Single RAN made simple

managing site and frequency evolution to

tomorrow’s mobile broadband world

White paper
Contents
02 Executive Summary:
Simplifying Energy Solutions
networks to reduce costs
04 Evolving to the mobile
broadband world
05 The changing demands on
frequency use
08 Evolving to software-defined
site capabilities
11 Transport Evolution
13 Managing the Evolution
14 Conclusion: The single RAN
for today and tomorrow
15 Glossary
2 Single RAN made simple
Executive Summary:
Simplifying networks to
reduce costs
Rapidly rising demand for wider
coverage and ever more bandwidth
places severe pressure on
communications service providers
(CSPs). A range of different radio
technologies needs to be catered for,
while ever more frequency allocations
make it even more complex to control
and reduce costs. Protecting existing
investments is vital, as is the need to
simplify networks.
Meeting all these demands is a tall
order. The solution is Nokia Siemens
Networks Single RAN, a combination
of common base station (BTS) and
controller (BSC/RNC) platforms for all
mobile technologies and a software
only evolution toward LTE. Our holistic
approach, known as Network of One, is
HSPA
Nokia Siemens Networks
Single RAN
EDGE
Figure 1: Single RAN boosts efficiency by integrating formerly separated network layers
about boosting efficiency and
experience. From a network point
of view this is largely achieved with
our Single RAN offering which aims
to simplify radio access network by
reducing the apparent complexity of
multiple network layers.
A key element in Single RAN is the
Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi BTS.
Its software-defined radio capability
enables a Flexi BTS to provide all
radio technologies from one base
station making it truly an agnostic
investment. Similarly, Flexi BTS comes
with integrated IP/Ethernet transport
interfaces that enable a smooth
migration to IP transport through a
software upgrade.
LTE
HSPA+
EDGE
 Mobile broadband tomorrow

Large capacity
for urban areas

Nationwide Coverage

Coverage expectation as with voice

(i.e. GSM-like coverage)
Dramatic increase in bandwidth demand
in urban areas (DSL-like bandwidth)

Figure 2: Two broadband opportunities – urban and rural

Managing the complete network as spectrum remains the ultimate

its capabilities evolve is made simple
by Nokia Siemens Networks NetAct™
and Self Organizing Network (SON)
functionality. This common Operational
Support System (OSS) optimizes all
components and services across radio,
transport and core networks as new
technologies are adopted and capacity
is expanded.
With the continued growth of mobile
broadband data volumes, frequency
scarce resource. CSPs need to optimize
overall spectral efficiency across all
their frequency bands. This entails the
introduction of LTE in new frequency
bands, as well as the refarming and the
optimization of spectral efficiency within
2G and 3G deployments.
In this white paper we examine the main
aspects that need to be considered
to achieve the necessary network
simplification.

Single RAN made simple 3

Evolving to the mobile
. broadband world
From the devices point of view, the
further spread of WCDMA and the future
spread of LTE will take years until they
reach the penetration of GSM. Thus,
we are facing a long period in which the
three technologies will coexist. During
this period, Single RAN will help CSPs
to manage complexity and increase
efficiency.
There are two key criteria for a
CSP to consider when analyzing
the most effective way to evolve to
WCDMA/HSPA or LTE: the strategies for
frequency evolution and for site evolution.
Frequency evolution strategy
An increasing number of radio bands
are being allocated for mobile networks.
In addition, the traditional GSM band
is being considered for use by WCDMA
and LTE technologies as a means
of expanding broadband coverage
cost-effectively and to provide better
indoor coverage than the higher
frequency bands can achieve.
UMTS 900 can provide about a 2.8
times (figure 4) larger cell area than
WCDMA 2100.
Refarming part of the current GSM 900
bandwidth to WCDMA enables CSPs
to deploy HSPA, or HSPA+, with more
efficient radio and network architectures.
Site evolution strategy
Base stations continue to get smaller
yet offer higher performance. One of
the most significant advances in base
station technology is a flexible platform
that supports multiple radio access
technologies in a single RAN concept,
through the use of software-defined
radio running on multistandard baseband
and RF hardware. Advances in power
amplifier technology, discussed later in
this paper, will drive the development of
cost-optimized modular site solutions that
are smaller and lighter than ever.
These developments enable CSPs
to re-use previous infrastructure
investments as part of their evolution
strategy. Real value is achieved by
adopting a common platform that can
be evolved to higher performance and
ever higher energy efficiency.
Energy saving, which brings
clear operational cost benefits, is
also crucial for environmentally
sustainable solutions. Mobile
CSPs have an opportunity to build
their brand as an environmentally
responsible organization by utilizing
the latest developments in energy
efficient products that consume less
power and cause less CO2 emissions.

High performance LTE

• High peak rates up to 173 Mbps, in the first release, achieved with efficient OFDMA radio access
and wide bandwidth
• Low latency (round trip delays of 10-20 ms)
• Cost-effective handling of volume data traffic (excellent spectral efficiency)
• Scalable bandwidth from 1.4 up to 20 MHz and flexible spectrum allocation. LTE can also be
deployed in the low-bandwidth frequency bands, thus enabling refarming of GSM frequencies
• LTE supports the MIMO antenna system which increases data rate and cell-edge performance

4 Single RAN made simple

The changing demands
. on frequency use
Radio spectrum is limited and needs to
be managed as efficiently as possible.
The entire wireless industry depends
on the availability of spectrum in which
to operate its service. The pressure on
this precious resource is intense owing
to the rapid growth in mobile broadband
services, which have great potential
to boost the economy, quality of life
and social development, especially in
underserved rural areas.
Policies governing the use of spectrum,
as well as the way it is packaged,
sold, licensed and traded, are critically
important. The harmonization of
spectrum use, both regionally and
globally, may be challenging, but
bring major rewards. The benefits of
harmonized frequency bands and band
plans include:
• Higher network quality because of
lower potential for radio interference
• Eliminates fragmented markets
• Achieves huge economies of scale
• Creates a wide choice of service
providers and devices for consumers
• Maximizes the total economic value for
the industry and its customers
• Enables roaming for easier mobility
across geographical regions
• Increases the potential for roaming
revenues
Flexible spectrum harmonization More flexible spectrum licensing
Communications is characterized Until relatively recently, regulatory
by rapid technology and business practice has been to define license
development. Spectrum policy and conditions very closely, with licenses
licensing needs to be flexible to support being tied to specific technologies
new services, technologies and business (for example in Europe GSM900
models. The convergence of the licenses were tied to GSM technology).
telecoms, internet and broadcast sectors Increasingly today, more open license
in particular create new regulatory conditions are being pursued, enabling
challenges for the management of CSPs to use different technologies, and
spectrum to avoid radio interference and even change technology without needing
maximize spectrum efficiency. to have their license re-issued. This
development allows more flexibility and
Dividing spectrum into separate sub- a more dynamic market to flourish. This
bands for similar types of use (such as development allows more flexibility and
broadcasting, mobile or fixed satellite a more dynamic market to flourish and
applications) is an important technical emphasize the need of software defined
condition for managing spectrum evolution with Single RAN.
resources efficiently. For consumers,
harmonized spectrum brings more
choice of device brands/models and
economies of scale resulting in lower
device prices. In addition, harmonization
supports roaming in different countries
and between different networks inside
one country.
Governments and network operators
also benefit from easier cross-border
co-ordination and better spectral
efficiency within one country owing to
the elimination of the need for empty
spectrum (guard bands) between
networks operating in adjacent channels.
Single RAN made simple 5
Co-ordinated usage of FDD
and TDD in the same spectrum
3GPP defined several frequency bands
for FDD and TDD operation (figure 3).
Most of the operating networks around
the globe are FDD, which provide a 3dB
improvement of the link budget over
TDD, partly due to its separate transmit
and receive frequency bands.
TDD is more suited to achieving
capacity over shorter ranges than
providing wide area coverage.
Furthermore, TDD requires time-
synchronization of both Base Stations
(BS) and Mobile Stations (MS) in the
network.
There are significant engineering
challenges associated with operating
TDD and FDD in adjacent channels,
making these duplex access methods
impractical to mix in the same spectrum
band. The possibility of a transmitting
TDD terminal being in close proximity
to a receiving FDD terminal places
severe requirements on the filtering
performance and adjacent channel
spectrum masks, complicating
equipment implementation considerably.
Furthermore, every FDD-TDD
boundary requires a guard band (unused
spectrum), which in turn reduces the
amount of available spectrum for
carrying traffic. In particular, a narrow
spectrum band of a few tens of MHz
makes it inefficient to accommodate both
TDD and FDD.
Refarming to the
traditional GSM band
Higher frequency bands (> 2 GHz) are
well suited to providing large capacity.
Lower spectrum bands have favorable
propagation characteristics and are
therefore excellent for covering wide
areas and providing cost-effective
indoor penetration.
Nokia Siemens Networks
achieves exceptionally high
spectral efficiency, especially
when WCDMA is refarmed to the
GSM band, that increases voice
capacity by up to five times with
interference reduction features
and unique features such as
DFCA (Dynamic Frequency
Channel Allocation) and OSC
(Orthogonal Sub Channel). OSC
alone doubles voice capacity
and is an innovation driven by
Nokia Siemens Networks.
For further information, please
refer to the OSC technology brief
“Doubling GSM voice capacity
with the Orthonogal Sub
Channel”.

E-UTRA
Band Total [MHz] Uplink [MHz] Downlink [MHz]
1 2X60 1920-1980 2110-2170 FDD UMTS core
2 2X60 1850-1910 1930-1990 FDD US PCS
3 2X75 1710-1785 1805-1880 FDD 1800
4 2X45 1710-1755 2110-2155 FDD US AWS
5 2X25 824-849 869-894 FDD US 850
6 2X10 830-840 875-885 FDD Japan 800
7 2X70 2500-2570 2620-2690 FDD 2600
8 2X35 880-915 925-960 FDD 900
9 2X35 1749.9-1784.9 1844.9-1879.9 FDD Japan 1700
10 2X60 1710-1770 2110-2170 FDD Extended AWS
11 2X25 1427.9-1452.9 1475.9-1500.9 FDD Japan 1500

13 2X10 777-787 746-756 FDD US upper 700 MHz

17 2X10 704-716 734-746 FDD US lower 700 MHz

20 2X30 832-862 791-821 FDD EU 800 MHz Digital Dividend

33 1X20 1900-1920 1900-1920 TDD UMTS Core TDD

34 1X15 2010-2025 2010-2025 TDD UMTS Core TDD
35 1X60 1850-1910 1850-1910 TDD US (TDD alternative to FDD)
36 1X60 1930-1990 1930-1990 TDD US (TDD alternative to FDD)

37 1X20 1900-1930 1900-1930 TDD US

38 1X50 2570-2620 2570-2620 TDD 2600 TDD
39 1X40 1800-1920 1800-1920 TDD China UMTS TDD
40 1X100 2300-2400 2300-2400 TDD China

Figure 3: Main LTE frequency variants in 3GPP

6 Single RAN made simple

 WCDMA 2100 MHz
Figure 4: WCDMA Refarming
WCDMA and LTE refarming into the
GSM 900MHz band increases coverage,
which is especially beneficial in bringing
mobile broadband to underserved rural
areas that are too costly to reach with
higher frequency band technologies. At
900 MHz only a third of the number of
2100 MHz base stations are needed to
achieve the same coverage. Fewer base
stations dramatically reduce network
rollout and operational costs, improving
the rural broadband business case
considerably.
However, in refarming adequate service
should be ensured in GSM with spectral
efficiency features, like OSC.
WCDMA 900 MHz
2.8 x greater coverage
The uplink connection is the limiting
factor in the interference between
adjacent GSM and UMTS systems due
to GSM UE limited power control. The
improved Flexi BTS filtering reduces
the interference from GSM UE to UMTS
uplink enabling WCDMA deployment
in 4.2 MHz rather than a standard
deployment of 5.4 MHz (guard band
included).
Modulated Power
WCDMA Carrier
Frequency
4.2 MHz
5 MHz
Figure 5: Flexi BTS advanced filtering
Single RAN made simple 7
Evolving to software-defined
. site capabilities
When GSM and early WCDMA were
introduced, sites were based on base
stations housed in cabinets. Each
technology had its own dedicated
hardware which resulted in bulky
installations and significant feeder
losses with lengthy feeders being
needed to connect the antennas. In
addition, these installations suffered
relatively high power consumption and
needed frequent site visits for capacity
and functionality upgrades.
Nokia Siemens Networks have
translated the continuous progress
of silicon technology into the highest
integrated base station on the market
Compared to cabinet-based installations,
our Flexi BTS platform has made
innovative site models possible, such as
distributed and modular architectures
due to its lightweight and extreme
compact design.
In the future, mobile networks will depend
on software-defined radio with advanced
baseband and radio capabilities able to
concurrently run more then one radio
access technology (Multiradio) in the
same band and at the same time. Such
solutions will dramatically reduce the
cost per bit. Cost per bit can be further
reduced through the deployment of flat
network architecture, small and modular
8 Single RAN made simple
equipment, and cost-optimized site
models. Flat architectures introduced by
the Nokia Siemens Networks I-HSPA
solution have been shown to reduce
overall total cost of ownership by about
10 percent with fewer RNC and SGSN
capacity expansions needed to meet
high data traffic demands.
This rapid and ongoing evolution of site
technology is putting mobile CSPs in
an excellent position to select the best
way to upgrade their mobile radio and
transport networks efficiently to the next
level: the mobile broadband experience.
Means of securing
investment and efficiency
CSPs have made huge investments
over the years in their network
infrastructure, deploying cabinets,
power backup systems, antenna lines
and other hardware. Some of this
installed equipment is at, or is nearing
its end of life, creating an opportunity to
invest efficiently in mobile broadband,
while also re-using as much existing
infrastructure as possible to protect the
bottom line.
The 3GPP standard defines the HSDPA
and HSUPA radio interface (3GPP
R5 and R6), adding complexity and
performance requirements to the
existing installed base. However,
by choosing adaptable base station
hardware, many CSPs have been
able to modernize their network
through simple software upgrades.
This is a great example of how CSPs
can minimize capital costs and protect
their previous investments while
expanding into new technologies and
services based on HSPA.
A similar pattern lies ahead with LTE.
Through the deployment of common
platforms with multiple radio access
technology capabilities, eliminates the
need for dedicated hardware for each
technology. Modular, multiradio, flexible
and efficient base stations promise to
solve many future challenges for CSPs.
Modular base station designs are
the foundation of efficient long-term
investments. The same is true for 2G
and 3G radio network controllers (RNC)
which, with a common platform, can
evolve through software upgrades The
use of multi-controller platforms enables
the GERAN to be upgraded smoothly
to the UTRAN type of network, bringing
a new level of performance to radio
controllers to support high peak rate
data connections.
 Modular Site Architecture
Large, centralized BTS cabinets have
high power consumption and restrict
installation options due to their large
size and weight. Modular base station
architecture has changed the way that
networks are built and operated, and
revolutionized the costs. The Nokia
Siemens Networks Flexi Multiradio
BTS, is capable of delivering sites at
80 percent lower costs than traditional
cabinet-based BTSs and with up to
30 percent fewer sites required in the
network.
Figure 6: Flexi Multiradio BTS in a 6-sector site
configuration
With modular site architecture, base
station functionalities are divided into
two main functional blocks:
• Baseband Unit or System Module (SM)
• Radio Frequency Unit or RF Module
(RF)
The SM accommodates all the
processing power and the transport
interfaces to the core network. The
RF Module, which hosts the power
amplifiers, is connected to the antenna
system with standard RF cables. The two
units communicate with each other via a
standard optical interface which enables
flexible installation.
These highly efficient base stations can
now be accommodated easily almost
anywhere, or even distributed over a
surface separating the baseband from
the radio module. Locating the entire
base station as close as possible to the
antenna connectors brings improved
radio performance, with better coverage
compared to centralized cabinet designs.
The savings generated by such
feederless installations are estimated to
be up to 25 percent, owing to fewer sites
being needed to provide coverage. Their
compact size also speeds up network
implementation and considerably
increases the success of gaining site
permissions from local authorities and
property owners.
Further savings are achieved through
extreme low power consumption, which
not only lessens the CSP’s operational
costs but also contributes to lower CO2
emissions.
With such all-encompassing benefits,
modular architecture is the must-have
site solution of any new deployed base
station.
Multi-technology base stations
The SM provides the processing power
and intelligence needed to handle
cellular transmissions. Base stations
GSM or DCS band
WCDMA/ GSM/EDGE
HSPA
Figure 7: Multi-carrier power amplifier concept
that provide more than one radio access
technology with software-defined
capabilities from the same unit are much
more suited to today’s and tomorrow’s
demands than dedicated hardware and
ad-hoc software.
The concurrent operation of networks,
in which two cellular systems share
a baseband unit, enables CSPs to
deliver WCDMA/HSPA services today
and, when available, LTE broadband
services without any major infrastructure
investment. This concurrent and
multi-standard mode of operating base
stations brings even more benefits when
combined with advanced RF units, which
can handle multiple technologies at the
same time. A concept called Multi Carrier
Power Amplifier, MCPA, is becoming
a vital technology for operating several
radio access technologies on frequency
bands 850/900/1800/1900 MHz.
The same technology may need to be
deployed on more than one frequency
band, requiring base stations that can
support multiple technologies on different
bands concurrently. Radio components,
however, cannot support infinite
bandwidth so several RF modules will
need to be made available according the
different bands in each market.
Single RAN made simple 9
 Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi BTS platform supports multiple technologies, enabling CSPs
to use the same efficient site solution for GSM, WCDMA and LTE. Introducing new technology
through software upgrades enables:
• Fast rollout of capacity extensions, features and new technologies
• Substantially reduced number of site visits
• Fast time to revenue
Multi-Carrier Power Amplifiers
The main function of the RF Module is to
amplify a low-power signal to enable it to
be used for radio transmission. In GSM
traditional power amplifiers are designed
to transmit over a carrier per time. So,
a transmitter (TRX) is required for each
frequency. From the very beginning of
3GPP R99 standardization multi-carrier
power amplifiers have been defined for
WCDMA systems.
The MCPA is based on the idea of
transmitting multiple carriers, wideband or
narrowband, simultaneously with a single
power amplifier.
The term ‘Multicarrier base station
(MCBTS)’ derives from the 3GPP GERAN
organization, which is responsible for
defining appropriate RF performance
requirements for multicarrier scenarios
in GSM. Currently, only the single-carrier
base station is described by the GERAN
specification and this would, if left
unchanged, restrict the design of MCPA
equipment. For this reason, transmitter and
receiver specifications need to be relaxed
with regard to compliance with modulation
requirements, spurious emission
(transmitter side) and blocking on the
receiver side. Two classes of equipment
have been specified covering two different
levels of relaxation.
The multistandard base station (MSR BTS)
derives from 3GPP RAN4 which studies
the coexistence of one or more radio
access technologies in the same band.
3GPP defined two categories for FDD:
10 Single RAN made simple
• Category 1: Bands without GSM
presence, e.g. WCDMA/LTE
• Category 2: Bands with GSM
presence, e.g. GSM/WCDMA/LTE
3GPP has defined a third category for
TDD band with TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE
presence.
RF architecture evolution
In order to meet the needs of CSPs and
their demands for installation flexibility,
RF unit design is evolving in two
directions:
• Multisector Integration levels or
commonly known as RF modules. In
a standard 19” and 25 liters module,
CSPs can benefit from the most
integrated and compact 3-sector site
solution. This solution enables zero-
footprint, feederless and very adaptive
installations. The module may be
equipped with Single or Multicarrier
power amplifiers featuring 3 radio
technologies in 1. With a nominal
power of 210W to be spread across
three sectors, the RF module is the
optimal solution for GSM/WCDMA/
LTE base station sites which are easier
to install and more likely to be granted
planning permission.
• Single Sector based or Remote
Radio Head (RRH) which are power
amplifiers, single or multicarrier,
outdoor capable and optimized for
single sector solution.
The base band unit, in both options, can
be accommodated anywhere, provided
it is outdoor capable, and connected
via a fiber optic link without affecting
link budgets or radio performance.
A compact, outdoor-capable base
band unit such as the Nokia Siemens
Networks Flexi Base Station, provides
the greatest flexibility in evolving existing
base station sites.
A future development may be that
of active antenna technology, which
integrates the functionality of a base
station’s active radio frequency
components and passive antenna into
one enclosure. Active antennas evolve
traditional radiating systems into smart
antennas with beam forming features
that improve network capacity.
Another beneficial development is
MIMO technology, which has come to
prominence with the development of
HSPA. MIMO is a powerful method for
increasing data rates and cell-edge
performance. LTE introduces MIMO in
the terminal and network specification
from the very first release.
The first step is MIMO 2x2, which
requires two transmitters and two
receivers, and is implemented using
RRH or RF modules and a cross
polarized antenna. Sites suitable for
deploying MIMO should have cross
polarized antennas and the capability
for a software upgrade. If not, deploying
MIMO 2x2 will require a site visit for
major improvement, as will be the case
for MIMO 4x4 implementation.
Transport Evolution
With the increasing adoption of
broadband data services, traffic loads in
mobile networks are rising dramatically.
Mobile CSPs face the challenge of
providing much more capacity within
their transport networks and doing it
not only ahead of the wave of demand
from data services, but at a cost that will
maintain profitability. I-HSPA and LTE
are inherently IP-based technologies for
data-dominated traffic. For this reason
it is vital that base stations provide
Ethernet interfaces, making them ready
for evolution to IP-based transport
solutions.
Simply adding E1 leased lines to
increase capacity is not economically
viable because doubling the capacity
means doubling the cost. A new
architecture needs to be adopted to
break this linear relationship between
capacity and cost. The evolutionary
path for most CSPs to migrate smoothly
to all-Ethernet mobile backhaul is via an
intermediate hybrid backhaul network.
E1/T1
Classic
E1/T1
Hybrid
Ethernet
Ethernet
Packet
Figure 8: Mobile backhaul evolution
This is likely to be the most cost-
effective evolutionary path for existing Nokia Siemens Networks
CSPs, although some greenfield CSPs Flexi BTS offers integrated
may have the opportunity to build a full IP transport features
packet-based backhaul network from that eliminate the need
scratch. The hybrid backhaul solution, for external equipment,
known also as Dual Iub, is based on reducing the amount of
packet transport for bandwidth-hungry hardware required on site.
data services over HSPA. Site installation is easier
and faster, with fewer
Packet-based transport is the key upgrades needed. IP
technology for next-generation mobile transport can be activated
networks. just through software.
The transition to packet backhaul brings
the challenge of time synchronization
to microsecond accuracy. The need
for such high accuracy has led to
the development of a solution for
synchronizing base stations over packet
networks. Known as Timing over Packet
based on Precision Time Protocol
PTP (PTP, IEEE 1588v2), the solution
provides simplified, cost-effective
and future-proof mobile network
synchronization.
Single RAN made simple 11
 Base Station
Packet Network
Timing packets (unicast)
Base Station
Figure 9: Timing over Packet solution
There are two additional options for
synchronization:
• Synchronous Ethernet (ITU-T
G.8261/2/4)
• TDM-based synchronization
Synchronous Ethernet is implemented
mainly on various access and
aggregation platforms. The drawback
of this standard is that it must be
supported at every hop along the chain
of nodes between the switching office
and the cell site. TDM-based
12 Single RAN made simple
RNC
1588
master 2MHz/2Mbps
GPS
synchronization, the traditional approach,
is compatible with packet networks
providing existing SDH networks are
upgraded to Next Generation SDH.
However, PTP and Synchronous
Ethernet should not be regarded as being
contradictory, rather they complement
each other.
It is also essential that overall site design
remains lean, with transport requirements
that do not entail external boxes being
installed at the base station site.
Managing the Evolution World-first WCDMA refarming

Nokia Siemens Networks NetAct

The evolution of radio networks has
raised new challenges in an already
competitive market. Having several
network layers increases the overall
complexity.
Managing this complexity requires
Operational Support Systems (OSS) that
feature a common system for monitoring,
measuring and configuring networks and
services. The OSS must also be flexible
to support a high level of integration of
different architectures in mobile CSPs’
infrastructure.
A good example of how an OSS can
meet these new challenges is the
case of WCDMA frequency refarming
to the traditional GSM band. The aim
of refarming is to move the WCDMA
network to the 900 MHz band, and
run it in parallel with the existing
cellular network, typically GSM based
or WCDMA, at another frequency
layer. Smooth transition depends on
system-level support to optimize the
interoperability between the different
system and frequency layers.
With refarming it is vitally important to be
able to operate the new radio system in
as narrow a slot as possible in order to
control interference between co-existing
systems. This type of coordinated
network deployment requires efficient
hardware modules with sharp filtering
and a flexible OSS that can treat the two
technologies as a whole.
Further automation of recurrent and
time-consuming tasks to improve
network performance comes in the
form of the Self-Organizing Network
(SON), which can be integrated into the
OSS. An important building block of the
SON network is the self-management
area, including self-configuration,
self-optimization and self-healing.
For example, with the introduction of
LTE, the planning of neighboring cells
and their mutual interaction will be
performed automatically. LTE networks
will be then auto-configurable and
self-optimizing using statistically reliable
data derived from measurements
collected by terminals. The aim is
to reduce human interaction and
effort during network build, operation
and maintenance phases in order
to accelerate operational activities
and to decouple processes between
manufacturer, field service and CSP.
manages the complete network,
from the services delivered across
radio, transport and core. This
powerful tool meets the challenges of
expansion due to data traffic increase
by managing and optimizing all
components in a single management
system. The CSP needs fewer staff,
with correspondingly less training
investment to operate the whole
network.
NetAct Optimizer is designed for
automated, measurement-based
optimization of operational GSM,
GPRS and WCDMA network
performance and capacity. Such
automation and real-time result
monitoring reduces the need for
expensive drive test verification.
During the world’s first WCDMA
refarming project, by Elisa in Finland,
NetAct was used to optimize the
frequencies of the existing GSM
network to successfully deploy
WCDMA into the same frequency
area.

Nokia Siemens Networks solutions: Benefits in brief

Compact Flexi BTS platform Energy efficiency

• Low site costs • Lower OPEX and low cost of ancillary

• Compact size opens up new site options
• High capacity BTS sites
• RF Module or RRH - the future for network
deployments
• Distributed modular architecture
• Multiradio, multi-technology and multi-standard
modules
• No cabinets means low capital and operational
costs
equipment
• Supports off-grid power supplies
• No active cooling, lower maintenance
Transport with standardized Sync
• Standardized Synchronization solutions, ToP
• Transport features software upgrades for
migration from E1 to IP

Software-based evolution NetAct – best-in-class

• Eliminates the need for new hardware for • Supports multiple technologies and multi-vendor
technology migration networks
• Protects existing investments • LTE ready
• Future-proof hardware • Supports interworking of different radio access
• LTE hardware ready now technologies

Single RAN made simple 13

 Conclusion: The single RAN for
. today and tomorrow
Making the best and most efficient use
of available spectrum ultimately demands
a technological evolution of base station
sites. Innovation is needed to optimize
the total cost of ownership (TCO) for
CSPs in four key areas:
• Antenna equipment
• Radio frequency and base band
infrastructure
• Backhaul
• Operational Support System
14 Single RAN made simple
The lowest TCO will be achieved by
making the greatest re-use of existing
installations, by deploying modular BTS
designs to extend into new frequency
bands, and by adopting software-based
technologies for radio, transport and
OSS.
The concept of the single RAN is
available today and is being evolved to
bring further capabilities to CSPs.
Glossary
2G 2nd generation mobile communications MCPA Multi Carrier Power Amplifier
3G 3rd generation mobile communications MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access
AWS Advanced Wireless Service OPEX Operating Expenditure
BSC Base Station Controller OSC Orthogonal Sub Channel
BSS Base Station Subsystem OSS Operation Support Systems
BTS Base Transceiver Station PCS Personal Communication Services
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access PDH Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy
CO2 Carbon dioxide PTP Precision Time Protocol
CSP Communications Service Provider RAN Radio Access Network
DCS Digital Cellular System RF Radio Frequency
DFCA Dynamic Frequency Channel Allocation RNC Radio Network Controller
DSL Digital Subscriber Line RRH Remote Radio Head
EDGE Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution SDH Synchronous Digital Hierarchy
FDD Frequency Division Duple SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node
GERAN Gsm/Edge Radio Access Network SON Self Organizing Network
GPRS General Packet Radio Service TCO Total Cost of Ownership
GPS Global Positioning System TDD Time Division Duplex
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications TD-LTE Time Division Long-Term Evolution
HSDPA High-Speed Downlink Packet Access TDM Time-Division Multiplexing
HSPA High-Speed Packet Access TD-SCDMA Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access
HSPA+ High-Speed Packet Acces Evolution ToP Timing over Packet
HSUPA High-Speed Uplink Packet Access TRX Transceiver
IEEE The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc UE User Equipment
I-HSPA Internet High-Speed Packet Acces UTRAN Umts Terrestrial Radio Access Network
IP Internet Protocol WCDMA Wideband CDMA
LTE Long-Term Evolution
MCBTS Multicarrier Base Station

Single RAN made simple 15

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