Accelerating Network and Business Transformation
The Post 2020 5G Network: Gaining the Advantage Now Five Key Infrastructure-Level Network Deployment Strategies by Matt Glass
BACKGROUND 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 1 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 1, the technologies predicted to play a role in making 5G a reality include: 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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OVERVIEW This paper presents key macrocell site and infrastructure-level initiatives operators can employ today to ensure a faster 5G launch. These strategies include:
CORRECTING STRUCTURAL ISSUES
MAKING BACKHAUL IMPROVEMENTS
REDESIGNING POWER SOLUTIONS
ACQUIRING STRATEGIC CELL PROPERTIES
SECURING SKILLED CREWS
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.
CORRECTING STRUCTURAL ISSUES 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.
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MAKING BACKHAUL IMPROVEMENTS 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 3. 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 4. 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.
REDESIGNING POWER SOLUTIONS 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.
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ACQUIRING STRATEGIC CELL PROPERTIES 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.
SECURING SKILLED CREWS 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.
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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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