In the world of LTE, Tracking Areas are essential for managing and tracking the mobility of user devices within the network. These TAs are geographic areas composed of a group of cells, optimizing signaling and reducing overhead.
Instead of tracking individual cells, the network monitors user device movements at the tracking area level. When a device transitions from one tracking area to another, a location update procedure is triggered. This update allows the network to keep tabs on the device’s whereabouts and ensure calls in VOLTE and data are routed seamlessly.
Each tracking area is identified by a unique Tracking Area Code (TAC) broadcasted by the cells within it. When a device enters a new tracking area, it reports the TAC to the network during the location update, enabling precise device tracking.
The size of a tracking area can vary depending on factors like network density, mobility patterns, and signaling considerations. Urban areas with closely spaced cells may have smaller tracking areas, while rural areas may use larger ones to reduce signaling overhead.
By utilizing tracking areas, LTE networks can efficiently manage device mobility without constant signaling updates. This optimization enhances network resources, reduces latency, and improves overall performance.
