Ericsson s Radio Site solutions

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1 Ericsson s Radio Site solutions Patrik Sivermalm With the objective of building more efficient radio networks, Ericsson has developed a portfolio of complete Radio Site solutions that espouse low total cost of ownership (TCO). The portfolio addresses everything from radio performance to supporting systems, such as power supply and transmission. It also addresses ordering and services, such as site engineering, installation and integration services. These unique solutions take network planning to the next level. In particular, the combination of innovative radio features and efficient site solutions allows operators to reduce the total number of radio sites in their access networks. Background Operators face many difficult decisions when deploying radio networks. Today, considerable new growth occurs in emerging markets where income and average revenue per user (ARPU) are relatively low. In more mature and developed markets, by contrast, the main emphasis is on optimizing operating expenses (OPEX). But regardless of where operators do business, they must all optimize their entry-level investments in radio networks in such a way that these networks can start paying for themselves in months, not years. And in doing so, they must consider several interrelated questions (Figure 2). What, for example, is the initial demand for capacity? How many sites will be needed to cover a given area? What is the value of an improved link budget? And when will more capacity become necessary? Ericsson has addressed these and other questions, developing a collection of costeffective Radio Site solutions to specific environmental scenarios. Moreover, it should be noted that multiple solutions exist for metropolitan, suburban, rural, and in-building site environments. Examples include indoor and outdoor macro sites as well as rooftop and main-remote solutions with minimum footprints. To facilitate planning prior to rollout, each solution has been optimized for a given environment and dimensioned with the most appropriate radio configuration and supporting equipment and services. The solutions also address other concerns that might have significant impactwhen building radio sites. Supporting cost-effective radio networks Today, fifty years after the introduction of the first mobile phones, you could think that radio base stations have, to some extent, become standardized items. However, while it is true that equipment is quite mature and readily available from numerous suppliers, Ericsson s Radio Site solutions show that the whole is still more than the sum of its parts. This is because the task of optimizing solutions for minimum TCO (CAPEX plus OPEX) entails rethinking the entire design, and engineering each component to contribute optimally to the overall equation. Merely combining the best or cheapest components in a package does not produce the same results. Ericsson has also developed a model that enables operators to accurately calculate TCO for different Radio Site solutions. The model takes every relevant factor into account (Figure 3). CAPEX includes radio and transmission equipment, civil works, and network rollout. OPEX includes operation and maintenance. Superior radio performance Ericsson s radio base stations for WCDMA and GSM, now in their third and fourth generation, have been optimized to de- Figure 1 Ericsson Site Collection areas: Metropolitan, Suburban, Rural and In-building. 14

2 liver maximum radio performance with minimum power consumption. RBS products are available on every frequency band. One may even combine GSM and WCDMA units at the same site, allowing them to share transmission and power components. What is more, to give customers the smoothest possible upgrade path, Ericsson coordinates its GSM and WCDMA development. Ericsson s solutions are based on the market s most complete portfolio of RBS products. These range from high-capacity base stations for macro sites (such as GSM RBS 2216 and WCDMA RBS 3206) to lowercapacity products for micro sites (such as the all-in-one GSM RBS 2308 and WCDMA RBS 3308). The most important benefit of superior radio performance is cost-effective coverage and capacity at the radio access network level. Coverage is optimized with excellent radio performance; capacity is optimized by means of unique radio functionalities and features. This translates into significantly fewer radio sites per coverage area. In other words, it dramatically reduces an operator s entry-level investments. However, to realize these savings at the network level, one must have a network or subnetwork of optimally configured Radio Site solutions. One other important benefit of an integrated Radio Site solution is the ability to further optimize performance. Consequently, many of the configurations employ an optimized antenna system with tower-mounted amplifiers (TMA), which improve the uplink and create larger cells. A properly dimensioned antenna system can thus increase range and sensitivity. It also extends battery life in mobile phones by lowering the requirements for output power. A variety of antenna systems makes it possible to maximize radio network capacity, coverage, or both. Operators may thus precisely dimension network coverage and optimally distribute the link budget. By configuring the network across the coverage area to provide the exact capacity required in each cell, operators can minimize their entry-level investments while providing ample capacity throughout subsequent phases of expansion as traffic increases. Figure 2 Issues operators must consider when planning new or improved coverage. Figure 3 Logical diagram of the TCO model. Integrated functionality and building practices Ericsson s Radio Site solutions have been 15

3 Figure 4 Guide to site selection. comprehensively engineered to integrate functionality in a manner that further enhances their performance. Take, for instance, power, a parameter that often dominates OPEX. An integrated site solution from Ericsson manages and regulates power precisely and employs an intelligent batterycharging algorithm. Compared with conventional charging methods, this funcationality also allows for charging methods that prolong battery life. The building practice for macro base stations is one other area where integrated design translates into a significant reduction in power consumption. The GSM and WCDMA base stations can, for example, be stacked for maximum output with minimal footprint. In addition, the cabinets feature a unique dual-chimney system that draws air from the front of the cabinet, causing it to flow over and cool equipment before being channeled out into the inner chimney at the back. This design and increased maximum operating temperature significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, resulting in much lower site power consumption. Figure 5 Optimizing an investment for a new or extended network involves weighing together many different factors. This figure shows the dimensions that are used for qualifying the site characteristics. By choosing from the Ericsson Site collection one can build an optimized radio network to specific operator requirements. Note: This figure represents a Rural Shelter Site solution. 16 New method of systematization Operators who want to reduce TCO cannot continue to buy bits and pieces. Today s competitive market and evolving full-service networks necessitate complete solutions that are more than the sum of their parts. To this end, Ericsson has implemented a new method of systematizing and developing radio solutions that significantly lower TCO by shortening time to revenue; enhancing network quality; and reducing operator risk. Indeed, Ericsson s design engineers have worked hard to identify and eliminate unnecessary differences between base station and site components. As a result, the solution components are now more tightly integrated. Ericsson has also developed a unique building practice, carry-to-site concept, and other low-level features that dramatically cut site costs and time to service. In summary, Ericsson is working proactively to drive down costs, improve radio functionality, and implement more efficient building practices. Each of the Radio Site solutions has been systematized and designed to fill a specific market segment (Box A). Regardless of whether the site is located in a desert, on an

4 BOX A, ERICSSON SITE COLLECTION SOME EXAMPLES Rural Shelter Site solution for GSM (RBS 2216) The Rural Shelter Site solution with RBS 2216, the most recent GSM macro base station, is a complete solution for Greenfield deployments that include a shelter. It also features MINI-LINK TN, the most flexible microwave product in the market. In addition, the included shelter has space for further expansion that is, a WCDMA base station can be installed together with GSM equipment. The solution supports all radio features and functionalities to maximize coverage, capacity, or both. Optimized radio features increase coverage, which in turn, can lead to a reduction in sites in the network. Rural Outdoor Site solution for WCDMA (RBS 3106) Thanks to its cost-effective design, the Rural Outdoor Site solution for WCDMA is ideal for expansion in areas where wireless and perhaps even fixed services were not previously available. The solution is based on the latest, most advanced technology to ensure maximum radio performance and low total cost of ownership. It includes all components and relevant services to profitably extend coverage to areas with low population density. Metropolitan Rooftop Site solution for GSM (RBS 2116) The Metropolitan Rooftop Site solution for GSM is a pre-defined solution for easy placement and installation. the design, which supports up to 3x4 or 3x2 configurations, has been optimized for rapid network rollout for all possible locations. the carry-to-site solution is thus ideal for city environments, because installation does not dependent on a crane two people can carry the site solution to a rooftop via a building s stairwell or elevator. Suburban Rooftop Site solution for WCDMA (RBS 3518) The suburban rooftop site solution for WCDMA using RBS 3518 is a pre-defined main-remote solution with a lowweight segmented RBS main unit which simplifies the site acquisition because of less interference with the building structure and the site rent can be reduced due to no or very small foot print. With the main remote concept, expansion of capacity and coverage can be implemented gradually by adding up to six remote units. This means that the solution corresponds to medium to high capacity needs (256 CE 2 C/site) and provides excellent macro coverage. This solution takes the carry-to-site concept to its most beneficial level. very small foot print. Metropolitan Indoor Site solution for WCDMA (RBS 3206) The Metropolitan Indoor Site solution for WCDMA with RBS 3206 is a generic indoor macro solution with a pre-defined installation pattern. This building-block solution is suitable for almost any indoor location where a medium- to high-capacity solution is required. The Indoor Site for WCDMA can be co-located and co-sited with GSM and fitted with different antenna systems to optimize coverage and capacity. Operators can expect this solution to provide best-in-industry efficiency in terms of minimizing power consumption, optimizing radio performance, and minimizing environmental impact. Metropolitan Street-smart Site solution for WCDMA (RBS 3107) The Metropolitan Street-smart Site solution for WCDMA includes a slim base station (RBS 3107) designed for sites where minimal depth and quiet operation are required. The solution includes power backup and an antenna system that can be visually integrated with a lamp post. Being thoroughly tested and optimally configured at delivery, the Street-smart Site requires less maintenance and fewer site visits that traditional solutions. What is more, because it is an open-environment solution, maintenance may be carried out at any time. In-building GSM/WCDMA Coverage site solution (base station optional) The In-building Coverage Site solution provides coverage and enhances capacity inside buildings. Thanks to its single infrastructure design, this flexible, future-proof and cost-effective single-operator solution can work with any operator and base station system (GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, WCDMA, and so on). The solution thus offers a high degree of flexibility in the context of different business solutions. 17

5 Figure 6 Example of Rooftop Site solution in New Delhi, India. urban rooftop, or in an indoor environment where silent operation is essential, these solutions can help operators to leverage market opportunities and tap into new streams of revenue. Ericsson s collection of Radio Site solutions enables operators to build an optimized radio network to specific requirements. Figure 5 shows important dimensions for qualifying site characteristics. By following this scheme operators can swiftly dimension for needs in the radio network buildup phase, by choosing the right site for the right purpose. Defining site features Ericsson has also conducted numerous studies to develop a high-level architecture for defining site features that increase the benefits of its Radio Site solutions. Antenna and power systems are important focus areas where significant enhancements have been made. For example, extensive use of antenna-near products (ANP) reduces power loss between radio units and antennas; modular high-gain antennas built on patented solutions give extreme radio coverage; measured output power from the antenna is fed back to the radio unit to further optimize performance; intelligent power-management algorithms and optimized radio performance of prevailing traffic loads further reduce power consumption; and optimized site power dimensioning minimizes the need, among other things, for diesel generators and battery power. Shorter time to market The examples presented in this article have been chosen to illustrate the scope of Ericsson s solution portfolio. Each solution represents a complete radio site, including RBS, antenna system, power and battery backup, transmission and network planning, site engineering and installation services. Moreover, each has been pre-defined in terms of leadtimes and services, which minimizes operator risk and shortens time to traffic. This benefit is unique in the industry operators who choose Ericsson, receive a complete system that is delivered and installed with the shortest possible lead-time. Conclusion Operators who want to reduce TCO cannot continue to buy bits and pieces. Today s competitive market and evolving full-service networks necessitate complete solutions that are more than the sum of their parts. To help operators build more efficient radio networks, Ericsson has developed the Ericsson Site Collection that is, a portfolio of complete Radio Site solutions that espouse low TCO. The portfolio addresses operator issues that are much more in focus, such as efficient operations and maintenance (for example, power consumption, back-up solutions, efficient transmission, and minimized logistics). These issues are of great significance, especially in emerging markets. Each solution has been designed to fill a specific market niche. Regardless of whether the site is located in a desert, on an urban rooftop, or in an indoor environment where silent operation is essential, the solutions can help operators to leverage market opportunities and tap into new streams of revenue. TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ANP ARPU BTS CAPEX EDGE GSM 18 Antenna-near product Average revenue per user Base transceiver station Capital expenditures Enhanced data rates for GSM evolution Global system for mobile communication OPEX Operating expenses RBS Radio base station RF Radio frequency TCO Total cost of ownership TMA Tower-mounted amplifier WCDMA Wideband code-division multiple access