MetroSoDe1 V 2 0
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Solution Description
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and describes only the
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performance of the mentioned hardware or software products cannot be considered binding
but shall be defined in the agreement made between Nokia Networks and the customer.
However, Nokia Networks has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the instructions
contained in the document are adequate and free of material errors and omissions. Nokia
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Nokia Networks' liability for any errors in the document is limited to the documentary
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Copyright © Nokia Networks Oy 2000. All rights reserved.
Contents
1 Executive summary................................................................................. 5
1.1 Focused capacity in hot spots ................................................................... 5
1.2 Coverage challenges ................................................................................. 6
1.3 Revolutionary 58 GHz access solution ..................................................... 6
1.4 High operational efficiency ........................................................................ 7
1.5 Faster rollout for immediate revenue generation ...................................... 7
Summary of changes
Version 1.0 27.10.1998
Version 2.0 29.05.2000
1 Executive summary
The growth of new services and data applications, together with rapidly growing mobile
phone penetration, is leading to capacity and coverage difficulties that must be addressed.
This is true not only for today's mobile networks, but also for 3rd generation networks. The
Nokia MetroSite solution has been introduced to solve these demands and thereby create
an opportunity for operators to increase their revenue.
Nokia MetroSite is a complete site solution for use in high traffic density areas or in
suburban or semirural areas where quick economical coverage is needed. It provides an
increase in capacity of up to tenfold with half the investment cost of conventional solutions.
The solution incorporates highly integrated system elements that minimise network
implementation time and result in considerable savings in planning, operation and
maintenance throughout the network’s life. Furthermore, this high degree of integration
simplifies network expansion, gives greater freedom of site selection and speeds up
acquisition and deployment. Nokia MetroSite GSM or EDGE Base Station’s capacity of four
transceivers (TRXs) facilitates efficient frequency usage and smooth capacity growth.
As the demand for higher bitrate data services increases, Nokia MetroSite solution provides
a natural evolution from high-capacity GSM networks through GPRS and EDGE to
WCDMA.
Nokia MetroSite WCDMA solution is part of the Nokia 3rd Generation system in which the
Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station focuses on capacity and coverage needs in
multimedia networks.
The high-capacity, 4-TRX Nokia MetroSite GSM Base Station or Nokia MetroSite EDGE
Base Station is the core of this capacity solution, providing the highest frequency and
trunking efficiency possible in a microcellular network to promote a tenfold capacity
increase. Being compact and highly integrated, Nokia MetroSite equipment makes
completely new site locations possible, which can simplify the acquisition of multiple sites.
In addition, the Nokia microcellular base station subsystem uses the intelligent features of
the powerful Nokia DX200 Base Station Controller (BSC) to complement this tenfold traffic
handling capacity.
In WCDMA networks, hot spots with very high traffic in dense urban areas can restrict a
macrocellular WCDMA network’s capacity. Therefore, more focused capacity is needed.
Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station is the most cost-effective way to provide the
capacity to permit high-quality multimedia services in hot spots.
Nokia MetroSite is a highly integrated site solution for filling in network gaps and providing
indoor coverage. The need to quickly build up coverage makes Nokia MetroSite practically
indispensable for operators during their rollout phase. The solution’s simplified site structure
brings significant cost and time savings.
Nokia MetroSite for GSM/EDGE uses an integrated microwave radio and up to 4 powerful
TRXs housed in one cabinet to provide a superb means of expanding the capacity of infill
cells.
WCDMA networks will present new coverage challenges due to the fact that cell size
shrinks as the traffic increases in hot spots. There will also be a need for focused coverage as
well as indoor coverage in large buildings. Nokia MetroSite WCDMA solution meets these
challenges. For roadside coverage, the Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station’s small size
makes it easy to install in difficult environments, such as small rooms, tunnels, rooftops and
poles.
The innovative Nokia MetroHopper Radio, operating on the self-regulating 58 GHz band,
provides high-density access for the Nokia MetroSite. This compact, unobtrusive radio
provides quick and easy transmission access and enables synchronised network rollout.
Using the 58 GHz frequency allows Nokia MetroHopper to boost the number of access
points up to hundreds per square kilometre.
The Nokia MetroHub Transmission Node connects a Nokia MetroSite GSM, EDGE and
WCDMA Base Station to the existing GSM/WCDMA network. The grooming and looping
capability of the Nokia MetroHub Transmission Node, together with the Nokia MetroHopper
Radio, helps achieve a cost-effective and reliable transmission network while allowing
capacity to be changed as conditions demand.
The Nokia Network Management System (NMS) provides operators with greater control and
visibility for managing network growth. Together with the Nokia MetroSite solution and
Nokia Totem™ Suite tools for network planning, the Nokia NMS streamlines the planning
and implemention of capacity expansions in GSM and WCDMA networks.
To make implementation even more efficient, Nokia On-Line Services provides instant
access to technical data and support.
Nokia also supplies training in operational activities to give the operator’s personnel the
skills needed to efficiently operate the Nokia MetroSite microcellular network.
The time taken from equipment installation to network integration is of utmost importance to
the operator. The compact, integrated Nokia MetroSite solution reduces this time to a
minimum and helps reduce site rental costs. Consequently, fast rollout can be achieved with
immediate revenue flow.
Likewise, significant reduction in site costs are achieved because of minimal construction
work, integrated site selection and radio and transmission planning with the help of Nokia
Totem Suite network planning tools . Nokia offers a complete service package to support
fast rollout and smooth operation of the microcellular network.
As competition for subscribers increases, today’s GSM operators need to focus on improved
quality and customer satisfaction. Maintaining sufficient network capacity is crucial for this
goal because end-users no longer tolerate dropped or blocked calls caused by network
congestion.
Where mobile penetration is high, capacity requirements will inevitably be extremely high.
To be able to respond to the challenges of rapidly growing mobile phone usage, operators
need to have the right tools for providing the required capacity in their networks.
The growth in demand has several dimensions. The number of subscribers is growing
quickly, and this growth seems to be fastest in areas where subscriber densities are already
high. Also, as the mobile phone becomes the preferred phone, new services and data
applications continuously boost network usage per subscriber.
Naturally, the biggest capacity requirements come from high traffic density areas, or so-
called hot spots. Typically, the size of a hot spot varies but may be from less than a square
kilometre to tens of square kilometres. Today's hot spots will gradually expand to cover a
significantly larger area. An estimate of the future traffic growth in one city is as follows:
Figure 1. Traffic in hot spots will grow much faster than average.
This estimate is based on a near doubling of traffic density annually in ‘99-‘00. It is apparent
that very powerful capacity enhancing solutions are needed to sustain growth.
Usually, maximum traffic handling capacity can be achieved through dense deployment of
high-capacity microcells overlaid by a macrocellular network. The Nokia MetroSite solution
excels in high-capacity microcellular rollout. The high-capacity, compact design and
integrated transmission solutions of Nokia MetroSite allow very dense and cost-effective
microcellular rollout with up to 50 microcell sites implemented per square kilometre.
One crucial element in building maximum capacity is the implementation of Nokia Soft
Capacity solutions like Intelligent Frequency Hopping, which allow extremely high-
frequency efficiency both in the macrocellular and microcellular layer without
compromising network quality.
Also, as the use of 3rd Generation services and the number of subscribers in WCDMA
networks starts to increase, additional capacity may be needed in hot spots. There is a clear
need to focus the capacity in the network for operators who want to offer high-quality
services for users.
With the Nokia MetroSite capacity solution for GSM/EDGE, the barrier of 1,000 Erlangs per
square kilometre can be easily broken, thus providing up to ten times the capacity of a
conventional macrocellular network. Traditional macrocellular solutions cannot cope with
this kind of capacity requirement, therefore the only feasible solution is a multilayer network
with a dense, high-capacity microcellular layer.
Typically, an operator starts network rollout by building urban coverage first, with a site
configuration of up to 3 transceivers per cell. As the number of subscribers grows, network
capacity needs to be increased. The first capacity enhancement usually involves adding
transceivers to existing macrocellular sites. At some point though, the capacity of existing
macrocellular sites cannot be enhanced any more, and the operator is forced to split the cells
and build totally new sites.
The available frequency band and radio environment generally determine the number of
carriers per cell. The efficiency of frequency reuse, together with the cell’s maximum TRX
capacity, determine the network’s maximum capacity. To increase capacity beyond this point
requires a multilayer configuration: a macrocellular network to provide the basic capacity
and a dense microcellular network to carry most of the traffic. The perceived capacity
growth figures show that most operators will be, sooner or later, forced to build network
capacity by using dense microcellular networks.
Therefore, the decision to implement a microcellular network should be made early in the
network lifecycle in order to enable smooth network evolution that can cope with increasing
capacity demands.
Coverage and capacity in high traffic areas of WCDMA networks can also be improved with
a microcellular solution. The Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station can be used in a
microcellular solution, allowing micro and macro cells to co-exist in the same carrier.
The Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Solution includes the compact single sector base station with
one carrier. If more capacity is needed, the base station can be upgraded with a second
carrier. Also, up to three-sector configuration is possible by chaining base station cabinets
together. Nokia MetroSite is easy to install in high traffic areas where site locations are often
difficult to find. The base station can be installed on roofs and poles, and in attics and places
with limited space. Quick and easy rollout of the small Nokia MetroSite enables high-quality
services for immediate revenue generation in areas of very high traffic.
Figure 4. Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station – more capacity in hot spots.
Even though capacity is becoming increasingly more important for GSM operators, partial
coverage building and increasing network density remain issues. Coverage building using
BTS sites, with a reasonably high transmitted power level and built-in radio transmission,
can be achieved quickly and precisely where the enhanced coverage is required. A fully
integrated solution simplifies the process of finding and acquiring sites, while retaining the
possibility of expanding capacity in the future. Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station enables
quick and cost-optimised network building, either for areas where fill-in coverage is needed
or to provide roadside coverage.
In WCDMA networks, coverage and capacity are linked. If more capacity is used in the
network, the cell size shrinks. In order to offer high-quality multimedia services, operators
need to focus the coverage at the same time as increasing traffic starts to restrict the coverage
of the macrocellular network.
The Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station meets coverage challenges by providing infill
coverage in macrocellular networks. It offers focused coverage with cell size comparable to
microcellular networks. With quick and easy site installation, Nokia MetroSite is superb for
dense urban environments where more coverage and quality improvements need to be
offered.
Nokia MetroSite can also provide indoor coverage from outdoors, where dedicated indoor
solutions are impossible or impractical. Nokia MetroSite can also provide capacity and
coverage enhancement and network quality improvement through dedicated indoor coverage
in large office buildings, airports, railway stations and shopping malls, for example.
Nokia MetroSite provides an easier solution for roadside coverage to allow fast time-to-
market for WCDMA services. It is easier to find sites and install the small base station by
the roadside while achieving a cell range as good as that of macrocellular solutions. By
chaining two base stations, a two sector solution can be built.
Nokia MetroSite is a complete, highly efficient solution for building microcellular networks
or for providing infill coverage in GSM/EDGE networks. Nokia MetroSite is also an
efficient solution for focused coverage and capacity enhancements in WCDMA networks.
Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Solution is part of the Nokia 3rd Generation System.
Capacity building with the Nokia MetroSite GSM/EDGE 4-TRX solution is more cost-
effective than macrocellular or using 2-TRX microcells. In fact, compared to other 2-TRX
microcellular solutions, the total cost per Erlang can be roughly half, with equipment costs
being as little as USD 50 per subscriber.
Network Cost
Cost of 150
Macro (%)
125
100
75
50
25
0
Macro- Nokia 2TRX Capacity Solution
cellular MetroSite Micro
Nokia MetroSite is designed to decrease site acquisition, site rental and operational costs. Its
base stations for GSM/EDGE and WCDMA are compact and unobtrusive, which together
with the small Nokia MetroHopper Radio, permit entirely new types of site location.
Furthermore, the revolutionary Nokia MetroHopper Radio and Nokia MetroHub
Transmission Node help to minimise transmission costs.
Nokia MetroSite solution base stations are easy to implement, allowing fast network rollout,
and easy to operate, so that the new dense microcellular network can usually be managed by
existing network operating personnel.
Operators using Nokia GSM and/or WCDMA infrastructure are in a prime position to
benefit from Nokia MetroSite solution's integrated cellular and transmission concept. In the
base station access network, the benefits are clear: fast site installation enables a quick start
of revenue flow; integrated microwave and wireline transmission minimises the equipment
needed at the site; integrated management and simplified logistics reduce operating costs;
and ownership of the base station access network provides a strategic advantage.
In dense networks, transmission access becomes a significant and integral part of the
microcell site. Nokia MetroSite has a complete set of access solutions optimised for
microcellular networks. These include optimised transmission for all the microcellular
building phases: from hot spot microcells to dense, maximum capacity microcellular
networks.
The Nokia MetroHopper Radio provides wireless access for urban sites. This revolutionary
solution – the first of its kind in the industry – uses a new wireless transmission technology
that operates on the unique 58 GHz frequency band.
Nokia MetroHopper Radios can be installed in locations where site costs are minimal.
Wireless access makes network deployment significantly easier, enabling faster revenue
generation.
As more potential sites are available with Nokia MetroHopper Radio, site acquisition can be
much easier and access can be implemented anywhere in metropolitan areas where
subscribers are located. There are few limitations with wireless access – aiming straight
down from a skyscraper to a Nokia MetroSite in the street canyon is as feasible as
connecting two base stations on street corners. Once the Nokia MetroSite solution has been
implemented, automatic network integration sets up the transmission connection and begins
operation.
In addition to the Nokia MetroHopper Radio’s versatility, the Nokia MetroHub Transmission
Node enables various transmission topologies to be used in the network, including point-to-
point, chain, star and loop. The Nokia FlexiHopper Microwave Radio with high capacity and
long hop length completes the access solution for a high capacity microcellular layer. Nokia
FlexiHopper is also a natural choice for infill sites that are often more distant from the next
node point in the transmission chain.
The Nokia MetroHopper Radio is based on proven microwave technology. The propagation
characteristics of the 58 GHz frequency have been known for decades. This radio complies
with the strict requirements of access availability, leading to continuous operation of the base
station and uninterrupted revenue flow for the operator.
Using the 58 GHz frequency band, which requires no frequency planning, offers mobile
operators many benefits. Due to the self-regulating nature of the 58 GHz band, its use can
drastically shorten the lead-time needed for link connection. This band is suitable for short-
range, high-density applications because the oxygen absorption of the frequency allows
hundreds of links to be installed per square kilometre.
This chapter gives an example of how a microcellular network can be implemented using
Nokia MetroSite.
The example network has three existing macro sites, with transmission between these sites
being loop protected. The main transmission media is microwave radio to enable a fast
network rollout. Implementation of the microcellular network is based on the use of Nokia
MetroHopper and Nokia FlexiHopper microwave radios. Nokia MetroHub Transmission
Nodes connect the microcellular networks to the existing GSM network. The transmission
network is configured by using the Nokia Autoconfiguration feature.
Implementation follows a radio network plan. As all three macro sites will serve as hub sites
for the surrounding micro sites, one Nokia MetroHub Transmission Node is installed at each
macro site. Macro base stations are also connected to the Nokia MetroHub Transmission
Node. After installation of the nodes, the transmission loop is created by using Nokia
FlexiHopper Microwave Radios. The capacity of the loop is selected to match the capacity
requirements of both macro and micro layers.
In the next phase, the first Nokia MetroSite base station sites are installed – with line of sight
to the macro sites – and connected to the Nokia MetroHub Transmission Nodes with Nokia
MetroHopper Radios. If additional microcellular sites do not have line of sight to the existing
macro sites, or loop protection is needed later, then stand-alone Nokia MetroHub
Transmission Nodes can be installed as mirror sites and future hub sites.
In this example, all stand-alone Nokia MetroHub Transmission Nodes except one are
connected to the macro sites by Nokia MetroHopper Radios. One stand-alone Nokia
MetroHub Transmission Node is connected to the base station controller site by using an
available leased line. The last BTSs are installed and connected to the stand-alone Nokia
MetroHub Transmission Nodes as above, primarily with Nokia MetroHopper Radios.
Deployment of the microcellular network is fast and easy, as the Nokia MetroHopper Radio
does not require co-ordinated frequency planning. In fact, the Nokia MetroHopper Radio is
the fastest transmission solution to implement whenever line of sight exists, either directly or
via mirror sites. Nokia MetroHub Transmission Nodes allow the Nokia MetroSite Base
Station family to be easily connected to the existing GSM network.
Nokia Autoconfiguration minimises the time and cost of cellular network integration,
operation and maintenance. Nokia Autoconfiguration provides efficient and straightforward
procedures for automatic transmission configuration and BTS integration when expanding
and maintaining the network.
Network transmission capacity can be planned and pre-commissioned before sites are
visited. After the base station is physically installed and connected to the transmission
network, it automatically locates the correct BSC and sets up a transmission link between the
new base station and the respective BSC. The base station parameters are then downloaded.
This reduces potential configuration errors and allows less skilled personnel to be used on
site.
Several tests, including the O&M and TRX link tests and the Abis loop test, are performed to
verify that commissioning has been successful, the equipment operates correctly and that
signal levels are satisfactory. The installation team can immediately verify the success of the
installation.
The Nokia BSC provides all the necessary functionality needed for handling the traffic in a
multilayer network. The reliable Nokia BSC acts as the backbone for smooth capacity
evolution by providing advanced Nokia Soft Capacity features. These maintain high voice
quality and high frequency efficiency in layered networks. This, combined with full BSC
support for the Nokia MetroSite functionality, makes the introduction of a new microcellular
layer quick and easy.
A full set of base station subsystem features is provided to secure the best traffic distribution
between network layers and to handle special microcell radio conditions, such as rapid field
drop or varying speed of the mobile.
As the Nokia MetroSite solution enables fast commissioning of new TRXs with the help of
Nokia Autoconfiguration, it is essential to be able to upgrade the BSCs’ TRX capacity at the
same time. The Nokia BSC with new high-capacity functionality can match network growth
to ensure fast revenue generation for the operator.
The Nokia Radio Network Controller's main task is the radio resource management in
WCDMA networks. Radio resource management is needed to control the radio spectrum
available to ensure that it is used efficiently to support high traffic levels and subscriber
numbers per cell.
Optimised network traffic management is provided by Nokia RNC for maximum return with
minimum investment. With the Nokia RNC, parameters like link quality, cell capacity and
coverage can be optimised according to the network planning targets. Handover control is
also built into the Nokia RNC.
The Nokia RNC allows different 3rd Generation services with the implementation of advance
radio bearers. Traditional circuit switched (e.g. ISDN), new packet switched multimedia (e.g.
Inter/intranet), messaging services (e.g. SMS or multimedia) and additional services (e.g.
Location services) are supported. The Nokia RNC also supports differentiated QoS classes
which are the basis for cost-efficient multimedia service production.
The modular structure of the Nokia RNC helps the operators to match investments with their
needs. The Nokia WCDMA radio network controller can be installed as a stand-alone
network element, e.g. on the same site as one of the base stations it controls, or can be
located with the mobile switching centre. The radio network controller can co-exist on a
GSM base station controller site to reduce the site costs.
The Nokia MetroSite Base Station family can be mounted indoors or outdoors. The most
common sites are wall- or pole-mounted, and outdoor installations underneath rooftops or
poles. In most cases the compact Nokia MetroHopper Radio carries transmission from the
BTS, although the E1/T1 interface can be utilised as well. Nokia FlexiHopper Microwave
Radio has a long hop length that is suitable for many infill sites in rural or suburban areas.
These transmission methods would be used in star networks in the terminating sites, or so-
called tail sites. Connection to the existing GSM network is via the Nokia MetroHub
Transmission Node.
Nokia MetroSite offers an optimised site solution for every site type, whether mounted on a
wall, pole, rooftop or indoors.
Due to its compact design, Nokia MetroSite makes site acquisition easier as site locations
that were previously unsuitable can now be used. Pre-commissioning of the equipment
means that the time spent at the site is reduced.
Wall Site is a wall-mounted outdoor site. Transmission is achieved with Nokia MetroHopper
Radios or leased lines.
Billboard Site is an outdoor site with the base station inside a billboard. This is a typical site
type allowing mass site acquisition whereby the operator is able to install base stations in all
billboards owned by the same company in one city area or even nationwide.
Indoor Site is a site where the cellular antennas are mounted outdoors while the base station
itself is installed indoors. Leased line transmission may be used. The site also includes
dedicated site support for battery back up.
Pole Site is an outdoor site where the base station is pole-mounted. This is also a typical site
type for mass site acquisition. Transmission is realised with Nokia MetroHopper Radios.
Nokia MetroSite is suitable for gap infill to cover areas with insufficient coverage. The low
cost for coverage combined with high capacity is important for future network evolution.
The following examples of sites are valid for GSM/EDGE and WCDMA solutions:
Infill Site in suburban areas is typically an outdoor site. Transmission is carried out with the
Nokia MetroHopper Radio.
Roadside Site is, for example, a pole-mounted outdoor site, providing coverage and capacity
for a road or a high street. Transmission is built with Nokia FlexiHopper Microwave Radio.
Indoor coverage from outdoors site can be a pole-mounted outdoor site providing indoor
coverage and capacity for adjacent buildings. Transmission is achieved with the Nokia
MetroHopper Radio.
As a part of indoor antenna system, Nokia MetroSite solution BTS with multiple carriers and
possibly external combiners, provides high trunking gain for dedicated indoor coverage.
Transmission is achieved with a leased line.
The following picture illustrates the Nokia MetroHub Transmission Node co-located with a
macro site. This type of site can be used as the hub site for the surrounding micro sites and as
part of the loop-protected backbone transmission network.
The transmission solution is based on the use of microwave radios. Nokia FlexiHopper and
Nokia UltraHopper Microwave Radios (PDH and SDH respectively), together with Nokia
MetroHub Transmission Nodes, are used to build the loop-protected backbone network for
the macrosites. The existing macro base station is connected to the Nokia MetroHub
Transmission Node with an E1 interface. The surrounding Nokia MetroSite solution base
stations are connected with Nokia MetroHopper Radios to the Nokia MetroHub
Transmission Node. More distant BTSs are connected with Nokia FlexiHoppers to the Nokia
MetroHub.
Stand-alone Nokia MetroHub Transmission Nodes can be implemented in the network with
minimum site requirements to make the use of Nokia MetroHopper Radios even more
feasible.
Nokia MetroSite is a complete system solution. It consists of compact elements that can be
used independently or together for maximum efficiency. The main building blocks of the
Nokia MetroSite solution are shown in the following figure:
Nokia MetroSite GSM, EDGE and WCDMA Base Station, Nokia MetroHub and Nokia
Battery Backup all have an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and the same mountings and
tools can be used to facilitate installation. All Nokia MetroSite network elements meet the
same environmental specification to ensure the solution is suitable in all parts of the world
from the Nordic countries to the tropics.
As mobile call traffic continues to grow, a single layer network will become inadequate.
Therefore, a multilayer network with high capacity microcells is needed. This is where
Nokia MetroSite excels. Previously, a large number of additional sites would have to be
found to meet this increase in traffic. However, with Nokia MetroSite, capacity can be
increased in a GSM/EDGE site by up to four TRXs and in a WCDMA site by up to two
carriers per base station cabinet, requiring fewer sites and less investment.
Operators can start in GSM/EDGE networks with one or two TRXs and add capacity as
needed with additional plug-in units, and in WCDMA networks with one carrier and add the
second carrier when needed.
In the future, GSM/EDGE sites can be installed with up to 12 GSM/EDGE TRXs by daisy
chaining the BTS cabinets. In WCDMA networks, three base stations can be chained to
achieve the maximum capacity of a Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station. A Nokia
MetroSite WCDMA Base Station can be co-sited with Nokia MetroSite GSM and EDGE
Base Stations. The transmission and antenna system will be shared with GSM/EDGE
equipment.
In GSM/EDGE networks the traffic handling capacity of each individual TRX increases
when the number of TRXs per cell increases. The figure below shows the additional trunking
gain of multiple TRX/cell configurations with cell configurations from one TRX to four
TRXs.
The Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station, a compact one to four TRX base station, is
optimised for microcellular applications. It is the core element of the Nokia MetroSite
capacity solution and Nokia Soft Capacity features can be utilised to maximise capacity.
This, together with high (5W) output power and efficient frequency reuse, makes Nokia
MetroSite a flexible solution for building capacity in mobile networks in areas of heavy call
traffic and for use as a gap infill solution. Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station can be used
Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station’s size, aesthetic design and ease of deployment can
significantly reduce an operator’s site planning and acquisition costs. Fast start-up and quick
integration into the network help bring immediate revenue flow. Furthermore, the
operational costs are low as BTS management is largely carried out remotely from the NMS.
The smooth step-by-step expansion maintains an uninterrupted revenue flow during system
upgrades and enables the operator to stay ahead of demand.
The Nokia MetroSite antenna system is an integral part of the base station solution and
different antenna configurations are available. The Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station uses
external antennas with every TRX having an antenna connector. The Nokia MetroSite
antenna solution includes directional- and omni-directional antennas, with all the necessary
cables and connectors. This flexible antenna concept is also suitable for dual-band use. If a
Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station needs to be used in conjunction with an indoor antenna
system, external Nokia MetroSite combiners are available. Combiners might also be needed
in situations where a Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station replaces an existing low capacity
(2 TRX) BTS, but the existing antenna system cannot be replaced.
The Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station is a compact, one to two carrier base station,
which provides the capacity and coverage needed for future networks. It is the core element
of the Nokia MetroSite WCDMA solution and the Nokia 3rd Generation system.
The Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station’s output power is 5W for one carrier and 2.5W
with two carriers. For higher capacity and for more sectors (e.g. 1+1+1 configuration), up to
three Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base Station cabinets can be chained together.
Like all Nokia MetroSite solution network elements, the Nokia MetroSite WCDMA Base
Station is unobtrusive and easy to install, allowing a faster rollout phase and immediate
revenue generation.
A WCDMA network may use single band antennas (for WCDMA only), dual-band antennas
(for GSM900/GSM1800 and WCDMA) or multiband antennas (for GSM900, GSM1800 and
WCDMA).
The Nokia MetroHub Transmission Node provides a simple connection to the existing GSM
network.
Nokia MetroHub is a compact transmission node for the microcellular environment. It uses
the same cabinet and mountings as the Nokia MetroSite GSM and EDGE Base Stations, thus
enabling new site locations and straightforward site deployment. Similar transmission plug-
in units are used in both Nokia MetroSite GSM and EDGE Base Stations and Nokia
MetroHub. Together with Nokia integrated radios, detailed transmission network planning
becomes transmission capacity planning.
redundant direction can be achieved to avoid disturbing ongoing calls. Additionally, Nokia
MetroHub provides support for radio transmission hot standby, an optional built-in battery
backup and an optional redundant power supply.
Nokia MetroHopper Radio is a revolutionary microwave radio for last kilometre access
using the 58 GHz band. Both CEPT and ETSI have specified that the 58 GHz band can be
allocated without co-ordinated frequency planning. Frequency management is performed by
an automatic listen-before-talk etiquette during initial set-up. This provides extremely quick
microwave radio installation, since frequency allocations are usually not required with local
authorities.
Nokia MetroHopper Radio comprises an indoor and outdoor unit, installed up to 300 m
apart, and connected together by a single coaxial cable that carries all signals and power.
Nokia MetroHopper Radio has a capacity of up to 4 x 2 Mbits, and FC RRI and FXC RRI
act as indoor units when used with Nokia MetroSite solution base stations. With Nokia
MetroHub Transmission Node, FXC RRI is used as an indoor unit.
Nokia MetroHopper Radio is ideal for last kilometre access with minimum planning and
implementation needed.
best performance is realised when it is connected to the FXC STM-1 card inside the Nokia
UltraSite Base Station family or inside the Nokia MetroHub. In these cases, a fibre cable and
a power cable connect the radio and the Add/Drop Multiplexer.
The Nokia MetroSite Battery Backup (BBU) is an essential part of the Nokia MetroSite
high-capacity site solution, providing uninterrupted service for mobile users to maximise an
operator’s revenue. Nokia MetroSite BBU provides continuous electrical back up for Nokia
MetroSite elements, ensuring they are always available to provide service. The Nokia
MetroSite BBU enclosure has the same aesthetically pleasing design and mountings as the
Nokia MetroSite GSM or EDGE Base Station. It is unobtrusive to simplify site acquisition
and reduce site rentals.
During mains failure, the Nokia MetroSite BBU will support a fully configured Nokia
MetroSite Base Station site, or provide additional battery back up for a Nokia MetroHub. It
uses small, high-capacity batteries and incorporates an auto-detection feature to identify the
type of battery being used. This allows charging parameters to be set automatically, making
installation quicker and easier, and reducing the risk of costly mistakes.
Under normal operating conditions, the mains is fed directly to the Nokia MetroSite BBU
output, bypassing most of the internal circuitry. This means that, if a fault occurs within the
Nokia MetroSite BBU while the mains supply is available, the Nokia MetroHub
Transmission Node or Nokia MetroSite Base Station continues to operate. This greatly
reduces the site downtime, even under the most adverse conditions.
Nokia MetroSite can be managed via the same Nokia NMS used for Nokia GSM and
WCDMA systems.
From the network management perspective, network development always begins with the
planning phase. The radio network plans, prepared by Nokia radio network planning tools,
Nokia Totem Suite, are then transferred to the network management system and stored for
later use.
After the network has been launched, input for network development is also received from
network monitoring personnel. Using the Nokia network management system tools for
monitoring network performance and availability, the need for increased capacity can be
detected at specified locations and this information is sent to the network planning
organisation.
When network implementation and commissioning is carried out, the new configuration or
service can be tested, accepted and activated. Testing ensures that the defined QoS
requirements are met.
The Nokia MetroSite is especially designed for ease of installation and commissioning:
Nokia Autoconfiguration capability helps operators minimise both time and money spent on
commissioning and network integration. When the equipment is ready for operation, the
Nokia NMS lists the elements and their configuration, topology and the transmission
connections in the NMS database. As a result, the operator gets a clear picture of the entire
base station access network. This enhanced visibility gives essential information for
transmission capacity planning and troubleshooting. With the NMS, the operator can clearly
visualise the base station connections and accurately pinpoint potential network problems.
As network traffic and the number of subscribers increases, it is more important to be able to
control the service quality perceived by end-users. For this reason, the Nokia NMS provides
the operator with tools that not only monitor the network infrastructure, but also help in
identifying how equipment problems may affect subscriber service.
The main advantages of the Nokia network management system tools for network
development and optimisation are:
• Less manual work to input parameters into network elements, resulting in fewer errors
and improved effectiveness
• Minimal need to visit base station sites reduces operational costs; equipment can be
remotely configured and base station software can be downloaded from the network
operations centre
Nokia MetroSite network elements are managed locally with the Nokia SiteWizard, a
software tool that runs on Windows 95/98 or Windows NT PC. Nokia SiteWizard also
covers the management of the FXC/FC transmission units and outdoor radio units of Nokia
MetroHopper and Nokia FlexiHopper, so the user can manage the whole site by connecting
the Nokia MetroSite Manager to the base station’s Local Management Port.
The Nokia MetroHub Transmission Node site can also be managed locally with Nokia
SiteWizard, which is connected to the node’s local management port. Nokia SiteWizard,
which also manages the Nokia MetroHopper Radio and Nokia FlexiHopper Microwave
Radio outdoor units, can be used remotely from the centralised Nokia NMS when
transmission elements require remote access.
Nokia has a comprehensive set of services that support the Nokia MetroSite solution with
regard to the operator’s business situation. Nokia services support the planning and
implementation of the microcellular solution and the operation of the enhanced network.
Nokia services support the operator in all the key phases of developing a new network
solution:
• Define the right capacity evolution path and the network solutions to satisfy market
expectations
• Determine the detailed microcellular solution as an optimal part of the overall network
Optimised Capacity Evolution which, in the short term, is achieved through Nokia
microcellular network planning. The longer term perspective is provided by the Capacity
Evolution Path and Strategy Service.
Just-in-time Rollout can be achieved through highly integrated deployment processes. With
Nokia MetroSite, heavy construction work is usually not needed. Moreover, implementation
and radio/transmission network planning is fully integrated. Furthermore, it is possible to
combine the installation and commissioning of the transmission and base stations.
High Operational Efficiency comes from the use of Nokia On-line Services, which
streamline operational tasks and reduce the steps to access information on Nokia products
and systems. Additionally, new training courses focus on operational tasks related to a
microcellular network.
Microcellular solutions should be deployed to optimise the overall network structure. This
structure evolves over time, and identifying the best capacity evolution path requires
extensive system know-how and planning experience. The Nokia planning services support
the operator in this process.
The Nokia Capacity Evolution Path and Strategy Service supports the operator in preparing
network master plans for business growth and optimising operational and financial
requirements. With support from Nokia, operators can accurately estimate network capacity.
The lowest network deployment costs can be achieved when subscriber growth and
subsequent capacity solutions are accurately defined at each network evolution phase.
Capacity Evolution Path and Strategy Service is available for an operator’s long-term
planning activities. This service evaluates the efficiency of spectrum utilisation and
recommends a cost-effective growth path in line with the operator’s business strategy. This
evaluation takes account of the environment, network planning effectiveness, and the
existing capacity enhancement. Options for growth will be created for the operator’s
business strategy from two to five years.
It is not just the definition of the long-term network evolution path that is challenging.
Identification of the best network solution for a small geographical area with high-capacity
demand is equally difficult. Traffic & Hot Spot Analysis identifies the high-density traffic
load areas within an existing operational network and verifies the best locations for new sites
needed to expand capacity. The service provides reliable data about the geographical traffic
distribution within an operational network.
• Confirmation of the advantages of new site locations before final site selection and
implementation
• Minimised investment for new infrastructure when expanding network capacity
• Speeding up capacity expansion planning and reducing planning and site acquisition
work
Nokia is also very experienced in planning and defining other Nokia system solutions that
complement Nokia MetroSite. The Nokia planning services help determine Nokia Soft
Capacity solutions in conjunction with Nokia MetroSite, which can help to enhance network
capacity and quality while minimising additional investment in equipment.
Nokia planning services provide comprehensive support in the detailed definition of the
Nokia MetroSite solution to optimise a macro layer network with the microcellular layer.
In preparing the right microcellular solution to meet increasing customer demands, Nokia
microcellular planning service helps to achieve a higher network efficiency from the
microcellular solution for greater profitability compared to a macrocellular solution.
Nokia Microcellular Network Planning develops an individual extension strategy for the
Nokia MetroSite solution and provides cost-effective solutions for capacity expansion.
System complexity increases dramatically with decreasing cell size, and only a careful
planning process can help ensure the best system performance. Nokia helps to build
microcellular competence for the operator’s personnel during the planning process.
Network Optimisation
The network optimisation service from Nokia provides support in finding the right structure
and tuning of the network to achieve a higher efficiency of both the macro and micro layer
networks. Optimisation of the overall network requires that the relevant system elements are
considered simultaneously, which requires comprehensive system and planning know-how.
The benefits that can be gained from the Network Optimisation service are:
• More efficient overall network solution with Nokia system and planning experience
• Savings in new equipment investments due to a more efficient network solution
• Higher end-user quality and network performance
Fast microcellular network rollout is made possible by simple installation and reduced
construction work. Even faster rollout is achieved by integrating the commissioning and
integration processes for both transmission and base station equipment. On top of this, it is
now possible to combine the site selection process with installation, as well as the radio and
transmission network planning, by using the Nokia Totem Suite tools for network
planning. This reduces site hunting and preparation time significantly.
The site acquisition service comprises site proposals based on site hunting, a site assessment,
a technical site survey and report, models for purchasing/lease agreements and technical
documents for acquiring permits from authorities. The extent of the work is agreed on
between Nokia and the operator. This service is flexible, from simply assisting with the legal
and financial planning aspects of obtaining a site to a turnkey delivery.
Network Implementation
With Nokia Network Implementation service, the network plan is put into practice by
implementing a site-specific installation plan with well-proven methods for project
management, installation, commissioning and integration. The objective is to bring services
on-line rapidly to gain a vital competitive advantage. Volume rollout is achieved through
centralised resource mobilisation using local subcontractors, and by experienced project
management working in partnership with the operator.
To integrate the microcellular network into the existing network as smoothly as possible,
Nokia offers a whole range of support services with new service levels.
• KeyCare , network platform support package, offers the basic technical support
services required to run the network platform smoothly.
• OptiCare , optimisation and maintenance support package, provides an operator with
services for improving the performance of the network within three integrated areas:
maintenance, performance and competence development and optimisation.
• CoCare , operating support package, covers comprehensive support for network
operations and enables fast ramp-up of operations for new operators.
• FullCare, operations outsourcing package, covers full operational outsourcing.
Training services have been redesigned to match the competence needed to operate and
maintain Nokia MetroSite products in a real network environment. The modular structure of
the courses ensures efficient training of personnel with different needs, while advanced
assessment methods and tools can be used to evaluate individual needs and verify success.
Nokia Online Services offer fast and easy access to Nokia Technical Data. The Resolution
Database, Technical Notes and many other elements of Nokia on-line Services bring
efficient access to information and support for daily operations.
Nokia Technical Support Services, including SW Maintenance Service (to ensure the latest
software versions are used), HelpDesk (for expert support), Hardware Services (for spares
management).