tes and to the mobile carrier's core IP network. Importantly, the eNodeB manages Multiple- Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna functions and Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signaling. Coaxial cabling connects the eNodeB to the cell site's antenna. The eNodeB con- tains a blade with a software-defined radio containing the air interfaces tuned to the available spectrum. A blade is a densely packed, horizontally placed circuit board with many ports. The modem in the software-defined radio translates radiofrequency sig- nals into those compatible with landline networks, and vice versa for outgoing traffic. The eNodeB is also referred to as the base station. Together with the antennas, amplifiers, and spectrum, it is used to access the mobile network. In combination, this Mobile and Wi-Fi Networks equipment and spectrum make up the Radio Access Network (RAN). The eNodeB manages the RAN. LTE architecture is streamlined in terms of the amount of equipment and protocols required compared to earlier generations of mobile networks. Refer back to Figures 7-2 and 7-3 for an illustration of the differences between cell sites in second-generation (2G) and 3G wireless networks. The Radio Network Controller (RNC) in the core of a 3G network has been merged into the eNodeB. Figure 7-5 presents a diagram of LTE architecture. This streamlining and distribution of functions results in data streams transmissions that use fewer protocols and equipment hops. This decreases latency (delays). Moreover, in 3G networks, the centralized controllers in the core are often over- loaded with the increased data traffic from smartphones. Refer to Table 7-1 for an overview of 2G and 3G infrastructure. Centralized architectures are more prone to failures from a single source. In addition to the architecture, the names of devices in LTE core and radio access networks are different from those in 2G and 3G networks. For example, 3G base sta- tions have NodeBs rather than eNodeBs (evolved NodeBs). Evolved packet core eNodeB eNodeB = 