Nokia Siemens Networks WCDMA Frequency Refarming Solution Description

Table of contents

Table of contents................................................................................................2 1. 2.
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

Executive summary..............................................................................4 Introduction to WCDMA frequency refarming......................................6

What is WCDMA frequency refarming ............................................................................6 Market trends .................................................................................................................6 WCDMA frequency refarming scenarios .........................................................................7 Operator challenges .......................................................................................................8

3.
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

Value of WCDMA frequency refarming ............................................ 10

Benefits of WCDMA in lower frequencies .....................................................................10 HSPA Evolution and I-HSPA ........................................................................................11 Cost-efficient 3G coverage for rural areas ....................................................................12 WCDMA frequency refarming business case example .................................................13 Environmental benefits .................................................................................................14

4.
4.1 4.2 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.3 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.3.4 4.4 4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 4.4.4 4.5 4.5.1 4.5.2 4.5.3 4.5.4 4.5.5 4.5.6

WCDMA frequency refarming solution overview.............................. 15

General solution overview ............................................................................................15 Key functionalities.........................................................................................................16 WCDMA functionalities .................................................................................................16 GSM/WCDMA interworking ..........................................................................................17 GSM functionalities.......................................................................................................18 Base station site system...............................................................................................19 Base stations................................................................................................................19 Antenna lines................................................................................................................21 Transport for WCDMA frequency refarming ..................................................................22 Power feed systems .....................................................................................................23 Network management system (OSS)............................................................................24 Measurement based network management ..................................................................24 Network optimization ....................................................................................................24 Feature rollout ..............................................................................................................24 Multi-technology network management system ............................................................25 Nokia Siemens Networks Services ...............................................................................25 Consulting and Systems Integration .............................................................................25 Network Implementation ...............................................................................................25 Network Design Service ...............................................................................................25 Managed Services........................................................................................................26 Maintenance.................................................................................................................26 Spare Part Management...............................................................................................26

5. 6.

Field experience................................................................................ 27 References........................................................................................ 28

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This document describes the product(s) defined in the introduction of this document and is subject to change without notice. This document is intended for the internal use of Nokia Siemens Networks only and not to be given to customers. Nokia Siemens Networks has used reasonable efforts to ensure that the instructions contained in the document are adequate and free of material errors and omissions. However, the information or statements contained in this document concerning the suitability, capacity or performance of the product(s) concerned are not binding, except as may explicitly be agreed to by Nokia Siemens Networks in the agreement under which this document is submitted. Nokia Siemens Networks liability for any errors in the document is limited to the documentary correction of errors. IN NO EVENT SHALL NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES OF WHATEVER NATURE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, ECONOMIC OR CONSEQUENTIAL, that might arise from the use of or inability to use this document or anything contained herein. This document and the product it describes are protected by copyright according to applicable laws. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Nokia Siemens Networks.

Nokia Siemens are registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other product names mentioned in this document may be trademarks of their respective companies, and are mentioned for identification purposes only.

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1. Executive summary
3G networks based on WCDMA technology have been in operation for several years. From the launch of the first WCDMA networks the demand for additional 3G coverage has been growing continuously. Operators are looking to expand the initial 3G coverage to rural areas. At the same time in urban and some suburban locations the indoor coverage is not optimized for 3G and data speeds can be relatively low. There is clearly a need for a cost efficient solution for 3G coverage expansion. Use of lower frequencies for radio access coverage building is beneficial due to better signal propagation. This leads to remarkably less base station sites and thereby to significantly reduced OPEX and CAPEX for an operator. Comparing WCDMA 2100 MHz to 900 MHz or 850 MHz the 3G coverage can be built with 65% less sites leading to 60% reduction in network total cost of ownership. HSPA in 900 and 850 MHz enable better 3G indoor coverage that boosts the data rates by 65-130%. For these reasons the use of 900 and 850 MHz frequency bands is highly interesting option for improving 3G network efficiency and coverage. Today the 900 and 850 MHz spectrum is very often already used by GSM or in some cases by TDMA or CDMA networks. This makes the WCDMA deployment to these bands challenging. As operators naturally want to serve also their existing GSM subscribers the available spectrum needs to be divided between GSM and WCDMA networks. The challenge is how to successfully accommodate WCDMA into frequency band that is currently used by GSM, and at the same time keep the GSM capacity and quality unchanged. Regardless of the challenges already several operators are deploying WCDMA in 900 and 850 MHz frequencies together with Nokia Siemens Networks. In some countries there are tight restrictions on radio spectrum usage. In number of countries these restrictions have been removed or there are actions ongoing to repeal the limitations. Regulators are moving towards technology neutral licenses and start to allow WCDMA in 900 or 850 MHz frequency bands. Additionally in several countries the regulators are rearranging the frequencies to enable WCDMA deployment to lower frequency bands. Terminal availability and penetration are important for refarming feasibility. First device for WCDMA 900 MHz is already available and more are coming during 2008 from various vendors. The penetration of WCDMA 900 MHz starts to grow from second half of 2007 and can be further supported by operators active push of these devices. Nokia Siemens Networks offers a complete end-to-end solution taking into account all needed aspects for easy and successful WCDMA frequency refarming. In addition to products and functionalities for WCDMA in 900 and 850 MHz we provide wide set of tools to squeeze spectrum need in order to allocate WCDMA into the same bandwidth with GSM and manage the co-existence of these technologies. With Nokia Siemens Networks WCDMA Frequency Refarming Solution the GSM network capacity can be maintained and quality unchanged while rolling the WCDMA network into same frequency band. Our unique 4.2 MHz carrier bandwidth functionality for WCDMA enables WCDMA 900 MHz network deployment with less spectrum leaving as many frequencies as possible left for GSM usage. In addition our market leading GSM spectrum efficiency features like Adaptive Multi Rate (AMR) and Dynamic Frequency and Channel Allocation (DFCA) secure adequate capacity and service for GSM users.
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Also a comprehensive set of Radio Resource Management functionalities to ensure optimal multiradio interworking capability and traffic sharing between GSM and WCDMA networks are included in our WCDMA Frequency Refarming Solution. Naturally every WCDMA network delivered by us, including WCDMA 900 or 850 MHz, is HSDPA and HSUPA capable, with software download only. HSPA Evolution will take WCDMA carrier capacity up to 42Mbps in downlink and 11Mbps in uplink, and also supports flat architecture with I-HSPA. This evolution is available also on 900 and 850 MHz frequencies. Nokia Siemens Networks offers state-of-the-art site systems for co-existence of GSM and WCDMA equipment in same location, including Flexi WCDMA Base Station for 900 and 850 MHz frequencies. Cost-efficiency of WCDMA frequency refarming to existing GSM spectrum is improved by maximized usage of existing site equipment. The planning and optimization of WCDMA and GSM networks in frequency refarming cases is simplified with Nokia Siemens Networks NetAct network management tools. The measurement based network optimization of NetAct ensures best possible network performance. As a multi-technology network management system NetAct supports seamless management of both GSM and WCDMA technologies as well as 2G/3G interworking. Nokia Siemens Networks operator services secure the successful introduction of WCDMA into 900 or 850 MHz frequencies and help to optimize the GSM and WCDMA network coexistence in the same frequency band. Nokia Siemens Networks is the most experienced vendor in WCDMA Refarming and was the first network vendor to showcase HSDPA data call in commercial network using 900HMz as well as supplier in worlds first commercial WCDMA network in 900 MHz frequency. Refarming currently used 900 or 850 MHz frequencies into WCDMA and HSPA together with Nokia Siemens Networks makes pure business sense; it offers immediate business opportunity for broadband high speed wireless access reusing operators current spectrum assets.

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2. Introduction to WCDMA frequency refarming

2.1 What is WCDMA frequency refarming
The term frequency refarming refers to activity where operator introduces new technology into the same frequency spectrum allocation currently used by another technology. In other words frequencies are taken out from older technology to be used by a newer technology. Frequencies are thus refarmed. Typically if there is still significant amount of traffic and subscribers on the older technology, the existing bandwidth needs to be divided between newer and older technologies so that enough capacity is left for the older. The figure below depicts a situation where current GSM bandwidth of an operator is refarmed with WCDMA. In this case enough bandwidth needs to be carved out from existing GSM frequency block in order to accommodate WCDMA carrier into the same block of frequencies.

Operators current GSM bandwidth

WCDMA/HSPA = WCDMA = GSM after refarming

2100/1900 MHz band 900/850 MHz band

Figure 1 WCDMA refarming to GSM frequencies

2.2

Market trends
While the 3G terminal penetration is growing and usage of 3G services globally is increasing heavily, also the requirement for coverage to rural areas is increasing. In addition to people living in rural areas also the subscribers who are used to wireless broadband services at home or office in the cities want to use similar services also in week-end cottage or holiday resort, for example. Following the global success of HSDPA, the high speed data services are often operators key assets and their main differentiators. Some subscribers prefer the operator who provides the best HSPA coverage and highest data rates. Since majority of HSPA users are located indoors the importance of indoor HSPA data rates is significant. The demand for improved WCDMA coverage together with challenges to turn the downward trend of ARPU development leads to challenge of how to expand the WCDMA coverage as well as operate the WCDMA network in cost-efficient way.

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900 MHz frequency band has been available for GSM over 15 years. Even though the benefits of lower frequency are well known, the band has not been available for WCDMA. Only recently have authorities opened up the possibility to use 900 MHz for WCDMA in addition to GSM. Local authorities in e.g. Finland, France and Switzerland have already given the operators the permit to use WCDMA on the band and multiple deployments are on-going. Same trend is picking up in many parts of Asia. Worlds first WCDMA 900 MHz network with HSPA capability was opened for commercial use in November 2007 in Finland. For 850 MHz frequency band there have already been multiple WCDMA deployments especially in the Americas, but also in some parts of Asia. Typically in these locations the band has had either no GSM deployments prior to WCDMA or relatively new GSM entries. This has allowed more freedom in regulation early on. In regulatory area the trend seems to be that existing WCDMA operators will be given a continuous block of lower frequencies to enable WCDMA deployment in that spectrum as well. In countries where every operator doesnt have 900 or 850 MHz spectrum at all the operators are often given possibility to get the frequency e.g. by auction. Terminal availability for WCDMA 900 MHz is rapidly getting better and e.g. Nokia has delivered WCDMA 900 MHz terminal since autumn 2007. More WCDMA 900 MHz terminals including PC-cards are arriving to markets, also from multiple other terminal manufacturers. The chipsets for WCDMA 900 MHz have been available for testing since 2006. For 850 MHz band there are over 100 WCDMA handset models already available.

2.3

WCDMA frequency refarming scenarios

There are three key different deployment approaches while refarming WCDMA to a bandwidth that is already used for a mobile network. WCDMA in 900 or 850 MHz networks can be build to expand 3G coverage to rural areas, to expand urban coverage or for initial 3G rollout.

Low band cell

High band cell

Scenario 1: Rural 3G coverage

Scenario 2: Urban 3G expansion

Scenario 3: Initial 3G rollout

Figure 2 Typical WCDMA frequency refarming deployment scenarios In scenario 1, rural 3G coverage building, the WCDMA 900 or 850 MHz network is deployed to expand operators 3G coverage. The initial WCDMA coverage to urban and probably also to sub-urban areas was deployed using higher frequency band, e.g. 2100 MHz. In these cases moving part of the frequencies from GSM to WCDMA network can

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be relatively easy since in rural areas the GSM traffic is often significantly lower than in urban and sub-urban areas. In scenario 2, urban 3G coverage expansion, the WCDMA 900 or 850 MHz network is build to complete the 3G coverage by providing fill in coverage to gaps and by improving indoor coverage. Similar coverage building can happen also in suburban environments, especially to provide wireless broadband services to residential areas. In urban and suburban areas frequency refarming from GSM to WCDMA can be more challenging since typically GSM capacity requirements in these areas are high. In scenario 3 the initial WCDMA rollout is done with WCDMA in 900 or 850 MHz. In practice all 3G rollouts start from urban areas where also the GSM capacity is typically quite high. That is the case also here and the challenges are similar to challenges of scenario 2, i.e. getting frequencies from GSM to WCDMA can be difficult.

2.4

Operator challenges
Regardless of the used technology or frequency the deployment of new radio network is always significant investment. Typically operators today operate several networks in multiple bandwidths, which increase the OPEX. Increasing the spectrum efficiency, i.e. the return of investment into the frequency assets is always the goal to any operator in improving their efficiency. Rural WCDMA coverage could be provided with currently used high frequency bands (typically 2100 MHz) but it would lead to high number of base station sites and thereby to relatively high deployment and operation costs. This is not proper solution because the operators OPEX/CAPEX pressure is typically high. With high frequencies the deployment of good 3G coverage for indoors by using outdoor sites is difficult due to the signal attenuation caused by the building walls. Typical building penetration loss is 10-20 dB depending on how deep in the building the subscriber is. Operators need to guarantee high speed data services also for indoor locations with low delivery costs. Dedicated indoor solutions are effective for specific locations, such as shopping malls, but in order to provide better indoor HSPA coverage within the larger service area they might be too expensive. Using WCDMA in 900 MHz is viable option here. One of the biggest challenges on using 900 and 850 MHz for WCDMA is that those frequencies are already used by other radio networks, typically by GSM networks. Since GSM networks are an important revenue source for operators and large amount of subscribers are still using single mode GSM terminals, operators naturally dont want to risk the business by lowering GSM performance to enable WCDMA deployment to 900 or 850 MHz band. Therefore the available spectrum needs to be divided effectively between GSM and WCDMA networks and the capacity and quality of GSM networks must remain unchanged while introducing WCDMA into the same band. WCDMA implementation requires a continuous 5 MHz frequency block. In some areas or countries current frequency allocation is too fragmented for WCDMA deployment, leading to a need of frequency reallocation. In several countries regulators are already rearranging the frequencies to wider blocks or at least planning these actions. WCDMA frequency refarming to spectrum currently used by other technologies, like GSM, always leads to frequency re-planning in some level. Part of the frequencies must be moved from GSM to WCDMA and therefore better spectrum efficiency and new

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frequency plan is needed for the GSM network. This introduces frequency planning and optimization needs. Sufficient terminal penetration is needed for any feasible refarming scenario. WCDMA at 900 MHz is no exception. Operators can and should ensure sufficient WCDMA 900 MHz device penetration before network is commercially launched in order to immediately obtain maximum benefit from WCDMA 900 MHz once the service is launched. This is done by pushing the devices into the market and requiring these from device vendors. Increasing race regarding Long Term Evolution (LTE) commercial availability among infrastructure vendors have led to aggressive time schedules where first LTE products are planned to be introduced already 2010. This has raised some concern about feasibility of WCDMA frequency refarming compared to LTE frequency refarming. Nokia Siemens Networks sees that there is plenty of time for WCDMA refarming to 900 MHz and 850 MHz before operators move to offer LTE services. This is due to strong device availability in multiple price categories, spectrum efficiency and performance of the HSPA evolution (that naturally works also in 900 MHz spectrum) as well as the positive momentum currently existing for WCDMA and HSPA services globally.

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3.

Value of WCDMA frequency refarming

The biggest pain for operators in building rural WCDMA coverage has been the amount of needed base station sites. This leads to high CAPEX and OPEX in areas where the 3G service usage and thereby revenue would be relatively modest in the beginning. Thereby one of the most effective options to reduce the network total cost of ownership is to reduce amount of those sites and this can be achieved by using lower frequencies for 3G network deployment.

3.1

Benefits of WCDMA in lower frequencies

The better radio signal propagation characteristics of 900 and 850 MHz spectrum enable WCDMA network deployment with one third of the base station sites when compared to higher frequencies. Therefore deploying WCDMA network in 900 or 850 MHz frequency band is one of the best solutions for 3G coverage enhancement.

WCDMA2100 1Mbps WCDMA2100 Voice GSM1800 Voice WCDMA900 1Mbps WCDMA900 Voice GSM900 Voice 0.0 2.0 4.0

Cell area increases 2.8x from WCDMA2100 to WCDMA900 = 65% reduction in sites

Cell area increases 1.5x from GSM900 to WCDMA900 = 33% reduction in sites

6.0 Cell area [km2]

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

Suburban indoor

Figure 3 Voice and data coverage comparison Due to better signal propagation the use of lower frequencies for WCDMA enables better indoor coverage as well as higher data rates. While the building penetration losses grow the benefits of using 900 and 850 MHz for WCDMA network deployment increases. When comparing HSPA in 900 MHz to HSPA in 2100 MHz the data rates are boosted by 60-130% depending on the users location inside the building. With HSPA in 900 and 850 MHz the average data rates are boosted above 1 Mbps also in very deep indoor locations.

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6000 5000 4000 3000 2000

kbps HSPA900 HSPA2100

+60%

+130%
1000 0 Outdoor Indoor, -10dB penetration loss Indoor, -20dB penetration loss

Figure 4 HSPA data rates with 900 and 2100 MHz spectrum Indoor data services are really important for operators since most wireless broadband usage comes from indoor locations. Improved HSPA indoor performance brings potential for data revenue growth. Better 3G service availability naturally increases the usage. However, the increased data rates probably attract the users even more and boost the wireless broadband usage indoors. Naturally WCDMA in 900 MHz supports also the HSPA Evolution improvements for data speeds and coverage. Here up to 42Mbps in downlink and 11Mbps in uplink are standardized. Nokia Siemens Networks will also implement market leading base station receiver, Frequency Domain Equalizer, for superb coverage and uplink performance.

3.2

HSPA Evolution and I-HSPA

Refarming part of the current GSM 900 or 850 MHz bandwidth to WCDMA together with Nokia Siemens Networks opens the possibility for an operator also to take advantage of HSPA evolution (3GPP rel7 and 8) for both radio and architecture. All this is available also on 900 and 850 MHz.

3GPP R5

3GPP R6
p Downlink

3GPP R7
eak rate

3GPP R8

42 Mbps 28 Mbps 11 Mbps 11 Mbps

14 Mbps 14 Mbps 5.7 Mbps 0.4 Mbps

a Uplink pe k rate

Figure 5 HSPA peak data rate evolution on 900 and 850MHz The HSPA data rate evolution depicted in the Figure 5 means massive capacity for broadband wireless services following data tornado launched by HSDPA introduction, and support for high speed peak data rates per user following terminal capabilities. Bringing this evolution also into 900 and 850 MHz bandwidth delivers this performance with superior coverage capabilities e.g. to expand current mobile broadband offering into new areas.

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Since the launch of HSDPA, the rapidly growing network traffic and terminal speeds require optimization of costs of the delivered data services. Also in most markets operators are offering broadband mobile services with aggressive flat monthly fee, which increases the pressure on margins. Nokia Siemens Networks have innovated a solution for this, called Internet-HSPA. In I-HSPA, fully standardized in Rel7 together with HSPA Evolution, we direct the userplane traffic directly to core network from the base station. This offers tremendous savings opportunity for operators offering very high traffic data services. Naturally I-HSPA is also available on WCDMA 900 or 850MHz bands.

Figure 6 I-HSPA simplified network architecture for 900 and 850MHz bands

3.3

Cost-efficient 3G coverage for rural areas

In rural areas WCDMA in 900 MHz band triples the cell coverage area when compared to 2100 MHz leading to reduced amount of needed base station sites by 65%. This leads to significant CAPEX and OPEX savings and in many cases even to 60% reduction in total cost of ownership. Potential sources for CAPEX and OPEX savings are shown in figure below.

Sources for CAPEX savings

Equipment Site acquisition Implementation Logistic

Sources for OPEX savings

Power consumption Transmission Operation & management Site rental

Figure 7 Cost saving sources In addition to reduced costs WCDMA frequency refarming provides option for revenue growth. New subscribers are in the service area and can start to use wireless
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broadband services when the rural 3G coverage extends. Secondly existing users can enjoy 3G services also in new locations, like holiday resorts or summer houses. WCDMA in lower frequencies makes 3G coverage affordable also for rural areas.

3.4

WCDMA frequency refarming business case example

Outcome of business modeling depend heavily on used data and made assumptions. Following example is a cost comparison from real WCDMA frequency refarming case with country and operators specific details. To get a realistic view of operator specific business case a customized modeling has to be done. Following business case is done to find out the cost difference between WCDMA in 900 MHz and 2100 MHz. It compares total cost of ownership over 5 years and includes costs of both WCDMA and GSM networks. This operator is currently operating a country wide GSM network and a WCDMA network with very small coverage. The target is to deploy country wide WCDMA coverage in addition to the GSM networks. The GSM network capacity and quality as well as base station site locations will remain unchanged. Assumptions: WCDMA site costs are same in both cases WCDMA BTSs are installed to GSM BTS sites GSM sites costs are same in both cases GSM spectrum efficiency SW costs come from implementation of AMR and DFCA o o AMR is used country wide DFCA is used only in city areas (LMU equipment costs are included in GSM spectrum efficiency SW)

WCDMA900 WCDMA2100 GSM spectrum efficiency SW GSM

-63%

WCDMA2100

WCDMA900

Figure 8 Cost comparison of rural WCDMA coverage In this example the use of 900 MHz frequency band for WCDMA coverage deployment leads to 63% savings in total cost of ownership when compared to WCDMA in 2100 MHz. Both CAPEX and OPEX differences are similar.

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3.5

Environmental benefits
Significant reduction on base station site amount leads to benefits in environmental point of view as well. One of the most important topics is the energy usage, deployment of 65% less sites leads to remarkable reduction in power consumption. The huge reduction in needed site equipment leads to reduced material consumption and transport needs, for example. With fewer sites also the visual impact of WCDMA network deployment is lower.

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4. WCDMA frequency refarming solution overview

4.1 General solution overview
The complete end-to-end WCDMA Refarming Solution from Nokia Siemens Networks is taking into account all needed aspects of WCDMA 900 or 850 MHz network deployment. Naturally it introduces all needed WCDMA equipment in 900 or 850 MHz frequency, but in addition it includes functionalities and operator services to help to manage the co-existence of GSM and WCDMA in the same band. Nokia Siemens Networks provides full set of site equipment for WCDMA in 900 and 850 MHz, including base stations, transport equipment, antenna line products as well as power supply and back-up systems. In WCDMA refarming cases GSM and WCDMA cositing will be very common and therefore our solution is designed to enable maximum reuse of existing equipment. While refarming WCDMA network to frequencies that are currently used for GSM the available frequency band needs to be divided between GSM and WCDMA. Therefore it is essential to minimize the amount of spectrum required for WCDMA 900 and 850 MHz and thereby the impact on GSM subscribers. To solve this challenge and ensure the GSM capacity and quality while introducing WCDMA to same frequency band Nokia Siemens Networks is in the leading position to offer a complete solution including functionalities for WCDMA and GSM, network management system as well as operator services. In WCDMA frequency refarming cases at least two radio network technologies are operated in parallel. In this environment extensive functionality for smooth GSM/WCDMA interworking is needed to ensure high user experience. To get most out of the network also the traffic must be balanced between GSM and WCDMA networks as well as different frequency layers. The market leading interworking functionality from Nokia Siemens Networks ensures smooth co-existence of GSM and WCDMA networks. Refarming a spectrum that is already used for another technology can result in complicated network planning, optimization and management. Especially in cases where the used technologies require own special network management systems the operation of multi-radio network can become difficult. Common multi-technology management system, like NetAct from Nokia Siemens Networks, is highly beneficial for network planning, optimization and management in this kind of environments. With Nokia Siemens Networks solution the frequency re-planning that is mandatory for WCDMA frequency refarming is not a problem. Our NetAct provides good tools with high level of automation for frequency planning and optimization. In addition the frequency tuning of our site equipment is done with software and can be handled remotely without expensive and time consuming site visits. Naturally proper operator services are available to help on solving this challenge. Nokia Siemens Networks utilizes its close relationship with Nokia in testing and optimizing the WCDMA network and terminal operations in 900 and 850 MHz. This turns into direct benefit to our customers as e.g. smooth inter-operability and optimal functionality time-to-market in both terminals and networks is guaranteed.

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GSM & WCDMA functionalities

BTS site solutions

OSS tools & functionalities Services

Figure 9 WCDMA Frequency Refarming Solution from Nokia Siemens Networks

4.2

Key functionalities
In most cases WCDMA 900/850 MHz network will be operated in parallel with an existing cellular network, typically that is GSM and/or WCDMA at another frequency layer. High spectrum efficiency in both WCDMA and GSM networks is mandatory to enable successful frequency refarming. In addition a proper system level support is needed to optimize the interoperability between different systems and/or frequency layers.

4.2.1

WCDMA functionalities
All existing Nokia Siemens Networks WCDMA features are available also to WCDMA 900/850 MHz, including HSDPA and HSUPA functionalities. In addition spectrum efficiency and WCDMA dual band functionalities are useful in WCDMA frequency refarming cases.

4.2.1.1

4.2 MHz carrier bandwidth In frequency refarming cases it is vitally important to be able to operate the new radio system in as narrow spectrum slot as possible. To support this, Nokia Siemens Networks has developed a Flexi BTS based functionality which enables WCDMA operation at only 4.2 MHz spectrum allocation without a need to sacrifice system performance. Nokia Siemens Networks 4.2 MHz carrier bandwidth feature can be used in coordinated network deployment, meaning in practice that GSM and WCDMA base stations are co-located at the same site. In this case the power control functionality in GSM and WCDMA terminals and correspondingly at base stations is used to prevent inter-system interference. With advanced RF filtering in the Flexi BTS, a frequency arrangement illustrated in following figure can be used.

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Uncoordinated case 2.8 MHz

Coordinated case 2.2 MHz

WCDMA/ HSPA

BCCH no power control

non-BCCH with power control

Figure 10 Nokia Siemens Networks 4.2 MHz WCDMA carrier bandwidth functionality Uncoordinated case in the figure left side refers to case planned according to 3GPP specification. In that case GSM and WCDMA base station antennas can be installed in different locations and power control is not used. Coordinated case in the figure refers to deployment with Nokia Siemens Networks Solution. In this case the deployment is done in coordinated way and with power control on. In case the Nokia Siemens Networks equipment is used in uncoordinated installation the required spacing between WCDMA and GSM is 2.6 MHz leading to 5.0 MHz carrier bandwidth. In other words, with Nokia Siemens Networks Solution the WCDMA layer can be deployed to frequencies currently used for GSM with 1.2 MHz less spectrum. This solution leaves much more frequencies to be used in the existing GSM networks. 4.2.1.2 Interoperability between WCDMA frequency layers In WCDMA frequency refarming cases all Nokia Siemens Networks intra-system interworking functionality like Load and Service Based Handover can be used to balance the traffic between frequency layers. This applies also to providing service continuity in cases where one of the frequency layers has discontinuities in coverage. In a multilayer network, most of the terminals would camp in idle mode in a cell with the highest signal level. In practice this would be the 900/850 layer, which might become overloaded in some cases. This could prevent system access from the terminals located at the outer boundary of 900/850 cell. This kind of situation can be avoided using Nokia Siemens Networks Hierarchical Cell Structure (HCS), feature which moves the slow moving terminals to higher frequency layer whenever it is accessible.

4.2.2

GSM/WCDMA interworking
In addition to intra-system interoperability also the inter-system interworking is very important in frequency refarming. With Nokia Siemens Networks solutions the system load can effectively be balanced between multiple GSM and WCDMA network layers.

4.2.2.1

Continuous coverage GSM/WCDMA interworking support includes coverage based handover for voice in active mode. Same applies also for cell re-selections in idle and in packet data mode. By using these functionalities subscriber will not notice possible discontinuities in cell coverage.

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4.2.2.2

Load balancing and end-user service performance With Nokia Siemens Networks Load and Service Based Handover feature the operator can balance the system load between GSM and WCDMA networks in an optimal way. It is possible to prefer one of the networks or frequency layers for voice traffic and other for data. Load and service based triggers and neighboring cell parameters are operator adjustable.

4.2.3

GSM functionalities
In most cases the GSM voice and data traffic needs to be allocated to a very narrow frequency band to serve current GSM traffic and enable WCDMA frequency refarming to 900/850 MHz spectrum. Nokia Siemens Networks offers comprehensive GSM spectrum efficiency feature portfolio and by selecting most suitable features for different geographical areas high quality and capacity GSM service can be maintained even if part of the earlier used frequencies are allocated from GSM to WCDMA.

4.2.3.1

GSM spectrum efficiency feature portfolio GSM spectrum efficiency functionalities consist of basic mature solutions such as different frequency hopping techniques, dynamic power control and discontinuous transmission. Interference cancellation in urban environment can be improved significantly with advanced techniques that jointly detect both the wanted signal and the interfering signals to estimate the channel. Such techniques are Single Antenna Interference Cancellation (SAIC/DARP) and Space Time Interference Rejection Combining (STIRC) and both of the features give maximum performance in a synchronous GSM network. AMR and DFCA are state-of-the-art techniques for maximizing the frequency efficiency and capacity in the GSM network.

Capacity Gain Frequency Hopping (FH) Power Control (PC) Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) Adaptive Multi Rate (AMR) BSS Synchronization Single Antenna Interference Cancellation (SAIC) Space Time IRC (STIRC) Dynamic Frequency and Channel Allocation (DFCA) Antenna Hopping 40 -100 % 30 % 30 % 50 % 30 % 120 - 150 % <20% 50 - 80 %

Link Gain Max 7 dB Max 1.5 dB 3 dB 4.5-5 dB 0.5 dB 8 dB 4-10 dB

Notes Full gains with slow MS Traffic distribution dependence MS Battery savings 3 dB practical (algorithm) LMU needed MS algorithm Better than IRC 40 Gain % with 100% AMR MS

2 dB

Small Configurations

Table 1 Benefits of GSM spectral efficiency features

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4.2.3.2

Adaptive Multi Rate (AMR) AMR speech codec is one of the most important functionalities when building spectrum efficient GSM network. Extensively used it has potential to increase the spectrum efficiency up to 150% thus supporting carving out frequencies in challenging scenarios of WCDMA frequency refarming into current GSM bandwidth. AMR system exploits implied performance compromises by adapting the speech and channel coding rates according to the quality of the radio channel. This gives improved channel quality and better robustness to errors.

4.2.3.3

Dynamic Frequency and Channel Allocation (DFCA) Nokia Siemens Networks unique DFCA functionality allocates dynamically the most suitable radio channel for any connection. DFCA is a BSS radio resource management functionality that selects the radio channel individually for each connection from a dedicated channel pool and minimizes the interference also to existing connections. It is based on connection-specific interference criteria. DFCA algorithm has real time information of the radio environment and channel allocations in the whole BSS area where the functionality is in use. Different degrees of interference tolerance of various connection types like EFR, FR, HR, AMR FR and AMR HR are taken into account in the channel selection process. With DFCA the network capacity can be further increased remarkably.

4.3

Base station site system

Fastest and most economical way to build WCDMA 900 or 850 MHz network is to use existing GSM base station sites. Therefore it is important that existing site locations as well as site equipment such as cabinets, power and backup systems, antenna lines and transmission can be shared between GSM and WCDMA.

4.3.1

Base stations
Flexi WCDMA BTS platform is optimal for WCDMA frequency refarming cases. The basic Flexi BTS for 900 and 850 MHz consist of System Module and RF Module and there is RF Module available with single and dual carrier capacity. In urban and suburban areas there will be need to provide WCDMA capacity in both 2100 and 900 MHz frequencies when the need for WCDMA capacity further grows. The dual band capability of Flexi WCDMA BTS is extremely useful in these cases. Following picture shows smooth evolution from WCDMA 900 to 900/2100 dual band system with Flexi WCDMA BTS. The evolution path to 850/2100 dual band system is similar.

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2 x 40W 1 x 40W

3 x 60W 2 x 40W 1 x 40W

2100 MHz 900 MHz System Module for dual band processing

Typical WCDMA 900 configuration

WCDMA 900 and 2100 dual band configuration

Figure 11 Evolution path to WCDMA dual band configuration 4.3.1.1 Flexi Base Station installation options Flexi BTS modules, including WCDMA 900/850 MHz, fit practically everywhere. Flexi modules can be installed inside cabinets that are specially designed for Flexi and in addition into any cabinet where the Flexi space and thermal requirements are fulfilled. UltraSite EDGE BTS cabinet can be converted into multimode base station by inserting Flexi WCDMA modules at the lower part of the cabinet. Flexi modules can be housed inside macro power and backup cabinet or Flexi indoor or outdoor cabinets with or without integrated power and backup system In case there is no space inside any cabinet or special need to use cabinet the Flexi modules can be installed next to any base station barely stacked, covered with installation shield. If there are not other options the Flexi modules can always be mounted on the wall.

GSM 2+2+2

Inside GSM BTS cabinet

GSM 4+4+4

GSM 2+2+2 WCDMA 900 1+1+1

Inside BBU cabinet

GSM 4+4+4

GSM 4+4+4 WCDMA 900 1+1+1

Next to GSM BTS cabinet

GSM 4+4+4 WCDMA 900 1+1+1

LEGEND

Flexi WCDMA module Battery string 155 Ah Rectifiers 16 kW

Figure 12 UltraSite EDGE BTS site evolution to WCDMA 900 When the GSM network is build with CityTalk BTSs the network can be modernized to support EDGE and WCDMA at the same time by housing Flexi WCDMA 900 or 850 MHz and Flexi EDGE modules inside the CityTalk cabinet.

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GSM 2+2+2

GSM 2+2+2 WCDMA 900 1+1+1

GSM 4+4+4

GSM 4+4+4 WCDMA 900 1+1+1

GSM 4+4+4 WCDMA 900 1+1+1 WCDMA 2100 1+1+1 LEGEND

Flexi WCDMA module Flexi EDGE module

GSM 4+4+4 WCDMA 900 1+1+1 WCDMA 2100 1+1+1 (later SW release)

Figure 13 CityTalk BTS site evolution to WCDMA 900 4.3.1.2 Flexi feederless site facilitates WCDMA 900/850 deployment In feederless site installation the Flexi Radio Modules can be installed next to antennas and System Module next to transmission and power and backup interfaces. The connection between Radio Modules and System Module is based on optical fiber. This type of installation leads to improved WCDMA system performance since the losses introduced by long feeders are avoided. Typically the GSM 900/850 MHz support structures are very strong because they must carry big antennas. These structures can easily carry also the Flexi Radio Modules which are multiple times smaller than the antennas. This makes Flexi feederless site very attractive approach especially while co-siting with GSM 900/850 MHz base station.

Figure 14 Flexi WCDMA 900/850 Radio Module installed to support structure

4.3.2

Antenna lines
There are three basic options for WCDMA 900/850 MHz antenna system deployment in cases where GSM and WCDMA are installed into same site. These options are shared antenna line with Flexi Multiradio Combiner, distributed installation with Flexi feederless site concept and building separate antenna systems for GSM and WCDMA.

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Separate Antenna Systems

Provides flexibility for cell planning

Shared Antenna Systems

Antenna system remains untouched

Flexi feederless site

High performance co-site

Flexi Multiradio Combiner

Figure 15 Antenna system sharing options 4.3.2.1 Separate antenna systems Using own antenna systems for GSM and WCDMA provides more flexibility for network design. In this case the antennas can be positioned independently and WCDMA signals can be directed exactly to right places. However the Minimum Coupling Loss requirements have to be taken into account to avoid additional interference between GSM and WCDMA cells. This can be achieved by careful network planning. 4.3.2.2 Shared antenna system Flexi Multiradio Combiner allows antenna line sharing between GSM and WCDMA systems. Multiradio Combiner is used together with Mast Head Amplifier and provides good performance for both systems. Sometimes reconfiguration of GSM base station is required and the final impact to system performance has to be checked. 4.3.2.3 Flexi feederless site Maximum WCDMA performance can be achieved by mounting Flexi Radio Modules next to antennas. In this case an additional antenna is installed or the existing GSM antenna is replacement with a Multimode antenna. All other parts of the existing GSM antenna system remain untouched. This approach is useful especially for urban roof top sites as well as suburban towers and poles.

4.3.3

Transport for WCDMA frequency refarming

Accommodating WCDMA into same bandwidth with GSM typically is done using existing GSM sites as basis. In this case the existing transport infrastructure is maximally reused. Both the GSM and WCDMA traffic must be optimally carried from the site location towards core network. Nokia Siemens Networks offers many efficient transport systems for combined GSM/WCDMA sites. An example is given below with our One Pipe approach.

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4.3.3.1

ATM aggregation over E1 leased lines (One Pipe) The One Pipe approach targets at optimizing use of traditional E1 leased lines. 2G and 3G traffic is converged on the ATM layer, to allow bandwidth sharing across E1 boundaries. The nickname One Pipe relates to the approach where bundle of E1 is treated as a single ATM pipe. This enables early optimization capabilities for the 2G and 3G networks.

GSM BTS E1/T1

Multi Service Aggregation Platform

Multi Service Aggregation Platform

BSC

SDH/PDH Packet
Leased line domain

E1/T1

WCDMA BTS E1/T1

RNC
STM1

Figure 16 Common backhaul for GSM/WCDMA network with One Pipe One Pipe optimizes the use of E1 lines, but as soon as HSPA peak rates offered to end users are greater than 1.8Mbit/s new backhaul media will be required. Due to the availability of new services and applications, there will be strongly increasing demand of bandwidth within the Radio Access Networks, which leads to additional investments into the transport network. In order to prepare the network for the upcoming market requirements on one hand, and minimizing the OPEX and CAPEX on the other hand, it is important to start preparing the network for transport optimizing. As an alternative to the TDM/SDH transport, IP/Ethernet based transport will be introduced in parallel. This is indicated by the packet network in the figure, as a subsequent step after the implementation of the One Pipe approach.

4.3.4

Power feed systems

Nokia Siemens Networks provides cost efficient systems for complete base station sites in global scale. Power and backup equipment is integral part of these systems. Current portfolio includes systems from zero footprint sites with short backup time to systems for high capacity sites with very long backup time. Flexi Power Module utilizes latest lithium ion battery technology to provide maintenance free power and backup. The system is also highly tolerant for environment and can be used without cabinets. Macro BBU can provide power feed and very long backup time for high capacity sites. On top of this it is possible to house several Flexi modules inside Macro BBU cabinet.

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Open air
Zero footprint WCDMA 900 site powered by Flexi Power Module

Cabinet

Flexi Rectifier Module 6000

Short backup time

Micro BBU: Flexi Rectifier Module 6000 inside Battery String 92 Ah Forced air cooling Flexi Rectifier Module 6000 part of Flexi BTS stack Macro BBU: Flexi BTS inside Battery capacity 310 Ah Complete heat management system

Rectifier capacity up to 6kW (scalable with 2kW rectifiers) DC connection points for 3 battery strings up to 465 Ah capacity DC connection points for 2 BTS

Long backup time

Battery box with 310 Ah

Figure 17 Power and backup portfolio from Nokia Siemens Networks

4.4

Network management system (OSS)

Nokia Siemens Networks NetAct is a network and service management framework that addresses the operator's challenges to handle more network elements, larger networks, greater complexity and explosive growth in traffic and data expected in future networks. NetAct can manage both the network and services in a centralized manner, meaning that the operator can view all network element failures, service quality indicators and traffic from one single screen. NetAct is a total OSS package including common network functionalities as well as sophisticated tools for service assurance and optimization.

4.4.1

Measurement based network management

The ability to collect, integrate and utilise the information about the status and performance of all network elements and services is the cornerstone of NetAct. Fluent alarm handling, reporting capabilities as well as network optimisation functionality minimise the network downtime and congestion, optimise the network capacity and create the basis for efficient network operations.

4.4.2

Network optimization
NetAct has powerful tools for network optimization. These tools will be used extensively to optimize the frequencies of existing GSM network to enable successful WCDMA network deployment to same frequency area. After the needed frequencies are available for WCDMA network deployment NetAct Optimizer can be used to further optimize the WCDMA network to meet the quality requirements.

4.4.3

Feature rollout
NetAct provides rollout support for GSM spectrum efficiency features that are used to free up frequencies for WCDMA. These GSM features are easy to rollout to the whole network either in centralized way or to part of the network by utilizing NetAct functionalities to manage licenses and configuration management. Configuration changes in the radio network do not require site visits and can be rolled out by using

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NetAct tools to plan the changes and provisioning the new radio network configuration plans to the affected network elements.

4.4.4

Multi-technology network management system

NetAct is also managing multiple network technologies at the same time with the same tools providing combined management functionality for both GSM and WCDMA networks for example. All NetAct operations are valid for GSM and WCDMA networks and are performed using the same tools and processes. NetAct provides interworking in the management layer and minimizes the tasks and work effort required for the complex management operations performing over the different technologies.

4.5

Nokia Siemens Networks Services

The Nokia Siemens Networks Services benefits from a large base of about 600 fixed and mobile network operators. Our execution capability, our end-to-end capabilities and our comprehensive service portfolio can help operators to turn their business drivers into real competitive advantages. A wide range of services is available to support operators service and network launch as well as day-to-day activities later on. Some examples below describe the most interesting ones for the WCDMA Frequency Refarming Solution.

4.5.1

Consulting and Systems Integration

CSI is a unique combination of consulting expertise and proven end-to-end capability to design, integrate, customize and support solutions. WCDMA network enables subscriber to efficiently use all interesting opportunities they may find from operators service variety and we can help you to successfully launch exciting, innovative and revenue generating end-user services, realize new opportunities and grow.

4.5.2

Network Implementation
Network Implementation offers cost-efficient implementation services (Project Management, Logistics, Network Design, Site Acquisition, Construction Works and Implementation) for Nokia Siemens Networks and 3rd party equipment, deploying standardized and advanced site systems that help our customer to optimize the life time cost of network ownership. Network Implementation Elements are Network Build, Turnkey, Network Consolidation, Outside Plant and Managed Deployment Solutions. Each element has been tailored to meet the needs of operators in different markets and different phases of the business life cycle, in accordance with the relevant national stipulations and mutually agreed standards.

4.5.3

Network Design Service

Network Design Service provides service solution that matches operator business situation, enables operator to achieve CAPEX and OPEX savings through careful need analysis and provides complete and optimum solution for WCDMA frequency refarming. Through its long experience in designing, optimizing and modernizing networks, highly developed skills, processes and tools, Nokia Siemens Networks can ensure a smooth and safe rollout that is always important but especially when launching new and unique solutions like WCDMA frequency refarming.

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4.5.4

Managed Services
Our Managed Services portfolio helps service providers to meet todays key challenges by improving operational performance and helping to sharpen their business focus. In short, we give service providers access to the tools that can help transform their activities. Managed services can deliver faster times to market and reduce the risk of introducing innovative technologies and end-user services. Operational efficiency improves through better service quality, the use of global best practices and a single point of contact for network operations.

4.5.5

Maintenance
Service gives the operator a basis for operating and maintaining their network equipment by providing answers to questions and handling suspected software defects and emergency situations. Nokia Siemens Networks Advanced Network Maintenance is an expansion of the service scope and deliverables offered by the Nokia Siemens Networks Network Maintenance Service. The service delivers personalization, more efficient communications, operator dedicated resources and local service delivery activities.

4.5.6

Spare Part Management

An advanced solution for managing hardware operations with all necessary support processes such as logistics and inventory management. Nokia Siemens Networks can tailor its services to meet operators needs.

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5. Field experience
Nokia Siemens Networks has run several WCDMA 900 MHz field trials with network operators. The purpose of these trials has been to verify theoretically estimated network performance especially for cell range, indoor coverage, HSDPA throughput, required spectrum allocation, site solution and interoperability between different network layers. Cell range with WCDMA 900 MHz has been as expected i.e. 3-5 times larger than with WCDMA 2100 MHz. The coverage has also been at least as good as for GSM 900 MHz. Main finding in this area is that existing GSM 900 MHz network grid can be very well be applied also for WCDMA 900 MHz network planning. The indoor coverage has been verified to be clearly better than at 2100 MHz. Thus WCDMA in 900 MHz can be applied as one alternative to improve WCDMA coverage indoors. HSDPA throughput was tested at cell edge. It was found to be approximately 2 times higher with 900 MHz band compare to 2100 MHz. Nokia Siemens Networks solution for fitting WCDMA in 4.2 MHz spectrum slot in coordinated deployment scenario has been verified as well. Any performance degradation could not be noticed in the performed field trials. Use of Multiradio Combiner has been proven to a good solution for antenna line sharing between GSM and WCDMA operating at the same frequency band. Based on the test results, it is recommended to use a Mast Head Amplifier to compensate uplink path loss caused by the Multiradio Combiner. Interoperability functionality between different frequency and radio access technology layers was working as expected in the field trial. Service continuity was reached thanks to inter-system and inter-frequency handovers.

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6. References
The former Nokia Networks has been the forerunner in WCDMA 900 and 850 MHz trialing and piloting. Elisa Finland and SFR Vodafone France have introduced worlds first HSDPA data call and voice call (respectively) in commercial networks using Nokia WCDMA 900 MHz solution. Moreover, the world's first WCDMA 900 MHz contract was announced in May 2007 by Nokia Siemens Networks. As stated in the press release, deliveries have started and the service is expected to become commercial during 1st half of 2008. Elisa Finland was first operator in the world to launch WCDMA 900 MHz network for commercial use in November 2007. The network is HSPA capable and was deployed with the Nokia Siemens Networks WCDMA Frequency Refarming Solution.

The results of WCDMA 900 MHz customer trials with Nokia Siemens Networks have been excellent. When comparing the achieved WCDMA 900 MHz coverage to 2100 MHz the improvement is better than expected. In addition the unique 4.2 MHz carrier bandwidth feature is working as expected i.e. ensuring high quality for both WCDMA and GSM networks.

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