ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr.A.Godage, the Unit Manager, Technology Resource
Planning, Dialog Axiata Colombo for his continuous assistance during the training period. Also I
like to express my heartiest thanks to Mr.M.Sarjun, the Engineering Executive, Technology
Resource Planning, for his valuable guidance and the support given during this period. Further I
express my special thanks to all the technical officers who assisted me in numerous ways during
my training at Dialog.
Finally, my profound gratitude is offered to all the staff members of the Technology Resource
Planning Unit for making me an extremely friendly working environment.

Rathnayake R.M.B.E.B (E/12/293)

Faculty of Engineering,
University of Peradeniya.

1
CONTENTS

Acknowledgement i

Contents ii

List of Figures iv

List of Abbreviations vi

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Introduction to the Organization 1

1.2 Vision

1.3 Mission 2

1.4 Values

Chapter 2 GSM ARCHETECTURE

2.1 Second Generation Wireless telephone technology (2G) 5

2.2 GSM Air Interface 6

2.3 Speech Processing in GSM 7

Chapter 3 GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE (GPRS) AND ENHANCED DATA RATES
FOR GSM EVOLUTION (EDGE) 11

3.1 Packet Switched Data Transmission Over GPRS 11

3.2 GPRS Network Elements 12

2
Chapter 4 ANALOG TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL DATA

4.1 Types of Digital to Analog Modulation

Chapter 5 UNIVERSAL MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (UMTS)

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

5.3 UMTS Channel Structure on the Air Interface

Chapter 6 DIGITAL MICROWAVE COMMUNICATION

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Antenna Alignment

Chapter 7 DIGITAL MICROWAVE COMMUNICATION

7.1 Introduction

3
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Services provided by Dialog

Figure 1.2 Organization Structure of Dialog

Figure 1.3 Dialog Logo

Figure 2.1 GSM Architecture

Figure 2.2 A GSM TDMA Frame

Figure 2.3 A GSM Burst

Figure 2.4 Establishment of a signaling connection

Figure 2.5 Conversion between voice signals and radio signals

Figure 2.6 GSM Speech Compression

Figure 2.7 Frame interleaving

Figure 3.1 Packet switched data transmission

Figure 3.2 Simplified Visualization of PDTCH assignment and timeslot aggregation

Figure 3.3 GPRS State Model

Figure 3.4 GPRS Network Elements

Figure 3.5 GPRS Network Nodes

Figure 4.1 Types of Digital to Analog Communication

4
Figure 4.2 An Example of ASK Modulated Signal

Figure 4.3 An example of a FSK modulated Signal

Figure 4.4 An Example of a PSK Modulated Signal

Figure 4.5 Generation of a QAM Signal

Figure 5.1 UMTS Network Architecture

Figure 5.2 An Example of CDMA

Figure 5.3 User and Control Planes

Figure 5.4 Logical, Physical and Transport Channels in Downlink Direction

Figure 5.5 Logical, Physical and Transport Channels in Uplink Direction

Figure 6.1 Split Mount Microwave Equipment

Figure 6.2 All Outdoor Microwave Equipment

Figure 6.3 Correct Way of Aligning Antennas

Figure 7.1 An Indoor eNodeB

Figure 7.2 An outdoor eNodeB

Figure 7.3 13A Socket

Figure 7.4 Thermal Sensor

Figure 7.5 Smog Sensor

Figure 7.6 RRUs

5
Figure 7.7 Inside a RRU

Figure 7.8 A Rectifier Unit inside a Cabinet

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviation Description

BSC Base Control Station

BTS Base Transceiver Station
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
DBN Dialog Broadband Network
DTI Dialog Tele-Infrastructure
EDGE Enhanced Data for Global
revolution
EM Electro Magnetic
FDMA Frequency Division Multiple
Access
FSL Free Space Loss
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GSM Global System for Mobile
communication
HLR Home Location Register
IDU Indoor Unit
MSC Mobile Switching Center
MW Microwave
NSS Network Switching Subsystem
ODU Outdoor Unit
PDH Plesiochronous Digital
Hierarchy
PSK Phase Shift Keying
QAM Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation
QoS Quality of Service
RF Radio Frequency
RNC Radio Network Controller
SDH Synchronous Digital Hierarchy
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
TNM Transmission Network
Modernization

6
7
8
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

I was appointed to Dialog Axiata PLC Colombo as a trainee Engineer for a period of 10 weeks
from 24th October 2016 to 1st of January 2017. Training was carried out on daily basis.

1.1 Introduction to the Organization

Dialog Axiata PLC is Srilanka's largest telecommunications service provider with the country's
largest mobile phone network. Dialog is a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad.

Dialog launched its services in 1995 and it was the fourth to enter Sri Lankas Cellular Market
and was the first digital network in South Asia. Dialog pioneered to deliver international
roaming in Asia Pacific in 1997.

The company operated on 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G communications networks, and was the first company
to launch commercial 3G and HSPA+ operations in South Asia. The company recently switched
to 4G LTE services becoming the first FD-LTE network in South Asia.

In addition to mobile communication, the company provides Dialog TV, the country's Direct to
Home Satellite TV service and Dialog Global which provides international telecommunication
services. Dialog Broadband provides fixed-line and broadband internet services. These service
divisions are depicted in the fig.1.1.

Dialog Axiata

Mobile TV Broadband

Fig. 1.1 Services provided by Dialog

1
 CEO

General Sales and

Manager(Engineering) Marketing Legal ,Admin
HR,Finance
Senior
Manager

Manager

Assistant
Manager

Specialist

Excecutive
Engineer

Engineer

Assistant
Engineer
Engineering
Excecutive
Technical
Officer

Technician

Fig.1.2 Organization Structure of Dialog

1.2 Vision
To be the undisputed leader in the provision of multi-sensory connectivity resulting always, in
the empowerment and enrichment of Sri Lankan lives and enterprises

2
1.3 Mission

To lead in the provision of technology enabled connectivity touching multiple human sensors
and faculties, through committed adherence to customer-driven, responsive and flexible business
processes, and through the delivery of quality service and leading edge technology unparalleled
by any other, spurred by an empowered set of dedicated individuals who are driven by an
irrepressible desire to work as one towards a common goal in the truest sense of the team spirit

1.4 Values

Our values are simple, yet comprehensive. They are a broad set of qualities practiced by each,
at Dialog Axiata, as we work towards our ultimate objective of building a values-based service
and making our vision to lead, a reality.

Integrity

Innovation

Dynamism

Accountability

Passion

Professionalism

3
CHAPTER 2 GSM ARCHETECTURE

Communication is a field that keeps evolving with time. Revolutionary changes started to pop
out with the introduction of wireless communication systems. Different network architectures
have been introduced each being superior in performance to its predecessors. I got the
opportunity to study different wireless network architectures that were used and are being used in
the communication field worldwide.

2.1 Second Generation Wireless telephone technology (2G)

2G is launched using GSM standard. (Global System for Mobile Communication).The

fundamental benefit of 2G over 1G (first generation which is basically an analog communication
architecture) is that it allows greater mobile phone penetration than 1G.And it was the first to
introduce text messages, MMS etc.

2.1.1 GSM Architecture

This describes the protocols for 2G digital cellular networks used by mobile phones. Initially it
was designed as a circuit switched system that establishes a direct connection between two users
on every interface between all network nodes of the system. With the time its physical circuit
switching has been replaced by IP (Internet Protocol) based broadband connections.

GSM architecture consists of 4 primary sections

Mobile Station(MS)
Base Station Subsystem(BSS)
Network and Switching Subsystem(NSS)
Operation and Support Subsystem(OSS)

4
 Fig.2.1 GSM Architecture

2.1.2 Mobile Station (MS)

MS comprises all user equipment and software needed for mobile communication. It consists of

Mobile Termination (MT)-responsible for radio transmission and handover,

speech encoding and decoding, error detection and correction, signaling.
Termination Equipment (TE) offers services to the user.
Termination Adaptor (TA) provides access to MT.
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) stores IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber
Identity.

Um Interface is the air interface for GSM mobile telephone standard. It is the interface between
MS and BTS (Base Transceiver station).

2.1.3 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)

BSS is responsible for handling traffic and signaling between a MS and NSS. It consists of

5
 Base Transceiver Station(BTS)
Base Station Controller(BSC)

2.1.4 Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

It contains the equipment for transmitting and receiving radio signals (transceivers)-antennas,
and equipment for encrypting and decrypting communication with BSC. BTS and BSC
communicates across Abis interface which is responsible for transmitting traffic and signaling
information between BSC and BTS. It is the first actual physical connection for call. It enables
between components that are made by different suppliers.

2.1.5 Base Station Controller (BSC)

BSC is the intelligence behind BTS and manages one or more BTSs. It handles radio channel
setup, frequency hopping, handovers and controls power transmission of MS and BSS in its area.
It also assigns and releases frequency and time slots for MS. It is connected to MSC (Mobile
Switching Center) through A interface.

2.1.6 Frequency Hopping (FH)

It is a communication scheme between a transmitter and receiver. It establishes a communication

by changing the communication channel. But this change should be done at the same time
following a pattern known to both transmitter and receiver. The purpose of FH is to avoid
interference. But the bandwidth requirement is much larger than the usual case. In GSM FH
reduces co-channel interference and multipath distortion.

2.1.7 Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS)

NSS carries out call switching and mobility management. It consists of

Mobile Switching Center(MSC)-

It performs switching of calls between the mobile and other networks. In circuit-switched
networks, all connections between subscribers are managed by the MSC and are always routed
over the switching matrix.

6
 Home Location Register(HLR)-

It is a database for storage and management of subscriptions. When an individual buys a

subscription in the form of a SIM, all information is registered in HLR.

Visitor Location Register(VLR)-

It contains temporary information about subscribers that is needed by MSC in order to
service visiting subscribers.
Authentication Centre(AUC)
It is a protected database that stores a copy of the secret key stored in SIM.
Equipment Identity Register(EIR)
It is a database that contains a list of all the valid mobile equipment on the network
where its IMEI identifies each MS

2.1.8 Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS)

OSS consists of computer systems used by telecommunication service providers to

manage their networks. Subdivisions of OSS are
Network Management system
Service Delivery
Service Fulfillment
Service Assurance
Customer Care

2.1.9 Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)

TDMA is a channel access method for shared medium networks. It allows several users to use
the same transmission medium (same frequency channel) by dividing available time into time
slots and allowing each independent user to use only a reserved slot.

Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)

FDMA like TDMA is a channel access method for shared medium networks. It divides the
available bandwidth and assign each user a specific frequency to send signal.

GSM uses these two multiple access schemes to connect two users over air.

2.2 GSM Air Interface

7
The transmission path between the BTS and the mobile device is referred to as the air interface
or the Um interface. Subscribers are time multiplexed by dividing the carrier into frames with
durations of 4.615 milliseconds. Each frame contains eight physically independent time slots,
each for communication with a different subscriber

Fig.2.2 A GSM TDMA Frame

Each burst of a TDMA frame is divided in to number of different sections.

Fig.2.3 A GSM Burst

Each burst is encapsulated by a guard time in which no data is sent. This is necessary because the
distance of different subscribers relative to the base station can change while they are active. The
training sequence in the middle of the burst always contain the same bit pattern. It is used to
compensate for interference. At the beginning and end of each burst, another well-known bit
pattern is sent to enable the receiver to detect the beginning and end of a burst correctly.

2.2.1 GSM Logical Channels

8
For the transmission of user or signaling data, the timeslots are arranged into logical channels.
Logical channels are arranged into two groups. If data on a logical channel is dedicated to a
single user, the channel is called a dedicated channel. If the channel is used for data that needs to
be distributed to several users, the channel is a called a common channel.

2.2.2 Dedicated Channels

Traffic Channel (TCH)

TCH is a user data channel. It is used to transmit digitized voice signal or circuit switched
data services.

Standalone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH)

It is a signaling channel that is used during the call establishment when a subscriber
has not yet been assigned a traffic channel. It is also used for signaling for sending or
receiving text messages.

2.2.3 Common Channels

Broadcast Common Control Channel (BCCH)

It is the main information channel of a cell and broadcast system information messages
that contain a variety of information about the network.
Paging Channel (PCH)

It is used to inform idle subscribers of incoming calls or SMS messages.

Random Access Channel (RACH)

It is the only common channel in the uplink direction. IF the mobile device receives a
message via the PCH that the network is requesting a connection establishment or if the
user wants to establish a call or send a SMS, the RACH is used for the initial
communication with the network.
Access Grant Channel (AGCH)

If a subscriber sends a channel request message on the RACH, the network allocates an SDCCH
and notifies the subscriber on the AGCH via an immediate assignment message. The message
contains information about which SDCCH or TCH the subscriber is allowed to use.

9
 Fig.2.4 Establishment of a signaling connection

2.3 Speech Processing in GSM

Voice signals has to be processed in order to make them possible to be transmitted over air. The
following figure shows the steps involved to transform speech audio to radio waves and vice
versa.

Speech coding

10
 Fig.2.5 Conversion between voice signals and radio signals

Lets consider the transmitter side only since the receiver side is simply the opposite of the
transmitter side.

2.3.1 Speech Coding

A TCH uses all but two bursts of a 26 burst multi frame, with one being reserved for the SACCH
and the remaining empty to allow the mobile device to perform neighboring cell measurements.
A burst that is sent to or from the mobile every 4.615 milliseconds can carry exactly 114 bits of
user data. This results in a raw data rate of 22.8kbit/s. A substantial part of the bandwidth of a
burst is required for error detection and correction bits. The resulting data rate for the actual user
data is thus around 13kbit/s.

In the mobile network, the compression and decompression of the voice data stream is performed
in the Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit (TRAU), which is located between the MSV and
BSC and controlled by the BSC. During an ongoing call, the MSC sends the 64kbit/s PCM-
encoded voice signal toward the radio network and the TRAU converts the voice stream in real
time into a 13kbit/s compressed data stream, which is transmitted over the air interface.

11
 Fig.2.6 GSM Speech Compression

Channel coder unit adds error detection and correction information to the data stream. This
minimizes frequent transmission errors due to the constantly changing radio environment
encountered in the air interface.

Interleaver changes the bit order of data frame in specified pattern. Consecutive frames are thus
interlocked with each other. On the receiver side, the frames are put through the de-interleaver,
which puts the bits again into the correct order. It eliminates the chances of consecutive bits
getting corrupted over transmission.

Fig.2.7 Frame interleaving

CHAPTER 3 GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE (GPRS) AND

ENHANCED DATA RATES FOR GSM EVOLUTION (EDGE)

Initially the GSM network was designed as a circuit switched network. All resources for voice
or data session are set up at the beginning of the call and are reserved for the user until the end of

12
the call. But this is inefficient in terms of data transmission due to variable bandwidth necessity.
Hence packet switched transmission over GPRS is used for data.

3.1 Packet Switched Data Transmission over GPRS

There is no longer a logical end to end connection. Every packet contains a header which
contains information about the sender and the receiver of the packet. This information is used in
the network to route the packets through the different network elements.

Fig.3.1 Packet switched data transmission

3.1.1 GPRS Air Interface

GSM uses timeslots on the air interface to transfer data between subscribers and the network.
During a call, a subscriber is assigned exactly one TCH. This time slot remains allocated for the

13
duration of the call and cannot be used for other subscribers even if there is no data transfer for
some time.

In GPRS, the smallest unit that can be assigned is a four bursts of a packet data traffic channel
(PDTCH).If the subscriber has more data to transfer the network can assign more blocks on the
same PDTCH. If available when a subscriber wants to transmit or receive data, the network can
allocate several timeslots to a single subscriber. Modulation scheme used is GMSK.

Fig.3.2 Simplified Visualization of PDTCH assignment and timeslot aggregation

3.1.2 GPRS Logical Channels on the Air Interface

These logical channels are used for transmitting user data and signaling data in the uplink and the
downlink direction.

Packet Data Traffic Channel (PDTCH)

It is a bidirectional channel. It is used to send user data across the air interface. The
PDTCH is carried over timeslots that are dedicated for GPRS.
Packet Data Traffic Channel (PACCH)
This is also a bidirectional and used to send control messages. It is necessary to
acknowledge packets that are transported over the PDTCH. When a mobile device
receives data packets from the network via a downlink PDTC is used for signaling the
messages that assign uplink and downlink resources.
Packet Timing Advance Control Channel (PTCCH)

14
 It is used for timing advance estimation and control of active mobile devices. Timing
advance corresponds to the length of a time, a signal takes to travel from Base Station to
Mobile Station.

In addition to the above mentioned channels, GPRS shares channels like RACH, AGCH, PCH,
and BCCH along with GSM.

3.1.3 GPRS State Model

Once the mobile device is attached to the GSM network, the state in which it is operating is
explained by the GPRS state model.

Fig.3.3 the GPRS State Model

Idle State
The mobile device is not attached to the GPRS network at all.
Ready State
The device enters the ready state as soon as the first packet is sent. The device has to
report cell update so that the GPRS Support node (SGSN) can update the users location
in the database.
Standby State
In case no data I transferred for some time, the ready timer expires and the mobile device
changes into the standby state. The mobile device only informs the network of a cell
change if the new cell belongs to a different routing area than the previous one.

15
3.2 GPRS Network Elements

Fig.3.4 GPRS Network Elements

3.2.1 Packet Control Unit (PCU)

PCU is the packet switched counterpart of the circuit switched BSC. It is responsible for
assignment of timeslots to subscribers in the uplink direction when requested for by the mobile
device, assignment of timeslots to subscribers in the downlink direction for data arriving from
the core network and error checking and retransmission of lost or faulty frames.

3.2.2 Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)

SGSN is the Packet Switched counterpart of MSC. It is responsible for user plane management
and signaling plane management.

User Plane Management

It combines all the protocols and procedures for the transmission of use data frames
between the subscriber and external network like the internet.
Signaling Plane Management
All protocols and procedures for user management are handled.

3.2.3 Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)

It connects the GPRS network to the external data network (Internet).It is responsible for
assigning an IP address to the user. Internet is not aware of the mobility of user due to GGSN.

16
 Fig .3.5 GPRS Network Nodes

3.2.4 GPRS Interfaces

Apart from the PCU, other components in the network can be selected freely from
different manufacturers. This possible due to various interfaces used in the network.

Abis Interface-connects the BTS with the BSC or PCU.

Gb Interface-connects the SGSN with the PCU.
Gn Interface-connects the GPRS network to external packet network like the
internet.
Gi Interface-connects the GPRS network to external packet network like the
internet
Gr Interface-connects the SGSN with the HLR
Gc Interface-connects the GGSN with the HLR

3.2.5 EDGE

EDGE has increased data transmission speeds. This is due to the usage of 8PSK (8 Phase
Shift Keying) as the modulation scheme. Three bits are transmitted in a single
transmission step. So data transmission can be up to three times faster compared to GSM
and GPRS.

17
 CHAPTER 4 ANALOG TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL DATA

The available transmission medium is bandpass and multiple users need to share the medium.
So infinite bandwidth usage for digital signal transmission is not practical. But in terms of ease
of processing, digital signals are more advantageous. So analog voice signals are first converted
to digital signals and processed and the re-converted to analog signals before transmission.

4.1 Types of Digital to Analog Modulation

Digital to Analog
modulation

Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) Phase Shift Keying (PSK)
18

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

(QAM)
 Fig.4.1 Types of Digital to Analog Communication

4.1.1 ASK

Strength of carrier signal is varied to represent binary 1 or 0 while both frequency and phase
remain constant while amplitude changes.

Fig.4.2 An Example of ASK Modulated Signal

For demodulation only the presence or the absence of a sinusoid in a given time interval needs to

be determined. When compared with other modulation schemes ASK is simple in both

modulation and demodulation. But it is very susceptible to noise.

19
4.1.2 FSK

Frequency of the carrier signal is varied to represent binary 1 or 0 while the peak amplitude and
phase remain constant during each bit interval.

Fig.4.3 An example of a FSK modulated Signal

Demodulator must be able to determine which of two possible frequencies is present at a given
time. But FSK is less susceptible to errors than ASK. Receiver looks for specific frequency
changes over a number of intervals, so voltages (noise) spikes can be ignored. The main
disadvantage is that FSK spectrum is two times the ASK spectrum.

4.1.3 PSK

Phase of carrier signal is varied to represent binary 1 o zero while peak amplitude and frequency
remains constant during each bit interval.

Fig.4.4 An Example of a PSK Modulated Signal

Demodulator must determine the phase of the received sinusoid with respect to some reference

phase. PSK is less susceptible to error than ASK, while it requires the same bandwidth as ASK

20
and more efficient use of bandwidth are possible, compared to FSK. The main disadvantage is

that more complex signal detection process than in ASK and FSK is required.

4.1.4 QPSK (4-PSK)

QPSK uses phase shifts of 90 deg which results in 4 different signals each representing 2 bits.
The main advantage is that data rate is higher than PSK while bandwidth occupancy remains the
same.4-PSK can easily be extended to 4-PSK.However higher rate PSK schemes are limited by
the ability of the equipment to distinguish small differences in phase.

4.1.5 QAM

This scheme uses two dimensional signaling. The original information stream is split into two

sequences that consists of odd and even symbols, B k and A k. A k sequence is modulated by cos

(2ft). Bk sequence is modulated by sin (2ft).The composite signal A k cos (2ft) + Bk sin2ft) is

sent through the channel. The advantage is data rate becomes 2 bits per bit interval.

Fig.4.5 Generation of a QAM Signal

21
CHAPTER 5 UNIVERSAL MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

(UMTS)

5.1 Introduction

UMTS is a third generation wireless telecommunication system that follows the footsteps of
GSM and GPRS.UMTS combines the properties of the circuit-switched voice network with the
properties of the packet-switched data network. Instead of FTDMA (Frequency and Time
Division Multiple Access) in GSM, UMTS uses code division multiple Access (CDMA) to
handle several users simultaneously.

5.1.1 UMTS Network Architecture

22
 Fig.5.1 UMTS Network Architecture

UMTS Consists of

User Equipment (UE) MS in GSM

Radio Access Network (RAN) BSS in GSM
Core Network (CN) NSS in GSM
Core Network (CN)

It is a migration of NSS used for GSM with further elements overlaid to enable additional
functionality

5.1.2 CN

CN can further be split in to 3 areas

Circuit Switched Elements (CS CN) - based on the GSM network entities and carry data
in a circuit switched manner, i.e a permanent channel for the duration of the call. It
contains Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) and Gateway MSC (GMSC)
Packet Switched elements (PS CN) -has been designed to carry packet data. It contains
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)
Shared elements -contain HLR, EIR, AuC as in GSM

5.1.3 Radio Access Network (RAN)

23
RAN interfaces user and the core network. RAN and UE collectively called as UTRAN
(Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network).RAN comprises of two main components.

Radio Network Controller (RNC) -does the radio resource management and some of the
mobility functions. Data decryption and encryption will be performed here.
Node B-Node B is equal to BTS in GSM. It has transmitter and receiver to communicate
with UE within a cell. There are several interfaces that are connected with UTRAN

5.1.4 Interfaces

lub-Connects RNC and Node B

lur-Interfaces different RNC within a UTRAN
lu-Connects UTRAN to the CN

5.2 Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

In CDMA all users communicate on the same carrier frequency and at the same time.( i.e all
users have access to the whole bandwidth for the entire duration).Different CDMA codes are
used to distinguish among the different users. This code known as spreading code which extends
over a wide bandwidth.

With such groups of codes, which are orthogonal to each other, it is possible to select a signal
with a given code in the presence of many other signals with different orthogonal codes.

CDMA in a Mathematical Point of View

User data bits of individual users are first multiplied by a vector. The resulting vectors are called
Chips. The process is known as spreading. On the receiver side the multiplication can be
reversed and deduced if the sent bit represents a 0 or 1.

24
 Fig.5.2 An Example of CDMA

5.3 UMTS Channel Structure on the Air Interface

There are two types of data flows (planes) exist.

User Plane -data is directly and transparently exchanged between the users of a
connection like voice data or IP packets.
Control Plane- responsible for all signaling data that is exchanged between the users and
the network.

Fig.5.3 User and Control Planes

25
5.3.1 Channels in UMTS

Both user plane data and control plane data is transferred over the UMTS air interface in
channels. There exists three kinds of channels.

Dedicated channels-transfer data for a single user.

Common channels-Data transferred in common channels is destined for all users of a cell.
Shared channels-Very similar to common channels. These channels are not monitored by
all devices but only by those that have been instructed by the network to do so.

In order to separate the physical properties of the air interface from the logical data transmission,
the UMTS design introduces three different channel layers.

Logical Channels
Transport Channels
Physical Channels

5.3.2 Logical Channels

These are used to separate different kinds of data flows that have to be transferred over the air
interface.

Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH)

This is monitored by all mobile devices in idle state to receive general system
information from the network. Information distributed via this channel, for example,
includes how the network can be accessed, which codes are used by the neighboring
cells, the Cell-ID.
Paging Control Channel (PCCH)
This is used to inform users of incoming calls or SMS messages. This is also used for
packet-switched calls if new data arrives from the network once all physical resources
(channels) for a subscriber have been released owing to a long period of inactivity.
Common Control Channel (CCCH)
This is used for all messages from and to individual mobile devices (bidirectional) that
want to establish a new connection with the network.
Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH)
DCCH only transports data for a single subscriber.

26
 Dedicated Traffic Channel (DTCH)
This is used for user data transfer between the network and a single user.

5.3.3 Transport Channel

This prepares downlink data frames for transmission over the air interface by splitting them up
into smaller parts, so that are more suitable for transmission over the air interface.

BCCH-BCH (Broadcast Channel)

DTCH&DCCH-DCH (Dedicated Channel)
PCCH-PCH (Paging Channel)
CCCH-RACH (Random Access Channel)

5.3.4 Physical Channels

These are responsible for offering a physical transmission medium for one or more transport
channels and channel coding, that is, the addition of redundancy and error detection bits to the
data stream

Fig.5.4 Logical, Physical and Transport Channels in Downlink Direction

27
 Fig.5.5 Logical, Physical and Transport Channels in Uplink Direction

CHAPTER 6 DIGITAL MICROWAVE COMMUNICATION

6.1 Introduction

Microwave communication uses microwave as carrier (3GHz-30GHz).Digital microwave

communication refers to the microwave communication that adopts digital modulation. The
baseband signal is modulated to intermediate frequency first (IF).Then the IF is converted into
the microwave frequency.

6.1.1 Split Mount Microwave Equipment

It consists of antenna, outdoor unit (ODU), IF cable, Indoor Unit (IDU)

Antenna-focuses the RF signals transmitted by the ODUs and increases the signal gain.
ODU-RF processing, conversion of IF/RF signals.
IF cable-Transmitting of IF signals.
IDU- performs multiplex/ de-multiplex, modulation/de-modulation for services.

28
 Fig.6.1 Split Mount Microwave Equipment

6.1.2 All Outdoor Microwave Equipment

It consists of four parts

Outdoor part including the antenna and RF processing unit- The antenna completes

directional transmitting and convergence receiving of RF signals and enlarges the

transmission distance. The RF processing unit transmits and receives RF signals and

converts RF signals into IF signals.

Intermediate Frequency (IF) cable-Connects the RF processing unit with the IF and

baseband processes unit and supplies power to the RF processing unit.

IF and baseband processing unit-processes IF and baseband signals.
Service and Power cable-completes service access and supplies power to the whole

equipment.

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 Fig.6.2 All Outdoor Microwave Equipment

6.2 Antenna Alignment

The purpose of antenna alignment of antennas is to ensure that the maximum signal is present at

both ends of the link. This is achieved by aiming the signal from each antenna directly at the

center of the opposite antenna. A voltmeter is connected to the BNC connector and the antenna

can be adjusted until the maximum voltage is observed.

Fig.6.3 Correct Way of Aligning Antennas

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Chapter 7 Training Experience with Huawei

7.1 Introduction

Dialog arranged me and my colleagues site visits with Huawei to identify main

components in eNodeBs.

7.1.1 eNodeB

Control unit controls all the operations and power management functionalities. The BBU

is responsible for communication through the physical interface with the core network

elements actually can be considered as a digital signal processor. And RRU is used to

process RF signals which transmits and receives from the antenna. RRU and BBU are

physically connected through optical fibers. RRU and BBU need -48V DC power to

operate. Power unit with rectifiers are responsible to supply this DC power. Continuous

operating may cause overheating in the system and a fan unit is included to avoid those

situations.

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Fig.7.1 An Indoor eNodeB Fig.7.2 An outdoor eNodeB

7.1.2 Sensors and sockets inside an eNodeB cabinet

Various types of sensors are used in an eNodeB cabinet. Mainly four thermal sensors are used to

monitor whether the system is overheated. Also a smog sensor is installed for fire precautions.

Door sensors are also installed to the cabinets doors to check whether they are properly closed.

All these sensors in each eNodeBs can be monitored through a one server. Also a 13A socket is

installed to get an external power out to use in testing purposes. Fig 6.5 to Fig 6.7 shows 13A

socket and some sensors inside the eNodeB cabinet

Fig.7.3 13A Socket Fig.7.4 Thermal Sensor Fig.7.5 Smog Sensor

7.1.3 Remote Radio Unit (RRU)

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RRU processes RF receiving signals from antenna and fed them to BBU as digital signals and
signal from BBU processed and fed them to the antenna. In early stages, RRU was located at the
base of the telecommunication tower. But RRUs used in this project are located on top of the
tower close to the antenna. Hence RRU to antenna feeder cable is very short and it avoids the
losses occurred in long feeder cables.

Fig.7.6 RRUs Fig.7.7 Inside a RRU

Rectifier unit is one of the most important unit in telecommunication networks.

There are several reasons for it,
Most mobile equipment are working with DC voltage. (-48V)
Source power is AC, so rectification is necessary to get DC.
Need to control, break and switch power.
Should have capability to monitor and control from a remote area.
If a control unit wasnt there, then when rectifiers DC voltage < Battery voltage, current will
flow in to rectifiers and vice versa. This may cause severe damages.so control unit is to handle
these situations. We can set battery voltage levels to break each load output in a power cut
situation according to their priority.

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Fig.7.8 A Rectifier Unit inside a Cabinet

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