Metnet. The world s first self-organising small cell microwave backhaul

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Catherine Cooper
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1 Metnet The world s first self-organising small cell microwave backhaul

2 The small cell backhaul challenge Small cells will be essential alongside LTE macro cells to increase network densification to meet future capacity requirements. But a lack of viable backhaul has been a major roadblock to outdoor deployment. The more complex and dynamic nature of small cell deployment means that traditional backhaul technologies are often not sufficiently cost-effective and flexible.

It s the only solution that meets all key requirements for high capacity and low latency, reliability, rapid deployment and low-cost operation in a small, low-impact design.

3 Mobile data traffic continues to surge and network operators are struggling to meet capacity requirements. The CCS approach CCS set out to create a totally new approach with Metnet, the world s first self-organising small cell microwave backhaul. It s the only solution that meets all key requirements for high capacity and low latency, reliability, rapid deployment and low-cost operation in a small, low-impact design. Self-organising, self-healing links automatically reconfigure themselves to optimise performance across a resilient, multipoint-to-multipoint architecture. It s easy to install each node in less than 15 minutes, with no need for radio planning or manual alignment. And it s easy to scale, with no need to re-align existing nodes as new ones are added. These unique attributes are key to delivering the lowest TCO for any small cell backhaul technology. The CCS Metnet system enables small cell deployment in a flexible, organic way, as additional capacity is required, maintaining a quality of service that meets customer expectations. The first commercial deployment was for China Mobile, the world s largest mobile operator, in one of the first live deployments of metro cells not just in China, but the world. We ve won global recognition for our pioneering approach, which is a significant validation of the unrivalled technical and business benefits our system delivers. It s the first backhaul solution that makes outdoor small cells truly viable. A significant advance for the communications sector. IET, The Institution of Engineering and Technology Innovative architectural approach to the significant challenges of backhaul. Small Cell Forum 2014 Winner

The only small cell backhaul system that meets all key requirements Self-organising and optimising Metnet nodes connect autonomously to form self-organising, self-healing links that dynamically

The system polls the network continually and automatically determines the optimal topology to deliver capacity where needed.

4 The only small cell backhaul system that meets all key requirements Self-organising and optimising Metnet nodes connect autonomously to form self-organising, self-healing links that dynamically reconfigure to optimise performance and spectral efficiency as LOS circumstances or traffic levels change, whilst minimising interference. The system polls the network continually and automatically determines the optimal topology to deliver capacity where needed. Each cluster runs a Spatial-TDMA transmission schedule, which allows links to operate simultaneously to increase the overall capacity delivered to each small cell location. Small form factor Form factor is critical in the small cell environment. The Metnet system comprises small, lightweight and robust units for discreet installation on street furniture, sides of buildings and roofs. Each multipoint node has a wide 270-degree field of view, so only one unit is required per site, rather than multiple radios required by V/E-band solutions. This is not only more acceptable to urban planners, but contributes significant CAPEX and OPEX savings. Each Metnet node has a wide 270-degree field of view so only one unit is required per site. Quick to deploy Operators will ultimately need to roll out thousands of small cells, so rapid, low-cost deployment is crucial. It takes less than 15 minutes to install each Metnet node, with no need for radio planning or manual alignment. The wide 270-degree field of view with support for multiple connections, allows plugand-play installation by local contractors rather than telecom engineers, which reduces CAPEX considerably. A single type of outdoor unit with integrated power performs all network functions, to further simplify deployment. The Metnet system delivers the lowest TCO for any small cell backhaul technology. Lowest TCO The Metnet system is designed for large-scale, low-cost deployment and operation. Its unique, self-organising capability coupled with a resilient multipoint-to-multipoint architecture is key to delivering the lowest TCO for any small cell backhaul technology. A recent analysis by Senza Fili estimated TCO CAPEX savings of 42% and OPEX savings of 34% for CCS selforganising solution compared to V/E-band solutions. It s the first backhaul that makes outdoor small cells truly viable.

5 The unique combination of self-organising, self-healing links with a highly resilient multipoint-to-multipoint architecture. Easy to scale Low latency and high capacity The expectation is that operators will gradually expand the number and density of small cells over time where and when they are needed. There s no need to re-visit existing sites when new Metnet nodes are added, because existing nodes will automatically re-organise and re-align. This creates large OPEX savings compared to PTP systems, which will need continual re-planning and re-alignment as the small cell network grows. Interference management enables the system to scale to many thousands of nodes. Only one unit is required to add a new link. Designed with LTE in mind, the Metnet system accommodates evolving traffic demands. It offers low latency averaging 150μs per hop and high capacity at 480Mbps per node or 960Mbps for dual-node installations. Ethernet QoS can be provisioned to provide guaranteed capacity to the small cells. Performance has been independently verified by Chronos Technology. High availability and resiliency Each Metnet node is uniquely capable of providing GPS-derived local master synchronisation (SyncE and 1588.v2) to the small cell, enabling operation in challenging environments when the small cell s own GPS may fail. The system also supports 1588.v2 Transparent Clock from the core network to the small cell. Metnet nodes can recover synchronisation and fall back to core network-provided SyncE and 1588.v2. Distributed timing recovery provides further synchronisation resilience to overcome GPS failures. The system has a unique multipoint-to-multipoint architecture to provide higher resiliency and redundancy at no incremental capex. Self-organising, self-healing links automatically re-route traffic in the event of node failure or LOS obstacles, while the unit's wide 270-degree field of view ensures it's not affected by pole-sway. The system can be uniquely deployed in a hybrid mesh, PTP and PMP topology for ultimate flexibility. Flexible synchronisation

Planning and managing the Metnet system The Metnet Element Management System (EMS) is an intuitive, web-based application to plan, configure and monitor the network.

Network status Metnet backhaul networks are easily monitored and accessed from a central management overview. The network topology for all installations is provided based on accurate GPS locations.

6 Planning and managing the Metnet system The Metnet Element Management System (EMS) is an intuitive, web-based application to plan, configure and monitor the network. It provides simple topology views together with industry standard network management features. Network status Metnet backhaul networks are easily monitored and accessed from a central management overview. The network topology for all installations is provided based on accurate GPS locations. Radio link status and quality can be queried for each node in real time. Street map and satellite views are also available. Network planning The EMS includes an integrated planning tool for operators to model a Metnet multipoint-to-multipoint backhaul network, to determine the optimal location and configuration of units to meet network requirements. Operators can plan extensions to existing small cell networks to understand the effect of adding new sites and ensure backhaul requirements are met. Network management Fault management A detailed view of all alarms across the network is provided, with the ability to query the alarm status of each node and link. Current alarms and historical statistics can be filtered based on priority and Metnet node ID to aid troubleshooting, which can be exported into a data file for backup and further analysis. Configuration management Bandwidth can be assigned on a per-node basis for both peak and mean traffic demands, and in the uplink and downlink directions. Based on Metnet node demands, the system automatically configures the network topology and resources to best meet requirements. Performance management Detailed node and link statistics are accessible over selected periods of time. Link traffic, RF parameters and Metnet node statistics such as traffic, latency and temperature can all be added to interactive graphs to aid troubleshooting. Data is exportable in industry standard formats. Network upgrade New software releases can be remotely upgraded and managed throughout the Metnet backhaul network. These can be scheduled for automatic Installation with minimal operator input required. Northbound interface Northbound SNMP fault and performance management is provided for integration into operators central monitoring systems, along with northbound exportable data in industry standard formats. The Metnet EMS displays detailed views of the system architecture and viable links.

Metnet node specifications Metnet self-organising node Technology Capacity Self-organising multipoint-to-multipoint system 480Mbps single node 960Mbps dual node 112MHz channel In a dense urban

7 Metnet node specifications Metnet self-organising node Technology Capacity Self-organising multipoint-to-multipoint system 480Mbps single node 960Mbps dual node 112MHz channel In a dense urban environment, the use of Spatial TDMA will allow the simultaneous use of the same RF channel. Nodes employ dynamic interference monitoring to minimise inter-node interference, thereby optimising capacity from the efficient use of spectrum Radio Antenna Frequency bands Standards conformance Radio access method Radio transmit power Power control 26GHz, 28GHz Future support for higher frequency bands ITU-R F & CEPT ERC 13.02E ETSI/R&TTE Approved and CE Compliant. FCC TDD Future support: FDD, Dual-TDD +24dBm Adaptive Antenna options Antenna gain Antenna coverage Integrated wide beam width highgain antennas External high-gain directional antennas Standard node dbi High Gain - +31dBi Standard node horizontal x 20 vertical High Gain node - 4 horizontal x 4 vertical Channel sizes 112MHz, 100MHz (USA) Single frequency channel used across all nodes Unit characteristics Modulation and coding Hitless Adaptive Modulation and Coding using FEC and LDPC Size Standard node - 185mm height; 202mm diameter High Gain node - 260mm height; 535mm width; 270mm length Services Ethernet Services and QoS Synchronisation Native Ethernet 802.1Q (VLAN tagging) 802.1p (Class of service) 802.1ad (QinQ) Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) GPS-derived synchronisation providing local master SyncE and 1588v2 clock to the small cell 1588v2 Transparent Clock Recovery from core network SyncE and 1588v2 Proprietary distributed radio synchronisation to overcome GPS failures Power requirements Weight Range Interfaces AC 100V 240V / 50-60Hz, 48 VDC and PoE Power connection via IP67-rated connector Standard node - 4.2kgs High Gain node kgs Standard node - up to 1km High Gain node - up to 2kms 2 gigabit Ethernet interfaces are exposed externally via IP67-rated connectors Latency Typically 150μs per hop Scalability Interference management enables the system to scale to many thousands of nodes Further information Please visit for more information on CCS and our products.

8 Cambridge Communication Systems Ltd 3rd Floor, Mount Pleasant House Huntingdon Road Cambridge CB3 0RN United Kingdom +44 (0) Any drawings, descriptions or illustrations contained in this brochure are produced for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the goods described in it and are subject to change. Cambridge Communication Systems Limited (CCS) makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose or use of such information. CCS shall not be held liable for any loss or damage of any kind, including indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of such information and all warranties and conditions, whether express of implied by status, common law or otherwise, are hereby excluded to the extent permitted by English law. The CCS logo and the Metnet name are trademarks of CCS. All other trademarks are acknowledged and observed. Cambridge Communication Systems Ltd All rights reserved.

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