Mobile Network Backhaul Via Broadband Satellite

IPSTAR White Paper

March 2009

IPSTAR Mobile Network Backhaul

COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2009 PROPRIETARY

Empowering Asia-Pacific

Content Introduction

3

Mobile Network

4

Mobile Technology over Satellite

5

Mobile Network Backhaul over IPSTAR

6

IPSTAR vs. Microwave Link

7

Recommended 3rd Party Equipment

7

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Introduction The need for global cellular communication is rapidly increasing as nations industrialize and expand, yet millions of people throughout the world have limited or no access to GSM or CDMA service. For most mobile network operators, bringing communications to the remote area presents an opportunity to expand their cellular network and to acquire millions of new subscribers. However, the problem lies in the cost of deploying cellular network in the rural area, where terrestrial infrastructure rarely exists. The mobile backhaul and trunking traffic between the remote cell sites and the network switching center implicates substantial challenges for the operators. In addition, recent technological advancements in the mobile network industry demand for new services, and require operators to continuously expand their coverage and increase the bandwidth capacity at the cell sites. However, terrestrial network expansion can take years to plan and implement, and is frequently unviable in rural areas. Many remote locations are simply beyond the reach of terrestrial infrastructure; therefore, satellite is the only feasible solution to deliver mobile service in these unserved areas.

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MOBILE NETWORK A typical mobile network has three major components: the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), the Base Station Controller (BSC) and the Base Transceiver Station (BTS). In a typical network, there is a single MSC, a few BSCs and many BTSs. MSC - Controls the call setup for the incoming and outgoing calls, and connects the calls to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and to other mobile networks BSC - Allocates the radio channels to individual calls and performs the hand-offs between the BTSs located within the same BSC BTS - Performs the actual over-the-air transmission to the mobile subscribers

G703 Interface

A Interface

Ater Interface

BTS

Antenna Cells

Antenna Cells PSTN or Another MSC MSC

TRAU

SM

BSC

BTS

Antenna Mobile Phones Cells

Abis Interface

Figure 1: Mobile Phone Network Setup

MSC TRAU SM BSC BTS

= = = = =

Mobile Switching Center Trancoder Sub Multiplexer Base Station Controller Base Station Transceiver

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MOBILE TECHNOLOGY OVER SATELLITE Satellites are the only viable platform in overcoming distance and geographic barriers, and in delivering mobile service in the rural area. A satellite network is used to backhaul the network traffic from the remote BTS that is oftentimes located in areas with low population density, and where it is costly to install fiber and microwave links. Its unique IP-based technology allows operators to share network capacity across multiple locations; thus, reducing the bandwidth cost and expanding their coverage to areas that were previously unprofitable. The mobile network over satellite link is often used for: BTS Extension Through BTS extension via satellite, mobile network operators can place a cell site in any location to extend an existing network or to provide mobile service to far-flung, isolated locations. The costeffectiveness of the satellite technology enables operators to meet their obligations in providing universal coverage throughout the country, especially in areas with low population density. Network Overlay Network overlay optimizes the flexibility of the network, making it possible to quickly expand mobile coverage during special events, or to provide communication backup in the event of unexpected natural disasters. Satellites can replace terrestrial lines, and can provide network coverage in areas with difficult or expensive long distance infrastructure. This allows mobile network operators to avoid the cost of deploying network facilities in areas with few subscribers. In addition, the satellite-based mobile backhaul solution enables operators to quickly install new cell sites in any location, providing connectivity even in the most remote areas and the harshest environments. Cell sites connected via satellite offer instant infrastructure on both temporary and permanent bases. Satellite technology is the fastest solution for restoring communications after a disaster, due to its rapid deployment capability and the fact that it does require the use of terrestrial infrastructure. It is also the ideal solution in providing additional capacity for one-time events with high subscriber density, such as mobile network coverage for the attendees in a major sporting event.

Satellite technology can deliver low installation cost due to its inherent efficiency and flexibility as a one-to-many medium. Specifically, it is used to: Launch a new network or extend an existing network in markets with low subscriber density Connect isolated locations into a regional network when terrestrial backhaul is too expensive or not available Quickly expand coverage for special events or provide communication backup in the wake of a disaster, without the need of building permanent mobile network infrastructure Provide special or ad-hoc services for disaster management, mobile vehicle and other related applications

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MOBILE NETWORK BACKHAUL OVER IPSTAR IPSTAR is capable of delivering bandwidth-efficient and scalable mobile network service. The robust IPSTAR backhaul solution can be deployed in areas with low population density on a point-to-point, multipoint or mesh network configuration. The IPSTAR solution enables mobile network operators to quickly and seamlessly expand mobile service in the remote area. Extending mobile coverage to accommodate higher traffic loads or to cover more geographical area can be done economically with IPSTAR since additional cell sites only require minimal additional infrastructure. The IPSTAR platform drastically reduces transponder capacity needs by sharing a single IP stream between multiple links and by assigning access to base stations on an on-demand basis. The IPSTAR solution truly offers multiple advantages to mobile operators seeking to reduce their network operating expenses, while providing innovative services and expanding their coverage in the remote area.

IPSTAR Satellite

Coverage Area 1

Leased Line IPSTAR Gateway

IPSTAR User Terminal

IP-Mux

BTS

IP-Mux

MSC PSTN

BSC MSC = Mobile Switching Center BSC = Base Station Controller BTS = Base Transceiver System

IPSTAR User Terminal

IP-Mux

BTS

Coverage Area 2

Figure 2: IPSTAR Mobile Network Backhaul Solution

Key Benefits: Interoperable with most mobile network equipment Interconnection via traditional E1 interface or IP Works in either point-to-point, multipoint or mesh network topology Nationwide coverage and quick deployment anywhere Lower bandwidth and equipment costs in providing mobile network solution for geographically dispersed subscribers Cost-effective alternative to microwave links, copper wire and fiber optic

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IPSTAR VS. MICROWAVE LINK Microwave link is a communication system that uses a beam of radio waves in the microwave frequency range to transmit video, audio or data between the BTS and BCS. Microwave links require a line-of-sight between the base stations, making it difficult to implement in heavily forested areas, mountainous regions and valleys. Lineof-sight problems can be partly solved through building a higher mast, but this can raise the deployment cost by up to 30% or more. In addition, the technology requires a repeater to be installed for every 50 km distance from the main link. Thus, in difficult to reach locations, like countries with many islands such as Indonesia, this poses a significant problem. Therefore, the IPSTAR satellite platform is the only cost-effective solution to interconnect geographically distant base stations. Another challenge that mobile network operators have to deal with is the lack of electrical power in the rural area. This poses a big problem for long distance backhaul infrastructure, as a repeater is typically installed every 50 km distance from the main link. Any mobile network infrastructure requires electrical power to operate, calling for a reliable power source to avoid service interruptions. The IPSTAR mobile trunking solution employs small-sized antennas and low-power user terminals, making it possible for operators to use solar panels as the main power source and a battery system for backup. The IPSTAR network can also use generators as power source to keep the system running during lengthy outages. Using solar panels as an alternative power source provides significant savings for mobile network operators. In addition, generating electricity from the solar panels reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emission, an ecofriendly alternative technology that can be used in delivering mobile network coverage to any isolated area with limited or no existing power infrastructure.

RECOMMENDED 3rd PARTY EQUIPMENT Type of Equipment

3rd Party Product

Specification

BCS

Memotec CX960e

Supports up to 12 BTS sites

BTS

Memotec CX900s

IP Mux

Memotec CX series

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