5G Network

by Matt Glass

The Post 2020 5G Network:Gaining the Advantage Now

Five Key Infrastructure-Level NetworkDeployment Strategies

Accelerating Network andBusiness Transformation

The industry has set extremely high goals for next-generation LTE (5G) networks – a zero latency gigabit experience and

extensibility into 2030 – all while significantly reducing power requirements, seamlessly handling multiple device types and

improving reliability.

These elevated requirements were needed to handle the unprecedented traffic levels and number of devices mobile

networks must support in the future. The Cisco Visual Networking Index predicts that monthly global mobile data traffic will

surpass 15 exabytes by 2018; that’s 1.8GB per connection per month .

There are several factors driving this explosive growth. First, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of devices

and applications requiring high data rates. By 2020, experts expect 8K screen resolution to be commonplace. That statistic is

further exacerbated by the fact that the demand for devices – and applications – using high resolution cameras is increasing.

At the same time, consumer use of audio/video streaming and mobile Internet services builds daily. And, the proliferation of

cloud-based solutions will add additional uplink traffic to a network originally designed to primarily facilitate downloads.

Additionally, operators must be ready for innovations such as augmented reality and smart everything, which will further tax

the networks of the future.

According to Ovum , the technologies predicted to play a role in making 5G a reality include:

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BACKGROUND

Extreme densification: Whether this means adding towers or small cells, extreme densification is the only way for

networks to reach the capacity levels needed to meet expected traffic loads. 5G networks will likely follow the hetnet

model that utilizes several layers of connectivity (from a macro level for lower data speeds to a very granular layer for

extremely high data speeds).

Multi-network association: To provide an uninterrupted user experience, 5G networks will have to tightly coordinate

the multiple network domains (cellular, WiFi, mm-wave, etc.) that provide connectivity for end user devices.

Full duplex: Mobile communications networks will have to migrate to full duplex mode and utilize devices that both

transmit and receive data at the same time. This will enable carriers to almost double the capacity of a FDD or TDD

system.

Mm-wave: With lower frequency spectrum (450MHz-2.6GHz) almost fully congested, carriers will need to consider

higher frequency solutions such as mm-wave whose antennas can be very small with less impact on device real estate.

Massive MIMO: Massive MIMO significantly increases capacity using base stations that employ a much higher number

of antennas and create localized beams around each connected device.

Virtualization, software control and cloud architectures: Carriers will need to leverage every solution that provides

service agility and centralized control, including SDN, NFV, cloud and open ecosystems, to effectively increase capacity

and manage the increased complexity 5G networks will introduce.

None of these ideas are without their challenges and true production ready solutions are not expected until 2020. However,

this does not mean that operators looking to be first with 5G service can afford to sit back and wait. Those that prepare their

networks today for the transition will find themselves with a significant time-to-market advantage in the future.

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The Post 2020 5G Network: Gaining the Advantage Now

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This paper presents key macrocell site and infrastructure-level initiatives operators can employ today to ensure a faster 5G

launch. These strategies include:

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OVERVIEW

Operators that wait too long to prepare for macrocell site overlay work will find themselves at a serious disadvantage in the

race to be first with 5G.

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CORRECTINGSTRUCTURALISSUES

MAKINGBACKHAULIMPROVEMENTS

REDESIGNINGPOWERSOLUTIONS

ACQUIRINGSTRATEGICCELL PROPERTIES

SECURINGSKILLEDCREWS

Tower load is one of the biggest barriers to rapidly launching next-gen network technology. If a structure is overstressed, it

cannot safely support any new equipment. Operators must first complete a thorough structural analysis to determine if any

new 5G installation will compromise structural integrity as defined by EIA/TIA specifications. During the height of LTE work,

operators were projecting a 20-23% failure rate during this phase. Operators whose build plans did not take structural

enhancement work into consideration found themselves behind schedule and seriously over-budget.

Operators can get ahead of these issues today with a thorough and nationwide EIA/TIA Structural Assessment program.

Correcting issues associated with guide wires, concrete footings and other site problems will go a long way to reducing 5G

deployment delays in the future. It will also provide important intelligence as operators weigh the business cases associated

with making improvements vs. building new.

Operators that also include site optimization in this strategy will generate important near-term benefits as well. Over time,

climate factors wreak havoc on antennas, dishes and lines. In the field, RAD centers are known to shift 1-5 feet from center in

just 10 years. Proactively assessing the condition of existing equipment and making small adjustments to antenna positions

and microwave paths can generate tremendous performance improvements. This in turn enables operators to reserve any

available space/load for next-gen 5G technology.

Every step an operator takes today to identify and fix structural issues is one less problem that can deter 5G overlay plans.

CORRECTINGSTRUCTURALISSUES


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The tremendous demand for mobile service has shown a deficiency in the backhaul delivery system. In fact, in a recent study

conducted by Strategy Analytics, the firm predicted that by 2017 wireless network traffic will require more than $35 billion in

annual backhaul investment worldwide, which is $9 billion more than what is currently planned .

Solving redundancy and throughput issues today will significantly reduce the time it will take to implement a strong 5G

network, one that provides an important speed and performance advantage for that carrier. Choosing the right backhaul

technology for each macrocell site requires a complex analysis of cost, capacity, reach, geography, frequency spectrum and

even rights of way.

Available options include:

FSO Free space optics

Point-to-point microwave radio relay transmission (terrestrial or satellite)

Point-to-multipoint microwave-access technologies, such as LMDS, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, etc.

DSL variants, such as ADSL and SHDSL

PDH and SDH/SONET interfaces, such as (fractional) E1/T1, E3, T3, STM-1/OC-3, etc.

Ethernet

Most specialists agree that an all-Ethernet mobile backhaul solution – preferably with fiber connectivity – offers distinct speed

and reliability advantages. Today, only one third of existing towers are equipped with fiber to cell technology, however, Heavy

Reading predicts that cable MSO fiber networks could be expanded to reach 80% of all macro-cell sites in the United States .

While fiber may not be viable in every location, laying that groundwork now is the best way to maximize the performance

benefits 5G will deliver and ensure long-term network extensibility.

Today, most cell sites are equipped with 200 amp services. However, it remains to be seen if this will be enough to support

the additional HVAC and 5G equipment requirements.

Redesigning electrical solutions and adding green technologies today not only lowers near-term expenses but also provides

operators with greater flexibility in the future. Every step an operator takes towards site improvement today will translate into

time-to-market benefits tomorrow.

MAKINGBACKHAULIMPROVEMENTS

REDESIGNINGPOWERSOLUTIONS

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There is no doubt that the current wireless infrastructure needs to be expanded to support 5G. Cell structures that did not

require modifications to accommodate their LTE overlays are now burdened to at least 90% of their load capacity. Although

small cell deployments help bring service closer to customers, it is clear that new towers will have to be built to ensure

seamless coverage across the country.

Unfortunately, finding a new tower location can be difficult. Local planning and zoning boards would prefer to steer

operators towards existing sites rather than authorize new construction. When it comes to cost-effective infrastructure

expansion, operators need to be strategic on both the national and local level. Naturally the first step is to map coverage

nationwide and understand at a granular level where gaps exist. Using sophisticated geo-location and mapping tools,

operators can drill into traffic patterns and pinpoint specific street corners, buildings or landmarks where hot spots are

occurring. These tools also provide intelligence on which deployment will have the biggest impact – and where terrain

specific and physical factors will negatively impact performance metrics. To obtain a complete picture, operators need to

analyze end-to-end network performance – both real-time and trend data – to determine where to best locate new tower

sites.

Armed with this information, operators still face significant challenges. To be successful, operators need ground-level

intelligence on a local basis. Each community has their own set of regulations, ordinances and processes. Working with

experts that first know which communities are “cell-friendly” and how to design a site plan tailored towards their preferences

will significantly improve outcomes.

Considering the time lines involved with securing permits – as well as those associated with building a new structure –

operators should look to secure tower real-estate as soon as possible.

Recent studies point to an industry unprepared to handle the explosive growth it will experience. There are approximately

4,000 experienced and trained tower climbers in the US, which is estimated to be one third of the number needed to handle

the work that must be done to implement 5G technologies.

Securing the services of experienced tower crews today will ensure that site preparation work is completed on-time and that

5G build plans stay on-schedule going forward. Look for crews with strong technical training as work that is not performed

to exact specification and quality levels set by the carrier will quickly lead to service degradations – even outages.

ACQUIRINGSTRATEGICCELL PROPERTIES

SECURINGSKILLEDCREWS


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BOTTOM LINE: PREPARATION SPEEDS EVOLUTION

There is no doubt that operators will face challenges when upgrading the macrocell infrastructure for 5G. It will require

specialized engineering services, zoning experts and a fleet of highly trained tower crews to ensure delivery dates and

eliminate cost overruns.

However, there are things operators can do today to ensure a faster, smoother transition in 2020. Taking steps to solidify the

integrity of existing towers and building new structures today will give operators a strong foundation for supporting the

added load 5G will bring. Improving power, backhaul and other services at these sites will reduce the number of deliverables

– and potential problems – that can deter each and every deployment project.

Greenlighting this work yields immediate performance results in the near-term and provides an important time-to-market

advantage in the future. After all, quickly providing customers with seamless, nationwide 5G coverage and access to its higher

speeds and innovative features is the best way to solidify loyalty and edge competitors.

1. Inventing the Future, Telecoms, James Middleton

2. What are the 5G candidate technologies? Telecoms, Dimitris Mavrakis, Principal Analyst, Intelligent Networks, Ovum

3. Backhaul strategies for next-gen networks, Sue Marek, Fierce Wireless

4. 2013 Predictions: Mobile backhaul evolution in 2013 and beyond, Barry Zipp, RCR Wireless


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5G Network