In LTE, GBR (Guaranteed Bit Rate) services guarantee a minimum and maximum bit rate, with dedicated resource allocation to ensure consistent quality, while non-GBR services have no guaranteed minimum rate and share resources, leading to variable data rates based on network conditions.
What is the difference between GBR and non GBR in LTE?
In LTE (Long-Term Evolution) telecommunications, GBR (Guaranteed Bit Rate) and non-GBR services refer to two different types of Quality of Service (QoS) classes that are used to manage the traffic and resource allocation in the network. Let’s delve into the details of the difference between GBR and non-GBR services in LTE:
Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR):
Traffic Characteristics: GBR services are characterized by a guaranteed minimum bit rate and a maximum bit rate. This means that for GBR traffic, the network ensures that a certain minimum amount of bandwidth is always available for the service. Additionally, the service can use more bandwidth up to the maximum bit rate if it’s available, but it’s not guaranteed beyond the minimum rate.
Resource Allocation: For GBR traffic, the network allocates resources (such as radio channels and bandwidth) based on the guaranteed minimum rate. These resources are reserved, meaning they are dedicated to that particular GBR service even if it’s not using them fully. This ensures that GBR services have a consistent quality of service.
Non-Guaranteed Bit Rate (non-GBR):
Traffic Characteristics: Non-GBR services, on the other hand, do not have a guaranteed minimum bit rate. They are typically best-effort services, where the network does not promise a specific bandwidth or quality of service level. These services are more flexible in terms of resource allocation and can use whatever bandwidth is available at a given time.
Resource Allocation: Non-GBR services are allocated resources on a shared basis. They compete for available resources with other non-GBR services, and the network allocates resources dynamically based on network conditions and priorities. This means that during periods of congestion, non-GBR services may experience variations in their data rates.
The key difference between GBR and non-GBR services in LTE is the guarantee of minimum bit rate for GBR services and the dedicated resource allocation, which ensures a consistent quality of service. Non-GBR services, on the other hand, do not have a guaranteed minimum rate and share resources with other non-GBR services, which can lead to variable data rates depending on network conditions. The choice between GBR and non-GBR depends on the specific requirements of the service and the need for guaranteed quality of service.