The key features of LTE are as follows:

• Modulation Technique: In the downlink, LTE uses OFDM as modulation while in the uplink, it uses OFDM precoded with a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). In LTE , an MS can use a set of subcarriers depending upon QoS requirement. If the MS uses all available subcarriers, then this is similar to the single-carrier transmission with Cyclic Prefix. and apply the DFT precoding to this subset only.
• The multiple access format: For both uplink and downlink LTE uses OFDMA combined with Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). Different users have different data rates requirements. Hence allocation of the spectral resources (Time and Frequency) is done in a flexible manner depending upon requirements and the best propagation conditions. Here multiuser diversity feature is exploited.
• Multicast/Broadcast over Single Frequency Network (MBSFN): In LTE, the transmission of the same information from different BSs, can be realized in a straightforward manner using OFDM, as long as the run time differences of the signals from the different BSs are less than the cyclic prefix.
• Intercell Interference Coordination: LTE uses Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)/TDMA for multiple access. In LTE it is made sure that signals transmitted in one cell do not interfere with signals in the neighboring cells. More sophisticated interference coordination technique is used in LTE.
• Support for the multiple antennas, including receive diversity, various forms of transmit diversity, and spatial multiplexing
• Adaptive modulation and coding, together with advanced coding schemes.
• FDD or TDD can be used for duplexing, depending on the assigned frequency bands.