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Tuesday, 29 October 2024

China Deploys 5G-A Synaesthesia in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)

As a non-native English speaker, I had never come across the word synaesthesia (UK)/synesthesia (US). The Cambridge dictionary explains this as a condition in which someone experiences things through their senses in an unusual way, for example by experiencing a colour as a sound, or a number as a position in space. Wikipedia says that it is a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.

Earlier this year Light Reading reported that Tibet's $500M 5G network in Tibet has 2.3 million 5G users and penetration rate of 62%. The Diplomat reported that China has already built 11,719 5G base stations in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Quoting from the publication:

The 5G-A synaesthesia integrated base stations have been described by Huawei as a new revolutionary technology, along with passive IoT and endogenous intelligence, spurred by the 5G-A era.

China has developed the new 5G-A base stations to overcome the longstanding challenges faced by its traditional radars and cameras in terms of detecting and identifying small-sized drones operating within low-altitude airspace. These 5G-A base stations are equipped with comprehensive sensing capabilities that enable identification, real-time positioning, speed detection, and tracking of low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles, and other illegally intrusive targets. Following the completion of the first station, the China Mobile Tibet Company announced that its 5G-A base station has detection capabilities surpassing traditional radars. According to the company, the goal of these base stations in Tibet’s border areas is to build low-altitude sensing networks, thereby fostering the development of drone inspection and early warning systems. 

The low-altitude economy refers to various economic activities occurring within the vertical airspace that extends from 1,000 to 4,000 meters above the ground where civil-manned and unmanned aircraft vehicles operate and promote the integrated development of related fields.

The innovation of synaesthesia integrated technology in 5G-A has garnered great attention in China recently. 5G-A synaesthesia integrated technology combines multiple capabilities such as communications, imaging, and computing power, turning a regular communication network into a supercharged “radar,” with high-precision and resolution perception capabilities.

You can also learn more about the solution here. The MIIT press release emphasises that Redcap is available as part of the solution.

Huawei recently shared a video of them deploying 5G infrastructure in Tibet. The video is embedded below:

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Tuesday, 15 October 2024

BT/EE’s Growing Dependence on Small Cells to Boost Network Performance

EE, the consumer division of BT Group, stands as one of the UK’s largest subscription businesses, serving 25 million customers. Backed by the UK’s fastest mobile network, EE claims to deliver superfast connections in more locations than any other mobile network operator in the country.

Back in March 2022, EE announced that it has successfully deployed 200 new small cells across its UK network to boost capacity in high demand areas, allowing customers to benefit from download speeds up to 300Mbps. The press release noted:

EE has successfully deployed 200 new small cells across its UK network to boost capacity in high demand areas, allowing customers to benefit from download speeds up to 300Mbps. Small cells are mobile radio cells that help to provide better coverage for customers at street level, where it’s often impractical to build larger sites. Located on a variety of existing street assets, including BT’s iconic red telephone boxes, the units offer discreet boosters for coverage and are part of EE’s investment to maintain the UK’s best network.

Working in partnership with Nokia, EE uses advanced network analytics to identify areas where small cells will deliver a boost to network performance. A 4G small cell solution is then deployed which uses multiple spectrum bands to give a better experience. EE’s licenced 1800MHz and 2600Mhz spectrum bands are coupled with unlicenced 5GHz spectrum, to deliver standout speeds in densely congested areas. Working with local authorities, EE is making use of existing street assets to minimise their impact, including lamp posts, CCTV columns and BT phone boxes.

As well as Leeds, London and Manchester, EE and Nokia have also brought these new small cells online in parts of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Scarborough. Hundreds more small cell deployments are planned in the next 18 months, as EE uses the technology to bring additional network capacity to more locations, including some summer hotspots. EE’s commitment to providing the highest possible quality of experience will also see its use of small cells extend to its 5G network, with trials expected to begin soon. Nokia’s AirScale portfolio can also be seamlessly upgraded to 5G.

Then a BT press release in June 2023 highlighted that EE now had 611 small cell sites carrying 20TB of data traffic every day – the equivalent of streaming 8,000 hours of HD video or 280,000 hours of music – demonstrating the substantial value they offer to customers in high demand areas, as well as the importance of EE’s strategy to build prior to the arrival of any congestion whenever possible.

The most recent announcement from Aug 2024 highlighted that EE has now deployed over 1000 small cells across the UK, marking 400 new deployments over the last 12 months including its first 5G sites, recently installed in Croydon, London. The press release said: 

EE’s first 5G small cells are also now live as part of a trial taking place in the London Borough of Croydon. Seven sites, including four along Croydon’s London Road – a busy thoroughfare lined with businesses, shops and homes – are now supporting the local community, seeing over 3TB of traffic each day.

EE uses advanced network analytics to identify specific locations which would benefit from the performance boost enabled by a small cell. It then works with partners Nokia and Ericsson to deploy the solution itself, reducing congestion and enabling customers to benefit from speeds of up to 300Mbps for 4G cells, and 600Mbps for 5G. EE is unique within Europe in combining licenced 1800MHz and 2600Mhz spectrum with unlicensed 5GHz spectrum in its 4G small cells, which helps to deliver excellent capacity and speeds. The new 5G cells in Croydon are configured with licensed 1800MHz spectrum for 4G and 3.5GHz for 5G.

In addition to the above announcements, Freshwave, a connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider, announced that they have deployed neutral host solution in the City of London and EE are the first MNO to go live on this infrastructure. Their press release said:

A first-of-its-kind outdoor small cell project in the City of London has been such a success that it has now moved beyond the trial phase. Twenty-five new sites for mobile network operator (MNO) EE are now live on Freshwave’s infrastructure, adding capacity and enhancing the 4G and 5G network experience for EE mobile users in one of the world’s preeminent financial districts. Dozens of additional new sites for EE are also currently being built and will enhance mobile connectivity to the UK’s best network(1) in even more of the Square Mile when they are brought live in the future.

Freshwave, a connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider, built new mobile infrastructure for the project and EE was the first MNO to go live in December 2022. Across all of the sites involved in the initial pilot, EE is seeing up to 7.5TB of data downloaded per week. 

Freshwave’s bespoke solution enables the network to accommodate all four MNOs on 4G and 5G from day one with no adjustments needed to the infrastructure – making it a UK first. The solution features specially designed wideband antennas, cabinets and columns and extensive dark fibre to each cabinet.

As a neutral host, Freshwave operates the network deploying shareable infrastructure, reducing equipment duplication and creating a more cost-effective solution. This approach also minimises street clutter and the associated disruption during street works. Shareable infrastructure also reduces the environmental impact, while still assuring the mobile connectivity people expect when out and about.

The 25 new live sites are strategically located throughout the Square Mile, including notable landmarks such as outside St Paul’s Cathedral, Cannon Street and the Bank of England on Threadneedle Street.

Outdoor small cells are installed at street level which make them ideal for adding capacity to mobile networks. In busy urban areas, where large numbers of people use their mobiles simultaneously, demand on the macro network can be substantial. Outdoor small cells help alleviate some of this demand themselves, relieving the macro network and ensuring a better experience for users. 

I anticipate many more announcements like these in the future, as the industry increasingly relies on higher frequencies to relieve capacity constraints in densely populated urban areas. 

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Wednesday, 2 October 2024

Planning, Constructing, and Commissioning a Mobile Network Site

In an earlier post we looked at Cell-Site Construction And Evolution Strategies. A slightly older post on LinkedIn detailed the Telecom Site Installation process. Taking the post, the comments, some help from ChatGPT, here is a detailed process of planning, constructing, and commissioning a mobile network site. If you have an experience in this area, feel free to chip-in. 

1. Site Planning and Design: This phase involves assessing the need for a new mobile site, selecting a suitable location, and designing the layout of the infrastructure.

  • Coverage and Capacity Analysis:
    • Conduct radio frequency (RF) planning and coverage analysis to determine areas with poor or no signal.
    • Analyze user demand and traffic patterns to ensure the new site will meet current and future capacity needs.
  • Site Selection:
    • Identify potential site locations that meet RF requirements, zoning laws, and accessibility needs.
    • Conduct a site survey to evaluate the physical space, including accessibility, security, and suitability for equipment installation.
    • Ensure the site provides optimal line of sight for network coverage.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
    • Assess the environmental impact of the site, including factors like wildlife, vegetation, and local landmarks.
    • Identify any potential noise or visual pollution issues and assess community concerns or objections.
  • Permitting and Approvals:
    • Obtain necessary zoning permits and approvals from local authorities.
    • Secure additional permits, such as construction permits, environmental approvals, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Network Design and Engineering:
    • Design the overall site layout, including tower or mast structure, equipment placement, and power supply.
    • Conduct interference analysis with other nearby frequencies or signals to prevent service disruption.
    • Develop an engineering plan for the site, including foundation design, structural analysis, and electrical system requirements.

2. Site Acquisition and Preparation: This phase focuses on securing the site and preparing it for construction.

  • Leasing or Purchasing the Site:
    • Negotiate lease agreements or purchase the land with the landowner.
    • Finalize contracts with the property owner, detailing the duration, costs, and terms for operating the mobile site.
  • Site Preparation:
    • Clear the site and ensure it’s ready for construction, which may involve land leveling, vegetation removal, and installing access roads if necessary.
    • Secure the site with fencing or barriers for safety and to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Utility Coordination:
    • Arrange for the provision of utilities, including electricity, water, and access roads if needed.
    • Plan for backup power solutions such as generators or batteries to ensure continuous operation.
  • Material and Equipment Procurement:
    • Order and procure necessary materials and equipment, including towers, antennas, base transceiver stations (BTS), and other essential hardware.
    • Arrange logistics for equipment delivery, warehousing, and on-site storage.
An example of a pelican case with equipment safely stored for transport

3. Construction: This phase involves the physical construction of the mobile network site and the installation of all required equipment.

  • Tower or Mast Construction:
    • Construct the tower or mast, which may be self-supporting, guyed, or mounted on a rooftop, depending on the site.
    • Install safety features on the tower, including lightning protection, fall-arrest systems, and grounding systems.
  • Shelter and Equipment Installation:
    • Install a shelter or housing unit for network equipment, such as base stations, power supplies, and batteries.
    • Set up the power system, which includes connecting to the power grid, installing backup generators, or solar panels if needed.
  • Antenna and Radio Installation:
    • Mount antennas, microwave dishes, and any other required transmission equipment on the tower.
    • Connect radio units, transceivers, and other radio-frequency equipment to the antennas and configure them for optimal coverage.
  • Cable Installation:
    • Install coaxial, fiber optic, and power cables to connect antennas, base stations, and other equipment.
    • Ensure proper cable management and secure all cabling to prevent wear and damage.
  • Site Testing and Quality Assurance:
    • Perform structural testing of the tower and foundation to ensure stability and compliance with standards.
    • Conduct electrical and grounding system tests to verify operational safety.

4. Commissioning: This phase involves configuring and testing the equipment to ensure the site functions properly and is integrated into the larger mobile network.

  • Initial Power-Up and Configuration:
    • Power up the equipment, including base transceiver stations (BTS), antennas, and other network equipment.
    • Configure settings on the BTS, radio equipment, and other hardware according to the network design specifications.
  • Network Integration and Testing:
    • Integrate the new site into the mobile network, linking it to the network core and neighboring sites.
    • Test network connectivity, handover capabilities, data throughput, call quality, and signal strength.
    • Conduct drive tests and performance monitoring to assess coverage and adjust configurations as needed.
  • Optimization and Troubleshooting:
    • Fine-tune settings based on initial performance testing and feedback from engineers.
    • Address any connectivity issues, interference, or hardware malfunctions to ensure optimal performance.
  • Regulatory Compliance Testing:
    • Conduct tests to ensure the site complies with all regulatory standards, including RF exposure limits, signal interference, and safety protocols.
    • Verify that the site meets environmental and local authority requirements.

5. Handover and Maintenance Planning: After the site is fully operational, the last step involves handing it over for ongoing maintenance and ensuring a plan is in place for regular site management.

  • Site Handover:
    • Document all installation and testing details and hand over operational responsibility to the network operations team.
    • Train maintenance personnel on site-specific details and procedures for routine maintenance.
  • Routine Maintenance Scheduling:
    • Establish a schedule for regular maintenance, including checking equipment, tower structure, and electrical systems.
    • Plan for ongoing monitoring of performance and implement a system for handling fault reports and corrective maintenance.
  • Monitoring and Optimization:
    • Set up remote monitoring tools to continuously assess site performance, traffic loads, and equipment health.
    • Periodically re-evaluate coverage, capacity, and performance to make adjustments based on network growth and user demand.

Each phase involves careful coordination, especially for securing approvals, coordinating with equipment vendors, and ensuring that all safety and regulatory standards are met. This approach ensures that the mobile site is built to provide reliable service and can adapt to future demands.

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