Microwave network will take minimum effort
April 2008
Our mobile phone needs in the UK are evolving rapidly - and placing more and more demands on the system’s transmission infrastructure as it moves from its historic heavy reliance upon leased lines to more microwave deployment. Here, Alan Campbell Group’s Steve Sanders-Crook argues that the move to a microwave-based system is a positive one, not only for the industry but also for the customer demanding 3G and wi-fi output, wherever they are. He also takes a look at the pressures on the nation’s mobile transmission infrastructure and how these can be overcome, as well as the benefits an efficient microwave network will bring to the UK.
"In overall terms, the move to microwave is a good one for the telecommunications market. It offers the advantage of a smaller, more cost effective infrastructure, while bringing with it the RAN - radio access network - sharing era and all the quality and economic benefits that this could offer. However, we need to make sure that the move to microwave is done in a collaborative manner, so that the infrastructure is one that will be as efficient as possible, while also being able to expand as demand grows. In turn, this will allow an effective backhaul system to be put in place efficiently, with no reduction in service to customers".
"However, the industry does seem to be moving down the collaboration route at the moment, as can be seen from the recent announcements in relation to RAN, or radio access network, sharing and also site sharing for independent networks. Under a RAN agreement, all infrastructure from the switch to the antenna on a radio base station site is shared. And the implications of both RAN, and more conventional site sharing, are clear - a reduced number of sites, making the infrastructure much more efficient".
"However, re-engineering a site to accommodate shared infrastructure for two or more networks involves a considerable amount of strategic planning, compounded by the fact that there is also pressure within the industry to reduce the number of sites to reflect improved technology and the implementation of micro-sites. And minimisation of downtime when the switch to microwave is made is crucial, making ‘hot cutovers’ vital".
"In addition, careful network planning is critical to boost existing 3G service capacity and accommodate new technology coverage nationwide. To meet the consumer’s high expectations, the location of any new hub and base station sites that may be needed must be mapped out strategically to ensure that adequate coverage is provided and the necessary transmission capacity is met".
"A series of panoramic and line of site surveys must be carried out from existing sites and potential new site locations. Once this is reviewed by experienced staff, this will ensure an unobstructed line of transmission between sites, which will enable microwave links to be fed back into the network and address backhaul requirements".
"Finding an infrastructure services provider that has the capability to offer a complete and efficient end-to-end service that encompasses all of the above has, therefore become the market driver. Such service providers need to be credible, able to bring years of technical capability and strong relationships with the communications equipment vendors to the table as the industry and its customers moves towards a greater reliance on microwave for backhaul".
"So, the mobile marketplace is changing, driven by evolving technology and the desires of the consumer and business user. As an industry, we need to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support that new technology, particularly as convergence becomes an ever-larger issue, leading to the need for a more stable technological platform for 3G capabilities that will enable greater ‘depth’ of services".
"Such infrastructure needs to be as efficient as possible, minimising duplication, while making sure that its impact on the environment is kept to a minimum. And if these things are achieved, the industry will be giving the nation a mobile infrastructure that is a platform for the long term."
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