You are on page 1of 30

5G RAN

Extended Cell Range Feature


Parameter Description

Issue Draft A
Date 2021-12-30

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.


Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2022. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior
written consent of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Trademarks and Permissions

and other Huawei trademarks are trademarks of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
All other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this document are the property of their respective
holders.

Notice
The purchased products, services and features are stipulated by the contract made between Huawei and
the customer. All or part of the products, services and features described in this document may not be
within the purchase scope or the usage scope. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, all statements,
information, and recommendations in this document are provided "AS IS" without warranties, guarantees
or representations of any kind, either express or implied.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made in the
preparation of this document to ensure accuracy of the contents, but all statements, information, and
recommendations in this document do not constitute a warranty of any kind, express or implied.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.


Address: Huawei Industrial Base
Bantian, Longgang
Shenzhen 518129
People's Republic of China

Website: https://www.huawei.com
Email: support@huawei.com

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. i


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description Contents

Contents

1 Change History.........................................................................................................................1
1.1 5G RAN6.1 Draft A (2021-12-30)...................................................................................................................................... 1

2 About This Document.............................................................................................................2


2.1 General Statements................................................................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Features in This Document.................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Differences Between NR FDD and NR TDD................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Differences Between NSA and SA..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.5 Differences Between High Frequency Bands and Low Frequency Bands............................................................ 3

3 Overview....................................................................................................................................5
3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Random Access Preamble Format..................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Slot Configuration................................................................................................................................................................... 6

4 Extended Cell Range (FDD).................................................................................................. 7


4.1 Principles.................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Network Analysis..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2.1 Benefits.................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2.2 Impacts.................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 Requirements............................................................................................................................................................................ 8
4.3.1 Licenses................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.3.2 Software.................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.3.3 Hardware................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
4.3.4 Networking.......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3.5 Others.................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.4 Operation and Maintenance............................................................................................................................................. 13
4.4.1 Data Configuration........................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.4.1.1 Data Preparation............................................................................................................................................................ 13
4.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................... 13
4.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment...................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4.2 Activation Verification..................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4.3 Network Monitoring......................................................................................................................................................... 14

5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)................................................................................................ 15


5.1 Principles.................................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ii


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description Contents

5.2 Network Analysis.................................................................................................................................................................. 15


5.2.1 Benefits................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
5.2.2 Impacts.................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
5.3 Requirements......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
5.3.1 Licenses................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
5.3.2 Software................................................................................................................................................................................16
5.3.3 Hardware.............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
5.3.4 Networking.......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.4 Operation and Maintenance............................................................................................................................................. 21
5.4.1 Data Configuration........................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.4.1.1 Data Preparation............................................................................................................................................................ 21
5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands............................................................................................................................................... 21
5.4.2 Using the MAE-Deployment.......................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.3 Activation Verification..................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.4 Network Monitoring......................................................................................................................................................... 22

6 Parameters.............................................................................................................................. 23
7 Counters.................................................................................................................................. 24
8 Glossary................................................................................................................................... 25
9 Reference Documents...........................................................................................................26

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. iii


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 1 Change History

1 Change History

This chapter describes changes not included in the "Parameters", "Counters",


"Glossary", and "Reference Documents" chapters. These changes include:
● Technical changes
Changes in functions and their corresponding parameters
● Editorial changes
Improvements or revisions to the documentation

1.1 5G RAN6.1 Draft A (2021-12-30)


This issue introduces the following changes to 5G RAN5.1 05 (2021-11-27).

Technical Changes
None

Editorial Changes
Added descriptions of the impact relationship between Extended Cell Range (FDD)
and PRACH false alarm detection optimization. For details, see 4.2.2 Impacts.
Revised descriptions in this document.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 1


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 2 About This Document

2 About This Document

2.1 General Statements


Purpose
Feature Parameter Description documents are intended to acquaint readers with:
● The technical principles of features and their related parameters
● The scenarios where these features are used, the benefits they provide, and
the impact they have on networks and functions
● Requirements of the operating environment that must be met before feature
activation
● Parameter configuration required for feature activation, verification of feature
activation, and monitoring of feature performance
NOTE

This document only provides guidance for feature activation. Feature deployment and
feature gains depend on the specifics of the network scenario where the feature is
deployed. To achieve optimal gains, contact Huawei professional service engineers.

Software Interfaces
Any parameters, alarms, counters, or managed objects (MOs) described in Feature
Parameter Description documents apply only to the corresponding software
release. For future software releases, refer to the corresponding updated product
documentation.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 2


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 2 About This Document

2.2 Features in This Document


Feature ID Feature Name Chapter/Section

FOFD-051201 Extended Cell Range 4 Extended Cell Range


(FDD)
5 Extended Cell Range
(TDD)

2.3 Differences Between NR FDD and NR TDD


Function Name Difference Chapter/Section

Extended Cell Range The maximum theoretical cell 4 Extended Cell


radius is 100 km when Extended Range (FDD)
Cell Range (FDD) is enabled, and 5 Extended Cell
is 60 km when Extended Cell Range (TDD)
Range (TDD) is enabled.
The maximum cell radius changes
based on the preamble format
that is used when Extended Cell
Range (FDD) is enabled, while it
changes based on the setting of
the guard period (GP) length in
the self-contained slot when
Extended Cell Range (TDD) is
enabled.

2.4 Differences Between NSA and SA


Function Name Difference Chapter/Section

Extended Cell Range None 4 Extended Cell


Range (FDD)
5 Extended Cell
Range (TDD)

2.5 Differences Between High Frequency Bands and


Low Frequency Bands
This document refers to frequency bands belonging to FR1 (410–7125 MHz) as
low frequency bands, and those belonging to FR2 (24250–52600 MHz) as high

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 3


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 2 About This Document

frequency bands. For details about FR1 and FR2, see section 5.1 "General" in 3GPP
TS 38.104 V15.5.0.

Function Name Difference Chapter/Section

Extended Cell Range Supported only in low frequency 4 Extended Cell


bands Range (FDD)
5 Extended Cell
Range (TDD)

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 4


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 3 Overview

3 Overview

Today's mobile communication networks cover almost all inland areas. However,
in areas such as seas, deserts, and open plains, site acquisition presents major
challenges due to sparse populations and poor environment. It is difficult to find
suitable site locations at sea, and standard site deployment in deserts or in open
plains (where traffic is light) requires extensive investment. To reduce costs and
ensure the network coverage in these areas, the Extended Cell Range solution is
introduced.

3.1 Introduction
Extended Cell Range increases the cell radius in order to expand cell coverage. In
TDD, the maximum theoretical cell radius is 60 km. In FDD, the maximum
theoretical cell radius is 100 km.

NOTE

In this document, the maximum cell radius refers to the maximum theoretical cell radius
with the Extended Cell Range feature enabled. Generally, the actual cell radius is less than
the maximum theoretical value.

3.2 Random Access Preamble Format


Random access preamble formats are defined in section 6.3.3 in 3GPP TS 38.211
of R15 to meet various coverage requirements of wireless networks. A preamble
format determines the time domain resources that can be used by a physical
random access channel (PRACH). In a random access procedure, the gNodeB
calculates the maximum supported cell radius based on the preamble format
transmitted from a UE.

In FDD, the preamble format is specified by the


NRDUCellPrach.PrachConfigurationIndex parameter. If this parameter is set to a
value ranging from 0 to 21, preamble format 0 is used; if this parameter is set to
36, 40, 42, 44, or 46, preamble format 1 is used. When Extended Cell Range is not
enabled, preamble format 0 is used. When Extended Cell Range is enabled,
preamble format 1 is used. In TDD, preamble format 0 is used regardless of
whether Extended Cell Range is enabled. The NRDUCell.CellRadius parameter is

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 5


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 3 Overview

used to specify the maximum cell radius. The value of this parameter cannot be
greater than the maximum cell radius corresponding to the preamble format.

NOTE

Select the random access preamble format in FDD based on the maximum cell radius as
follows:
● If the maximum cell radius is less than or equal to 14.5 km, preamble format 0 is
recommended.
● If the maximum cell radius is greater than 14.5 km and less than or equal to 100 km,
preamble format 1 is recommended.

3.3 Slot Configuration


In NR TDD, with the PRACH demodulation performance optimization solution, the
maximum cell radius can reach 60 km when preamble format 0 is used. The
maximum cell radius is mainly determined by the PRACH demodulation
performance (factor 1) as well as slot configuration and structure (factor 2). The
two factors correspond to different cell radii, and the maximum cell radius equals
the smaller one. With the PRACH demodulation performance optimization
solution, the maximum cell radius is increased by changing the slot configuration
and structure. The longer the GP length in the self-contained slot, the larger the
maximum cell radius. The slot configuration is specified by the
NRDUCell.SlotAssignment parameter, and the slot structure is specified by the
NRDUCell.SlotStructure parameter. Table 3-1 lists the mapping between the GP
length and cell coverage capability without considering the preamble format.

Table 3-1 Mapping between the number of GP symbols and maximum cell radii
when the slot configuration is single-period 8:2 in low frequency bands
Slot Structure GP Maximum Theoretical Cell
Radius (km)

SS51 1 1.4

SS52 2 6.8

SS53 3 12.2

SS54 4 17.5

SS56 6 28.2

SS518 18 92.4

NOTE

Considering the PRACH capability and GP length, the actual maximum cell radius is 60 km
when the slot configuration is single-period 8:2 and the slot structure is SS518.
For details about the slot configuration and structure, see Standards Compliance.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 6


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

4.1 Principles
For details, see 3 Overview.

4.2 Network Analysis

4.2.1 Benefits
The coverage area of the base station is expanded, the maximum cell radius can
reach 100 km, and the random access success rate in the coverage area is
increased.

NOTE

Contention-based random access success rate = N.RA.Contention.Resolution.Succ/


N.RA.Contention.Att x 100
Non-contention-based random access success rate = N.RA.Dedicated.Msg3/
N.RA.Dedicated.Att x 100
Whether the maximum cell radius can reach 100 km depends on the factors responsible for
path loss difference, such as the base station's transmit power and antenna altitude as well
as the UE's antenna gains.

4.2.2 Impacts
Network Impacts
None

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 7


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

Function Impacts
Function Name Function Switch Reference Description

PRACH false PRACH_FALSE_AL Channel In scenarios where both


alarm detection ARM_DET_ALGO_ Managem PRACH false alarm
optimization SW option of the ent detection optimization
NRDUCellPrach.R and Extended Cell Range
achAlgoOptSwitc are enabled, if the
h parameter coverage distance is
greater than the distance
threshold for PRACH
false alarm detection, the
probability that
contention-based
preambles are considered
as false alarms increases
because the access
distance is long and the
signal strength is weak.
As a result, user access is
affected. It is
recommended that this
option be deselected
when Extended Cell
Range is enabled.

4.3 Requirements

4.3.1 Licenses
Feature ID Feature Model Sales Unit
Name

FOFD-051201 Extended Cell NR0S00EXCR00 Per Cell


Range

4.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Prerequisite Functions
None

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 8


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

Mutually Exclusive Functions


Function Name Function Switch Reference Description

Cell Combination NRDUCell.NrDuCellNet Cell Combination None


workingMode set to
HYPER_CELL_COMBINE_
MODE

High-speed NRDUCell.HighSpeedFl High Speed None


Railway Superior ag set to HIGH_SPEED Mobility
Experience

Uplink single- SINGLE_UL_NSA_SW NSA Networking None


side transmission option of the based on EPC
NRCellNsaDcConfig.Nsa
DcAlgoSwitch
parameter

Interference CROSS_MDLT_INTRF_AV NSA Networking None


avoidance in OID_SW option of the based on EPC
NSA DC NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.N
saDcAlgoSwitch
parameter

RF channel RF_SHUTDOWN_SW Energy NR-capable


intelligent option of the Conservation and 2T2R or
shutdown NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.P Emission 2T4R RF
owerSavingSwitch Reduction modules do
parameter not support
RF channel
intelligent
shutdown
when
Extended
Cell Range
(FDD) is
enabled.

4.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
3900 and 5900 series base stations. 3900 series base stations must be configured
with the BBU3910.

Boards
The UBBPg and later baseband processing units support this function.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 9


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

RF Modules
All NR FDD-capable RF modules that work in low frequency bands support this
function. For details, see the technical specifications of RF modules in 3900 & 5900
Series Base Station Product Documentation.

4.3.4 Networking
If NRDUCell.DuplexMode is set to CELL_FDD for a cell, TxRxMode in the
NRDUCellTrp MO corresponding to the cell must be set to 1T1R, 2T2R, 2T4R,
4T4R, or 8T8R.
It is recommended that the following networking planning policies be used to
ensure better service rates at the cell edge when Extended Cell Range is enabled:
● Antenna altitude
A valid antenna altitude consists of two parts: mountain altitude (h1) and the
altitude from the antennas to the ground (h2), as shown in Figure 4-1. Due
to limitations on the altitude of a tower or mast where the antennas are
mounted, the maximum altitude from the antennas to the ground is 70 m.

Figure 4-1 Antenna altitude

The valid antenna altitude determines the coverage radius on a live network.
Therefore, ensure that the target cell coverage is within line of sight (LOS) when
planning the antenna altitude. Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) areas may experience
signal attenuation and poor cell coverage due to the Earth's curvature.
For ocean coverage, Huawei provides a segmentation model to describe radio
propagation on the sea, as shown in Figure 4-2.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 10


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

Figure 4-2 Segmentation model for radio propagation on the sea

As shown in the preceding figure:

● Ht denotes the site altitude above sea level.


● Hr denotes the UE altitude above sea level.
● d1 denotes the LOS path A on the sea.
● d2 denotes the LOS path B on the sea.
● Re denotes the Earth's radius.
● d denotes path C, which is a shadow area with poor signal quality due to the
Earth's curvature. Therefore, this path can be ignored during network
planning.

According to the model for radio propagation on the sea, the following tables list
the LOS distances corresponding to different site and UE altitudes.

Table 4-1 LOS distances corresponding to different site altitudes above sea level
when the UE altitude above sea level (Hr) is 2 m

Ht (m) d1 (km) d2 (km) d1 + d2 (km)

50 29.2 5.8 35.0

60 31.9 5.8 37.8

70 34.5 5.8 40.3

80 36.9 5.8 42.7

90 39.1 5.8 44.9

100 41.2 5.8 47.1

200 58.3 5.8 64.1

300 71.4 5.8 77.2

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 11


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

Ht (m) d1 (km) d2 (km) d1 + d2 (km)

400 82.5 5.8 88.3

500 92.2 5.8 98.0

Table 4-2 LOS distances corresponding to different site altitudes above sea level
when the UE altitude above sea level (Hr) is 10 m
Ht (m) d1 (km) d2 (km) d1 + d2 (km)

50 29.2 13.0 42.2

60 31.9 13.0 45.0

70 34.5 13.0 47.5

80 36.9 13.0 49.9

90 39.1 13.0 52.2

100 41.2 13.0 54.3

200 58.3 13.0 71.3

300 71.4 13.0 84.5

400 82.5 13.0 95.5

500 92.2 13.0 105.2

When deploying Extended Cell Range at sea, calculate the antenna altitude based
on the LOS distances (d1 + d2) listed in the preceding tables. When deploying
Extended Cell Range in deserts or on open plains, it is recommended that the
antenna altitude be calculated based on the LOS distances (d1) listed in the
preceding tables.
● Site acquisition
As the deployment of Extended Cell Range requires good radio propagation,
the following requirements must be met for site acquisition:
– There are no obvious obstacles in the target area to be covered by the
base station, which is within LOS.
– Site altitude is as high as possible based on coverage requirements.
– The GSM, UMTS, or LTE sites enabled with Extended Cell Range are
preferentially selected for deploying NR Extended Cell Range.
– Other requirements are the same as those for macro networks.
● Antenna model selection
– In 8T8R scenarios, high-gain common antennas are recommended.
– When Extended Cell Range is deployed at sea, the antennas are mounted
as high as possible in order to resist the effect of the Earth's curvature.
However, this may also create coverage holes at the near end. In this

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 12


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

scenario, suitable antennas must be selected to avoid such coverage


holes. In addition, antennas with smaller surface areas are recommended
in order to reduce wind resistance on the tower or mast where they are
mounted.
– Vertically polarized antennas deliver better performance than other types
of polarized antennas in open areas, and are recommended in cases
where wide cell coverage is required.
– As Extended Cell Range has few requirements on tilt adjustment, non-
remote-electrical-tilt (non-RET) antennas can be used. At extremely high
altitude sites, electrical and mechanical downtilts can be adjusted to
improve local cell coverage, while continuing to ensure remote cell
coverage.

4.3.5 Others
UEs must support long PRACH preamble format 1.

4.4 Operation and Maintenance

4.4.1 Data Configuration

4.4.1.1 Data Preparation

Table 4-3 Parameters used for activation

Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Cell Radius NRDUCell.CellRadius Set this parameter to a value


greater than or equal to the
actual cell radius.

PRACH Configuration NRDUCellPrach.PrachC Set this parameter to a value


Index onfigurationIndex ranging from 0 to 21 when
the cell radius is less than or
equal to 14.5 km; set this
parameter to 36, 40, 42, 44,
or 46 when the cell radius is
greater than 14.5 km.

4.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples


//Setting the cell radius according to the network plan
MOD NRDUCELL: NrDuCellId=0, CellRadius=30000;
//Configuring PRACH preamble format 1
MOD NRDUCELL: NrDuCellId=0, DuplexMode=CELL_FDD, FrequencyBand=N28, SubcarrierSpacing=15KHZ;
MOD NRDUCELLPRACH: NrDuCellId=0, PrachConfigurationIndex=46;

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 13


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 4 Extended Cell Range (FDD)

Deactivation Command Examples


//Disabling Extended Cell Range by configuring PRACH preamble format 0
MOD NRDUCELL: NrDuCellId=0, DuplexMode=CELL_FDD, FrequencyBand=N28, SubcarrierSpacing=15KHZ,
CellRadius=10000;
MOD NRDUCELLPRACH: NrDuCellId=0, PrachConfigurationIndex=19;

4.4.1.3 Using the MAE-Deployment


For detailed operations, see Feature Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

4.4.2 Activation Verification


After the Extended Cell Range feature is activated, check whether the feature has
taken effect using the following commands:
1. Run the LST NRDUCELL command to check whether the
NRDUCell.CellRadius parameter value is greater than 14500.
2. Run the DSP NRDUCELL command to check the cell status and verify that the
cell has been activated.

4.4.3 Network Monitoring


None

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 14


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

5.1 Principles
For details, see 3 Overview.

5.2 Network Analysis

5.2.1 Benefits
The coverage area of the base station is expanded, the maximum cell radius can
reach 60 km, and the random access success rate in the coverage area is
increased.

NOTE

Contention-based random access success rate = N.RA.Contention.Resolution.Succ/


N.RA.Contention.Att x 100
Non-contention-based random access success rate = N.RA.Dedicated.Msg3/
N.RA.Dedicated.Att x 100
Whether the maximum cell radius can reach 60 km depends on the factors responsible for
path loss difference, such as the base station's transmit power and antenna altitude as well
as the UE's antenna gains.

5.2.2 Impacts
Network Impacts
None

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 15


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

Function Impacts
Function Name Function Switch Reference Description

3D coverage NRDUCellTrpBea Beam When Extended Cell


pattern m.CoverageScen Managem Range is enabled and the
ario ent number of GP symbols is
configured to 17 or 18,
this parameter can only be
set to DEFAULT or a value
among SCENARIO_1 to
SCENARIO_18.

SRS remote SRS_RIM_INTRF_ Remote When SRS remote


interference AVOID_SW Interferen interference avoidance is
avoidance option of the ce enabled, the PRACH GP is
NRDUCellSrs.Srs Managem shorted, which may result
AlgoExtSwitch ent (Low- in a decreased random
parameter Frequency access success rate in
TDD) Extended Cell Range
scenarios.

Remote RA_REMOTE_INT Remote Remote interference


interference RF_RESIST_SW Interferen resistance for random
resistance for option of the ce access restricts the access
random access NRDUCellAlgoS Managem of cell edge users (CEUs).
witch.RimAlgoS ent (Low- As a result, CEUs may fail
witch parameter Frequency to access the network in
TDD) Extended Cell Range
scenarios.

5.3 Requirements

5.3.1 Licenses
Feature ID Feature Model Sales Unit
Name

FOFD-051201 Extended Cell NR0S00EXCR00 Per Cell


Range

5.3.2 Software
Before activating this function, ensure that its prerequisite functions have been
activated and mutually exclusive functions have been deactivated. For detailed
operations, see the relevant feature documents.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 16


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

Prerequisite Functions
Function Name Function Switch Reference Description

Slot NRDUCell.SlotAs Standards Extended Cell Range


Configuration signment Complianc supports only single-
(TDD) e period 8:2 slot
configuration.

Mutually Exclusive Functions


Function Function Switch Reference Description
Name

Hyper Cell NRDUCell.NrDuCellNet Hyper Cell None


workingMode set to
HYPER_CELL

High-speed NRDUCell.HighSpeedFla High Speed None


Railway g set to HIGH_SPEED Mobility
Superior
Experience

Remote RIM_ADAPT_AVOID_SW Remote None


interference and Interference
managemen RIM_ADAPT_AVOID_EN Management
t H_SW options of the (Low-Frequency
NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ri TDD)
mAlgoSwitch parameter
Enhanced RIM_ADAPT_AVOID_EN Remote Remote
remote H_SW option of the Interference interference
interference NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Ri Management adaptive
adaptive mAlgoSwitch parameter (Low-Frequency avoidance and
avoidance TDD) enhanced
remote
interference
adaptive
avoidance
cannot work
with Extended
Cell Range.

Cell NRDUCell.NrDuCellNet Cell Combination None


Combination workingMode set to
HYPER_CELL_COMBINE_
MODE

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 17


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

Function Function Switch Reference Description


Name

RF channel RF_SHUTDOWN_SW Energy NR-capable


intelligent option of the Conservation and 8T8R RF
shutdown NRDUCellAlgoSwitch.Po Emission modules do not
werSavingSwitch Reduction support RF
parameter channel
intelligent
shutdown when
Extended Cell
Range (TDD) is
enabled.

5.3.3 Hardware
Base Station Models
3900 and 5900 series base stations. 3900 series base stations must be configured
with the BBU3910.

Boards
Only the UBBPg supports this function. For details, see the related BBU technical
specifications in 3900 & 5900 Series Base Station Product Documentation.

RF Modules
All NR-capable low-frequency 64T or 32T AAUs support this function. All NR-
capable 8T RRUs support this function. For details about NR-capable AAUs or
RRUs, see 3900 & 5900 Series Base Station Product Documentation.

5.3.4 Networking
It is recommended that the following networking planning policies be used to
ensure better service rates at the cell edge when Extended Cell Range is enabled:
● Antenna altitude
A valid antenna altitude consists of two parts: mountain altitude (h1) and the
altitude from the antennas to the ground (h2), as shown in Figure 5-1. Due to
limitations on the altitude of a tower or mast where the antennas are mounted,
the maximum altitude from the antennas to the ground is 70 m.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 18


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

Figure 5-1 Antenna altitude

The valid antenna altitude determines the maximum cell radius on a live network.
Therefore, ensure that the target cell coverage is within LOS when planning the
antenna altitude. NLOS areas may experience signal attenuation and poor cell
coverage due to the Earth's curvature.
For ocean coverage, Huawei provides a segmentation model to describe radio
propagation on the sea, as shown in Figure 5-2.

Figure 5-2 Segmentation model for radio propagation on the sea

As shown in the preceding figure:


● Ht denotes the site altitude above sea level.
● Hr denotes the UE altitude above sea level.
● d1 denotes the LOS path A on the sea.
● d2 denotes the LOS path B on the sea.
● Re denotes the Earth's radius.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 19


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

● d denotes path C, which is a shadow area with poor signal quality due to the
Earth's curvature. Therefore, this path can be ignored during network
planning.
According to the model for radio propagation on the sea, the following tables list
the LOS distances corresponding to different site and UE altitudes.

Table 5-1 LOS distances corresponding to different site altitudes above sea level
when the UE altitude above sea level (Hr) is 2 m
Ht (m) d1 (km) d2 (km) d1 + d2 (km)

50 29.2 5.8 35.0

60 31.9 5.8 37.8

70 34.5 5.8 40.3

80 36.9 5.8 42.7

90 39.1 5.8 44.9

100 41.2 5.8 47.1

200 58.3 5.8 64.1

Table 5-2 LOS distances corresponding to different site altitudes above sea level
when the UE altitude above sea level (Hr) is 10 m
Ht (m) d1 (km) d2 (km) d1 + d2 (km)

50 29.2 13.0 42.2

60 31.9 13.0 45.0

70 34.5 13.0 47.5

80 36.9 13.0 49.9

90 39.1 13.0 52.2

100 41.2 13.0 54.3

When deploying Extended Cell Range at sea, calculate the antenna altitude based
on the LOS distances (d1 + d2) listed in the preceding tables. When deploying
Extended Cell Range in deserts or on open plains, it is recommended that the
antenna altitude be calculated based on the LOS distances (d1) listed in the
preceding tables.
● Site acquisition
As the deployment of Extended Cell Range requires good radio propagation,
the following requirements must be met for site acquisition:
– There are no obvious obstacles in the target area to be covered by the
base station, which is within LOS.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 20


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

– Site altitude is as high as possible based on coverage requirements.


– The GSM, UMTS, or LTE sites enabled with Extended Cell Range are
preferentially selected for deploying NR Extended Cell Range.
– Other requirements are the same as those for macro networks.
● Antenna model selection
– In 8T8R scenarios, high-gain common antennas are recommended.
– When Extended Cell Range is deployed at sea, the antennas are mounted
as high as possible in order to resist the effect of the Earth's curvature.
However, this may also create coverage holes at the near end. In this
scenario, suitable antennas must be selected to avoid such coverage
holes. In addition, antennas with smaller surface areas are recommended
in order to reduce wind resistance on the tower or mast where they are
mounted.
– Vertically polarized antennas deliver better performance than other types
of polarized antennas in open areas, and are recommended in cases
where wide cell coverage is required.
– As Extended Cell Range has few requirements on tilt adjustment, non-
RET antennas can be used. At extremely high altitude sites, electrical and
mechanical downtilts can be adjusted to improve local cell coverage,
while continuing to ensure remote cell coverage.

5.4 Operation and Maintenance

5.4.1 Data Configuration

5.4.1.1 Data Preparation

Table 5-3 Parameters used for activation


Parameter Name Parameter ID Setting Notes

Cell Radius NRDUCell.CellRadius Set this parameter to a value


greater than or equal to the
actual cell radius.

Slot Assignment NRDUCell.SlotAssignm This parameter only needs to


ent be set for the TDD mode.

Slot Structure NRDUCell.SlotStructure This parameter only needs to


be set for the TDD mode.

5.4.1.2 Using MML Commands

Activation Command Examples


//Setting the slot configuration and slot structure (for example, when the frequency band is n41 and the
number of GP symbols is 18)

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 21


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 5 Extended Cell Range (TDD)

MOD NRDUCELL: FrequencyBand=N41, DuplexMode=CELL_TDD, SubcarrierSpacing=30KHZ,


SlotAssignment=8_2_DDDDDDDSUU, SlotStructure=SS518, NrDuCellId=0, CellId=0;
//Setting the maximum cell radius according to the network plan
MOD NRDUCELL: NrDuCellId=0, CellRadius=30000;

Deactivation Command Examples


//Disabling Extended Cell Range
MOD NRDUCELL: NrDuCellId=0, CellRadius=10000;
//Restoring the slot configuration and slot structure (for example, when the frequency band is n41 and the
number of GP symbols is 4)
MOD NRDUCELL: FrequencyBand=N41, DuplexMode=CELL_TDD, SubcarrierSpacing=30KHZ,
SlotAssignment=8_2_DDDDDDDSUU, SlotStructure=SS54, NrDuCellId=0, CellId=0;

5.4.2 Using the MAE-Deployment


For detailed operations, see Feature Configuration Using the MAE-Deployment.

5.4.3 Activation Verification


After the Extended Cell Range feature is activated, check whether the feature has
taken effect using the following commands:
1. Run the LST NRDUCELL command to check whether the
NRDUCell.CellRadius parameter value is greater than 14500.
2. Run the DSP NRDUCELL command to check the cell status and verify that the
cell has been activated.

5.4.4 Network Monitoring


None

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 22


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 6 Parameters

6 Parameters

The following hyperlinked EXCEL files of parameter reference match the software
version with which this document is released.
● Node Parameter Reference: contains device and transport parameters.
● gNodeBFunction Parameter Reference: contains all parameters related to
radio access functions, including air interface management, access control,
mobility control, and radio resource management.
NOTE

You can find the EXCEL files of parameter reference for the software version used on the
live network from the product documentation delivered with that version.

FAQ: How do I find the parameters related to a certain feature from


parameter reference?

Step 1 Open the EXCEL file of parameter reference.


Step 2 On the Parameter List sheet, filter the Feature ID column. Click Text Filters and
choose Contains. Enter the feature ID, for example, FBFD-010011.
Step 3 Click OK. All parameters related to the feature are displayed.

----End

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 23


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 7 Counters

7 Counters

The following hyperlinked EXCEL files of performance counter reference match the
software version with which this document is released.
● Node Performance Counter Summary: contains device and transport counters.
● gNodeBFunction Performance Counter Summary: contains all counters related
to radio access functions, including air interface management, access control,
mobility control, and radio resource management.
NOTE

You can find the EXCEL files of performance counter reference for the software version used
on the live network from the product documentation delivered with that version.

FAQ: How do I find the counters related to a certain feature from


performance counter reference?

Step 1 Open the EXCEL file of performance counter reference.


Step 2 On the Counter Summary(En) sheet, filter the Feature ID column. Click Text
Filters and choose Contains. Enter the feature ID, for example, FBFD-010011.
Step 3 Click OK. All counters related to the feature are displayed.

----End

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 24


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 8 Glossary

8 Glossary

For the acronyms, abbreviations, terms, and definitions, see Glossary.

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 25


(2021-12-30)
5G RAN
Extended Cell Range Feature Parameter Description 9 Reference Documents

9 Reference Documents

● 3GPP TS 38.104: "NR; Base Station (BS) radio transmission and reception"
● 3GPP TS 38.211: "NR; Physical channels and modulation"
● Hyper Cell
● Standards Compliance
● High Speed Mobility
● NSA Networking based on EPC
● Beam Management
● Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction
● Remote Interference Management (Low-Frequency TDD)
● Cell Combination
● Channel Management

Issue Draft A Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. 26


(2021-12-30)

You might also like