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Andy Sutton Principal Network Architect Network Strategy 25th June 2014
The Implications of RAN Architecture Evolution for Transport Networks
Contents
• Review current RAN architecture evolution trends
• Specify backhaul requirements to support LTE-A
• Consider the transport requirements for evolved D-RAN and new C-RAN solutions
• Present EE mobile backhaul strategy and target architecture for a future proof Het-Net
2
RAN and backhaul evolution
1. GSM to GSM/UMTS to GSM/UMTS/LTE
2. Multiple base stations to multi-RAT platforms
3. TDM, ATM and IP Transport Network Layers to all-IP TNL
4. Underlying transmission changes from TDM (PDH/SDH) to Carrier Ethernet
5. Transmission migration supported by PWE3 solutions
6. Denser networks with different site types – macro – micro – pico
7. VoIP and QoS differentiation 3
RAN architecture evolution trends 1. Increased peak and average speeds
2. Increased capacity
3. Reduced latency
4. Differentiated quality of service
5. Multiple radio access technologies
6. Multi-band operation
7. Increased coordination – scheduling
8. Distributed and/or Cloud RAN
9. Denser networks
10. Heterogeneous networks
11. Self organising/optimising networks
12. Time/phase alignment between cells
5
LTE-Advanced
• Carrier Aggregation - n x Component Carriers (CC) - 20+20MHz deployed
• Capacity and performance
• Heterogeneous Networks (Het-Nets)
• Public access small cells - radio functionality, fixed and wireless backhaul
• Coordinated Multi-Point Transmission and Reception (CoMP)
• Different techniques place different demands on backhaul
• Some techniques probably require C-RAN for effective implementation (fronthaul)
6
LTE-Advanced backhaul
• Capacity upgrades
• Dark fibre, Ethernet Leased Lines, Microwave radio etc.
• Enhancing performance - flatten the protocol stack…
• Minimising latency and frame/packet delay variation
• Minimising frame/packet error loss rates
• Flexible QoS to support multi-service
• VoLTE timeline aligns with new LTE-A features
• New connectivity to support advanced RAN features
• Coordinated scheduling - centralised management function
• Small cell backhaul - connectivity, performance and integration
• Flexibility to optimise traffic flows to support CoMP techniques
• Time and timing
• Frequency and phase (time of day) sync
7
D-RAN and C-RAN…
8
• Distributed RAN is an evolution of today’s base station architecture with improved coordination and scheduling capabilities
• Centralised scheduling
• Cloud RAN is a new functional split with centralised baseband (digital unit) coordinating across multiple remote radio units (radio unit)
• Introduction of fronthaul segment
• Benefits of C-RAN over D-RAN appear to be limited at the moment and therefore don’t justify significant investment in fronthaul
• Consider TCO based on circumstances
Target architecture and evolution strategy
9
• Focus on capacity and performance
• Short-medium term scalability of Ethernet leased lines and microwave radio systems
• Development of Super Macro sites in support of 2G, 3G and 4G national coverage and capacity
• Includes CA on macro’s, moving from 2 to 3 CC
• Introduction of optimised Het-Nets to enhance capacity and quality of experience
• Longer term partnerships with fixed providers who can offer fibre-like performance rather than complex Ethernet leased line products
• Introduction of innovative wireless backhaul technologies, new techniques, new bands etc.
Summary
10
• Mobile backhaul evolution is essential to support RAN and product evolution
• Higher throughput with improved performance is an enabler for new services
• We must decouple any relationship between capacity, cost and performance
http://www.thinksmallcell.com/Femtocell-Interview/thinksmallcell-interview-with-andy-sutton-principal-network-architect-at-ee-uk-on-their-future-small-cell-plans.html