wireless deployed
HSDPA system 850/1900 in Canada on April 1, 2007. In July 2008, Bell Canada and
Telus announced a joint plan to expand their current shared EVDO/CDMA network to
include HSDPA.[10] Bell Canada launched their joint network November 4, 2009, w
hile Telus launched November 5, 2009.[11] In January 2010, T-Mobile USA adopted
HSDPA.[12]
Telstra in Australia announced they had implemented Dual-Cell HSDPA in their liv
e NextG network on 18 January 2010. On 15 February 2010 they announced that the
upgrade had been completed to section of their network in capital cities and maj
or regional centers. As of July 2010, two devices were available; a USB device m
anufactured by Sierra Wireless, the AirCard 312U, and a portable WiFi hot spot d
evice.
In October 2010, Vodafone in Portugal announced[13] a commercial offer of 43.2 M
bit/s download and 11.4 Mbit/s upload. The service is currently available in Lis
bon.
On Nov 18 2010, Bell Canada announced it would begin doubling its network speeds
to 42 Mbit/s beginning Nov 23 2010 using HSPA+ Dual Cell technology.[14]
On December 3, 2010, E Mobile in Japan announced the availability of 42 Mbit/s s
ervice based upon DC-HSDPA.[15]
On March 10, 2011, SaskTel announced that Dual-Cell HSPA+ will be available in S
askatoon and Regina by the summer.[16] SaskTel also announced that the first dev
ice to take advantage of this new technology will be the Novatel Wireless MC547
Mobile Internet Stick.
On August 23, 2011, Telenor Hungary started Dual-Cell HSPA+ service in Budapest
and its surroundings.[17]
In 2011, Viva Telecom Kuwait started offering Dual-Cell HSPA+ to its customers.[
18]
In 2011, Personal; a Telecom Argentina / Telecom Italia subsidiary in Paraguay,
started offering Dual-Cell HSPA+ to its customers.[19]
Also in 2011 two carriers in Finland, Elisa and DNA started offering "4G" backed
up by Dual-Cell HSPA+ whereas LTE coverage is merely spotty in nature.[20][21]
In February 2012, Personal from Paraguay started offering Dual-Carrier HSPA+ to
its customers.[22]
In February 2012, Three UK announced the start of its trials of DC-HSDPA. Full r
ollout will begin in Summer 2012. As of November 2012 50 cities have been chosen
for the initial roll out to be completed by the end of 2012 - with Belfast join
ing in January 2013. They plan to cover 50% of the UK population by the end of 2
012.[23]
By mid 2012, 3 in Italy had deployed DC-HSDPA 42Mbit/s all over its network.
In August 2012, Etisalat
Sri Lanka announced the start of its DC-HSPA+ network.
First operator in a South Asian country to do so.[24]

In August 2012, Cellcom Liberia started Dual-Cell HSPA+ service in Liberia and i
ts surroundings.[25]
In August 2012, Gmobile Mongolia announced the start of its DC-HSPA+ network. It
is the first operator in Mongolia to do so.[26]
In December 2012 Vodafone NZ announced the start of its DC-HSPA network roll-out
, ahead of other carriers.[27][28]
In October 2013, NOVAFONE Liberia started Dual-Cell HSPA+ service in Liberia and
its surroundings.[29]
Marketing as mobile broadband[edit]
During 2007, an increasing number of telcos worldwide began selling HSDPA USB mo
dems to provide mobile broadband connections. In addition, the popularity of HSD
PA landline replacement boxes grew providing HSDPA for data via Ethernet and WiFi,
and ports for connecting traditional landline telephones. Some are marketed wit
h connection speeds of "up to 7.2 Mbit/s",[30] which is only attained under idea
l conditions. As a result these services can be slower than expected, when in fr
inge coverage indoors.