EDGE Technical Overview

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Nokia EDGE Technical Overview




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Contents

Contents 3

1 About this document 5

2 Introduction to EDGE 72.1 Benefits 82.1.1 For operators 82.1.2 For end users 92.2 Required Network Changes 92.3 EDGE features 102.3.1 8-ary Phase Shift Keying 102.3.2 EGPRS Modulation and Coding Schemes 122.3.3 Incremental Redundancy 132.3.4 Link Adaptation for EGPRS 14

3 Base Station Subsystem 17

3.1 Features that enhance EDGE 173.1.1 Multi BCF feature 183.1.2 Nokia Smart Radio Concept 203.1.3 Interference Rejection Combining 243.2 Base Station 253.2.1 Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station 263.2.2 Nokia UltraSite EDGE Base Station 273.2.3 Nokia Talk-family Base Station 273.2.4 BTS downlink combining options 293.3 Base Station Controller 30

4 Network Switching Subsystem 334.1 MSC/HLR 33

4.1.1 EGPRS support 33

5 GPRS Core 35

6 Network evolution 376.1 Voice Evolution 386.2 GERAN Evolution 396.2.1 Phase 1 396.2.2 Phase 2 40

7 Nokia NetAct Operations Support System 437.1 Nokia NetAct support for EDGE 457.1.1 Planning, building, and optimising GSM/EDGE radio network 457.1.2 GSM/EDGE network administration 477.1.3 Monitoring GSM/EDGE-related network problems 47






7.1.4 Measuring and reporting for GSM/EDGE 487.1.5 Service monitoring with Nokia NetAct Service Quality Manager 487.2 Open interfaces in Nokia NetAct 497.3 Hardware solution 51

8 Transmission 538.1 Dynamic Abis 54

9 Terminals 57

10 EDGE Network Planning Service 5910.1 Radio network planning 5910.2 Core network planning 6010.3 Cellular transmission network planning 6110.3.1 Pre-planning 6110.3.2 Nominal planning of cellular transmission solutions 6110.3.3 Detailed planning of cellular transmission solutions 6210.4 Transport network planning 62

Appendix A. Standards 63

Appendix B. Glossary 64



About this document



1 About this document

This document provides a technical overview of Enhanced Data rates for GlobalEvolution (EDGE) technology.

This document includes:

• Chapter 2: Introduction to EDGE

• Chapter 3: Base Station Subsystem

• Chapter 4: Network Switching Subsystem

• Chapter 5: GPRS Core

• Chapter 6: Network evolution

• Chapter 7: Nokia NetAct Operations Support System

• Chapter 8: Transmission

• Chapter 9: Terminals

• Chapter 10: EDGE Network Planning Service

• Appendix A: Standards

• Appendix B: Glossary

This document is written for network operators, managers, and technicians. Thereader should have a basic knowledge of Global Systems for MobileCommunications (GSM), Base Station Subsystem (BSS), Network SwitchingSubsystem (NSS), and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) core equipment.








Introduction to EDGE



2 Introduction to EDGE

Industry experts predict that by 2005, more than 65 percent of employeesworldwide will be equipped and trained for mobile work. Every month, betweenfive and seven million subscribers sign up for mobile services. Pair thisphenomenal growth with subscriber demand for new services, such as the abilityto access and send data, and the need to move mobile services to the next level isimperative.

With the rapid deployment of mobile use and the need for third-generation

capabilities, Nokia understands that faster network speed and data transmissioncapabilities are crucial. To help operators enhance their existing networks toprovide new services and add new networks with the latest technologies, Nokiais moving to the next level in mobile transmission — Enhanced Data rates forGlobal Evolution (EDGE). EDGE, a radio-based, high-speed mobile datastandard, boosts network capacity and data rates, for both circuit and packetswitching, to meet the demands of wireless multimedia applications and massmarket deployment.

EDGE uses 200 kHz radio channels, which are the same as current GSM channelwidths. From a technical perspective, EDGE allows the GSM and GPRS network to offer a set of new radio access bearers to its core network. EDGE is designedto improve spectral efficiency through link quality control. EDGE requires wider

transmission channel widths and features flexible time slots to mix and match allforms of communications, including voice, data, and video.

Although EDGE boosts the GSM and GPRS network, introducing EDGE to theexisting network has little technical impact, since it is fully based on GSM andrequires relatively small changes to network hardware and software. Also,operators do not have to make any changes to the network structure or invest innew regulatory licenses.






2.1 Benefits

Nokia is dedicated to supporting GSM and GPRS operators with wireless datasolutions that help create value in the marketplace, both now and in the future.Using thenewNokia EDGE solution, Nokia strengthens market share by offeringa wide selection of modern 3G value-added services for network operators’businesses. The Nokia EDGE solution was created to give operators acompetitive edge, to help generate more revenues, andto strengthen market share.Nokia’s aim is to protect operators’ existing investments, while providing asmooth migration path to the next generation of mobile telephony.

Backed by Nokia’s long, solid expertise in GSM and GPRS systems andcomprehensive knowledge of 3G systems, the Nokia EDGE solution providesstandardised EDGE features from the very beginning. The Nokia EDGE solutionoffers a cost-efficient evolution for GSM and GPRS to move to 3G. The NokiaEDGE solution offers greater capacity and a higher Quality of Service (QoS)functionality with existing site densities and frequency plans. EDGE iscompatible with GSM and GPRS equipment and services and with all new

emerging 3G services. Nokia is committed to long term GSM/GPRS evolutionand to moving EDGE forward, with the main driver being the Nokia all-IPstrategy. The design target is to deliver 3G services as cost efficiently as possibleby optimising the use of the radio resources with the existing infrastructureplatform as a basis.

2.1.1 For operators

TheNokia EDGE solution provides an unlimitedEDGE growthpath, not only formacrocellular and microcellular solutions, but also for local area solutions, suchas indoor and picocellular. It improves operators’ competitiveness in thosesegments with the most demanding subscribers. EDGE is especially attractive for

GSM 800, GSM 900, GSM 1800, and GSM 1900 operators who wish to offermobile multimedia applications at an early stage.

Compared to the data services currently available from GSM, EDGE providessignificantly higher capacity than GPRS. While GPRS offers improved dataservices, EDGE provides more speed for GPRS. For operators, EDGE offers themost cost-effective means to provide 3G services within the existing spectrum.With EDGE, operators realise their full revenue potential through incorporatinginternational roaming in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

With EDGE, operators can offer 3G services for end users in existing GSMfrequencies. In addition, operators with UMTS licenses can offer 3G capabilitiesto all end users in a cost-effective manner. Wideband Code Division Multiple

Access (WCDMA) combines well with EDGE for data intensive applications,since EDGE is one of the most cost-effective service delivery vehicles for voiceand data applications that require data user rates up to 473 kbp/s.

Operators can look forward to:






• Migration path to wireless multimedia services

• Movement to third generation applications

• Flexibility inpricing dueto lower costfor data capacity for high-speed dataapplications

• Quick network implementation by building full coverage using existingsites

• Incremental introduction of new network elements and EDGE capability

• Optimised network investment

• Demand-based deployment of data capacity

2.1.2 For end users

End users of current EDGE technologies can look forward to:

• Improved service quality through increased data capacity and higher datathroughput that decreases blocking and response times for all data services

• New multimedia services

• Lower tariffs, resulting from more efficient networks

• A pathway to future 3G services

2.2 Required Network Changes

The Nokia EDGE solution provides an unlimited EDGE growth path formacrocellular and microcellular solutions, as Figure 1 shows. What is more,EDGE technology is introduced on an existing GSM network and does notcompromise network performance and quality.






Figure 1. Impacts of EDGE on the mobile network

EDGE capability is available with Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base TransceiverStation (BTS) and Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS solutions as an easy unit upgrade.Since it houses both EDGE and WCDMA carriers, Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTSalso provides site evolution to WCDMA when it becomes available.

2.3 EDGE features

EDGE improves the air-interface throughput per time slot for General PacketRadio Service (GPRS). It offers improved data rates of up to 473 kbit/s throughenhanced modulation.

2.3.1 8-ary Phase Shift Keying

Introducing 8-ary Phase Shift Keying (8PSK), a linear, higher-order modulation,in addition to Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying(GMSK)allowsdata transmission

rates to be tripled. An 8PSK signal carries three bits per modulated symbol overthe radio path, compared to a GMSK signal, which carries only one bit persymbol.






Nokia uses standardized 3pi/8 offset rotation to reduce amplitude variations with8PSK modulation, as shown in Figure 2. The standard GSM carrier symbol rate(270.833 ksps) is the same as with 8PSK. The burst lengths are the same as theexisting GMSK Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) structure, and the same200 kHz nominal frequency spacing between carriers is used. While GSM usesGMSK, EDGE uses both 8PSK and GMSK.

Figure 2. 8PSK modulation scheme

Table 1 compares 8PSK and GMSK.

00219178

(0,1,0)

(0,1,1)

(1,1,1)

(1,1,0)

(1,0,0)

(1,0,1)

(0,0,1)

(0,0,0)

(d(3k),d(3k+1),d(3k+2))=

Table 1. 8PSK and GMSK comparison

8PSK GMSK

Modulation 8PSK, 3 bit/sym GMSK, 1 bit/sym

Symbol rate 270.833 ksps 270.833 ksps

Payload/burst 346 bits 116 bits

Gross rate/time slot 69.6 kbit/s 23.2 kbit/s






Note

2.3.2 EGPRS Modulation and Coding Schemes

Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (EGPRS) supports high-rate packet dataservices across varying channel conditions. Table 2 shows the peak data rates fora single slot EGPRS. As shown, EGPRS supports higher data rates compared tobasic GPRS, using several Modulation and CodingSchemes (MCSs), which vary

from 8.8 kbit/s to 59.2 kbit/s in the radio interface.

The information contained in Table 2 is further defined as follows:

MCS1 through MCS4 - GMSK modulated, robust against “challenging” radio

channel conditions.

MCS5 through MCS9 - 8PSK modulated to provide higher data rates.

Code Rate - higher coding scheme identifiers indicate higher coding and peak throughput rates, but are less tolerant to noise and interference.

Family - MCSs are organised in families to allow re-segmentation of data blocksin case or retransmissions. They can be accomplished on lower coding schemes,i.e. in case transmission failed with the original, higher coding scheme, the samedata can be re-transmitted with a lower codec within the same family.

GPRS is not a subset of EGPRS. The GPRS coding schemes, CS-1 to CS-4, aredifferent than the EGPRS GMSK coding schemes, MCS-1 to MCS-4.

Table 2. Peak data rates for single slot EGPRS

MCS Modulation Code Rate Family User Rate

1 GMSK .53 C 8.8 kbit/s

2 GMSK .66 B 11.2 kbit/s

3 GMSK .80 A 14.8 kbit/s

4 GMSK 1 C 17.6 kbit/s

5 8PSK .37 B 22.4 kbit/s

6 8PSK .49 A 29.6 kbit/s

7 8PSK .76 B 44.8 kbit/s

8 8PSK .92 A 54.4 kbit/s

9 8PSK 1 A 59.2 kbit/s






2.3.3 Incremental Redundancy

Incremental Redundancy (IR) is an efficient combination of two techniques,Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) and Forward Error Correction (FEC). In theARQ method, when the receiver detects the presence of errors in a received RLCblock, it requests and receives a re-transmission of the same RLC block from the

transmitter. The process continues until an uncorrupted copy reaches thedestination. The Forward Error Correction (FEC) method adds redundantinformation to the user information at the transmitter, and the receiver uses theinformation to correct errors caused by disturbances in the radio channel.

In the IR scheme (also known as Type II Hybrid ARQ scheme), all theredundancy is not sent right away. Rather, only a small amount is sent first, whichyields a high user throughput if the decoding is successful. However, if decodingfails, a re-transmission takes place according to the ARQ method. Using IR, thetransmitter transmits a different set of FEC information from the same RLCblock. These sets are called puncturing schemes, and there are two (P1 and P2) orthree (P1, P2 and P3) of them in each of the nine MCSs of EGPRS. SupportingIR, the receiver is able to combine the necessary amount of error correcting

information. This mechanism is illustrated in Figure 3. Since the combinationincludes more information than any individual transmission, the probability of correct reception is increased. IR co-operates with link adaptation, which selectsthe amount of redundancy information transmitted in each transmission.

The benefits of IR are increased throughput due to better and automaticadaptation to different and varying channel conditions and reduced sensitivity tolink quality measurements.






Note

Figure 3. Incremental Redundancy scheme

If after P3 the data still cannot be recovered, P1 is sent again and combined withthe stored P1, P2, and P3 (which reaches a protection level of about four timesP1), and so on, until the data is recovered.

2.3.4 Link Adaptation for EGPRS

EDGE not only increases efficiency and speed, but also improves data protectionthrough link quality control. The system uses various measurements of the pastlink to predict up comingchannel quality. This prediction determines the relevant

protection of the information to be sent. The Link Adaptation (LA) mechanismworks to provide the highest throughput and lowest delay available by adaptingthe protection of the information to be sent, according to the link quality.Enabling LA requires accurate link quality measurements anda set of modulationand coding schemes (MCSs) with different degrees of protection.

00222633

Data Block

One MCSP2 P3P1

P2

P2

P2

P1

P1

P1

P1

Stored

StoredReceiver

Transmitter

No datarecovered

No data

recoveredCombination: Protection Level x 2

Protection Level 1

Combination: Protection Level x 3

Stored

P3

P3

1st transmission 1st re-transmission

upon reception failure

2nd re-transmission

upon reception failure






Accurate link quality measurements

Theuseof new, efficientEGPRS measurement provides accurate prediction of upcoming link quality in several propagation channels that have various speeds (forexample, typical urban and rural areas and hilly terrain). The link qualitymeasurements are Bit Error Probability estimates (BEP). Nokia uses a link adaptation algorithm to work in cooperation with IR. While IR improvesthroughput by automatically adapting the total amount of transmitted redundancyto the radio channel conditions, LA selects the amount of redundancy for eachindividual transmission. This helps reduce the number of re-transmissions, andthus keeps the transfer delay reasonably low.

Data rates and Protection levels

Nine Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCSs) are designed for EGPRS. Whenan RLC data block is sent, the information is encoded using one of the MCSs toresist channel degradation and modulated before transmission over the air-interface. Since the resources are limited, the higher the level of protection forinformation, the less information is sent. MCS-1 to MCS-9 ranges from a highprotection/low bit rate, to a no protection/highbit rate, as summarised in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Data Rates and Protection Levels for Modulation and CodingSchemes

00222645

MCS-1 .53 C

59.2

Scheme Code Rate FamilyData Rate (kbps)

P r o t e c t i on

d e c r e a s e

s

Modulation

MCS-2 .66 B

54.4

MCS-3 .80 A

44.88PSK

MCS-4 1 C

29.6

MCS-5 .37 B22.4

MCS-6 .49 A

17.6

MCS-7 .76 B

14.8GMSK

MCS-8 .92 A

11.2

MCS-9 1 A

8.8






In EGPRS, it is possible to switch between any of the MCSs, from one data block to another, as it is in GPRS. The GPRS re-transmission would take place withexactly the same protection as for its initial transmission. In EGPRS, however, itis possible to change the MCS, which is useful since the level of protectionneeded in a re-transmission may be different due to varying channel conditionsand the existing protection from earlier incremental redundancy transmissions.



Base Station Subsystem



3 Base Station Subsystem

Due to the new air-interface modulation and the greatly enhanced data rates,additional capacities are required for an existing GSM network to support EDGE.This requirement involves adding EDGE-capable TRXs to the BTS and addingenhanced functions and transmission requirements to the BSS and core network.(The EDGE-enhanced GSM network would continue to support bothconventional GSM services using legacy terminals with GMSK modulation, andEDGE services using the new air-interface.)

The increased capacity requirements between the BTS and BSC requiremodifications to the Abis link. New techniques such as dynamic resourceallocation are used with EDGE for higher capacity requirements. The packet datadiverts to the SGSN from the BSC, and the normal speech traffic continues to theMSC.

3.1 Features that enhance EDGE

Features of the BSS include the Multi BCF, Nokia Smart Ratio Concept (SRC),and Interference Rejection Combining (IRC).These features boost the overall

performance of EDGE.






Note

Note

Note

3.1.1 Multi BCF feature

TheMulti Base station Control Function (BCF) feature allows thecombination of several BTSs into one logical cell. This combination allows operators to increasethe capacity of a cell, while maintaining maximum spectral efficiency. The MultiBCF feature increases the Nokia Talk-family BTS cell capacity to 24 TRXs, and

the Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS cell capacity to 36 TRXs, while requiring noextra Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH). A maximum of six Nokia Talk-familyBTSs or nine Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTSs can be chained together as one cell.Multi BCF also provides an EDGE evolution path for site expansion from NokiaTalk-family BTS to Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS.

The Base Station Controller (BSC) supports Multi BCF for Nokia Talk-familyBTS, Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS, and Nokia MetroSite EDGE BTS. However,in the case of Nokia MetroSite in the Multi BCF configuration, there can be onlyNokia MetroSite EDGE BTSs. In the beginning, only Nokia Talk-family BTS

and Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS will support Multi BCF.

The Multi BCF feature also introduces a new architecture and radio network object called a Segment (SEG), which is essentially the same as the “telecomcell.” The difference between a SEG and a telecom cell is that the SEG mayconsist of several BTS objects. Operators can use a new SEG object at the BSCto set all BTS objects to share the same BCCH. Several BTS objects can belongtoone SEG; however, onlyone BTS object of the SEG can have BCCH. The SEGcan have BTS objects that differ in:

• Frequency band — Primary GSM 900, Extended GSM 900, and GSM1800 (each band contains only TRXs of the same frequency in one or more

BTSs)

• Power levels — Talk-family and UltraSite EDGE BTSs

• Normal and extended cell radius frequencies

• EDGE capability

The common BCCH feature is needed for multi-band, single-cell solutions.

The maximum number of BTSs allowed in a SEG is 32. The maximum numberof TRXs allowed in a SEG is 36.






Note

Figure 5 illustrates the Multi BCF and common BCCH principles for EGPRSterritories. As this figure shows, TRXs inside a BTS object must have commoncapabilities. For example, EDGE-capable and non EDGE-capable TRXs must beconfigured so that the BTS objects are separated. EGPRS territory is defined foreach BTS object separately.

Figure 5. Multi BCF and Common BCCH principles for EGPRSterritories

Super-reuse and extended cell radius frequencies are not supported in EGPRS.

Operators can configure BTSs so that TRXs in different cabinets (operating onthe same frequency band) serve the same cell with a single BCCH. At the BSC,operators use a new Segment object to set all BTS objects to share the sameBCCH.

Figure 6 shows an example of a Multi BCF configuration.

00253229

Talk Family BTSUltra Site BTS

BTS 1' (sector 1)TRXs(no BCCH)

BTS 2' (sector 2)TRXs(no BCCH)

BTS 3' (sector 3)TRXs

(no BCCH)

BTS 1 (sector 1)BCCH EDGE TRXother EDGE TRXs

BTS 2 (sector 2)BCCH EDGE TRXother EDGE TRXs

BTS 3 (sector 3)BCCH EDGE TRX

other EDGE TRXs

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3






Figure 6. Multi BCF configuration example

3.1.2 Nokia Smart Radio Concept

The Nokia Smart Radio Concept (SRC), which enhances the radio performanceof the BTS in both EDGE and GSM modes, is an important feature for gainingthe maximum coverage for EDGE. The Nokia SRC consists of the followinguplink performance enhancement solutions:

• 4-way uplink diversity reception (4UD)

• Sensitivity-optimised High Gain Mast Head Amplifier (UltraSite MHA)

• Interference Rejection Combining (IRC)

The downlink enhancement is accomplished with the use of Intelligent Downlink Diversity transmission (IDD). IDD increases the coverage area of cells by

enhancing downlink radio performance of the BTS.

The uplink and downlink enhancement solutions can be used independently,except 4UD, which is used with IDD.

The SRC concept is the BSS10.5 feature, and the UltraSite BTS family supportsit. MetroSite supports IRC and IDD.

Figure 7 shows one carrier/cell configuration of Nokia Smart Radio Concept forEDGE with IDD and by-pass combination configuration and MHAs.

00241532

u t ce =

Talk-family TRX group

UltraSite TRX groupf4 f5

f1 f2 f3






Figure 7. Nokia Smart Radio Concept for EDGE, one carrier per cell

Figure 8 shows an example of two carrier/cell configuration with IDD and 4-wayUplink Diversity in Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS.

The SRC utilises auxiliary transceivers effectively for both the UL and DL.

4-way Uplink Diversity, Interference Rejection Combining and High GainMHA

In the BSS10.5, the uplink performance (BTS reception) is enhanced with thecombination of Interference Rejection Combining (IRC) via 4-way diversityreception of the BTS and sensitivity-optimised high-gain Nokia UltraSiteMasthead Amplifiers (UltraSite MHA introduced already in BSS9).

IRC, which is used also together with 2-way diversity reception, tries to nullcorrelated noise received by both antennas.

If there is no correlated noise (interference), then IRC behaves like normalMaximum Ratio Combining.

Gain of IRC depends on Dominant Interference Ratio and angular spread of interference [PAR].

In 4-way diversity reception, post Detection Maximum Ratio Combining is thenused for two IRC combined signals providing up to 3dB ideal method for dual X-polarised antenna concept. The gain of 4UD comes from enhanced UL diversity

performance as well as enhanced energycollection surface of theantenna system,providing capacity and coverage enhancements.

TRX RF units Receive Multicoupler Dual DuplexUnit

X-pol Antenna

TX

TX

RX

RX

main

main

div

div

D u pl ex er

D u pl ex er

D u

pl ex er

LNA

LNAM2xA

RXRX1DRX1RX2DRX2 DRX

MHA MHA

00253568






UltraSite High Gain Mast Head Amplifier is especially designed to enhanceUltraSite BTS site performance by optimising a noise figure of the receiver chainincluding the antenna system and BTS receiver front end.

Figure 8. Nokia Smart Radio Concept for EDGE, two carrier per cell withall SRC solutions

Intelligent Downlink Diversity

Antenna diversity gain is applied in a downlink enhancement through a featurecalled Intelligent Downlink Diversity (IDD). In IDD, the cell coverage area isextended by sending the same radio time slots or bursts, with a slight delay,simultaneously through two transmitters and antennas, regardless of logicalchannel. Figure 9 shows an example of the EDGE downlink diversity solution.

un ts ece ve u t coup ers ua up exUnits

ntennas

D u pl ex er

D u pl ex er

D u pl ex er

D u pl ex er

D u pl ex er

D

u pl ex er

LNA

LNA

LNA

LNA

M2xA

M2xA

RX

RX

RX1

RX1

DRX1

DRX1

RX2

RX2

DRX2

DRX2

DRX

DRX

MHA MHA MHA MHA

00253571

TX

TX

TX

TX

RX

RX

RX

RX

main

main

main

main

div

div

div

div






Figure 9. Nokia EDGE downlink diversity solution, one carrier per cell

One cell requires two antennas (or X-polarised antennas). The IDD boostsdownlink performance by up to 5 dB (a minimum of 3 dB) in all radio time slots,compared to a single transmission system.

The typical configurations in one Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS cabinet are:

• 1+1+1 with combiner by-pass

• 2+2+2 with 4-way diversity

• 6 TRXs per cell with Remote Tune Combiners for large coverage and high-capacity needs

In each case, an additional TRX is needed for transmitting.

Auxiliary transmission is delayed 0-1.5 symbol periods, which provides goodperformance for all modulation schemes. Figure 10 shows the IntelligentDownlink Diversity solution.

Basebandunits Downlink

signal

CombinedUplink signal

00238692

In IDD, the downlink signal is splitbetween transmitters of two TRXs.The delay is processed between thesignals and random phase hopping isadded.

MHA MHA

DVxx

EDGETRX

EDGETRX

RX + TX

RX DIV. + TX DIV.

MS






Figure 10. Intelligent Downlink Diversity

The IDD method provides its best gain in low-correlated channels; therefore,phase hopping is used to change phasing between adjacent bursts, and,consequently, to decrease correlation between a main and auxiliary transmitter.Random or periodic phase hopping can be used.

3.1.3 Interference Rejection Combining

The uplink performance (BTS reception) is enhanced by Interference RejectionCombining (IRC) through two-way diversity reception of the BTS, withoptimised sensitivity high-gain Nokia UltraSite Masthead Amplifiers.

IRC eliminates correlated interference received by both antennas. An example fortwo pairs of X-polarised antennas is presented in Figure 11.

00222672

BTS

TX 1

TX 2

F-bus

Abis

TX1 main transmitter

TX2 auxiliary, delayed, transmitter

MS

filter

filter

TX 1

TX 2






Figure 11. Two pairs of X-polarised antennas

If no correlated noise exists, then IRC behaves like a normal Maximum RatioCombining (MRC), allowing traffic to flow without requiring noise reduction. In4-way Diversity, the combining gain depends on Dominant Interference Ratioand angular spread of Interference Post Detection Maximum Ratio. Combining isthen used for two IRC-combined signals that provide up to 3 dB gain. Thismethod is ideal for a dual X-polarised antenna concept, providing capacity andcoverage enhancements. It utilises auxiliary TRXs effectively for uplink and

downlink.

3.2 Base Station

GSM/EDGE-capable TRXs forNokia MetroSiteEDGE BTSandNokia UltraSiteEDGE BTS are compatible with GSM TRXs and fit into the same slot in the BTScabinets. In addition to providing EDGE services, GSM/EDGE TRXs are fullyGSM compatible and support GSM voice, data, HSCSD, and GPRS plus EGPRS.They are also backward compatible with all legacy GSM terminals.

00222696

IRC

IRC

MRC

Spacing: ~ 0.5WL






With the Nokia EDGE solution, switching between GMSK and 8PSK using atime slot basis is done dynamically on the same GSM/EDGE TRX. Link Adaptation between GMSK and 8PSK modulation happens during a connection,based on radio conditions.

EDGE is integrated into the best-in-class BTS solutions. EDGE capability isavailable for Nokia MetroSite EDGE BTS and Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS as aneasy unit upgrade. These solutions provide an unlimited EDGE growth path andfull functionality for micro and macrocellular networks. The rest of the network requires supporting software releases and capacity expansions for higher datarates. EDGE terminals will be available in line with the network infrastructure.EDGE terminals continue to support all GSM and GPRS services.

EDGE support requires minimum hardware changes for existing networks. Onlythe GSM/EDGE TRX Radio Frequency (RF) and Baseband units need to beinstalled — all other units stay the same.

The Nokia UltraSite EDGE solution offers the traditional benefits of highcapacity and coverage. It also offers complete data support with EDGE, which

enables the GSM networks of today to offer mobile multimedia services. GSM/ EDGE and GSM TRXs can co-exist, or operators can create a configuration usingall EDGE components.

3.2.1 Nokia MetroSite EDGE Base Station

Nokia MetroSite EDGE BTS is a microcellular solution that offers high capacity,versatility, and ease of deployment. Nokia MetroSite EDGE BTS enables highcapacity multimedia capability with microcells. Up to four GMS/EDGE TRXscan reside in a single BTS cabinet.

To build larger configurations for microcellular environments, Nokia MetroSite

EDGE BTSs can be chained. With chaining, operators can still easily install,operate, and manage Nokia MetroSite EDGE BTS. Chaining occurs bysynchronising the frame clock between BTSs and extending the internal D-bus.When BTSs are chained, one transmission unit is saved for each extensioncabinet, and operation and maintenance functions are centralised in the mastercabinet. Operators can chain up to three Nokia MetroSite EDGE BTS for a 12-TRX site configuration.

Operators can equip the BTS with both GSM 900 and GSM 1800 TRXs for dualband networks. This configuration also offers fully integrated transmissioninterfaces for fast setup and quick integration with the network.

The Nokia MetroSite EDGE BTS offers high density access at 58 GHz with theNokia MetroHopper Radio and Nokia MetroHub Transmission node.






3.2.2 Nokia UltraSite EDGE Base Station

Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS is specifically designed, as part of a solution for highcapacity macrocellular networks, to meet operators’ demands for increasedcoverage and capacity, for both voice and data. As the need for capacity grows,Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS can be expanded very flexibly and easily. Nokia

UltraSite EDGE BTS becomes EDGE capable with the addition of plug-inupgrades. Up to 12 GSM/EDGE TRXs can reside in a single BTS cabinet. NokiaUltraSite EDGE BTS is available for GSM 800, GSM 900, GSM 1800, and GSM1900, or as a GSM 900/GSM 1800 or GSM 800/GSM 1900 Dual Band basestation.

The Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS solution is designed specifically as a completesite and comes with site packages for different applications, ranging from high-capacity, dense urban environments to rural environments. Transmission is anintegral part of the Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS solution. Versatile PDH/SDHinterfaces are offered over radio or fibre for future capacity and flexibility. NokiaUltraSiteEDGE triplemode BTS answers the increasing demandforhighervoiceand data traffic in future networks, supporting HSCSD, GPRS, EDGE, and

WCDMA.

Nokia UltraSiteEDGE BTSuses thesame equipment to build coverage,capacity,or a combination of both. Operators can chain Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTScabinets to provide a dense, high-capacity site. For example, operators couldconceivably chain 36 GSM/EDGE TRXs using only three BTS cabinets, or chaina maximum of 108 TRXs using nine cabinets. However, one cell, or one segment,can only contain a total of 36 TRXs, so the TRX maximum per cell would bereached before extending to a total of nine cabinets. Operators can also configureNokia UltraSite EDGE BTS to provide coverage to the widest rural area.

3.2.3 Nokia Talk-family Base Station

A Nokia Talk-family BTS site can be upgraded to EDGE functionality with theinstallation of a Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS (housing GSM/EDGE-capableTRXs) on the site as an extension cabinet. Site compatibility is achieved bysynchronising a Nokia Talk-family BTS and Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS and byusing existing antenna and feeding structures. The synchronised BTSs share asingle BCCH (per sector) and function in the network as a single cell. The site isthen seen as one object by the NMS and the BSC (Multi BCF control feature). Inthis configuration, the Nokia Talk-family TRXs support voice, 9.6 kbit/s data,HSCSD, and GPRS.

The Nokia Talk-family and Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS co-siting solution

provides the following benefits to GSM network operators:






• Full capacity — All GSM/EDGE TRX configurations are supported, sincethere are no limitations on the maximum number of GSM/EDGE TRXs inthe Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS cabinet. Depending on the business andnetwork requirement, operators can use a combination of GSM and GSM/ EDGE TRXs.

• Full coverage — Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS offers a 2 dB better link budget, and since the received signals are shared in the same cell, bettercoverage is achieved.

• Full functionality — The Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS solution and newBSS features offer Dynamic Abis functions, which provide more capacityin the Abis interface, offering flexibility with higher data rates withoutupgrading the existing network.

Figure 12 shows an example of Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS and Nokia Talk-family BTS co-siting.






Figure 12. Co-siting of Nokia UltraSite and Talk-family example

3.2.4 BTS downlink combining options

The following list describes the different BTS downlink combining options.These combining options apply only to Nokia UltraSite EDGE BTS, since NokiaMetroSite EDGE BTS has no internal BTS combining.

00253556

BSC BSC BSC

8 TRX

8 TRX

8 TRX

BTS-1

Talk-family4+4+4

UltraSite BTS4+4+4

Synchronization

BTS-2

BTS-3

O&M

O&M

Abis interface






• Combiner By-Pass uses only the duplexer and no combiners. This optionis useful in rural and suburban areas where coverage is needed.

• Remote Tune Combining provides efficient, tuned 6-way combining withbuilt-in duplexer and Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). It only supportsbaseband frequency hopping (no RF frequency hopping) and provides agood combination of coverage and capacity. This option is useful in urbanand suburban areas.

• 2-way Wideband Combining reduces the number of needed antennas.However, it introduces about a 3 dB loss in the transmit path. This optionis useful as a combination of capacity and coverage for urban and suburbanareas.

• 4-way Wideband Combining connects three, 2-way combiners together. Itreduces the number of antennas even more. It also introduces about a 6 dBloss in the transmit path. This option is useful for multiple cabinetconfigurations in urban areas.

3.3 Base Station Controller

EDGE is introduced into the Nokia BSC by software upgrade. The new softwareprovides features to support higher data rates with EGPRS for packet-switcheddata. To guarantee higher data throughput, operators have the option of adding asecond Packet Control Unit (PCU).

Packet Control Unit

The PCU is a plug-in unit that controls the EGPRS radio resources. It receives andtransmits the Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit (TRAU) frames to the BTS

and Frame Relay packets to the SGSN. The BSS9 level GPRS PCUs can be usedwith EGPRS.

To increase the packet-switched capacity to 16+2 PCU units, a second PCU canbe added for each Base station Controller Signalling Unit (BCSU) (8+1). Figure13 shows the options for adding a second PCU to the BSC EGPRS.






Figure 13. BSC EGPRS hardware extension options

As Figure 13 shows, configuring a BSC with a second PCU also requires an 8 kbitGroup Switch (GSWB) extensionkit, which extends thePulse Code Modulations(PCMs) from 192 to 256. Furthermore, by using extra 2*ET5C cartridges, theBSC external connectivity and Exchange Terminals (ETs) can be extended from112 to 144 external PCMs.

This configuration means that:

00253244

LEGEND:

1.Extension4th SW64BPlug in Unit

2.ExtensionsGPRS/EDGE

3.Cartridges 8 & 9

GSWB 192-> 256

2nd PCU cards, 8+1

EXTRA 2*ET5Cs

2nd PCU for GPRS/EDGE

GSWB extension kit (192->256 PCMs)

External PCM extensions to increasePCMs in BSC2i from 112 to 144, ET5Cs 8 &

9, requires GSWB (256)

PSA20PSFP

PSA20PSFP

S W 1 C

M C M U

S D 3 C - S

O M U

M C M U

B C S U

B C S U

B C S U

B C S U

B C S U

B C S U

E T 5 C

E T 5 C

E T 5 C

E T 5 C

E T 5 C

E T 5 C

B C S U

B C S U

B C S U

S W 1 C

C L O C

C L A C

E T 5 C

E T 5 C

E T 5 C

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

33

2

2

1






Note

• The BSC maximum packet-switched connectivity would be 2 PCU/BCSUx 8 BCSU x 256 channels, which equals 4096 16 kbit/s Abis channelstowards the Abis interface.

• The Gb-interface maximum connectivity would be 2 PCU/BCSU x 8BCSU x 31 Time Slots (TSLs), which equals 496 64 kbit/s Gb-interfaces(31.74 Mbit/s)

The high reliability of this Nokia solution is achieved through N+1 redundancy.

The operator can share the BTSs for multiple PCUs. In other words, the packet-switched traffic load can be shared among BCSUs. The operator needs to reserveGb interface capacity from all the PCUs, which are connected to the BTS, fromthe active PCUs. One PCU can manage up to 256 Abis 16k sub time slots that aredirectly mapped to air-interface Packet Data Channels (PDCHs). The PCUremoves the unnecessary TRAU overheads coming from the Abis interface andassembles the data into Frame Relay for the Gb-interface. The BSC and SGSNconnect to each other with one or more n x 64 kbit/s Gb-interfaces. The numberof interfaces is equal to the number of PCUs. (Each PCU has its own logical Gb-

interface.)

Gb-interface is a Frame Relay interface that can be configured in 64 kbit stepsfrom one time slot up to 31 time slots, depending on capacity requirements.



Network Switching Subsystem



4 Network Switching Subsystem

Nokia’s Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) provides proven interoperabilityin a multi-vendor GSM environment, and it is sustained as EDGE support isintroduced. Nokia’s NSS also provides a smooth migration path to 3G networks,since the network elements can be upgraded to support 3G RAN (UTRAN), inaddition to EDGE BSS (GERAN).

4.1 MSC/HLR

The Mobile Switching Centre (MSC), which is a main part of the Network Switching Subsystem (NSS), switches calls between the mobile users andbetween mobile and fixed network users. The MSC, which contains the VisitorLocation Register (VLR), manages the network charging of circuit-switchedcalls. The Home Locator Register (HLR) is a separate network element thatcontains subscriber data for all customers in the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), regardless of whether they are GPRS and/or circuit-switch servicesubscribers. Nokia’s MSC/HLR has received several upgrades for EDGEcompatibility.

4.1.1 EGPRS support

Nokia HLR supports new enhanced data rates for EGPRS.








GPRS Core



5 GPRS Core

The GPRS architecture provides IP connectivity from a Mobile Station (MS) toan external fixed IP network. A Quality of Service (QoS) is defined for each radioaccess bearer that serves a connection. The parameters include priority,reliability, delay, and maximum and mean bit rates. A specified combination of these parameters defines a bearer, and different bearers are selected to suit theneeds of different applications. EDGE requires an updated parameter space forthe QoS parameters.

EDGE also introduces EGPRS to the basic GPRS service. EGPRS is based on theGPRS footprint. It provides new methods at the physical layer, including 8PSK,and different ways of encoding data to protect against errors. Higher layerprotocols, such as those used by the GGSN and the SGSN, stay the same. Byusing these methods, EDGE delivers enhanced data rates up to 473 kbit/s usingthe same GPRS infrastructure. EDGE supports the ETSI Release 99 specificationlevel in SG2. This support includes EGPRS services. EGPRS is implementedwithout changes to the frequency plans.

The GSM network uses the following two nodes in the GPRS Core to facilitateend-to-end packet transfer capability:

• SGSN is responsible for tracking MSs within a service area and for

transferring data to and from a GPRS MS

• GGSN provides internetworking with external packet data networks

The following GPRS interfaces are responsible for communication between thelisted entities:

• Gb-interface: SGSN and mobile (BSS) (This interface has been modifiedfor MS ACCESS capabilities.)

• Gd-interface: SMS-GMSC and SGSN

• Gf-interface: EIR and SGSN

• Gi-interface: GGSN and Packet Data Network





Network evolution



6 Network evolution

GSM, the European digital cellular standard published by the EuropeanTelecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and brought into service in theearly 1990s, included four subsystems: Mobile Station (MS), Base StationSubsystem(BSS),Network SwitchingSubsystem(NSS),and Operations SupportSystem (OSS). The GSM standard provided CS (Circuit Switched) speechservices that initially allowed FR (full rate) voice codec; later came HR (half rate)that utilizes two connections per one radio timeslot and more robustness withEFR (enhanced FR) operation. It also provided CS data for several codec modes;

the most commonly used of them were ones of gross rate 2.4, 4.8, 9.6, 14.4; andHigh Speed CSD (HSCSD) multiple timeslots of 14.4 kbit/s (1...4 timeslots).

The GSM standard evolved into GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) with theintroduction of ETSI Rel 97. It included a new network subsystem, GPRS Core,consisting of main network elements called SGSN (Serving GPRS SupportNode), GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) and CG (Charging Gateway).GPRS Core connects to BSS by means of Gb -interface. A new network element

was also introduced in the BSS, the PCU (Packet Control Unit), which in Nokia’simplementation is located at the BSC. For the rest of the GSM Network thetransition from GSM to GPRS is simply a matter of incorporating the upgradesoftware into any existing GSM network and is accomplished with minimalinterruption of that network.

GPRS involves overlaying a packet-based air-interface on an existing circuit-switched GSM network. This overlay gives operators an option to use packet-based data service. In the early phases of GPRS the free radio capacity left bycircuit-switched traffic may be adequate, and when usage is low, no additionalTRXs are needed for packet-switched data. When GPRS penetration increasesand usage grows, dedicated packet-switched capacity is needed to maintain thequality of service.

A GSM/EDGE TRX multiplies the data capacity of a standard GSM TRX,making it easier and more cost effective to build data services. Enhanced GPRS(EGPRS) can easily be incorporated into an existing GPRS platform by

introducing new GSM/EDGE units and a software upgrade. New modulation(8PSK) in the air-interface triples the carrier capacity, and the data throughput ismore than tripled with the help of IR and LA.






6.1 Voice Evolution

GSM networks currently support two channel modes: Half Rate (HR) channelmode, in which two users share one radio time slot, and Full Rate (FR) channelmode, which allows only one user per time slot. FR channel mode provides twocodec modes: Full Rate (FR) codec mode and Enhanced Full Rate (EFR) codecmode. HR codec is not as robust as FR codec; therefore, it has a smaller coveragearea but more capacity than FR codec.

Adaptive MultiRate

Adaptive MultiRate (AMR) will be available in Nokia BSS10.5. AMR speechcan be delivered with existing GSM hardware, such as Nokia Talk-family BTS,Nokia UltraSite BTS, and Nokia MetroSite BTS. Although AMR was originallydeveloped to increase voice quality, it also provides coverage and capacityenhancement by improving the connection’s robustness against interference.AMR for GMSK-modulated signals increases the current network speechcapacity by up to two times.

Table 3 lists the codec modes for AMR.

8PSK Speech and AMR-WB

There are further enhancements with both GMSK and 8PSK modulated voiceservices under study in the 3rd Generation Partnership Program (3GPP), whichhas replaced ETSI as the wireless standardization forum. Work items for Release5, which should be completed by March 2002, include the followingenhancements:

• AMR-NB on 8PSK HR speech traffic channels (0-TCH/AHS)

Table 3. AMR codec modes

Full rate Half rate

12.2 (EFR)

10.2

7.95 7.95a

a. Requires 16 kbits/s TRAU.

7.4 7.4

6.7 6.7

5.9 5.9

5.15 5.15

4.75 4.75



Network evolution



- all 8 AMR-NB codec modes can fit on HR 8PSK channel (not thecase on HR GMSK)

- average code rate ranging from 0.14 to 0.36

- channel coding is standardised (45-003 v5.2.0)

• AMR-WB

- 9 codec modes are defined from 6.6 to 23.85 kbit/s

- signalling is standardised (48 series)

• AMR-WB on GMSK FR speech traffic channels (TCH/WFS)

- only the 7 lower codec modes can fit (up to 19.85 kbit/s)


• AMR-WB on 8PSK HR speech traffic channels (0-TCH/WHS)

- all nine codec modes fit


• AMR-WB on 8PSK FR speech traffic channels (0-TCH/WFS)

- all nine codec modes fit


6.2 GERAN Evolution

The GERAN Evolution can be introduced in two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2.

6.2.1 Phase 1

GERAN and GERAN capable services with the BSS12 release in 2004 can beintroduced with the use of existing BSCs in the network.

GERAN support of BSC with Iu-ps and Iu-cs interfaces is currently a futurecapability planned for the BSS12 release. Standardisation is currently open in3GPP R5; thus, exact hardware needs cannot be fully declared. Also, whethertransport solution of Iu-cs and Iu-ps is based on ATM or IP is still an open issuebut IP is the preferred option. Figure 14 illustrates the Phase 1 introduction of GERAN.






Figure 14. GERAN Phase 1

6.2.2 Phase 2

The All-IP Ran architecture can be introduced into GERAN and enable fullGERAN services in 2H/2004.

In ALL-IP RAN architecture, user and control plane are split to optimise theRAN/BSS for packet traffic. ALL IP-RAN also combines GERAN and UTRANto one common ALL-IP RAN. In ALL-IP RAN architecture, some controllerfunctionalities are taken to base stations. Nokia UltraSite GSM/EDGE BaseStations may be upgraded to support ALL-IP RAN architecture with GERANPCU upgrade. With the introduction of GERAN PCU to the Base Station, Gb/IPinterface is taken directly from base station to 2G-SGSN. Figure 15 illustratesPhase 2 introduction of GERAN.



















Figure 17. Nokia NetAct tool set for planning, building, and optimisingGSM/EDGE coverage

The NetAct functionality for planning, building and optimising GSM/EDGEcoverage is introduced below in more detail.

Nokia NetAct Planner and PlanEditor

Planner includes radio network and transmission planning functionality for GSM/ EDGE.

00273033

Nokia NetAct Planner- Plan Multi BCF sites- Plan Common BCCH

Nokia NetActReporter- Verify EDGEperformance

Nokia NetAct PlanEditor

- Offline access tomodifying plans

- Combine plans- Check consistency

Planning

DataTransfer

Q3Upload

current NWconfiguration

Nokia NetAct Radio AccessConfigurator and Administrator

Build and optimise EDGE coverage- Download & activate EDGE SW in BTSs- Complete radio network plan- Mass download EDGE RNW and transmission plan- Manage Multi BCF, Common BCCH and

DAP configurations and parameter modifications- Enable EDGE in the BSS- Manage BSS hardware inventory

BSC SGSN

GPRSPacketCore

BSS S10

Actualparameters

Trafficmeasurement

data

EGPRSnetwork plan

EGPRSnetwork plan

EDGE plansto network

BCF

Multi BCF site

EDGE related

objects andparameters

BTS BTS

TRX

SEGMENT

EDGE

TRX



Nokia NetAct Operations Support System



Planner supports EDGE coverage planning, the creation of Multi BCF segmentsand common BCCH allocations, and dimensioning of the Dynamic Abis Pools intransmission planning. The plans created in Planner can be transferred to RadioAccess Configurator in a single file.

NetActPlanEditor provides tools foroffline plan editing. Theradio network planscreated in Planner or 3rd party planning tools can be completed with NetActPlanEditor.

Radio Access Configurator

Radio Access Configurator provides plan management functionality, andcentralised tools for all GSM/EDGE-related configuration management tasks inthe BSS. The network plans created using Planner can be completed anddownloaded to the network with Radio Access Configurator tools.

The configuration management tasks cover Multi BCF, Common BCCH andDynamic Abis Pool configurations, and management of the GSM/EDGEparameters in the BTSs, TRXs, and Dynamic Abis pools.

7.1.2 GSM/EDGE network administration

NetAct Administrator provides tools for GSM/EDGE software and hardwaremanagement, covering the following functions:

• Expandible software archives

• Software deployment, for fastdownload and activationof the GSM/EDGEsoftware packages

• Storage for multiple software configurations

• Visibility to the hardware details

Furthermore, NetAct Administrator has tools for downloading the releasesoftware to the Nokia BSCs.

7.1.3 Monitoring GSM/EDGE-related network problems

Nokia NetAct Monitor has a comprehensive set of tools for maintaining theoperational quality of the entire managed network. NetAct Monitor provides thefollowing support for GSM/EDGE:






• Visualisation of GSM/EDGE TRX alarms for Nokia MetroSite EDGEBTS and Nokia UltraSite BTS

• Dedicated alarms for EGPRS circuits, PBCCH channels and DynamicAbis Pools

• Tools for creating and maintaining Multi BCF topology views

7.1.4 Measuring and reporting for GSM/EDGE

Nokia NetAct Reporter supports the GSM/EDGE-related measurements andcounters implemented in the GSM/EDGE network element releases. With theGSM/EDGE related measurements and counters, Reporter can be used for thefollowing functions:

• Ad-hoc reporting and troubleshooting of GSM/EDGE-related network problems

• Report generation with ready-made report templates. Statistics can beretrieved at the element and network level, and displayed in a Web browser

• Performance and usage reports ofthe GSM/EDGE capable Multi BCF sites

• Performance and usage reports of the Dynamic Abis Pools (load andresources of DAP pools)

• Multi BCF and Common BCCH reports (number of intra-segmenthandovers)

EGPRS usage reports, such as number of EGPRS TBFs (Temporary Block Flows), dropped TBFs, and number of transmitted packets.

7.1.5 Service monitoring with Nokia NetAct Service Quality Manager

The enhanced data rates enabled by EDGE bring a number of ways of improvingservice competitiveness. For network and service providers, an early move toGPRS and EDGE enables a smooth transition to 3G type of mobile services, suchas E-Commerce, entertainment, advertisements, or news.

Nokia NetAct Service Quality Manager incorporates tools for monitoring theimpact of network problems on end-user service. Service Quality Manager allowsthe operator to monitor the network Quality of Service objectives and assists indetecting QoS violations based on information collected from a number of data

sources such as fault, performance management and trouble history data from thenetwork equipment related to theparticular service. Service Quality Manager cancalculate the effects of network problems on service, based on data sources suchas KPIs and alarm data generated by the network devices. Service QualityManager provides an open platform to allow integration to necessary 3rd partysystems.






7.2 Open interfaces in Nokia NetAct

Nokia recognises that not all equipment and tools in the operator's environmentare provided by a single vendor. Nokia NetAct incorporates the capability tomanage multivendor network environments from a single screen, regardless of protocol or vendor.

One major benefit of Nokia NetAct is that it can be integrated into the operator'sexisting network management solutions. Nokia NetAct can be deployed as thenetwork-wide umbrella management system that oversees all the managedsubnetworks. The Nokia NetAct applications and hardware solution arespecifically designed to support this type of scalability.

Nokia NetAct consists of components that interface with each other and externalsystems with clearly defined interfaces. Third party equipment and systems canbe integrated into Nokia NetAct with interface specific mediation functions. Thelist of open interfaces is available to Nokia customers. In general, the level of support depends on the interface available in the 3rd party element or system.

Figure 18 shows the open interface functions in Nokia NetAct.








7.3 Hardware solution

The hardware solution of Nokia NetAct is built of one or more server clusters andoperator seats (clients). A server cluster is a group of two or more co-operatingservers sharing common disks and providing high availability against a failure of a major component. Regional clusters manage a specific region, while globalclusters are intended for centralised, network-wide management tasks. In additionto the clustered servers, the hardware solution covers additional servers for userapplications, a storage solution, operator seats and DCN equipment.

Figure 19 illustrates the general Nokia NetAct hardware architecture.

Figure 19. Nokia NetAct general hardware architecture

00273045

Office LAN/WAN Backbone

NE NE NE NE

Clients

DCN

Application

Server

Application

Server

CentralRegion ApplicationServer

Global Cluster

BBRegion 1

Regional cluster

DCN

BBRegion 2

Regional cluster

DCN









Transmission



Abis channel mapping is arranged so that the standard GSM TRXs are connectedto the BSC in a conventional fashion, such as 16 or 64 kbit/s. These bits arereserved permanently for signalling (TRXSIG) for each TCH, and 16 kbit/s arereserved permanently for each TCH. The same applies to GSM/EDGE TRXs, butwhen required, the BSC allocates Abis capacity for data calls from the EGPRSdynamic pool when needed, for example, when MCS-3 or higher is used. NormalGPRS (non-EGPRS) calls using MCS-2,3 and 4 can also use EDAP resourceswhen allocated into EGPRS territory (GSM/EDGE TRXs). The Dynamic Abispool is common for multiple GSM/EDGE TRXs located at various sites.

EGPRS and Dynamic Abis use a new type of PCU frame toconnect with the AbisL1 interface. GSM/EDGE TRXs use the PCU Master data and PCU Slave dataframes to tranfer both GPRS and EGPRS data. EGPRS Dynamic Pools decreasethe number of GPRS channels by the total number of EDPRSs.

In downlink, the required EDAP resources are allocated with 16 kbp/s resolutionfor the CS/MCS. In uplink, the required EDAP resources are always allocated forthe maximum CS/MCSs that can be admitted to MS.

Figure 21 shows an example of Dynamic Abis pooling.

Figure 21. Dynamic Abis pooling

00222669

BCCH TCH 1 TCH 2 TCH 3

TCH 4 TCH 5 TCH 6 TCH 7

TRX 1 OMU 1 TXR 2 OMU 2





TRX 3 OMU 3



TRX 4 OMU 4 TXR 5 OMU 5





TRX 6 OMU 6

A

B BTS

BTS

s w t s

BSC

EGPRS DynamicAbis pool

EDGE TRX 6

EDGE TRX 5

EDGE TRX 4

EDGE TRX 3

EDGE TRX 2

EDGE TRX 1

Abis

123456789

10111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

Example: Data call from TRX 6(MCS>=2)

Example: Data call from TRX 2(MCS>=2)








Terminals



9 Terminals

EDGE will be a standard feature in GSM and WCDMA terminals. The plannedavailability for EDGE terminals is 2H 2002. EDGE has mass market capabilityand incremental cost increase to GSM. In EDGE and GPRS networks, EGPRSterminals are required, since these networks must be able to support multimediaand data formats.

In addition to providing superior two-way voice and video communication,EDGE terminals are planned to deliver a variety of services, such as:

• Voice, e-mail, imaging, locationing, and browsing

- Average 40-120 kbit/s user data rates

- Still pictures and video clips

- WAP, MMS, and Java

- Color display

• World phone for all continents

- EDGE for GSM and WCDMA operators

- Multi band EDGE for 800, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz

• Downward compatibility with 2G systems

- CSD and HSCDS

- GPRS and EGPRS

The GPRS and EDGE terminal classes combine to provide up to six types of terminals, as shown in Figure 22. EDGE provides uplink and downlink capabilities for terminals. GPRS defines three classes of terminals: Class A, ClassB, and Class C.






Note

• Class A terminals will support simultaneous circuit-switched and packet-switched traffic. These terminals, which will be developed during laterstages because both require full duplex TRXs, are defined as Simple ClassA and Class A.

• Class B terminals attach to the network as both circuit-switched andpacket-switched clients, but only support traffic from one service at a time.Class B terminals will be symmetric, with 8PSK in both uplink anddownlink.

• Class C terminals may support both circuit-switched and packet-switchedservices. In the near future, Class C terminals will be PCMCIA cards withdata-only features.

With Class C terminals, users must manually select either CS or PS mode, or theterminals can be set up to accept data only. Class C terminals cannot acceptpaging from both CS and PS at the same time. However, Class B terminals canaccept paging of any type when in idle mode.

Figure 22. GPRS and EDGE terminal types

00238038

symmetr c(8PSK in

Downlink only)

ymmetr c(8PSK in Uplinkand Downlink)

Simultaneous Voice and Data

EDGE

1

CLASSA

CLASSB

CLASSC

2GPRS

Non-Simultaneous Voice and Data

Manually selected Voice (CS) orData (PS) or exclusively Data (PS)



EDGE Network Planning Service



10 EDGE Network Planning Service

As with GSM networks, Nokia provides operators with a comprehensive set of network planning services for 3G EDGE networks. These services help operatorsexpand their packet-switched datacom services in mobile networks. Theseservices support operators in planning their networks to ensure that the newservices and technologies, together with theexisting networks, form an integratedplatform for operators’ businesses.

Nokia EDGE Network Planning Service has an overall system approach,

covering planning for the entire 3G EDGE network. Nokia EDGE Network Planning Service consists of the following service modules: radio network planning, core network planning, cellular transmission network planning, andtransport network planning.

10.1 Radio network planning

Introducing EDGE services on the air-interface of a sensitive fully operationalGSM/EGPRS network requires efficient use of existing radio resources whenshared between packet- and circuit-switched users. Radio network planning is

essential for spectrum efficiency. It is also essential for determining where, when,and to what level of quality EDGE services are successfully launched, withoutaffecting the overall network Quality of Service (QoS). Radio network planningconsists of general radio network planning, EDGE air-interface dimensioning,and EDGE parameter planning.

General radio network planning

During the introduction of EGPRS, Nokia’s general radio network planningguarantees a continued high level of QoS for circuit switch users and existingpacket data users. Additionally, Nokia offers cell planning to fit the EGPRSrequirements in terms of coverage, C/I, and throughput. General radio network planning consists of evaluations of the network coverage, interference, and

capacity.






EDGE air-interface dimensioning

Nokia analyses the air-interface dimensioning to estimate EGPRS datathroughput rates and traffic impacts on shared resources between voice and data.

EDGE parameter planning

Through EDGE parameter planning, Nokia tunes network cell parametersaccording to operator-specific design pre-requisites, in terms of coverage levels,cell layer structures, traffic demands, and circuit switch idle mode behaviour.Optimum cell parameters are derived, based on results from Nokia’s extensivesimulations.

10.2 Core network planning

EDGE core network planning meets operators’ individual business strategydemands when designing and dimensioning the backbone network, in terms of

infrastructure, external connectivity, and signalling capacity.

Nokia provides EDGE core network planning, both to operators who want toimplement new EDGE core networks on their existing GSM networks, and tooperators who want to upgrade their existing GPRS core networks to the EDGEcapacity level.

Nokia offers an analysis of the operators’ current network infrastructure,operational profiles, and an interpretation of the operators’ EDGE businessstrategies and future forecasts. Based on this information, a network analysisdefines the needed changes to the current IP infrastructure.

The major deliverables of EDGE core network planning include:

• Gb-interface network plan, including BSC (PCU), Frame Relay link, andSGSN (PAPU) configurations

• IP backbone blueprint

• External connectivity plan

• EDGE SS7 network design

• Security proposal for IP backbone

In the case of an existing GPRS core network, Nokia offers upgrade core network

planning for each of the planning deliverables mentioned.



EDGE Network Planning Service



10.3 Cellular transmission network planning

Cellular transmission network planning supports operators in defining optimisedsolutions for introducing new services and technologies to existing networks toprovide a customised network with expansion capabilities. Cellular transmissionnetwork planning consists of:

• Pre-planning

• Nominal planning of cellular transmission solutions

• Detailed planning of cellular transmission solutions

10.3.1 Pre-planning

The aim of Transmission planning is to create a goodbasis for a cost-effective andtechnically optimisednetwork plan that describes types andestimated numbers of equipment needed during the network rollout, such as the amount of mobileswitching centres, radio network controllers, base stations and transmissionequipment.

10.3.2 Nominal planning of cellular transmission solutions

Nominal planning of cellular transmission solutions includes the following:

• General transmission network diagram for base station access and corenetworks in phases

• General transmission network diagram showing capacity requirements,

media selection, preliminary transmission network topology andprotection, which fulfils the pre-defined quality requirements of thenetwork

• General management network principles with area definitions

• Synchronisation principles for the main network

• The number of connections in different interfaces in BSS and RANnetwork, and the number and capacity of possible cross connectionequipment






10.3.3 Detailed planning of cellular transmission solutions

Detailed planning of cellular transmission solutions includes the following:

• Capacity & network topology planning

• Microwave-link planning

• 2 Mbit/s planning

• Time-slot and cross-connect planning

• Synchronisation planning

• Network management planning (Q1,Q3,IP)

10.4 Transport network planning

Nokia provides transport network planning to assess operators’ current orproposed network infrastructure and to interpret operators’ network businessstrategies and future forecasts. Nokia uses the information gathered to determinenetwork growth.

The Nokia planning group then produces the most cost-effective and technicallyoptimised network plan. This plan outlines the selected network architecture andthe amount of equipment needed for network rollout.








Appendix B. Glossary

3G

Third Generation Wireless

3G RAN

Third Generation Radio Access Network

8PSK

8-ary Phase Shift Keying

Abis

Interface between BTS and BSC

AMR

Adaptive MultiRate

ARQ

Automatic Request for re-transmission

BB

Backbone

BCCH

Broadcast Control Channel

BCF

Base station Control Function

BCSU

Base station Controller Signalling Unit

BSC

Base Station Controller

BSS


BTS

Base Transceiver Station



Glossary



CDSU

Compact Data Signalling Unit

CG

Charging Gateway

C/I

Carrier to Interference ratio; determines the maximum throughput that eachsubscriber can achieve

CORBA

Common Object Request Broker Architecture

CSD

Circuit-Switched Data

DCN

Data Communication Network

DDD

Dynamic Downlink Diversity

EAMR

Enhanced Adaptive MultiRate

EDGE

Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution

EGPRS

Enhanced General Packet Radio Service

EIR

Equipment Identification Register

ETSI

European Telecommunication Standards Institute






FEC

Forward Error Correction

FR

Frame Relay or Full Rate

GERAN

GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network

GSN

GPRS Support Node

GGSN

Gateway GPRS Support Node

GMSK

Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communication

GSM 900

GSM 900 MHz frequency band

GSM 1800


GSM 1900


GSWB

8 kbit Group Switch

HARQ

Type II Hybrid Automatic Request for re-transmission








Iu-PS

UMTS Packet Switched Interface between RNC adn SGSN

IWF

InterWorking Function

kbit/s

kilobits per second

ksps

kilo symbol per second

LA

Link Adaptation

LAN

Local Area Network

LNA

Low Noise Amplifier

Mbit

Megabit

Mbit/s

Megabits per second

MCS

Modulation and Coding Scheme

MR

Maximum Ratio

MRC

Maximal Ratio Combining

MS

Mobile Station



Glossary



MSC

Mobile Switching Centre

MT-SMS

Mobile-Terminated Short Message Service

NMS

Network Management Systems

NSS

Network Switching Subsystem

OSS

Operations Support System

PCCH

Packet Common Control Channel

PCM

Pulse Code Modulation

PCSU

Packet Control Unit

PCU

Packet Control Unit

PDCH

Packet Data Channels

PDH

Plesiosynchronous Digital Hierarchy

PLMN

Public Land Mobile Network






PSTN

Public Switched Telephone Network

QoS

Quality of Service

QR

Quarter Rate

RF

Radio Frequency

RPC

Remote Procedure Call

RNW

Radio Network

RRM

Radio Resource Management

SDH

Synchronous Digital Hierarchy

SEG

Segment (“telecom cell”)

SGSN

Serving GPRS Support Node

SMS-GMSC

Short Message Services-Gateway Mobile Switching Centre

SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol

SRC

Nokia Smart Radio Concept for EDGE



Glossary



SS7

Signalling System 7 or Common Channel Signalling System No. 7 (SS7 or C7) isa global standard for telecommunications defined by the InternationalTelecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Standardisation Sector(ITU-T).

TBF

Temporary Block Flow

TCH

Traffic Channel

TDMA

Time Division Multiple Access

TRAU

Transcoding and Rate Adaptation Unit

TU3

TU3 UHF Radio Modules are intended for short and medium range wireless dataand telemetry applications, indoors and outdoors.

UDI

Unrestricted Digital Information

UMTS

Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

UTRAN

UMTS (WCDMA) Radio Access Network

UMTS

Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

VLR

Visitor Location Register




WAN

Wide Area Network

WCDMA

Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

Documents

EDGE Technical Overview