Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Best Practices
INTRODUCTION
BEST PRACTICE #1
BEST PRACTICE #2
BEST PRACTICE #3
About LTE
Noise Mitigation
Interference Mitigation
By Philip Sorrells
By Erik Lilieholm
By Ray Butler
Co-Siting Existing
Technology
BEST PRACTICE #5
BEST PRACTICE #6
BEST PRACTICE #7
BEST PRACTICE #4
FTTA Implementation
Implementing DAS
By Lou Meyer
By Chris Stockman
By Luigi Tarlazzi
By Rob Cameron
Outdoor Site
Construction
By Mike Fabbri
BEST PRACTICE #8
BEST PRACTICE #9
Microwave
Backhaul
Small Cell
Applications
By Mike Wolf
By Donald Gardner
By Philip Sorrells
CONCLUSION
Demand is driving
rapid LTE adoption
all over the world.
001010000101010100101011
010100001010101001010101
00100010101010010101010 0
001010101010010101010110
001010000101010100101001
001010000101010100101011
010100001010101001010101
001000101010100101010100
001010101010010101010110
001010000101010100101001
168% more
data
The Challenges of
Modernizing to LTE
65% of the world will be covered
by LTE by 2019*. Will you be ready?
Wireless customers are constantly inundated with mobile technology
options. Each generation of devices raises the bar on how much data they
can consume, and they expect to do it effortlessly. Staying ahead of that
rising demand is critical to the success of your business.
LTEs vast capacity is the answer, but it comes with challenges all its
own. Unlike less complex 2G and 3G technologies, LTE is vulnerable to
even small amounts of interference. For LTE to deliver its full potential, the
deployment requires precise engineering and experienced insight.
51 commercial
LTE networks
have been launched
in the first half
of 2014*
* Global Mobile Broadband Market Update,
published by GSA May 2014
Did
you
know?
Just 1dB of PIM
can reduce LTE
coverage by up
to 11 percent*
318 commercial
LTE networks
now operate in
111 countries
worldwide*
While more efficient, tower-top architecture also comes with its own
challenges. Financially, there is the matter of tower lease costs, which rise
as available space diminishes. Perhaps more importantly, however, are
the weight and wind load limitations. These factors, in conjunction with the
increased cost, time and difficulty associate with tower-top installations, can
slow LTE deployments and delay critical time-to-market dates for wireless
operators.
GSA estimates
that number
will grow beyond
350 by the end
of 2014*
* Global Mobile Broadband Market Update,
published by GSA May 2014
LTE has changed the game. These are the new rules.
70%
GROWTH
By 2019,
more than
half of all
wireless
data will be
video*
#1
Best Practice:
Noise Mitigation
What is noise?
Noise is a general term describing
disruptive signals within the radio channel.
It is a kind of interference, but because it
consists of many signals, the additive sum
total is harder to isolate and counter than
single interference sources. Engineers refer
to this combined signal cocktail party as
Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN).
Fast Facts
Optimum LTE performance
demands an SNR as high as
20 dB
Electromagnetic interference
(EMI) is noise generated
by all active electric
equipment
LTE users in adjacent
sectors are a major noise
source
Noise is a combination
of multiple interference
sources, making a cocktail
party of disruptive signals
Successful noise mitigation
requires multiple best
practices executed together
10
Equipment
Selection
Choose antennas with radiation
pattern envelopes (RPEs) that
minimize sector overlap and
suppress coverage where its not
desired, such as the upper floors
of tall buildings
Tower-mounted amplifiers offer a
simple, efficient way to improve
SNR by offsetting feeder loss and
reducing the uplink noise floor
Install interference mitigation filters
(IMFs) on nearby transmitters to
suppress out-of-band emissions
that can cause noise
Always select equipment rated
to the specified operating
conditions
Environmental
Practices
Installation
Practices
11
Additional Resources
Training
Blog
SP6000
Modern
Fence
Wars
Learn more
Learn more
Did
you
know?
3G requires a SNR
of just 6 dB to
operate effectively
about 1/30 the
signal clarity required
for optimal LTE
performance.
12
#2
Best Practice:
Interference Mitigation
Why is interference an
LTE challenge?
Distinct from the broadband
disruption of noise, interference is
a discrete issue more prevalent in
urban and suburban areas where
pattern-controlled antennas are
the norm.
Because LTE performance is so
significantly impacted by any
kind of interference, the networks
signal-to-noise-plus-interference
ratio (SNIR) must be higher than
in any previous technology.
What is interference?
Interference is defined as discrete disruptive signals within a radio
channel. Unlike the more generalized nature of noise, these disruptions
are called interference when singular, identifiable sources are
involved. Noise is covered in Best Practice 1.
Fast Facts
Optimum LTE performance
demands an SINR as high
as 20 dB
Equipment
Selection
Antenna patterns should have
low sector power ratios to
minimize overlap, and high
upper sidelobe suppression to
minimize coverage in unwanted
directions
Opt for electrical downtilt instead
of mechanical downtilt, which
can cause pattern blooming on
the horizon
Remote electrical tilt (RET) is
required for LTE Self Organizing
Network (SON) optimization
Select only 100 percent PIMtested equipment thats rated
for your intended operating
conditions
Environmental
Practices
Plan against potential windand ice-loading conditions by
choosing sturdy antenna mounts
Identify likely noise sources
(such as electric motors, power
converters and other nearby
electrical devices) and make sure
they are grounded and shielded
where possible
Carefully evaluate out-of-band
emissions from co-located and
adjacent transmitter sites, then
place and point antennas to
maximize isolation from those
noise sources
Install interference mitigation
filters (IMFs) on nearby
transmitters to suppress out-ofband emissions
Installation
Practices
Use a level for antenna elevation
alignment and GPS for azimuth
alignmentcompasses are
unreliable around so much steel
In rooftop installations, ensure the
elevation beam clears the parapet,
particularly when the antennas are
set back from the edge
To minimize PIM sources, tighten
coaxial connections to specified
torque and ensure proper
grounding of all equipment
Do not exceed transmit power
ratings of any equipment in the
RF path
Protect cabling from strain,
vibration and environmental
damage by securing and
shielding it appropriately
15
Additional Resources
Training
Blog
SP6000
Modern
Fence
Wars
Learn more
Learn more
Did
you
know?
Multipath interference
is the result of a signal
interfering with ITSELF
because it arrives by
more than one path.
16
#3
Best Practice:
Co-siting
What is co-siting?
Co-siting, also called co-location, is
the practice of sharing site resources
between base station radios. On a
practical level this generally means
multiple technologies, radios and/
or channel elements sharing space
on a single tower. In some cases,
it even includes multiple operators
sharing the same radio equipment
and RF path, separating services at
the baseband unit (BBU) or switch.
Fast Facts
Co-siting is the deployment
of shared resources at a site
Resources may be
shared among different
technologies or different
operators
Higher-order modulation
drives higher LTE
throughput, requiring
higher site densities
LTE susceptibility to
interference makes co-siting
a challenge
Equipment
Selection
Environmental
Practices
Installation
Practices
Use only certified installation
crews that are familiar with
co-siting challenges.
Combine technologies based on
frequencies that do not produce
harmful PIM products.
Build arrays of technologies
that use the same tilt, of similar
antennas that use the same
azimuth, and on different
antennas that use different
azimuths.
19
Additional Resources
Diagram
Infographic
Article
How is
interference
impacting
your
network?
What
interference
sources can
affect your
network
How does
interference
impact your
network
investment?
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
Video
Industry Survey
Interference
impacting
your
network KPIs?
Are your
callers getting
the service
they deserve?
Learn more
Learn more
20
#4
Best Practice:
What is PIM?
PIM is interference resulting from the nonlinear mixing of two or
more frequencies in a passive circuit. If the interference coincides
with an LTE networks transmit frequencies, it can cripple network
performance and throughput.
Fast Facts
LTE is much more sensitive
to PIM interference than
2G and 3G technologies
PIM results from nonlinear
frequency mixing in a passive
circuit, or from external
factors
PIM interference most
commonly affects transmit
frequencies
A thorough examination
of the site can reveal
environmental PIM sources
before installation
PIM-reducing components
and experienced installers
can minimize the effect on
an LTE installation
22
Equipment
Selection
Use pre-tested, PIM-certified
cable assemblies. Connectorrelated PIM is the most common
source of interference.
Many older devices (antennas,
diplexers, and so forth) were
not designed to todays higher
PIM standards. Specify new,
PIM-certified devices with
weather-resistant connections.
Verify that your suppliers testing
protocols include environmental
stress screening and PIM testing
in both static and dynamic
conditions. Nothing is static at
the top of a tower.
Environmental
Practices
Ensure the antenna system is
clear and free of obstacles in
its pattern direction.
Be aware of frequency sources
in the immediate area of the
antenna system such as large
machinery, high-voltage power
lines and other sources that
can create an unexpected
frequency experience.
A comprehensive site audit
can identify potential external
sources of PIM, such as buried
conduit, nearby metallic
structures or other issues.
Such audits may also include
post-installation testing and
mitigation.
Installation
Practices
Ensure that installation
technicians have the right
tools to prepare and connect
cabling, including the
connectors correct torque
specifications.
Minimize the number of
adapters used in the design of
the RF path.
Use frequency sweep PIM
testing to reveal problems that
fixed-frequency testing does
not. If that is not an option, use
multiple fixed frequencies to
reveal hidden PIM.
Ensure all installers are trained
and certified
23
Additional Resources
Training
SP6160
PIM/VSWR Certification
Learn more
White Papers
PIM Testing
Technical Keys
to Network
Modernization:
PIM
Learn more
Calculators
Apps
PIM and
VSWR
System
Calculators
WebTrak
and cTrak
Certified
Report System
Learn more
Learn more
FAQ
Brochure
PIM Site
Audit and
Avoidance
Site Audit
and
Avoidance
Learn more
Learn more
24
#5
Best Practice:
FTTA Implementation
Fast Facts
FTTA architecture increases
efficiency especially at
higher frequencies
Factory-assembled tower
tops contain all components
for faster installation as a
single unit
Equipment
Selection
Choose hybrid cable capable of
accommodating more RRUs than
you are installing noweven if
you dont need that many
connections now, it will ease future
expansion at minimal up-front cost.
When ordering cable, its always
best to order longer lengths to
accommodate for any
adjustments needed on-site.
Select plug-and-play hybrid
breakout systems that directly
connect RRU and BBU to
eliminate the need for additional
cable runs or junction boxes
that increase tower loads.
Factory-terminated, factorytested hybrid cables offer better
quality control.
Environmental
Practices
Installation
Practices
27
Additional Resources
Training
SP6170
White Paper
Video
Apps
Fiber to the
Antenna
Turnkey
Solution
WebTrak
and cTrak
Certified
Report System
Learn more
Learn more
Brochure
Technical Keys
to Network
Modernization:
FTTA
HELIAX
FiberFeed
Direct
Learn more
Learn more
Article
HELIAX FiberFeed
Direct Hybrid
Connectivity
Solution
Learn more
28
#6
Best Practice:
Implementing DAS
What is DAS?
Fast Facts
Considered the original
small cell technology
Equipment
Selection
Environmental
Practices
Installation
Practices
Plan for the future. Allow extra
space for future upgrades in telco
closets and headend room.
Clean fiber connectors thoroughly
during installation. Even the
smallest particles of dust can
degrade performance.
Know and observe the maximum
power ratings of all components.
31
Additional Resources
Blog
Blog
The Value
of Multiples
in DAS
Filling the
Gaps in
Enterprise
Wireless
Learn more
Learn more
White Paper
Blog
PIM
Requirements
Must Increase to
Support Evolving
DAS Systems
PIM
Requirements
Must Increase
to Support
Evolving DAS Systems
Learn more
Learn more
Did
you
know?
80% GROWTH
~ in data traffic across ~
WORLDWIDE WIRELESS NETWORKS
BETWEEN 2012 AND 2013*
Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data
Traffic Forecast Update, 20132018, Feb. 5, 2014
32
#7
Best Practice:
Fast Facts
A complex process involving
several specialized partners
Equipment
Selection
Environmental
Practices
Maintain consistency by
manufacturer for component types
to ensure continuity and quality
across the installation of hybrid or
coaxial cable.
Installation
Practices
Ensure the azimuth is accurate
and that both mechanical and
electrical tilt are set to match the
sites plan.
New tower-top solutions exist that
are pre-assembled, configured
and tested in a factory before
hoisting it as a single unit to
the tower top, saving time and
money.
Observe the cable manufacturers
bend radius specifications and
use the manufacturers hangers
and supports to avoid damage
during installation.
Fiber-optic installations are a
recent technology, requiring a
new generation of highly-trained
specialists to handle.
35
Additional Resources
Training
Did
you
know?
SP6000
#8
Best Practice:
Antenna Selection
Fast Facts
Enhanced sector power
ratio and upper sidelobe
suppression increase LTE
capacity
Equipment
Selection
Choose remote electrical tile
(RET)-capable antennas to quickly
optimize your network.
Ensure that your chosen solution has
undergone interoperability testing
with your radio platforms.
During the planning phase, use
network planning tools to ensure
network KPIs are met in your
specific deployment scenario.
Look for antenna solutions that
support multiband capability,
2x4/4x4 MIMO and offer
sufficient ports to support local RF
plumbing.
Environmental
Practices
Towers should be analyzed
for structural loading by a
professional engineer prior to
antenna installation. To ensure
structural integrity, use only
manufacturer-specified antenna
mounts that are properly torqued.
Installation
Practices
Follow vendor and network
operator procedures for antenna
commissioning, such as system
sweeps, PIM testing, RET
configuration and RF connector
torque levels.
39
Additional Resources
Training
Video
Tip Sheet
SP6910
UltraWideband
Solutions
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
Antenna Theory
White Paper
Improving
Metro Cell
Performance
Learn more
Calculators
PIM and
VSWR
System
Learn more
Training
SP6104
#9
Best Practice:
Microwave Backhaul
Fast Facts
What is backhaul?
An aggregated, line-of-sight
microwave signal connecting
a cell site to the networks
backbone via one or more
links
kg
42
Did
you
know?
60 GHz to 80 GHz
backhaul links are limited
to about two miles, but one
operating at 6 GHz may
have links of 15 miles
or more.*
43
Equipment
Selection
Always choose quality and
proper specification over price.
While less-expensive antennas
may save a little money up front,
the purchase itself is a small part
of the total cost of ownership
when operational expenses are
considered.
Compliant Class 4 antennas
provide more link availability,
more capacity, and more efficient
use of spectrum. Smaller antennas
may be able to be deployed,
reducing shipping and tower
lease costs.
Avoid third-party add-ons that
have never been qualified with
the antenna.
Environmental
Practices
When designing a new
microwave backhaul path,
consider potential interference
sources. The planned link must
not interfere with adjacent links or
other operators in the area.
Microwave links require line-ofsight clearance. There can be no
obstructions between transmitter
and receiver, including the
curvature of the Earth.
Towers and mounting points must
be capable of supporting the
antenna without deflecting, even
under wind speeds approaching
the survival rating of the antenna.
Ensure that antennas are
installed in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions and that
all hardware is correctly tightened.
Installation
Practices
Rain, snow and other precipitation
can degrade microwave links.
Careful link design and choice of
suitable frequencies can mitigate
the effects of bad weather.
Weather also affects a microwave
installations physical integrity.
Accumulation of snow or ice adds
weight, which must be accounted
for in the sites design.
Ensure your equipment is rated
to withstand the maximum wind
speed likely to be found at the site
location and installation height.
Ensure that the tower has a
good grounding system and
all components are correctly
grounded.
44
Additional Resources
Training
Tip Sheet
Matrix
Choosing the
right backhaul
antenna: Four
key factors
that drive TCO
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
SP6105
White Paper
Sentinel antennas
address growing
capacity challenge
in todays microwave
backhaul network
Learn more
Infographic
Article
Microwave
antennas on
trial in Hungary
Top three
antenna-related
limiters to
backhaul
capacity
Learn more
Learn more
45
#10
Best Practice:
Small Cells
Fast Facts
Small, low-power radio access
nodes covering discrete areas
Flexible, fast-to-deploy
alternative to adding macro
network architecture
Equipment
Selection
Choose antennas with patterns
that minimize sector overlap in the
azimuth (horizontal) plane.
Ensure that antennas have
electrical downtilt, allowing for
ne-tuning coverage and a sharp
cell edge.
Select antennas with maximum
upper sidelobe suppression
available to avoid interference.
Choose a combiner that covers
both bands used by diplexers
and splitters.
Environmental
Practices
Installation
Practices
48
Additional Resources
Article
Small Cells: The
solution to telcos
network capactiy
challenges
Tip Sheet
(New) Tips for
a successful
small cell
strategy
Learn more
Learn more
Blog
Blog
Toothpaste
extractors, trash
day and small
cells: Life at the
Sorrells house
Learn more
Did
you
know?
As of early 2013,
9.6 million residential
femtocells were deployed
worldwideaccounting
for 56 percent of all
base stations.*
What
exactly is
a small
cell?
Learn more
These best practices cover the basics of these new rules and we sincerely hope
you have found them interesting and useful. However, there are other solutions
and other strategies to discover that can help you build a better LTE network.
Wireless networks all over the world run on CommScope. As an industry leader
with decades of expertise and innovation, we design and build the solutions
that power LTE and other wireless technologies. We collaborate with operators
around the world to help them get optimal results from every investment. We
invite you to contact your CommScope representative to see how collaboration
can help you build a better LTE networkand a better business.
Need to discuss
best practices for your
LTE network?
Contact us now.
50
www.commscope.com