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OCTOBER 2007 ISSUE 34

CDMA All-IP leads the way


The harvest road of
Bakrie Telecom

A robust soft heart


Speeding up CDMA
international roaming

Reliance
sets full sail on its
All-IP journey
Reach for the sky and
transform your vision into reality.
Realize Your Potential
The future of CDMA industry
Mobilization, broadband deployment and IP implementation have emerged as three
central features underpinning the development of modern telecom industry. No telecom
operator, whether fixed, mobile or integrated, dares to neglect the impact each of these
will have on future business development.

From 2G to 3G to B3G, the mobile communication field possesses the ability and
drive to improve radio resource utilization and high-speed data transport capabilities.
While UMB, LTE and WiMAX are all capable of transporting up to 100M of high-
speed data, the transmission of broadband data services such as real-time high-resolution
video services confronts operators with a host of challenges and problems in terms of
network restructuring and service integration. Nevertheless, traditional TDM-voice-
Sponsor: based mobile communication networks cannot avoid transformation.
Editorial Department of
As one of the mainstream mobile network systems, CDMA also requires fundamental
Huawei Technologies,
architectural transformation. Given fierce competition from the powerful GSM/UMTS,
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
CDMA technologies must be improved and, more urgently, IMS-oriented service
Consultants: capabilities must be optimized, the whole network operation cost must be lowered, so as
Xu Zhijun, Tao Jingwen, Yu Chengdong to win a competition edge by differentia, and provide a balanced, stable and sustainable
Ding Yun, Cai Liqun, Huang Chaowen beneficial network support in aspects of investment and revenue, quality and efficiency,
Yu Xiangping, Hou Jinlong, Wang Liangwen flexibility and reliability, development and innovation.

Managing Editor: During the 2nd Global CDMA Operation and Development Forum held in
Gao Xianrui Bandung, Indonesia, in July, 2007, experts and representatives from the CDMA
industry arrived at a common understanding regarding the development of the global
Editors: CDMA industry. Specifically, the future direction of broadband mobile networks must
Xue Hua, Xu Ping, Xu Peng
be based on IP in order to simplify networks and enhance their capabilities in terms of
Liu Zhonglin, Pan Tao, Yao Haifei
transmission, diversified service expansion, and intelligent maintenance.
Chen Yuhong, Zhou Shumin
Zhou Huajiao, Huang Zhuojian The major factors driving CDMA toward IP transformation derive from the need for
reduced operator TCO, the abundance of IP-based convergent commercial applications,
Contributors:
and smooth future evolution into UMB.
Zhang Xinyu, Jiang Tao, Yan Yun
Xie Jingping, Lei Yanping, Sun Yiyong Based on its rich experience in the mobile and IP technology fields and deep
Guo Hua, Li Wenxian, Ma Fulin understanding of future trends, Huawei has initiated an All-IP-based CDMA network
Du Kuntang, Tian Ye, Li Xiaojuan solution. This is designed to deliver VoIP services in an FMC convergent network;
Yang Kaijun, Li Chunlin, Ma Kefei provide high-speed DORA broadband services that satisfy various enterprise needs; offer
Wang Jianfeng, Ma Yue, Luo Weihua sustainable and optimized network maintenance; construct CDMA trunking services
that create special value for customers; and offer traditional WLL operators innovative
Tel: +86 755 28780808
service capability via NGN by LiteFME. These features will assist CDMA operators
Fax: +86 755 28356180
embark on a competitive and innovative development road regarding convergence of
Address: A10, Huawei Industrial Base,
mobile broadband and IP implementation.
Bantian, Longgang, Shenzhen,
China 518129 The future of the CDMA industry rests with All-IP based mobile broadband network
E-mail: HWtech@huawei.com architecture and its associated organization, operational processes and service provision
Publication registration No.: modes.
Yue B No.10148

Copyright © 2007 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.


All Rights Reserved.
No part of this issue may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means without
prior written consent of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Cai Liqun
The information contained in this document is for President of Huawei CDMA
reference purpose only, and is subject to change product line
or withdrawal according to specific customer
requirements and conditions.
What’s inside:
Reliance sets full sail on its
All-IP journey

P.13 P.24
Global Digest Main Topic
01 China prepares 4G mobile data 21 A robust soft heart
specification for ITU Say “No” to softswitch heart attack
By Li Anming
02 Vodafone to launch mobile MusicStation
service in time for Christmas
24 Speeding up CDMA international
03 Huawei to deploy first WiMAX
roaming
16e-based commercial network for STC
By Wang Wei & Zeng Rong

What are the factors that have hindered CDMA international


roaming from progressing? What can be done to stimulate
Expert’s Forum
its rapid deployment?
05 CDMA All-IP leads the way
27 Enhancing competitiveness via
Cover Story All-IP BTS
By Wang Wei & Lei Yanping
13 Reliance sets full sail on its All-IP
journey
By Cui Xiaodan & Liu Zhonglin How to Operate
Why has the Indian CDMA industry 29 Romania Zapp embraces CDMA
achieved such an astonishing
development pace? An analysis of the
A 3G story that makes sense
success of India’s largest CDMA operator, By Victor Stan, Vice President
Reliance will shed some interesting light. and CTO of Telemobil S.A.
OCTOBER 2007 • ISSUE 34

P.46 P.35 P.11


32 PerformA: your versatile assistant 43 To defend and grow through
in wireless network operation and LiteFME
maintenance By Li Guodong
By Lv Jingna Faced with inevitable network transformation to mobile and
IP, how should fixed and integrated operators with CDMA
35 Choice for global rural networks defend and grow new revenues?

communications
By Liu Zhixiong 45 TruStar: a true star of digital
trunking service
By Yuan Long
Interview
39 The harvest road of Bakrie 47 The HLR guardian
Telecom Indonesia
By Wan Yanqi & Wang Minghu
By Huawei Reporter

While it’s an undeniable trend that fixed operators are


suffering from a shrinking customer base, Barkie Telecom,
has rapidly grown its fixed wireless subscriber base from 20
Leading Edge
thousand to over 2 million in just five years. 49 Fast-developing CDMA UMB
technology
By Chen Xiuting
Solution
In August 2007, Qualcomm demonstrated the first 4G
41 Empowered by the 3rd generation radio system in San Diego: Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB).
BSC What are UMB’s technical features? What new experiences
By Wu Si can it deliver to customers?
GLOBAL DIGEST

Events

Industry publishes UMB specification AT&T Wireless to increase upstream


mobile data bandwidth
CDG and 3GPP2 published the (OFDMA) standard. UMB is expected
UMB air interface specification. The to seamlessly integrate with
American wireless giant, AT&T to be able to upload is growing,”
spec claims that UMB is the first IP- CDMA2000 and EV-DO.
Inc., is planning to upgrade its Burns explained. “That’s become
based mobile broadband standard to Here are a few of the specs:
mobile data network this fall, a much bigger part of consumer
enable peak download data rates of High-Speed Data: Peak download
allowing customers to upload demand than it was just a few years
288 Mbps in a 20 MHz bandwidth, and upload speeds of 288 Mbps
photos, videos, and other data ago, when most mobile surfers only
while preserving large economies of and 75 Mbps, respectively; Increased
from their cell phones to the web wanted to download or retrieve
scope and scale. UMB is the latest Data Capacity: Ability to deliver both
at up to six times the current speed. information from the web.”
family member of CDMA2000 high-capacity voice and broadband
AT&T’s president of wireless Burns said that the upstream
technologies and allows the transfer data events in mobile environments
services, Richard Burns, said that bandwidth on AT&T’s high-speed
of native IP at speeds that are at excess of 300 km/hr; Low Latency:
the ability to upload data has mobile data network would be
orders of magnitudes higher than An average latency of 14.3 msec
become increasingly important due increased to 500 to 800 kilobytes
technologies commercially available over-the-air with minimal jitter;
to the high popularity of MySpace, per second (kbps), from its current
today, according to the standards Increased VoIP Capacity: Up to 1000
YouTube, and personal blogs. level of 120 kbps. This upgrade will
groups. UMB is an Orthogonal simultaneous VoIP users within a
“Everybody in the street is be carried out on a nationwide basis
Frequency Division Multiple Access single sector.
becoming a reporter so the desire during October and November.

China prepares 4G mobile data specification for ITU


Starcomms deploys advanced
China is planning to submit a current 3G standards, Ku says, 3G EV-DO, Rev. A in Nigeria
home-grown fourth-generation giving it strong potential in the
(4G) mobile data specification to the wireless multimedia sector. The CDMA Development Group the entire region.
International Telecommunications The search for a dominant congratulates Starcomms Nigeria To improve service flexibility
Union (ITU) in either 2008 or 2009, 4 G s t a n d a rd i s s e t t o b e g i n Ltd. on its deployment of West and economic performance,
according to Wen Ku of the Chinese next year, with the ITU begins Africa's first CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, Starcomms' Rev. A network has
Ministry of Information Industry. accepting proposals from countries Rev. A broadband wireless network been enhanced with an IP-based,
The Chinese 4G technology around the world. The first 4G in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria and next generation (NGN) SoftSwitch-
will allow users to surf the web networks will likely see commercial West Africa's largest economy. The enabled network architecture.
and transmit files much faster than deployment by around 2010. CDG expects this deployment to St a rc o m m s a l s o ha s s o u rc e d
accelerate the pace of 3G CDMA 1 0 , 0 0 0 R e v. A P C M C I A d a t a
mobile broadband adoption for cards from Huawei to support the
introduction of several cutting-
Sprint plans WiMAX push in the
edge mobile data services.
enterprise C D M A 2 0 0 0 1 x E V- D O R e v. A
Will Sprint put a big dent in the of mobile broadband operations offers average data throughputs
market for fixed-mobile-convergence at Sprint, is that the service will be of 600-1400 kbps with bursts up
in the enterprise? The operator similar to WiFi but more secure and to 3.1 Mbps in the forward link,
has revealed it plans to work with with easy roaming onto a carrier and average data throughputs
enterprises on the rollout of its network. Sprint has issued RFPs for of 350-500 kbps with bursts up
WiMAX network, enabling businesses WiMAX femtocells, and the carrier to 1.8 Mbps in the reverse link,
to install femtocells inside their office expects large enterprises to buy and substantially lower latencies,
environments and take advantage of deploy femtocells for consistent greater bi-directional symmetry
automatic roaming onto the carrier's coverage across their offices and and advanced Quality of Service
WiMAX network outside. campuses, maintaining control over mechanisms to support a myriad
The advantage for enterprises, them as they do with current WiFi of advanced mobile broadband
said Atish Gude, senior vice president networks. and delay sensitive services.

 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Data

Vodafone to launch mobile MusicStation $100 billion


service in time for Christmas
The benefits of working provides great opportunities," says
remotely now go well beyond ABI Research principal analyst Dan
telecommuting, and an increasingly Shey. "But the growing complexity
Each MusicStation user will complex ecosystem of applications and interconnectedness of that
be able to build a music-based that enable work to be done from ecosystem also requires great
social network, messaging mobile devices is developing. Mobile commitment by value chain players.
their friends and sharing song data applications and services used Before creating any strategy for
recommendations via a process by business customers will generate pursuing this segment, mobile
called “collaborative filtering.” over US$100 billion in worldwide communications companies must
Downloaded songs will be stored revenue by 2012, according to a understand the nature of the
c e n t r a l l y, m e a n i n g t h a t i f a recent forecast from ABI Research. opportunity for revenues, growth
customer’s handset is lost, stolen, "Serving the business customer and ARPUs by vertical, occupation,
or has to be replaced, all music, with mobile applications and services and size of business."
playlists, friends, and preferences
will automatically be restored.
The MusicStation service will
JPY11,340 per month
be available on a variety of new
Vodafone customers in the UK and existing mobile phones before Japan’s top cell phone carrier, of up to 3.6 Mbps, at a maximum
will soon be able to gain unlimited Christmas, according to Vodafone. NTT DoCoMo Inc., announced cost of JPY11,340 per month,
access to a digital music library of “We’re building on the recently that it would introduce including tax. NTT DoCoMo will also
over one million songs on their momentum of our Vodafone a flat-rate pricing scheme for its offer maximum pricing of JPY4,725
mobile phones, the wireless giant Mobile Internet launch and our wireless data services, in a bid to win including tax, on its lower-bandwidth
announced. commitment to music through the new mobile internet subscribers amid 64 Kbps mobile data network.
Vo d a f o n e ’s f o r t h c o m i n g Vodafone TBAs and our Vodafone stiff competition from rival carriers. The wireless giant would not
MusicStation service will allow Live Music Awards,” said the The new flat-rate plan is set to publicly speculate on what impact
customers to download unlimited company’s Chief Marketing Officer, take effect on October 22, and will the new pricing scheme would have
tracks from Universal Music Group, Tim Yates. “Today’s announcement allow users to surf the web at speeds on future revenue.
Sony BMG Music Entertainment is a first for music on the mobile in
EMI Music, and Warner Music the UK and means a fundamental
Group, directly over onto their, at a change to the way people
135 million
cost of just £1.99 (US$4) per week. experience music on their phones.”
CDG announced recently that executive director, Perry LaForge.
CDMA2000, continues to dominate “Its superior performance, utility
FCC boosts wireless backhaul capabilities North America’s 3G wireless market. and reliability have made it the
More than 135 million North overwhelming choice for subscribers
The FCC has greenlit the use of broadband services to buildings American wireless subscribers who demand substantial value - in
small antennas by 11 GHz licensees, that may currently be difficult or currently use some sort of other words, it is the best solution at
which could aid 3G and wireless expensive to reach with antennas CDMA2000-enabled handset, and the most affordable price.”
broadband carriers thanks to less allowed under our prior rules. I am 22% of these own an EV-DO-based North American CDMA2000
expensive and more competitive also pleased that the item endorses mobile broadband device. The CDG carriers are currently generating
wireless backhaul options. The principles to address aggregate credits an increase in EV-DO demand more than US$3 billion in quarterly
ruling follows a petition by interference concerns in a manner for a sharp, ongoing increase in the revenue from mobile data services
FiberTower, which recently inked a that protects incumbent licensees revenue of CDMA wireless carriers. alone. That’s more than US$34
WiMAX backhaul deal with Sprint while not disrupting the use and “CDMA2000’s strong growth million each day, or about as much
Nextel. expansion of terrestrial microwave in North America validates the as the entire U.S. entertainment
The ruling "should make it easier services in the band," said FCC technology’s powerful and robust and game software industry makes
for the last-mile delivery of wireless Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein. evolution path,” commented CDG on a daily basis.

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 


GLOBAL DIGEST

Huawei News

Huawei to deploy first WiMAX 16e-based commercial Reliance communications awards Huawei All-IP Next
network for STC Generation Network

M u m b a i , I n d i a -1 2 J u l y that seeks to extend its next


2007 Reliance Communications generation, integrated (wireless and
Ltd. (Reliance Communications) wire-line) convergent (voice, data
announced the award of a network and video) digital network to over
expansion contract, worth over 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages
USD 200 million, to Huawei. creating India's largest telecom
The current network expansion network.
undertaken by Reliance is the Reliance Communications'
largest wireless network expansion decision to choose Huawei comes
undertaken by any operator across after more than a year's intense
the world. scrutiny and stringent equipment
Under the agreement, Huawei tests.
will supply and provide services "We have chosen Huawei based
R i yadh, Saudi Arabia-28 "We enjoy a longstanding
for CDMA & GSM base stations, on its established credentials as a
August 2007 Huawei announced relationship with Huawei
including BSC (Base Station global company producing high
that Saudi Telecom (STC), the largest cooperating on different technology
Controller) and switches, and help quality products and solutions. The
service provider in Saudi Arabia, has fields such as GSM and WCDMA,"
to create first class All-IP Next relationship with Huawei will help
selected Huawei to deploy the first commented Bandar M. Al
Generation Network infrastructure. us maintain and strengthen our
WiMAX 802.16e-based network Qafari, general manager of STC's
The technology provided by leadership position in India, the
in the Middle East, covering major Network Department. "Huawei
Huawei is expected to bring down world's fastest growing telecom
cities including Riyadh, Jeddah and has the experience and technology
Reliance Communications' TCO by market," said Mr. Anil Dhirubhai
Dammam. advantages in the WiMAX field and
enabling a significantly faster and Ambani, Chairman of Reliance
Under this agreement, Huawei its WiMAX 16e solution enables the
more cost-effective expansion of Communications.
will design and deploy an end- next generation network evolution.
existing CDMA & GSM network "We are extremely proud and
to-end WiMAX 802.16e network Huawei has successfully delivered
services. It will also enhance the happy to partner with Reliance
including Base Station, Access more than 5,000 wireless projects,
company's competitive advantage in Communications which has
Service Network Gateway, Network and I'm confident that it will provide
attracting new subscribers. contributed immensely to the growth
Management System, as well as an us with an excellent network that
The contract will play a significant of the telecom sector in India and
Authorization, Authentication and will allow us to provide wireless
role in Reliance Communications' has always led from the front in
Accounting system. Huawei's end- broadband access service to our
planned roll out of its pan-India expanding the domestic market," said
to-end WiMAX solution integrates subscribers."
CDMA and GSM network expansion, Ms. Sun Yafang, Chairlady of Huawei.
the most advanced technologies Huawei actively promotes the
such as orthogonal frequency development of WiMAX and has
division multiple access (OFDMA) more than 600 engineers engaged in
and multiple-input multiple-output WiMAX R&D. Huawei is an important
(MIMO), enabling high-quality member of the WiMAX Forum and
network coverage and bandwidth IEEE standard organization, and
capacity. The distributed base station Huawei owns a number of essential
provided by Huawei is easy-to-install, patents in WiMAX technology. Based
featuring easy site acquisition and fast on its experience in both mobile and
rollout. The WiMAX 802.16e-based IP fields, Huawei provides tailored
network features high-quality solutions for fixed and mobile
network coverage and bandwidth operators such as fast-to-deploy
capacity satisfying STC's needs to networks that provide broadband
accommodate an increasing number access services, VoIP and data
of broadband subscribers. services for their customers.

 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei to deploy CDMA2000 infrastructure for Cricket 3COM announces agreement to be acquired by Bain
Plano, Texas-11 July 2007 Earlier in 2007, Huawei Capital Partners for $5.30 per share in cash
Huawei announced that it has successfully launched a third-
signed CDMA2000 infrastructure generation CDMA system for
agreements with Cricket Cricket® service in the cities of
Communications, Inc., a wholly Spokane, Wash., Boise, Idaho
owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless and Reno, Nev., a significant
International, Inc. and Denali milestone in Cricket's first contract
Spectrum Operations, LLC for with Huawei to deploy its CDMA
deployment of Huawei's latest technology.
third-generation CDMA technology. "Throughout our in-depth
According to the agreement, testing and recent commercial
Huawei's 3G CDMA technology will launch in the Northwest, Huawei
support operations in Leap's and has proven to be a strong business
Denali's Advanced Wireless Services partner sharing our focus on
(AWS) spectrum recently acquired network quality and reliability while MARLBOROUGH, MA-28 Sep "As business becomes ever more
in FCC Auction 66. also providing an extremely strong 2007 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: global, companies need to enhance
Under the agreement, Huawei technical evolution path," said COMS) announced that it has signed their technology infrastructure to
will supply CDMA2000 1x, 1x Glenn Umetsu, Leap's executive a definitive merger agreement to be compete more effectively in the
EV-DO Rev A, and IP based Base vice president, engineering and acquired by affiliates of Bain Capital broader economy," said Jonathan
Transceiver Station BTS3606; technical operations. "Our strategic Partners, LLC, a leading global private Zhu, a Bain Capital Managing
Huawei IP platform softswitch- partnership with Huawei allows investment firm, for approximately Director, based in Hong Kong.
SoftX3000 (MSCe) and UMG8900 us to further enhance our focus $2.2 billion in cash. As part of the "3Com has a strong competitive
(Media Gateway); and high on delivering the highest quality transaction, Huawei Tech Investment position, and we believe there are
capacity Air Bridge. The design networks and consumer services Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned Hong significant opportunities to grow by
will incorporate Huawei's unique while maintaining our leadership Kong based subsidiary of Huawei, acquiring customers and introducing
dual homing switch solution as position on cost, especially as will acquire a minority interest in the new products. We look forward
well as end-to-end IP backhaul for we bring Cricket services to new company and become a commercial to working with the management
increased reliability. markets." and strategic partner of 3Com. team and the company's strategic
The Board of Directors of partners to seize the worldwide
3Com has unanimously approved growth opportunity that exists for
Global 3GPP2 event in Kunming China the merger agreement and has 3Com's communications networking
Kunming China-10 July 2007 proposals, including common resolved to recommend that 3Com's solutions."
Huawei announced that it accessing platform and flattened shareholders adopt the agreement. "This is a commercial investment
successfully hosted the global network issues, will pave the way "The 3Com Board of Directors for Huawei. We believe the new
3GPP2 super meeting and SC/OP from current network to UMB and senior management team have ownership structure will help 3Com
meeting in Kunming, China attended network for CDMA operators. thoroughly reviewed our strategic to improve its business operations,
by 200 industrial experts coming FMC, VoIP and HDTV over wireless alternatives and have determined p ro v i d e b e t t e r p ro d u c t s a n d
from the likes of China Unicom, broadband, which enables the that the agreement with Bain services and bring more value to its
Verizon Wireless, KDDI, SKT, subscribers accessing wireless Capital provides the best value for customer," said Mr. Ren Zhengfei,
Qualcomm. broadband multimedia service 3Com shareholders," said Edgar CEO of Huawei Technologies.
During the meeting, Huawei anytime and anywhere were also Masri, 3Com president and chief The transaction is expected to
and industrial experts focused covered by MMD enhancement executive officer. "We believe that be completed by the first quarter
on topics including UMB access proposals as was the issue of large this agreement better positions of calendar year 2008, subject
network, 3GPP2 evolved network capacity VoIP and Video Telephony 3Com to establish itself as a global to receipt of 3Com shareholder
and Multimedia Domain (MMD) services that can be deployed by networking leader, which will benefit approval, customary regulatory
enhancement. Among them, CDMA operators without further our employees, our customers and approvals and other customary
the 3GPP2 evolution network investment. our partners." closing conditions.

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 


EXPERT’S FORUM
CDMA All-IP leads the way

 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

Bandung, Indonesia, July 2007 - the Second Global CDMA Operation and Development Forum,
hosted by Huawei, together with QUALCOMM International, CDMA Development Group and
International 450 Association, was successfully held. Industrial experts and operators globally
attended the forum, themed “Network Operation and Subscriber Development”. At the forum,
Huawei reiterated its support towards CDMA All-IP networking solution, which is gaining industry
recognition, and expected to be the mainstream tendency in several years of the future.

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 


EXPERT’S FORUM
EXPERT’S FORUM
Dr. Patrick TSIE serves as Regional Technical Marketing Director of Qualcomm International Inc. He is
responsible for 3G CDMA based technology marketing and also providing technical engineering advice &
consultancy to the operators in South East Asia & Pacific region. Prior to joining Qualcomm, Patrick worked for
Hutchison Telecom Ltd more than seven years, and was responsible for CDMA & WCDMA network projects.

EV-DO pushing the limits of mobile broadband


By Dr. Patrick TSIE & Perry Laforge

W
hen it comes to wireless core CDMA2000 network, which will previous investments, the broadband system
broadband, EV-DO support high-performance push-to-talk is backward and forward compatible with
sets the standard. In services. Sprint Nextel is now delivering a previous revisions of 1x EV-DO, allowing
1998, when it was first whole new broadband experience to their the newer Rev. B handsets to work on the
introduced, it was the customers. Several other operators from older EV-DO systems and vice versa.
first wireless technology to transfer data around the world are expected to follow Beyond Rev. B comes the next break-
above 1 Mbps. More accurately, it was their lead in the next few months. through in mobile broadband technology
the first mobile broadband technology to Besides supporting delay sensitive - Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) based
download packets of data at speeds of as applications such as VoIP with significantly on the Rev C standard, which will be
high as 2.4 Mbps, providing a broadband lower latencies and quality of service (QoS), commercially available in early 2009.
experience equivalent to that of wired the EV-DO Rev. A upgrade will offer UMB combines several technologies
connections such as the Ethernet, cable users much faster upload speeds, as high as including OFDMA, OFDM, LS-OFDM,
or DSL. It transformed the wireless 300-400 kbps, with data bursts up to 1.8 CDMA, and TDM with advanced antenna
industry, and quickly became known as Mbps. The technology will also enable faster techniques such as MIMO and SDMA
the "Walking DSL" in Korea. download speeds of 450-800 kbps, with data to achieve an order of magnitude higher
Today, more than 76 million people in bursts up to 3.1 Mbps. As a result, Sprint peak data rates than any other technology,
47 countries are using EV-DO handsets Nextel’s Power Vision subscribers will have up to 260 Mbps in a 20 MHz bandwidth.
(source: www.cdg.org), PC cards, modems access to a richer set of advanced mobile The technology will also support extremely
and embedded laptop modules to access broadband services such as high-performance low latencies, below 20 msec, to further
the worldwide web and their corporate push-to-talk (walkie-talkie services), IP video improve the broadband experience.
virtual private networks (VPN), download telephony, multicasting, multi-user video Due to its substantial performance
music, videos, email attachments, and enjoy conferencing, real-time gaming, music on advantage, evolutionary nature, spectrum
other applications while on the go. It has demand, video messaging, live webcams, flexibility, existing supplier base and time-
impacted many corporate functions and and the ability to upload large files, such as to-market advantage, UMB is expected
industries, especially field sales and services, email attachments, photographs and personal to leapfrog the other wireless broadband
by improving productivity, customer videos, from a Rev. A mobile device. technologies to become the leading
satisfaction and sales. But that was just The next step in the evolution of standard adopted for next generation
the beginning. The next quantum leap in mobile broadband communications mobile telecommunications.
mobile broadband has just been introduced. will be Rev. B in 2008. EV-DO Rev. B The future of mobile broadband is
On October 24th, 2006, Sprint Nextel builds on the efficiencies of Rev. A by bright for CDMA2000 operators. The
launched the world’s very first EV-DO Rev. dynamically allocating more radio spectrum technology’s roadmap will continue to
A service, to offer advanced broadband for particular locations, customers, or lead the industry by substantially increasing
services over their Power Vision (SM) applications to increase data throughput. performance while reducing costs. The user
broadband network. When completed, the By grouping up to fifteen 1.25 MHz experience will also continue to improve, with
network will reach more than 200 million carriers in 20 MHz of bandwidth, Rev. B fast, easy access to and delivery of information,
people throughout the United States. It will support peak data rates as high as 73 a wider selection of affordable devices to fit
will also allow them to migrate more than Mbps in the forward link and 27 Mbps individual lifestyles, and increased battery life
23 million iDEN subscribers to their in the reverse link. To preserve a carrier's to offer true freedom in mobility.

 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

James Person, the Chief Operating Officer for the CDMA Development Group (CDG). He leads the efforts of
CDG for all regional development, and he has responsibility for the strategic and technical programs of CDG.
The CDG spearheads the adoption and evolution of CDMA wireless systems around the world.

CDMA2000 global adoption & deployment


By James Person

C
DMA is rapidly leading of services. Initially of course in cellular have launched Rev.A. Rev.B has been
the way to 3G. Of course we were just voice service and then SMS standardized already and we expect
CDMA2000 is part of the and now people want to take Internet commercial implementation of Rev.B
3G story. EV-DO was the with them. They want video services, they either the end of this year or early next
first All-IP 3G network. want live television, and they want to have year. Rev.B is simply taking multiple Rev.A
CDMA2000 has a lead in a number of services that used to be in wired market channels and aggregating them to provide
ways. The lead in commercialization of now they are in wireless environment. greater bandwidth, greater throughout.
VoIP Broadband services. And a lead as Individuals contribute content so people UMB will take us to the next
we’re moving to what comes after the are using their mobile phones to take generation. If you have WCDMA network
third generation or in CDMA what we video, to take photograph and they want you can be confident that you have a very
call Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB). We to upload those photographs and videos strong evolution path and you’re ahead of
believe UMB will be the first market with to the network and for something like that other technologies in terms of evolution.
that level of support in technology. Over you need a broader bandwidth even in the Second, CDMA has a huge advantage
few weeks ago, we have over 220 CDMA upstream direction. in terms of coverage. In Indonesia which
operators in nearly 100 countries. You can Rev.A is definitely the most current spreads over 10 thousand islands, 220
see the breakdown by region. deployment of EV-DO. A number of million people having a great coverage
The largest single region is Asia-Pacific operators have commercially deployed is a real strength. We see this in other
region, led by growth in China, India and CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev.A and this developing markets as well, in India, in
now in Indonesia. But percentage growth number continues to grow. Many deployed Africa, in many places. The advantage is
is going rapidly in places like Africa so EV-DO Rev.A in this current year. clear with CDMA network as it can take
EMEA continues to rise. In Japan, 60% of CDMA EV-DO Rev.A offers a number advantage of different spectrum bands.
the base now is 3G. In North America 3G of advantages. In EV-DO network that provides VoIP
subscribers surpasses 2G subscribers at the First, greater capacity can support service, 1X network can cover a very large
end of last year. In Korea, 3G subscribers many more customers with the same area. So if you think about expanding
surpassed 2G subscribers in 2 years. And spectrum. With an All-IP core, operators network I encourage you to think about
in Western Europe we expect that 3G have the capability to offer VoIP and many the cost.
subscribers will surpass 2G subscribers in integrated services beyond just voice, SMS, CDMA industry is working rapidly from
2008. So, we’re moving rapidly to 3G and and data but video services as well with 2G network to 3G network. CDMA2000
this is not happening only in developed equal saving on the transport, and with continues to lead with 70% market share.
market. The market is just coming up of higher throughput bandwidth that provides It’s a mature industry - we have a cast of
new subscribers here in Indonesia. All the many new applications for consumers and industry players, handset manufacturers,
new subscribers in India, Africa are going businesses that you can offer and are being infrastructure manufacturers. We have a
on to 3G networks. offered around the world. strong evolution path. Now we have All-
I want to talk a little about CDMA2000 In regard to the evolution path, I IP network based on CDMA which is
evolution and what’s going on with Rev.A. mentioned about 1X, around 2002 leading us to the evolution of innovative
In developed market we see an evolution we moved to EV-DO, and last year we technology, devices and services.

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 


EXPERT’S FORUM
EXPERT’S FORUM
Manoj Menon heads the ICT Practice research and consulting division at Frost & Sullivan in the Asia Pacific
region. In addition to directly driving the business in the Southeast Asian offices, he continuously identifies
future rich technology pockets aligned to the division’s core competency in telecommunications, enterprise
communications and convergence.

CDMA market update


By Manoj Menon

Evolving trends of the landscape and try to understand how these


trends are going to impact the telecom
as operators in this business, need to be
able to capitalize on this trend. The next-
telecom industry service provider and its business model in generation of users see the need to express
the next five to seven years time. themselves, and that is why we begin

H
ow we see the industr y I think the number one challenge is to see a huge growth in user-generated
evolving from a the new Internet-based competitors like content like MySpace and Wikipedia. This
telecommunication Skype and the Googles of this world. shows just how important and big this
p e r s p e c t i ve ? W h a t a re What is so fundamentally different about business is. Wikipedia which is an online
some broad trends and them? And why is that a big challenge encyclopedia run by users’ contribution
what operators need to do to be able to for telecom service providers? The big has about 1.3 or 1.4 million articles. In
capitalize on these trends and bring them difference is that when they start their contrast, the Britannica encyclopedia,
to the business? It’s truly a very interesting business, they are participating in the which has been around for decades, has
time for us in the telecommunication global marketplace. They don’t just got less than a hundred thousand articles.
industry. A lot of changes are taking place participate in the Indonesian market or The second type of trend that we need to
in the industry - a lot of new trends, the US market or the Japanese market. understand is that we need to be able to
a lot of new technologies and a lot of Certainly, the scale of operation that capitalize on the need of users to express
innovations. they are participating in is very different themselves.
For telecom service providers, one thing to the operation scale of any traditional The third key issue is the long tail.
that keeps them awake at night which telecom service provider. And that is a It’s an absolute must read. What is long
frightens them is the pace of change and big competitive advantage that they enjoy tail? This is a book written by Chris
innovation. Jack Welch once said: “When and bring to the business because they are Anderson. And what it talks about is that
the pace of change in your business is able to amortize the cost and also look traditionally, we’ve all made money by
slower than the pace of change in the at revenue over billions of customers as following the 80/20 rule. That means 20
industry, then the end is near.” And if compared to you and me who are very percent of customers give us 80 percent of
you’re in the telecom business you will see focus on other aspects of geographic revenue and profit.
so much change and innovation coming market. The next point is search. Search is
from all these Internet and start-up The second trend is about self- manifesting itself into every single thing
companies which are disrupting the flow expression. The way consumers we do. The first thing you do when you go
of regular business. communicate is changing very rapidly. to the Internet is search. Search helps us
Let’s take a look at five broad trends The way people communicate themselves to reach customers or reach the point of
within the overall communications is changing far too quickly. And you, information we are looking at. So service is

 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

going to be embedded into different forms move forward and succeed, you have to numbers globally. Asia-Pacific continues
of communication and we are going to be really work towards being an experienced to account for the bulk of this growth
more involved. orchestrator. and currently represents 46 percent of the
The final key point is video. The actual market. Asia-Pacific has traditionally been a
time spent on each page is increasing.
Thereby, we are actually voting more and Evolving trends of GSM market. Today, however, the growth
is in the developing markets like Indonesia,
more video content. So video is becoming wireless network India, Cambodia and Pakistan, which are
the mainstream on traditional Internet largely CDMA operator controlled.
and it is something that we, as mobile The global trends of wireless perspective For CDMA 1x EV-DO, Huawei has, by
operators, need to start factoring as you are four most important trends in our far, the largest number of contract wins in
build your business moving forward. opinion. the first half of 2007. If you take a closer
So, to summarize these trends: Fi r s t , t e l e c o m o p e r a t o r s n e e d t o look, 1X is predominantly an emerging
Traditionally, as a consumer, what we do optimize CAPEX and OPEX because segment and you will find that vendors
is to switch on the TV, surf the channels, the growth is really at the low end of like Huawei have done extremely well as
and go to sleep. But the new consumer the market. And in order to be able to compared to other traditional vendors
demands a certain expectation - his needs serve the low-end market effectively, you in the global market. With CDMA450
are to search first, he will then participate need a low cost structure. Traditionally, we have seen a lot of success in Eastern
because of user-generated content, and he telecom companies are the least automated Europe, Asia, and Russia as well. Again,
will want to personalize. organizations in the world. You compare we see Huawei do well there.
So your role as telecom service them with a banking organization and we In the trend towards softswitching,
providers has to change as we progress are maybe seven years behind in terms of which is the first step towards IP
further. It is no longer just about putting automation. Growth is predominantly in migration, once again we see good growth
up the network, allowing people to talk the developing regions of the world. particularly in emerging markets, as well
to each other and making the money The next focus is to grow the non-voice as elsewhere globally. I want to capture
from this. It is really about you and the business because the voice business will some key trends from the suppliers’
company orchestrating the experience continue to fluctuate due to the increasing perspective - what are customers asking
across the multiple access platforms price competition. of suppliers? Clearly, telecom service
that you may have - be it fixed, be it Next is the need to move towards providers expect suppliers to give them
mobile - addressing his needs not just an All-IP environment so that you can end-to-end solutions. Traditionally, if
to communicate using the phone, but orchestrate the experience and provide we go back maybe seven or eight years,
also through the Internet. And most unified customer experience across a telecom service provider would engage
importantly, orchestrate the experience to multiple access points and devices. a wide variety of vendors and would not
the multiple things that he or she wants Essentially, the CDMA market is growing have expected suppliers to offer end-to-end
to do. For telecom service providers to and we see good growth in subscriber solutions.

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 10


EXPERT’S FORUM
EXPERT’S FORUM
Tina Radford is the Chairman of the International 450 Association and also heads up the IA450 Terminal
Working Group activities. Tina has more than 15 years souring & program management experience in the
Telecom industry spanning CDMA450, TETRA, Analogue 450 LEMS, GSM and ETACS with a particular focus on
procurement & project management.

Capitalizing upon the CDMA450


opportunity
By Tina Radford

T
he first operator who has about 75% of them are WLL deployment. plans to commercialize CDMA450 this
the CDMA450 license is Many operators in emerging market are year. In Argentina, two operators have
in Romania. Lacking of deploying CDMA450 with WLL. deployed CDMA450.
WLL deployment, Romania Based on the existing infrastructure, Africa is an interesting place for
started their license and operators use less BTSs to realize the CDMA450. In some countries, however,
operation with two kinds of big and coverage, thus the investment cost for the spectrum of CDMA450 is occupied
heavy handsets, while today’s operation changing to CDMA450 is much less than by private networks like Walkie Talkie or
is much easier. With the problem of other technologies. other solutions. To deploy CDMA450,
handset being solved, the CDMA450 the spectrum needs to be cleared and
has been getting more and more popular.
Nowadays, 31 countries have deployed CDMA450 deployment Africa operators need support from an
independent party who understands their
CDMA450 with at least 48 commercial around the world needs and can coordinate with regulators if
networks. Among them, 14 are EV-DO necessary. In Tanzania, Benson Informatics
and many EV-DO networks are trying I n Me x i c o , Te l Me x , a l a r g e a n d has commercialized CDMA450 last
Rev.A. Over 40 million commercial fast growing company, is deploying year and got more than 80 thousands
subscribers in CDMA450 worldwide and CDMA450. TelMex has done trials and subscribers. They have also got 1X handset

11 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

and WLL in market. Pakistan eight months ago to standardize solutions for these blocks. Dual band is
The CDMA450 is originated from specifications and to develop low cost already covered and dual band products are
Europe where is GSM dominated and WLL product. In Philippines, operators being developed for the industry.
the competition is strong. Telefonica Innove and Textron deploy CDMA450. There are many handsets in fixed
O2 in Czech Republic launched the first In Vietnam, the operator EVN Telecom wireless type. For example, Huawei has
CDMA450 EV-DO in August 2004 launched CDMA450 in March last year, many handsets for CDMA450 - some
with subscribers ARPU around 50 Euro. covering the entire country and having support the voice, SMS only; others
The REV.A is also in trials. Another new more than 1.6 million subscribers. About support voice and data. Most of the
operator called Mobilkon has 410 MHz 60%-70% of them are WLL, but 1X still handsets for CDMA450 come from
spectrum (O block). has big market. The EVN Telecom is also vendors in Korea, but vendors in China,
Nordisk Mobile Telephone, an operator trialing EV-DO. such as Huawei are also providing relevant
who has licenses and operations in Norway, handsets, together with infrastructure.
Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Ireland, About CDMA450 handset Another type of handset is Mid Tier
has commercially deployed CDMA450 devices with clam shell and bar type. Most
in Norway and Sweden. As deploying the Handset was a big problem for handsets in this type support Bluetooth
GSM/UMTS is not proper there, Nordisk CDMA450 but it is much less a challenge solution; they can be used to download
uses the EV-DO WiFi Gateway developed now. To better develop the CDMA450, the applications, ring tones, wall papers,
by Huawei to provide high-end services, handset price must come down to support emails, etc. on the air. LG decided to
which has good antenna performance and customers; the vendors need cooperation launch their first CDMA450 to the world
provides services to Scandinavia people. In with operators to promote CDMA450. one and a half year ago, which was big
Norway, people can be online when they go Besides, the test and acceptance criteria news for the industry.
to summerhouse, go fishing, or around the among operators need to be standardized Many vendors are working with design
field due to the using of the networks based under the CDG group as the CCF testing companies outside of Asia and trying
on CDMA450, NMT, and WiFi Gateway. covers a very detailed testing of handset. to build product that is more European
In Poland, a very big growth area for More technology forum discussions need generic design. They focus more on the
CDMA450, people are discussing how and to be organized so that operators can Asia market where most of the handsets
when CDMA450 is deployed. In Portugal, communicate with each other and share are smaller and lighter than some of the
the operator Radiomovel has EV-DO data resources. More forums will also help industry would require.
product and modem developed by Huawei. to expand the market and make better Some high end CDMA450 devices are
In Russia, the operator Skylink has about half deployment of CDMA450. sold well in Russia and they are launched in
million subscribers. Skylink’s business focuses Handset is now available from low end Europe. A variety of EV-DO handsets are
on mid high-end handset and is in DO. to high end. Low end handset provides basic developed and some Rev.A 450 handsets
Skylink launched a dual band CDMA450 voice and SMS and it is low cost. High end are being discussed. Many solutions are also
handset in Russia five months ago. handset is dual band, EV-DO, CDMA450, developed, such as items that are plugged
In Indonesia, the operator STI has 10 with camera, MP3, MP4. DO products in to the laptop like a piece of CMC card,
thousand WLL subscribers increased each indicate products commercially available for USB modem type with the cable, gateway
month. In Pakistan, five operators have EV-DO Rev.0 and trial Rev. A. As operators products, and USB stick type.
CDMA450 or CDMA479 that is F block. use other blocks in CDMA450, vendors
IA450 has discussed with operators in have provided a big range of devices and Editor: Zhou Huajiao zhouhj@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 12


COVER STORY
Reliance sets full sail on its All-IP journey

According to Indian telecom authority statistics, the number of Indian CDMA subscribers increased
by 125% in 2006, which exceeded the 79% rise in GSM subscribers over the same period. Up
until March 2007, the Indian CDMA industry has achieved seven world records, including fastest
subscriber and market growth rates. Some commentators even forecast that India will overtake China
and become the world’s largest CDMA market over the coming decade.

Why has the Indian CDMA industry achieved such an astonishing development pace? An analysis
of the success of India’s largest CDMA operator, Reliance Communications Ltd., will shed some
interesting light.

RELIANCE
sets full sail on its All-IP journey
By Cui Xiaodan & Liu Zhonglin

13 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

Under huge development of its neighboring countries and regions.


However, from 2005 to 2006, India raised
developmental pressures for a number of
reasons.
pressures its subscriber numbers from 50 million to
Unprecedentedly fierce market

I
100 million in just 14 months, and this is
ndia has the world’s second largest expected to double by the end of 2007. As a competition
population of over 1.1 billion. As a member of the BRIC group (Brazil, Russia,
large developing nation, its telecom India and China), India’s huge telecom In addition to state-owned enterprises
industry took off rather late and market has become one of the world’s most (SOEs), India telecom market is open to
progressed quite slowly prior to 1999. sought-after markets. foreign-funded and private enterprises.
Nevertheless, recent political stability has Reliance, established in 1999, is an Statistics show that the Indian government has
stimulated fast and continuous economic integrated telecom operator. Its CDMA issued 71 telecom operation licenses, covering
growth, which prompted the fast growth of network was initiated in 2000, and its first 23 telecom districts, with each district holding
the telecom industry. CDMA base transceiver station (BTS) was between 6 and 9 licenses. This far exceeds
In 2004, India’s mobile phone penetration constructed and deployed in 2001. In such a comparative global statistics. An open Indian
rate was less than 4.5%, and had reached huge telecom market with almost unlimited telecom industry has subsequently created a
only 7% by the end of 2005, far behind those potential, Reliance is facing considerable level of competition rarely seen elsewhere, and

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 14


COVER STORY
Reliance sets full sail on its All-IP journey

which sharply contrasts with the fixed phone market that are significantly lower than those for GSM services.
is currently monopolized by state-owned operators. Currently, the mixed RPM (revenue per minute) of
India has a total of 11 mobile operators, 6 of which CDMA services is just INR0.52, 38.8% lower than
are positioned in the CDMA field. Except for the SOEs GSM mixed services. In the fourth quarter of 2006,
BSNL and MTNL, all are private operators including mixed CDMA ARPU was INR196, of which INR456
Reliance and multinational operators such as Vodafone was postpaid and INR159 prepaid.
and Singtel. Low tariffs generate low ARPU, and operators
To succeed in this competitive arena, many telecom require more time to recoup investment. These
enterprises have no choice but to invest heavily. In pressures have delivered extreme problems in terms
2005’s fiscal year, for example, Bharti invested nearly of Reliance’s OPEX levels.
US$1 billion to continue its GSM network expansion,
while Reliance invested 90 billion rupees (US$2 Severely harsh network environment
billion) to expand its network coverage to 400,000 Due to the country’s complex topography,
villages and 5,700 towns and cities. unrelenting rainy season, high temperatures, flood
To further stimulate competition, the Indian threat and a generally hostile natural environment,
communication administration may launch Mobile mobile network safety is frequently under threat.
Number Portability (MNP) and Carrier Access Choice And the threat is further exacerbated by power
(CAC). After MNP implementation, subscribers can interruptions, unstable power supply, fire, theft and
switch operators while keeping their original telephone various other emergency conditions.
numbers; and CAC will allow consumers to freely switch Meanwhile, Reliance’s CDMA network serves high-
between operators during domestic and international end customers such as government institutions, banks,
roaming based on different tariffs and services conditions. and securities companies, which have extremely high
Unsurprisingly, Indian mobile operators are bracing requirements on network reliability and security.
themselves for unparalleled levels of competition.
Urgent need for network transformation
Extremely low tariffs
Fierce competition has culminated in both a sustained
Low and medium-end consumer groups account decrease in tariffs and a rapid subscriber growth. Since
for a large proportion of the Indian telecom market, 2002, the Indian telecom industry ended the stagnation
meaning that tariffs cannot be excessively high. The that characterized the 1990s, and development has
current average charge per minute for a local mobile exponentially accelerated. The competitive environment
phone call is a one-way rate of US$0.01. Moreover, toll and the drive for survival and growth have urged operators
and roaming charges are less than US$0.03 per minute, to unceasingly optimize and expand networks, strengthen
far lower than the international average. These low internal management and improve operational levels.
charges serve to intensify competitive pressures. Given the challenging conditions and the need
India’s CDMA services are also targeted at low to strengthen its competitiveness, Reliance felt an
and medium-end consumer groups and the tariffs urgent need to expedite CDMA network construction

15 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

and optimization, while reducing CAPEX and future 3G evolution. Secondly, cost-conscious network
maintenance costs. Network reliability, QoS, service construction employing this solution would reduce
innovation and launch speeds have been rapidly OPEX when network indicators have been secured,
improved so as to guarantee a fast increase in allowing subscribers to receive highly cost-effective
subscriber numbers, enhance customer loyalty and services. Thirdly, rapid deployment via CDMA All-IP
increase market share. should be realized, and the window of opportunity to
However, Reliance’s original TDM based CDMA garner a meaningful market share accomplished.
network generates significant problems. Network
coverage expansion entails extremely high costs Adapting to the All-IP development trend
if TDM construction is adhered to, and network In recent years, both mobile network and fixed network
structure complexity will rise as will OPEX. It would operators have based their long-term development on
also be difficult to quickly launch innovative services All-IP solutions. As the core of future mobile network
and adapt to IP network development trends. So the development, All-IP is forming the foundation for
traditional CDMA network became a bottleneck perfecting the individual communication platform.
inhibiting Reliance’s development and causing an After experiencing a bubble since the turn of
urgent demand for an operational strategy shift and the century, many operators including Reliance
the move toward network transformation. are turning to network transformation as the only
How to cope? meaningful way to move past the service innovation
bottleneck and secure a place as a competitive force in
Since Dhirubhal Ambani established Reliance the new communications era.
eight years ago, the company has embodied global For Reliance, transformation provides the key to unseal
digital revolution in its vision. Unprecedented a new business model. When new services are added,
competition levels, huge OPEX pressures, rapid relevant network nodes and switches across the entire
subscriber growth, a harsh network environment, and network require reconstruction and upgrading.
outdated technology and equipment of the existing Based on the original TDMs closed network structure,
network led Reliance’s decision-makers to conclude it is impossible to support a beneficial value chain among
that unique operational and sustainable development equipment vendors, network operators and application
strategies are essential. Arun Sur, Reliance’s CDMA developers. Under such circumstance, operators’ value-
CTO viewed that transformation forms the only way added service costs are inevitably increased and time to
to survive and realize future growth, and determined market prolonged. Conversely, the introduction of All-IP
to adopt an All-IP CDMA development strategy. improves the industry chain in a way that makes service
The strategy is three-fold. Firstly, an innovative and innovation and introduction less complex and more
mature end-to-end CDMA All-IP solution needed rapid. In this way Reliance can more efficiently respond
to be utilized to reconstruct and expand the existing to the market in an appropriate time frame.
network - This would improve overall network India has become a global CDMA hot spot and
competitiveness, and lay a solid foundation for smooth operators who seek success could do worse than heed the

Given the challenging conditions and the need to


strengthen its competitiveness, Reliance felt an urgent
need to expedite CDMA network construction and
optimization, while reducing Capital Expenditure and
maintenance costs.

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 16


COVER STORY
Reliance sets full sail on its All-IP journey

words of the Indian poet, Tagore: “Upon a turn, life will traditional TDM switching to IP softswitching in order
be brightened. With hesitation, danger will approach.” to conserve network bandwidth resources, achieve flat
network architecture, improve operational efficiency and
Implementing All-IP network transformation reduce OPEX. The core network softswitch platform
Based on a thorough understanding of IP network benefits from the capacity to smoothly evolve into IMS.
evolution and careful planning, Reliance has divided The IP-based service and application platform
its All-IP transformation into three steps: First, Core provides richer IP multimedia services via the IP
network IP transformation that completely employs mechanism and the application platform. This makes
the CDMA mobile softswitch. Second, Gradual access it possible to provide different subscriber groups
network IP transformation that achieves unified 2G/3G with diversified and innovative services to enhance
and fixed/mobile network access and the coexistence user experience and improve customer loyalty.

Reliance has begun its voyage with its new All-IP business strategy.
In order to achieve large-scale commercialization and to rapidly
deploy a high quality and competitive All-IP network, several issues
must be considered in their interconnected entirety as: service,
core, data communication, transport and access networks.

of multiple access modes. Third, Smooth core network Introducing a competitive partner
evolution to IMS.
An All-IP network comprises four parts: multi-service Reliance has begun its voyage with its new All-
interface, multi-service bearer, switching, and a service IP business strategy. In order to achieve large-scale
and application platform, all of which are IP-based. commercialization and to rapidly deploy a high
The IP-based multi-service interface is designed quality and competitive All-IP network, several issues
to achieve overall IP access modes to meet future must be considered in their interconnected entirety
business development requirements. It features the as: service, core, data communication, transport
coexistence of multiple access modes to facilitate and access networks. This presents a considerably
Reliance’s integrated business operation model. challenging test for operators and suppliers in
IP-based multi-service bearer network includes IP the context of mastering and deploying multiple
transformation in the access layer and multi-service bearer technologies to realize a comprehensive, cohesive,
transformation in the core layer. The access layer employs competitive and sustainable network.
MSTP and IP mixed transmission to enable separate With this in mind, Mr. Anil D. Ambani, the
voice signaling and normal data service transmission President of Reliance did not underestimate the
without interference, thus greatly improving transmission importance of choosing suitable strategic partners. He
efficiency and reducing costs. The core layer utilizes pointed out, “Reliance is committed to the development
a carrier-class IP bearer network coupled with the IP- of cutting-edge information and communication
oriented ASON flexible optical transport network to services. We will focus upon long-term partnerships to
improve the bearer network’s flexibility, reliability and execute complicated, global scale projects and deploy
operability. The toll transport network applies IP-oriented complete telecom solutions by means of an integrated
DWDM optical transmission technology. value chain. In India, Reliance will provide products and
IP-based switching describes the universal unrivaled value that both individuals and enterprises can
deployment of the CDMA softswitch to transform afford and bring subscribers new experiences through

17 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

continued innovation. Our ambition expects our success signed a long-term strategic cooperation agreement
to become a global model.” that details a next generation integrated digital network
Given the enormous scale and highly complex nature construction that integrates mobile and fixed lines,
of Reliance’s original network, All-IP transformation supports voice, data and video, and covers over 600,000
embodies an exacting, laborious and highly complex villages and 20,000 towns.
project. Reliance is fully aware of the necessity for a In the future, the All-IP end-to-end broadband
key strategic partner who can provide complete All- network will provide wider, richer and far more convenient
IP end-to-end solutions. Prerequisites for such a modes for multimedia applications and broadband
partner demand comprehensive knowledge, extensive digital communication. The developmental direction
experience, a proven track record and mindset of will yield a more personalized, entertainment-oriented,
innovation in both the IP and CDMA fields. mobile and intelligent service model that will impact all

Reliance’s comprehensive and detailed assessment aspects of Indian life. In this way, the two partners seek to
procedure resulted in the selection of Huawei as the realize a true broadband digital life for India.
best partner to fulfill this role. Huawei’s demonstrably
outstanding track record left Reliance’s management Constructing a premium CDMA
with no doubt that China’s largest telecommunications’
equipment supplier could help to accomplish the rapid All-IP network
realization of its All-IP strategy and add immeasurable Cost-effective network to reduce TCO
value to its future business direction and goals.
On December 29, 2006, Reliance and Huawei Reliance’s first step was to introduce the IP mobile
signed a CDMA network commercialization contract, softswitch into the CDMA core network. Employing
stipulating that Huawei will undertake 60% of the Huawei’s mature and reliable CDMA IP mobile
CDMA network project. Significantly, this is also the first softswitch system for rapid deployment, requirements
time that Reliance has introduced a non-US manufacturer have been met for network construction against a
into existing network construction. Recognizing Huawei backdrop of rapidly increasing subscriber numbers.
as a major global player, the two companies have thus set The mobile softswitch system features large
in stone the origins of a long-term strategic cooperation capacity and a reduced number of offices. Its design
that has increasingly been consolidated. encapsulates a separate architecture to promote easy
At the beginning of May 2007, Reliance granted upgrades and maintenance, and curtails both CAPEX
its CDMA network expansion contract to Huawei. and OPEX. The mobile softswitch supports 2G/3G
Scheme specifics involve the construction of nearly network integration, facilitating seamless future
9,000 BTSs covering 40% of India’s landmass, network evolution, and the IP-based open service
including districts such as UP East, UP West, Tamil platform furthers service innovation capabilities and
Nadu, Gujarat, MP, Orissa and Rajasthan. expedites service launch time.
On July 12, 2007, Reliance and Huawei officially Reliance is utilizing Huawei’s new generation

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 18


COVER STORY
Reliance sets full sail on its All-IP journey

CDMA2000 All-IP series BTSs and base station industry test tools, Reliance’s projected investment is
controllers (BSCs). These BTSs and BSCs use a carrier-class greatly decreased. Reliance’s project supervisor summed
IP broadband universal platform and a modular design up these outcomes and their implications, “From
that supports the IP-based interface. IP transformation equipment, solutions to project control, Huawei’s
of equipment elevates security, reliability and network new concept, end-to-end and cost-effective network
expandability, and will help Reliance remarkably reduce construction can provide a world model.”
TCO. Upon design, the next generation IP base
station has undergone technological innovation based Outstanding coverage to facilitate
on India’s operational network environment. Statistics sustainable development
indicate that the number of BTSs is reduced by 50%,
given that each covers 1,000 square kilometers. Huawei’s new generation CDMA All-IP BTS - in
With the increasing number of BTSs, BTS particular the widely deployed BTS 3606AC-R has been
transmission accounts for over 90% of overall customized to India’s complex topography, unrelenting
transmission costs. Interfaces incur the greatest costs, rainy reason, high temperatures and other negative
meaning that IP interface transformation is the key for environmental conditions. It has also been adapted to
transmission cost reduction. IP transmission fully employs the nation’s current potentially detrimental factors that
Reliance’s existing IP network resources, thus saving 40 include power failure and unstable supply, fire and theft.
- 80% in mobile access network transmission expenses. The built-in battery can supply power for four hours and
With Huawei’s patented enhancement technology, each its heat exchange technology saves power consumption
E1 link carries at least 240 speech channels without by 60%. The solution is favored by UP (West), UP (East)
affecting voice quality, far exceeding the industry average of and other secondary city regions.
180, and increasing transmission efficiency by over 30%. Many locations in India are hampered by inadequate
During cooperation with Reliance, Huawei has site room, rough site conditions, and inconvenient
drawn on its rich IP experience to suitably balance transportation. Huawei’s customized innovation
network reliability and equipment costs. This has capabilities have supplied Reliance with large
been attained by an optimized deployment program capacity 4-carrier and 6-sector BTSs, specifically the

at point, line and surface levels that responds to the BTS3606C-R, which exceeds the BTS capacity offered
network’s hierarchical structure and its relationship by other vendors by 2 or 3 times. This model also forms
with individual NE parameters. Points refer to NEs the industry’s smallest compact macro base station, and
and include equipment quantity and configuration; is not only optimized for easy transportation in terms
lines describe NE connections; and surfaces form the of volume, weight and vibration resistance, but is also
network’s topological structure. structurally simplified. Its cable connection design, for
Through the accurate calculation of multiple example, demands less labor and can be quickly deployed.
scheme speech paths, links and data traffic as well as To date and in addition to other densely populated areas,
comprehensive, multilevel verification using sophisticated this BTS model has been widely deployed in India’s

19 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

Gujarat and Tamil Nadu districts. Reliance’s


site rental, installation and maintenance costs
network construction and secures its advantageous
position in the Indian CDMA market.
Steering Indian telecom
have been considerably reduced. Reliance has inherited the professional market towards the world
The new generation series BTSs are based project management demands that underpin
on a broadband IP platform that can be the Indian nation and requires the overall Through the implementation of CDMA
smoothly evolved to UMB. Through location- and highly effective control over time, cost, All-IP transformation, Reliance has achieved a
specific coverage, Reliance’s existing investment quality and risk. To assist Reliance create a rapid growth. Its share in the Indian CDMA
is maximally protected, its diversified needs high-quality CDMA network in a rapid and mobile communication area exceeds 60%,
are met, and future, sustainable network cost-effective manner, Huawei has optimized and, with this overwhelming market share,
development capabilities are fulfilled. the supply chain processes of material has steered the India CDMA industry to
Moreover, the IP-based BSC features large application, purchasing, packing and system grow at a remarkable pace that is resonating
capacity, full integration, outstanding operation. Moreover, Huawei has established throughout the world.
performance, and carrier-class reliability. a project assurance team with the remit to Currently, Reliance boasts over 36
Combined, they reduce network construction effectively schedule projects, periodically million mobile subscribers, including nearly
costs and improve Reliance’s network security. evaluate risk, and to facilitate a flexible and 1 million overseas customers, and occupies
Reliance has constructed a manageable adaptable response mechanism. This effectively in excess of 25% of the Indian mobile
carrier-class IP bearer network based on a ratified implements project, cost, quality assurance market’s share, thus positioning Reliance as
service level agreement. This stipulates service and risk management in addition to rapid and the second largest telecom operator in India.
quality criteria and sets out relevant performance high-quality network deployment. Reliance is In terms of leading the Indian mobile
metrics that also meet Reliance’s requirements able to rapidly deploy a high quality CDMA communication market amidst the fastest
for “expandable capacity, identifiable network, thus seizing the opportunity for growth rate and arguably the world’s fiercest
subscribers, differentiated service provision, growth in the Indian mobile market. competition, Reliance’s success undoubtedly
controllable quality and a manageable Reliance’s Logistics Director testifies represents a shining benchmark and a model
network”. In turn, the design philosophy to this: Huawei is outstanding in terms of for the global CDMA industry.
fulfills both Huawei’s and Reliance’s mutual delivery and, compared with other vendors, Today, Reliance provides services for 600
and stated goals to successfully realize “a has delivered greater quantity and quality in Indian companies, 250 multinationals and

In the future, the All-IP E2E broadband network will provide


wider, richer and far more convenient modes for multimedia
applications and broadband digital communication. This will
yield a more personalized, entertainment-oriented, mobile and
intelligent service model that will impact all aspects of Indian life.

simplified network, marginalized services, a very short time. Under Huawei’s effective cooperates with over 200 global operators.
efficient structure, flexible traffic adjustment coordination, Reliance has taken just four The company operates the largest CDMA
and minimal failure impact.” months to complete the work that will take All-IP next generation network in the world,
other operators 4 years. Huawei provides including an optical cable system exceeding
Rapid deployment to seize the
professional guidance for long-term network 150,000km that covers India, US, Europe,
opportunity evolution, enhancing Reliance’s future the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the potentially crushing pressure confidence. Therefore, Reliance recognizes Led by All-IP, Reliance is steering Indian
of fierce competition, Reliance has deployed Huawei’s ability and its choice as our partner telecom market towards the world.
a preemptive strategy that implements rapid now and in the future. Editor: Gao Xianrui sally@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 20


MAIN TOPIC
A robust soft heart

A robust soft heart


Say “No” to softswitch heart attack
By Li Anming

T
he distributed structure of have a greater impact on the system, so the mechanism, so whenever there is a fault
softswitch, which features potential risks in this regard have become in the equipment, resulting in a network
separation of control from a matter of some concern to many people breakdown, it usually takes a considerable
t h e b e a r e r, m a k e s t h e in the industry. amount of time to locate the problem,
system processing capability Fortunately, since the deployment of recover the services, and so on. Meanwhile,
more accelerated and fluid, the network softswitch for commercial use has now customers’ satisfaction is lowered and
architecture simpler, and therefore, the become a worldwide trend, it has acquired business revenue is reduced accordingly.
availability of services quicker. Nowadays, masterly skills through numerous trials Un d e r t h e s o f t s w i t c h’s p r e s e n t
whether it is for a new network that needs and applications, and in the process has architecture, the traditional Mobile
to be constructed or for an old network gained much greater anti-disaster and risk- Switching Center (MSC) becomes MSCe
that needs to be transformed, softswitch resistant capabilities. (Mobile Switching Center emulation)
has become the first choice among carriers. and MGW (Media Gateway). Huawei’s
However, with stronger processing CDMA softswitch, by means of providing
capability and greater equipment Full disaster-tolerant a full-disaster-tolerant solution, which
capacity, softswitch will be called upon to core equipment consists of a dual-home, Mini A-Flex,
provide services to more subscribers than Bypass, and Temp-Credit-Call, will not
traditional switch equipment, this also Tr a d i t i o n a l n e t w o r k e q u i p m e n t only ensure a quick recovery of services
means that a fault in the equipment will does not possess a disaster-tolerant in the event that there is a fault in the

21 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

softswitch equipment, but also it will help to the city; hence, the former may become overloaded,
minimize any service loss incurred during any fault while the latter remains idle during a peak period,
connected with the user’s Home Location Register without resources being shared among the MGWs.
(HLR) and intelligent Service Control Point (SCP). In order to avoid service interruption due to any
fault connected with a MGW, and to guarantee
Dual-home: Disaster tolerance through channel resource sharing among multiple MGWs
remote backup running under the same MSCe, the softswitch
system provides a Mini A-Flex solution. The Mini
In comparison with the traditional MSC, the A-Flex solution allows BSCs to be subordinated
CDMA softswitch center (MSCe) features a larger to multiple MGWs, under the control of the
capacity, wider service scope, and more subscribers same MSCe, so that service management can be
served. So when a major disaster occurs such as a performed in the mode of load sharing among
natural calamity, man-made operational error, or different MGWs. Hence, when one MGW becomes
equipment failure, service interruption may occur unstable or encounters a failure of some kind, then
on a wider scale than with the traditional MSC, the BSCs subordinated to it can use other MGWs
therefore having a greater impact. However, dual- connected to it, so that services can continue to
home solution is capable of quickly restoring services be provided. Meanwhile, the Mini A-Flex allows
whenever a failure occurs with the MSCe. optimization of channel resource allocation among
Dual-home refers to a backup of MSCe that MGWs under the same MSCe, thus, saving the
is added or available for use by the softswitch as transport and channel resources among MGWs
a standby in the event that the active MSCe fails. to the maximum extent. In brief, the Mini A-Flex
It can either be an MSCe that is backed up by a provides disaster tolerance to the bearer side of the
standby MSCe, or multiple MSCe that is backed softswitch network, and also enhances the security of
up by a standby MSCe. It is usually referred to as the system. All these are quite simple to accomplish
a 1+1 backup or N+1 backup. Normally, the active in terms of implementation, and impose no
MSCe manages the media gateway and processes additional requirement on the peripheral NEs.
various kinds of signaling, but when the active
MSCe becomes unstable or experiences a fault of Bypass: Reducing disaster loss
some kind, then, the standby MSCe kicks in and
HLR is the data center for mobile subscribers.
completely takes over the tasks of the active MSCe,
Under normal circumstances, when signaling links
so as to ensure continuous flow of services for
between the softswitch and HLR break down for
subscribers.
some reason, service will no longer be provided
Dual-home provides MSCe with a remote backup
to subscribers in a local network, which usually
disaster-tolerant capability, thus greatly improving
results in business loss and also lowers subscribers’
the reliability of the softswitch network and its
satisfaction level.
capability of dealing with any onslaught of natural
Bypass is capable of reducing business loss to a
calamities. Moreover, the installation of dual-home
has no negative influence on the peripheral NEs
(network elements) and does not require any further
modification of the NEs. The handoff between
the active and standby MSCe can be completed
without being detected by the peripheral NEs, thus,
reducing the time duration of service interruption to
a maximum extent.

Mini A-Flex: Channel resource sharing


Under the softswitch’s present architecture, one
BSC can be upwardly subordinated to one MGW
only. When the MGW encounters a failure, all the
BSCs subordinated to it will be unable to process
services. Furthermore, among different MGWs
under the same MSCe, there may be an imbalance in
terms of traffic. For example, one MGW may control
a portion of the downtown area, while another
MGW controls an area that is located at the edge of

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 22


MAIN TOPIC
A robust soft heart

minimum degree. When signaling links between the Huawei’s CDMA softswitch offers an MSC Pool
softswitch and HLR break down, the Bypass service solution.
can ensure connection of calls between subscribers MSC Pool is composed of multiple softswitch
within the softswitch system, and when the signaling systems. It is similar to dual-home in terms of
links are recovered, it automatically recovers signaling networking, the difference being that the softswitch
interaction with the HLR, thus, greatly reducing any systems in the resource pool do not feature the
deleterious influence caused by the disaster. backup mode, but a load-share mode instead. All
the softswitch systems in the pool process services
Temp-Credit-Call: Ensuring calls between simultaneously, and all pieces of equipment in the
intelligent network subscribers pool share the load and the resources. They also
behave as an integrated softswitch externally. In other
In the mobile network, there are a great number words, an MSC Pool is a softswitch system of super-
of intelligent network subscribers. Therefore, if the large capacity, consisting of multiple softswitches.
signaling links between the softswitch and the service In large cities, traffic on regular workdays
control point (SCP) break down, calls between is usually concentrated in business areas, and
intelligent network subscribers are no longer on holidays traffic is relatively concentrated in
possible. residential areas and scenic spots. In traditional
Temp-Credit-Call, or Temporary-Credit-Call, networking, configuration must be performed
is capable of continuing calls between intelligent according to the highest traffic in each area, and a
network subscribers when the signaling links between certain amount of redundancy must be reserved at
the softswitch and the SCP break down. When the that. However, in MSC Pool networking, subscriber
softswitch detects any kind of failure with the links services will be evenly distributed in each softswitch
between it and the SCP, it will no longer perform system in the resource pool for balancing traffic
signaling interaction with the SCP, but instead, will peaks in different areas and different time sections.
connect the call first, and then it will add a flag in No matter on workdays or during holiday seasons,
the bill when the call ends, thus, enabling the billing the traffic on switches in the pool is in balance by
system to charge by the flag, which helps to reduce and large. Therefore, an operator only needs to
business loss. make investment on equipment according to the
In June 2007, Suntel, the second largest operator maximum traffic in an entire city, regardless of the
of Sri Lanka, which currently has 300,000 CDMA load of the maximum traffic in each area, thus,
subscribers, recently used Huawei’s CDMA optimizing network capacity and saving investment
softswitch to construct the first disaster-tolerant costs on equipment.
commercial network in the world. During the initial In addition, MSC Pool also provides certain
trial test and in commercial use, there has been zero functions of network disaster tolerance, as well as
interruption of services, hence, ensuring high quality improvement in the conversation quality. In the
of the network and laying a good foundation for event of a fault or failure with any single piece of
network operation. softswitch equipment in the pool, then the service
will be borne by other pieces of the softswitch
Smoothing the traffic peak equipment, thereby fulfilling disaster tolerance.
When a mobile subscriber is roaming in the MSC
Pool area, he or she does not need to change the
The mobility of mobile subscribers, differences
service MSC. Therefore, in comparison with
in population densities among different areas, as
traditional networking, MSC Pool reduces the times
well as the different habits of people in terms of
of switchover between the signaling flow and the
making calls, all result in a great difference in the
offices, and it enhances the call quality as well.
flow of traffic among different areas and in different
Due to its masterly skills Huawei’s softswitch has
time sections. This is especially the case during peak
gradually won the recognition and trust of many
traffic periods such as, during festivals or in the
global mainstream operators, and has entered several
holiday seasons, when the inordinately high load on
global markets on a large scale, including high-end
networks in high traffic areas causes instability in the
markets in Europe and America, as well as India
equipment and lowers the QoS, while the equipment
market. Huawei’s softswitch is now serving over 100
in low traffic areas is not fully utilized. The negative
million subscribers worldwide, and the number of
impact that traffic peaks bring to bear on networks
its commercial networks has now reached 45, hence,
usually results in a greater degree of redundancy
forming a trustworthy CDMA brand.
in terms of equipment capacity, hence, greater
investment costs. In order to conquer this difficulty, Editor: Xu Peng xupeng@huawei.com

23 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

CDMA networks lag far behind GSM networks


in terms of international roaming given the latter’s
existing wide global deployment. What are the factors
that have hindered CDMA international roaming
from progressing? What can be done to stimulate its
rapid deployment?

Speeding up CDMA
international roaming
By Wang Wei & Zeng Rong

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 24


MAIN TOPIC
Speeding up CDMA international roaming

The urgent call for Technological status quo


international roaming Inconsistent CDMA standards

R
apid global economic
CDMA technology standard is not
growth is raising people’s
living standards and creating Operators should mandatory. Operators and equipment
vendors are free to decide whether to adopt
closer economic ties between
c o u n t r i e s . O n e re s u l t o f
work with different it, and which particular versions to employ.
The CDMA standard itself is subject to
this is a greater demand for international partners to finalize continual revisions and improvements,
roaming services. Since GSM has already
been deployed on a large world-wide scale, issues such as roaming and different countries adopt different
versions because of different network
operators are not particularly concerned
with GSM international roaming. For
agreements, charging construction times and varied approaches
of operators and equipment vendors.
CDMA operators, however, international strategies, private service This has resulted in inconsistent CDMA
roaming is still posing a range of challenges
for numerous reasons, many of which processing modes, network agreements between countries.
For instance, China Unicom’s No.7
revolve around the fundamental question
of whether the global CDMA industry can
network coverage and signaling standard is based on the ITU
standard, with no additional or discarded
be further developed. adding new services. functions despite some minor application
With its origins in the USA, CDMA
changes. The No.7 signaling standard
was initially only designed to facilitate
used in Europe and by China Unicom
roaming services domestically and in
is functionally identical and basically
neighboring countries. This has created
belongs to the same system. However,
some persisting problems when seeking
North America’s No.7 signaling standard
to expand the service further afield. So far
is different in that it adopts the ANSI
the countries and regions where CDMA
standard which differs from the ITU
technology has been adopted are mainly
standard in some ways, for example,
North America, Asia and Africa. In 1999,
i n n u m b e r s e t t i n g . To i m p l e m e n t
Asian operators finally agreed on bi-party
international roaming for CDMA
roaming between two countries, but no
subscribers, interworking between ANSI
multi-party roaming relationship was
and ITU signaling standards must be
established, so “real” international roaming
realized. Currently, the international
has not been achieved. Viewed from this
signal transfer is basically realized through
angle, the global CDMA network is still in
Syniverse, a third party international
a state of separation.
o p e r a t o r, a n d t h e r e i s n o d i r e c t
An integral step in perfecting the
interconnection.
CDMA industry chain involves speeding
In terms of No.7 signaling adaptation,
up the international CDMA roaming
Huawei’s experience and processing
mechanism based on a globally integrated
capability allow a CDMA network to
strategy. This requires cooperation and
run over both ANSI and ITU standards,
joint efforts at various points in the chain,
presenting flexible adaptability to satisfy
including standardization organizations,
operators’ differing requirements.
equipment vendors, third party service variety of means to realize interconnection
providers (SPs) and operators. and interworking between countries. An Different frequencies
Te c h n i c a l l y, s t a n d a r d i z a t i o n example includes the existing partnership
organizations must continually ratify between China Unicom and Japan, Korea, 3GPP2 has defined 10 frequency
standards. On this basis, equipment the USA and Australia. However, this bands, and operators use different bands.
vendors and third party SPs have to adapt is still far from achieving the long-term For example, the air interface in Korean
various signaling types and support multi- objective that describes interconnection SKT ’s network uses 800 MHz, while
band terminals. Operators should work a n d i n t e r w o rk i n g c o m m u n i c a t i o n s American Sprint PCS employs 1900 MHz
with different partners to finalize issues unrestricted by time, place or terminal. and Japanese KDDI IMT2000. Previously,
such as roaming agreements, charging It follows that all industry chain parties few subscribers required international
strategies, private service processing modes, should further consider solutions to tackle roaming, and operators only considered
network coverage and adding new services. the various technical and operational local or domestic communications. At that
A number of operators have employed a problems. time, the cost of terminals that supported

25 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

multiple bands was high, so many legacy and MIN, thus helping subscribers enjoy Rwanda and Mauritius.
terminals do not accept other frequencies. mutual roaming possibilities between the
In order to facilitate international roaming, two systems. Settlement of call charges
therefore, operators must prepare multi- Charging mechanisms form an
band terminals. Operational strategies indispensable par t of international
In addition, CDMA terminal searches roaming strategy that cannot be ignored.
are performed via Preferred Roaming List Aside from technical problems, Pressed by the need for profits, most
(PRL) file frequencies which search for operational issues should be solved if operators would rather postpone roaming
usable networks, and this method forbids CDMA international roaming is to service inception because of the absence
illegal terminal access. This may lead to the be rapidly achieved between different of a complete billing and settling system.
situation that legal subscribers cannot roam countries. Further complicating the settlement issue
due to operators’ frequency inconsistencies. is the question of mutual trust among
Based on multi-band terminal support, Selecting roaming partners
operators. Whether or not roaming is set
Huawei utilizes Over-the-Air (OTA) Operators must first draw up the to become a normal service may depend
technology to automatically update legal strategic deployment map from the upon different operators’ ability to agree
subscriber terminals to add multi-operator operational perspective. In terms of upon a mutually satisfactory call charging
frequency information and thus achieve targeting countries for international settlement system.
unrestricted international roaming. roaming agreements, the analysis of A feasible method so far is third-party
Limited number resources various market features is necessary, for settlement. In North America, the large
example, a given country’s economic and number of operators means that two
Numbering plans describe an important trade ties and levels of tourism. parties will not usually settle directly, but
feature within a communication system, To reduce technical barriers, operators instead submit bills to a clearing house
since each subscriber is identified by who employ the same frequency, standards acknowledged by both. Different methods
a unique number. For international and operate in the same geographic can also be employed in order to more
roaming, each subscriber’s number must regions should be chosen as preferred swiftly deploy services depending on
be globally unique in order to guarantee roaming partners. Interconnection and specific network conditions.
correct identification. However, AMPS, the interworking between countries and Moreover, charging systems involve the
American analog communication system, regions can therefore take place step by pre- and post-paid modes. If a roaming
uses 10-digit MIN numbers to identify step. Thanks to this operational strategy, agreement is finalized under relevant
roaming subscribers, and allocates most Africa provides an example of increasing roaming conditions, post-paid subscriber
of these to domestic subscribers, leaving and successful international roaming roaming will not be difficult to regulate
just a few for other countries. Additionally, deployment. and achieve. In emerging markets, however,
its design does not comply with IMSI Currently, Huawei has offered a creative the pre-paid mode prevails more than
standards, rendering the numbers CDMA international roaming plan, 90% of the time. As far as operators are
internationally unusable. Taking the GSM assisting the African countries deploy concerned, pre-paid international roaming
solution for reference, 3GPP2 is working international roaming services and thus demonstrates incomparable advantage, most
on standards to guide the conversion from consolidate the competitive strengths of notably because it avoids late and non-
MIN into IMSI. The long-term perspective local CDMA operators. CDMA network payments. Huawei’s innovative pre-paid
defines that the CDMA system will interconnection and interworking will be solution will ably facilitate international
inevitably adopt 15-digit IMSI numbers. shortly realized in a number of countries roaming for pre-paid subscribers.
Huawei currently supports both IMSI including Nigeria, Cameroon, Namibia, Editor: Xue Hua xuehua@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 26


MAIN TOPIC
Enhancing competitiveness via All-IP BTS

Enhancing competitiveness via All-IP BTS


For CDMA mobile operators, the investment on BTS takes up at least 60% of the total operation costs, which
is of the highest percentage. In a market with increasing competition, how can BTSs be improved through
innovation in order to lower TCO and enhance competitiveness?
By Wang Wei & Lei Yanping

I
ncreasingly fierce competition in the and BTS3606AE (for outdoor type) are of high
communications’ market has resulted in lower integration and with up to 12 carrier capacity, which are
tariffs and a subsequent decrease in average revenue designed for large and medium cities. BTS3606C (for
per user (ARPU). This situation is exacerbated by indoor type) and BTS3606AC (for outdoor type) are
Internet voice services, which continue to attract of low consumption and compact design, which is ideal
a greater number of original subscribers from operators. for the low and medium capacity areas. The mini-BTSs,
Trapped in such a situation, a major concern for operators radio frequency unit (RFU) that is extended with feeder,
is how to survive and grow with low ARPU. The only way and the distributed BBU+RRU solution can be used for
out is to reduce operation costs and improve operation rural and remote areas.
competitiveness. In addition, Huawei plans to release three star solutions
BTSs are of the biggest quantity among all equipment BTS Hotel, iDBS, and Femto-Cell in the near future,
in the CDMA network. Therefore, Huawei believes which can satisfactorily meet the special requirements on
continuous innovation on BTSs is worthwhile in the aspect the coverage of downtown and indoor areas, and on the
of helping operators greatly reduce TCO. wireless data access for families.
The complete series of CDMA BTSs, and relevant
Next generation CDMA2000 All- solutions cater for specific requirements in various scenarios,

IP BTS
thus helping operators enhance the coverage of CDMA
network and lowering the TCO to a great extent.
Based on thorough knowledge of the telecom market Improving output power to reduce the
and research into low-cost operational requirements, number of BTSs
Huawei recently released its next generation CDMA2000
All-IP BTS series. Tailored to cater for different application When the BTS capacity reaches its maximum value,
scenarios and demands of operators, and continuously each carrier sector can ensure 20W output power on the top
improved through innovation, these BTSs are designed to of cabinet. The maximum output power in the industry,
help operators reduce TCO and increase competitiveness. however, usually can reach 20W only on the amplifier,
but the power will have1.5-3dB attenuation on the top of
Enriching BTS series to reduce networking cost cabinet. Thus, for the same traffic in a sector, a Huawei BTS
Choosing the right BTS according to the actual covers 34% more area than a 10W BTS does given the same
situation is the key to reducing the operation costs. For call model. Therefore, the number of BTSs can be reduced
example, in a densely populated area, BTSs with large by 30% in rural areas and countryside. Meanwhile, high
capacity can be used to reduce the number of BTSs and transmitter power can support higher sector load in cities,
networking costs; while in sparsely populated area, BTSs helping operators to support more subscribers.
with small capacity and large coverage can be used to Enhancing integration to reduce equipment
save costs on devices, installation, and maintenance.
room rental
Huawei has released various series of BTSs to meet
the requirements in various actual practices. Each The BTS3606E is designed to cover densely
type of BTS has its own features that fit into different populated areas and features high capacity, integration
scenarios. For example, BTS3606E (for indoor type) and reliability, coupled with low power consumption.

27 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

Each cabinet can support 36 sectors Introducing user-friendly design deploy services, significantly reduce TCO
while occupying an area of just 0.39 m2. to curtail maintenance cost and raise competitiveness.
Compared with traditional large capacity
but huge macro BTSs, the BTS3606E is The introduction of multiple BTS models Leap Wireless: reducing TCO by 30%
not only more functionally powerful, but its necessitates increasingly larger operation
In 2006, the American mobile service
compact size can realize significant savings support teams, with more stringent
provider, Leap Wireless, selected Huawei’s
in equipment room rental. expectations on maintenance personnel.
CDMA2000 1X and EV-DO Rev. A solutions
The BTS3606C is designed to cover areas To relieve the maintenance pressure, the
to deploy wireless services in the Greater
characterized by low traffic. A single cabinet BTS series applies a user-friendly design via
Chicago area, Washington State, Idaho and
can support 9 sectors and has even lower consistent software and hardware platforms
Nevada. By employing Huawei’s BTS3606E/
space requirements than the BTS3606E including macro BTSs (BTS3606E/AE,
3606AE next generation BTSs, Leap Wireless
given it is 0.7m high and occupies a 0.29 m2 BTS3606C/AC), which share a uniform
has reduced TCO by 30%. The BTSs meet
area. Moreover, it weighs less than 85kg, and baseband. All spare cards are in common
the requirements for high performance,
can be mounted on another cabinet, thus use, and benefit from a consistent software
reliability and capacity, and guarantee
maximizing space savings. version and maintenance interface. Therefore,
reliable applications in dense urban and
operation and maintenance personnel
Adopting IP-based transmission residential areas.
familiar with the maintenance of only one
to reduce transmission cost Glenn Umetsu, Executive Vice President
BTS type are fully capable of maintaining
and Chief Technical Officer of Leap, offered
Huawei’s all CDMA BTSs.
Huawei’s All-IP BTS series adopts a the following comments: “Leap is dedicated
Huawei has also proposed the Network
carrier-class broadband platform, and its to meeting our subscribers’ increasing
Care concept for daily maintenance, and
Abis interface supports IP over E1 and IP communications requirements. We selected
released an intelligent tool-aided maintenance
over FE. The transmission lines can not Huawei as a strategic partner based on
and service system that holistically integrates
only respond to traditional time division their successful technical certification in
road test, network planning, optimization
multiplex (TDM), synchronous digital our network, their outstanding product
mechanisms, performance monitoring and
hierarchy (SDH), microwave and satellite roadmap, and our common focus on
management functions. Huawei partners
systems, but also employ future-oriented quality and cost leadership.”
with operators to construct a network quality
IP data networks and meanwhile support
guarantee system, and can provide forecasts Tata Indicom: Doubled capacity
E1+FE mixed transmission. These BTSs both
regarding user development and business
afford a rich range of transmission resource with amazing cost savings
operations in order to establish a solid
options for operators and also help to reduce
foundation for cohesive network development. In 2007, one of India’s leading telecom
transmission costs.
Designed using Huawei’s patented and operators, Tata Indicom, chose Huawei’s
Adopting creative architecture to CDMA2000 All-IP BTS series to replace
enhanced technologies, each of the CDMA guarantee future smooth evolution
BTSs can improve transmission efficiency by their existing networks in Delhi and
30% and support at least 240 voice channels The All-IP network trend enables Kolkatta. The BTSs are connected using IP
on an E1 link, far exceeding the industry operators to provide richer services with over STM-1 and IP over E1 networking.
average of 180. In fact, a test organized by lower TCO. Huawei’s BTS series adopts As a result, network capacity has doubled
a local Indian operator demonstrated that modular design and is based on the and now caters for 1 million subscribers,
Huawei’s CDMA BTS series supported 253 advanced All-IP platform. Powerful data transmission resource usage is 50% down,
voice channels on each E1 link. service processing capabilities and high and power consumption has been reduced
equipment reliability are guaranteed. by 40%.
Adopting innovative power amplifier After the operator deploys CDMA2000 From the broiling deserts of the Middle
to reduce power consumption 1xEV-DO Rev.A, the BTSs can provide East to the freezing snowfields in Siberia
VoIP, video telephony and mobile broadband and from the tropical rain forests of South
Huawei’s All-IP BTS series adopts DPD America to the roof of the world in Tibet,
and Doherty power amplification technologies access services. Meanwhile, smooth future-
oriented evolution is guaranteed by Huawei’s CDMA2000 All-IP BTS series
that enable 33% power amplification has been deployed in CDMA networks
efficiency, which decreases each BTS’s power introducing ultra mobile broadband (UMB)
technology to the design. across the globe, and are notable for their
consumption by between 48% and 58%. outstanding tolerance to various, extreme
These improvements generate less heat in the
BTS, and further lower power consumption Serving operators environments. They have been assisting
CDMA operators achieve greater success
by reducing the necessity for equipment room worldwide and have yielded a strong contribution
air conditioning. This item alone, if calculated to subscribers’ communications and daily
by 100 BTSs, can save nearly US$280,000 of To date, the CDMA2000 All-IP BTS lives.
electricity fees (suppose it’s US$0.3 per degree) series has been widely used throughout
each year for the operators. the world, allowing operators to rapidly Editor: Liu Zhonglin liuzhonglin@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 28


HOW TO OPERATE
Romania Zapp embraces CDMA

A 3G story that makes sense


Romania Zapp embraces CDMA
Zapp embarked on the CDMA 2000 journey as early as in late 2001 when it launched commercially the world’s first
CDMA450 network. In less than six years, Zapp has obtained a subscriber base of over 500 thousand, making it the
biggest CDMA operator in Romania.
By Victor Stan, Vice President and CTO of Telemobil S.A.

T
he telecommunications The customer base evolution of Zapp and urban areas. With our licenses we have
market is quite robust in is quite linear so far. We have over 500 the freedom to basically put this capacity
Romania. Mobile phone thousand subscribers today. They are 100% plant when and where it’s needed. That
penetration is ranging above post-paid customer base. We are proud of would be transparent for end users, and
80% these days. Fixed lines the market share we achieved in the post- users will not see or perceive any difference
are going down, which is quite common paid market. As the 4th entrant into the between rural on-the-road and urban
worldwide. What is interesting to notice here market, competing with the multinational services. They will always perceive that metro
is that fixed line penetration is even below GSM operators such as Vodafone, Orange offers continuous 3G services countrywide,
20% in 2006, which gives Zapp tremendous and Cosmote, Zapp managed to succeed but in fact, they will just jump from one
opportunity to take additional niches. thanks to its technology choice, spectrum mode network to dual-band layer in the
choice and the strategy choice. course of voice or data communications.
Strategy and key factors Technology choice Strategy choice
to success As far as technology choice is concerned, The strategy choice we made was a
Zapp’s history started back in 2001 frankly speaking, CDMA 2000 was the convergent strategy. We never look at
when we were licensed to use 450MHz only choice we had, as it was the only 3G 450MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum
spectrum. We launched commercially technology that fit for 450MHz spectrum, allocation plus CDMA 2000 as good enough
the world’s first CDMA450 network in thanks to its 1.25 MHz allocation. No ingredients to go mobile. Without the
December 2001. Within two-and-half other 3G technology at that time could convergent approach the operators can’t
years, we achieved the EBITDA breakeven, do the same and basically we are happy to see much hope to improve ARPU or make
which was quite remarkable and surprising have chosen this technology because it has money in the future. Therefore we try to look
given that we hadn’t expected to make extremely high capacity in both voice and at the future telecom as the “convergence
such a good business with just two kinds high speed data offerings with intensive future”, a mixture of voice and data, urban
of terminals. traffic profiles. Also, it offers multi-band and rural, and mobile and fixed, which
The launch of EV-DO Rev.0 450MHz in support and smart interoperability with altogether enable us to cross-sell our products
2004 was the second one in the world. Later Bluetooth and WiFi devices to enable based on different synergies on the market.
in early 2006, we deployed WLL services in innovative mobile applications. The synergies don’t necessarily mean more
our network. Then in 2006, we successfully money but they are definitely increasing
Spectrum choice
acquired the 2100MHz spectrum, the loyalty and making operators invest less in the
fourth 3G license in Romania. In 2007 we From the spectrum perspective, 450MHz retention and focus on the growth.
hope to successfully launch the first EV-DO spectrum enables large and cost-effective At the service instance level, we adopt
Rev. A network in 450MHz /2100MHz coverage whereas 2100MHz is just a a divergent positioning, which is an
dual-band environment. foundation for high capacity in metropolitan untypical approach compared to typical 3G

29 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

application and solution perceived today in introduction is one of the most important experiment on our quite large number
the market. What we are trying to specialize milestones for us. We failed to do that so of customers based in Romania. The
in is end user terminals. The terminal choice far because we missed the right price and experiments use a sample customer base of
is not one or two terminals anymore. There the right prerequisite for prepaid terminals about 10,000 subscribers who are exposed
are thousands of terminals ranging from as we can’t just put money on the street and to this kind of experiment for 6 months,
mobile to fixed and broadband modems. subsidize terminals to compete against GSM, which means it is quite reliable information.
None of them is like a typical 3G terminal and to match their pricing on the terminals. We tr y to keep the experience quite
combining MTS, GSM, Bluetooth and Regarding services convergence, Zapp plans constant, making sure the average data
WiFi altogether. They are quite specialized to put equal weighting on voice and data speed of the 1X network and DO are quite
for the function they are mainly used for. which are both mobile and fixed and on the consistent. We have seen that if you try to
We believe that by splitting several types wireless local loop voice and data services. sell unlimited voice services based on flat-
of terminal, we can minimize the handset fee you might end up with 450-500 MOU
subsidy, improve the reliability of the service, Network performance a month, but with not extremely high

and usage profiles


and therefore enhance our profitability and pressure on BH, not more than 25mErl at
increase the customer satisfaction. busy hours. If you attempt to sell data with
On the data side there aren’t many different caps, volume or time, you end
Superior network to GSM up with 300 MOU & 40 MB which are
business models established yet. So we have
the luxury to experiment various plans and For the mobile service coverage, the quite low figures. However if you switch
various fees perception by the market. We network consists of 520 base stations covering to unlimited plan with the same customer,
have seen that basically only the flat-fee, over 180,000 square km of outdoor level of giving a chance basically to pay the same
perceived down-limited tariff plan really service, over 17,000 km of roads for in-car fee but the use is unlimited, the numbers
flies. In fact this practice should be well- level of service, and over 1,500 localities for multiply to 5600 MOU & 800 MB in the
known by the DSL business so far. In all the indoor level of mobile service. In contrast, 1X network. That explains for the huge
countries, you can immediately pick the the same network utilizing the WLL terminal usage which ends up almost 1GB MOU a
differentiator in DSL offering, and get flat- covers much more. It covers 10,000 localities month. The network is being heavily used
fee unlimited good packages. We believe for indoor level of service. All of these are and being quite slow as 1X data is not of
that if we, as wireless operators, have enough with the same network, but just different broadband network category.
coverage capacity to support that, that’s types of usage and terminal capability. On the broadband data side we don’t see
the key to enable 3G applications moving, The reliability of the network is the same evolution. We only see the 3 times
portable and so forth. quite high. It records 99.9% on traffic, multiplication of the traffic profile once
On the market side, we are facing a geographical and time wise. It is built in a you move from cap tariff plan to uncap and
very stiff competition from GSM which a very strong architecture with protective link, complete unlimited flat-fee, an evolution
mobile voice market forces us to stay quite 5 switches spread evenly in the country. Key of almost 2000 MOU to 5000 MOU,
squeezed in the middle segment of SME/ performance indexes indicate that call success from 600 MB a month to 2 GB a month.
SOHO. It isn’t sufficient for the long run. rate (98.57%), drop call rate (0.59%) are That means the faster the data network
We need to conquer the market segments better than GSM networks. However, from the less they expose the operators to being
like the corporate and consumer segments. the coverage perspective we still have some congested or blocked or jeopardizing the
We have several milestones also to be work to do even in the 450MHz network. end users experience. Especially because end
achieved before doing this successfully. users don’t use the network for their own
One of them is to achieve complete
Faster network, less traffic pressure pleasures just
and full nationwide coverage of 450MHz We have also done experiments analyzing
network which is not completely done yet, as customer usage profiles. The
GSM 900 is still better than us. 2100MHz following is a translation
network enables us to launch several based on our own
attractive products like flat-fee voice and flat- measurement
fee data services. New terminals appear in
the market, and the pressure for the lower
pricing of terminals keeps increasing. Many
people think that 3G just gives access to
Internet and Internet has an infinite range
of applications. We need to bring them
more new mobile data features and
applications, such as Brew, My
Casting, VoIP and multimedia
content. Prepaid services

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 30


HOW TO OPERATE
Romania Zapp embraces CDMA

to keep them busy, but to get something during 2006 and we divided the market
from it. And if they get something faster, share between games utilities, informational
they will use the network less. Therefore tools and communication tools. However,
the pressure during busy hours will not be because of poor market penetration, the
proportionally high like on 1X side. Brew-enabled terminals are not cash cow for
us yet. However it’s a strategic investment
450MHz/2100MHz rollout and we bet on it for enabling future mobile

roadmap
data application which in time they generate
more royalty and increase ARPU.
On the fixed solution, everyone is familiar
First, I will explain basically the limitation
with WiFi. In Romania what we have done
of 450MHz spectrum as unique spectrum
is to do WiFi mobile with the help of EV-
allocation. The three cases of which we were
DO, basically backhauling WiFi with EV-
licensed in Romania couldn’t accommodate
DO using this solution to power hundreds
any further the broadband growth in
of taxis, cabins, buses, trains, so people
Romania. One single carrier available
traveling in Romania with a cab and in other
for DO is by far insufficient to grow
major cities should not be surprised to have
cost-effectively the capacity of 450MHz
WiFi coverage with full broadband. This is
network. So we chose the multi-band
Victor Stan, cost-effective by just combining WiFi with
environment with more abundant carrier Vice President and CTO of Telemobil S.A. EV-DO modem sitting somewhere in the
allocation. We’ve got 15MHz spectrum in
car. With such a solution we also improve
2100MHz, which is able to accommodate
“As the 4th entrant into the our brand awareness. So Zapp is the largest
up to 12 additional CDMA 2000 carriers.
market, Zapp managed to perceived WiFi operator in Romania but
Hopefully we won’t ever use them all. But
only with the help of EV-DO backhauling.
that would still allow us an option to mitigate succeed thanks to its technology We have more than 250 hotspots working
one of our worst shortages in 450MHz. With
choice, spectrum choice and the now.
UMTS we would be allowed to put network
strategy choice.” For the laptop and desktop users, when
just to capture some inbound traffic roaming
we launched in 2001, we also launched
for in-visitors. We also build up to offer
our own portal, trying to bundle all sorts
plastic roaming solution to our customers
data solution. So we don’t want to see of contents available for the end users.
roaming abroad using both voice and data
our competitors come from behind and And with EV-DO introduction we move
network overseas, UMTS and GSM network
step over our dead bodies. 2100MHz this to a new level with multimedia
worldwide but especially in Europe.
will enable us to evolve mostly towards support. Everyone is talking about mobile
So 2100MHz spectrum has this benefit
Rev. B and Rev. C. Ultimately we plan to TV, mobile video, mobile personal video
also for us with the help of infrastructure
do this rollout to offer similar seamless recorder, mobile file access system and
vendors. Huawei has been very supportive to
3G services available everywhere even stuff like that. But very few people realize
this side. We can count now on dual-band
in rural environment serving both voice that this could be done free of charge
base stations. They are very good. Dual-
and data needs with no divide between with only exception being flat-fee 3G
band modem is focusing on EV-DO Rev. A
urban and rural areas. All of these are player. I have a Rev. A modem in Romania
dual-band. We are putting all the pieces and
with the same terminal, with the same connected to my home computer so I can
puzzles, and all the ingredients requirements
network, not basically using multi-layer watch all channel services with my satellite
for the successful rollout. Ultimately if we
sandwich network as GSM/UMTS. We box at my home plus all the movies,
look in the future on the roadmap of the
are complementing the next few years music collection, photo collection at my
technologies, EV-DO was the king for
the complete coverage of 450MHz and finger tip all over the world, basically with
the past years of the broadband data side.
adding gradually the capacity requirement broadband connectivity which doesn’t
Currently with the evolution of DBA, it
for 2100MHz. We’ll be an island capacity need to be EV-DO by the way. With EV-
might suffer a drawback if the operators
plumbing scenario on top of coverage layer DO we can support the fixed connectivity
don’t have enough spectrums to go further
provided by 450MHz network. requirement for the local computers in the
with Rev. A, Rev. B, Rev. C, UMB and
office or at home. Also with EV-DO we
other technology evolution scenarios.
Abundant applications
can support the displaying of multimedia
As 450MHz operator, we need to
content. Such applications are those that
escape from the trap of being left behind
possibly will take off in the future powered
of the peak data rate offering. Especially On the application side, Zapp Brew
by free softer solutions. That’s a good thing
when we are in Romania, we conquer the application was implemented in Romania
for the users.
market share and we are committed to back to 2004. Since then, we achieved a
maintaining that as a leader in wireless growth up to like quarter million downloads Editor: Xue Hua xuehua@huawei.com

31 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

PerformA
Your versatile assistant in wireless
network operation and maintenance
Operation and maintenance personnel tend to voice the same complaints
regarding restricted profit growth: “Our network is continually increasing
in size, but our profits are not much more than they were before. Over
90% of network resources are occupied by nonprofit services. If network
management was service-related, we could easily increase profits by 5%.”

By Lv Jingna

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 32


HOW TO OPERATE
PerformA: your versatile assistant in wireless network operation and maintenance

KPI vs QoE where, why or how to expand network


capacity, or what the subsequent expansion
troubles via coverage and capacity analysis.
This model preempts problems before

W
effects will be. The lack of a holistic plan they arise in order to avoid customer
hen selecting a
prior to number allocation, for example, complaints and ensure sustainable network
network, the primary
led one operator to greatly congest its service provision.
concern of end users
network with data services, resulting in a Road test wholly: Subscriber derived
- especially high-end
reduced QoE, huge numbers of complaints voice/data service information is fully
and group users -
and reduced income. employed to accurately and holistically
centers on network quality. Operators share
This raises a number of questions assess network performance, including
this perspective given the direct impact
in relation to an NGN performance coverage and adjacent cell optimization,
QoS (Quality of Service) has on income
enhancement solution: In what ways according to Pilot Strength Measurement
and brand recognition. A network’s overall
can QoE be improved? Can a network’s Message (PSMM) data. This method
performance and development potential
present status be understood and therefore encourages service innovation and develops
f o r m s a b a s i c p re m i s e f o r r a t i f y i n g
future development trends predicted? How networks based on subscribers’ QoE.
sustainable operation and maintenance
can OPEX be lowered and operation and It pushes wireless networks to embrace
strategies.
maintenance efficiency enhanced? zero complaint times, simplifies network
Traditional network performance
maintenance and lowers costs.
enhancement solutions are oriented to
KPIs (key performance indices). These New ideas in operation One-click report: Network administrators

and maintenance
are provided with reports customized by
cover system-level indices such as call
layer and level. The reporting function
completion and drop rates, although
enables operators to comprehensively
subscribers actually tend to perceive QoE To solve these issues, Huawei launched
understand network conditions, facilitate a
(Quality of Experience) when assessing its complete network performance
network quality monitoring mechanism via
overall quality. KPIs and QoE data may as enhancement solution - PerformA -
daily/weekly/monthly reports that ascertain
such yield different results. after four years’ R&D. Integrating its
and relate network health status.
Moreover, traditional networks’ four rich network performance optimization
performance functional modules work experience, a customer driven ethos,
independently of each other, specifically: and the ability to predict service trends, PerformA: Your versatile
performance monitoring, problem PerformA represents Huawei’s nascent but assistant
location, operation decision-making and mature concepts and methods concerning
technical support. This inhibits forecasting effective network maintenance. PerformA supports interconnection and
capability, reduces integration, and lowers Customer driven: Subscriber-based mutual support among the four functional
optimization efficiency. Furthermore, the optimization and individual performance modules: per formance monitoring,
subsequent rise in OPEX, CAPEX and monitoring analyzes problems from the problem location, operation decision-
maintenance costs reduces capital return. perspective of users and thus seeks to making and technical support. Based
The traditional solution lacks enhance QoE. Moreover, service prediction on its inherent features and advantages,
guidance parameters in terms of network originates from transforming traditional PerformA is proven to be a versatile
construction, operations and number reactive response mechanisms into a assistant of wireless network operation and
allocation. Operators do not know when, proactive search for a network’s hidden maintenance.

PerformA represents
Huawei’s nascent but
mature concepts and
methods concerning
effective network
maintenance.

33 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

Performance monitoring Traditional interference troubleshooting a pre-optimization figure of 3 million to


requires a site visit from an operation and 8 million just six months after network
This platform analyzes data in relation maintenance engineer. An interference optimization.
to QoS and undertakes quality monitoring tester is then used to locate the problem
from the network layer to the subscriber by recording interfering cells’ signal More time-saving
layer. PerformA is capable of automatic strengths. The method wastes manpower Normally, at least 10 engineers are needed
data collection, import, analysis, and and material resources. PerformA, on the each day to complete the complex analysis
function-based report production. These other hand, allows remote and real-time and optimization of a wireless network
reports allow the management to quickly spectrum signal collection as received by in a medium-sized city. In comparison,
assess network performance and to appraise BTS antennas, and plays back collected PerformA releases more than 50% network
and compare different networks. Engineers data through forward and reverse channels. resources required for this task. Previously,
in turn can efficiently locate network This reveals the presence, location and common faults, such as an adjacent cell list
problems and ensure entire network source of interference via the multi-sector error, would take at least one day to handle.
optimization. location mode. PerformA requires only two hours, which
In 2006, the Bangladeshi operator
realizes a 70% time saving.
PBTL utilized PerformA tools to monitor VIP customer focus
network performance. An analysis of call
High VIP user QoE must be guaranteed More efficient investment
completion and drop rates and other KPIs
during network operations. PerformA Any network construction decision-
revealed congested areas and points of
provides a complete and flawless VIP making error lessens profits. Construction
weak coverage. Remedial measures were
monitoring and management system that takes place too soon will waste
implemented, and network quality rapidly
that differentiates and sets performance investment, whereas delayed construction
improved.
indices for various user groups according will lose subscribers and lower brand
Customer complaints handling to peak hour traffic size. PerformA can equity. PerformA pinpoints the optimum
automatically locate VIP user groups, and network construction time by analyzing
Customer complaints handling is any anomalies will automatically generate coverage and traffic loads to identify
conventionally to trace the customer to a report that is sent to the mailbox of the network bottlenecks, and thus recommend
locate the problem. However, this method operation and maintenance staff. additional BTS construction.
does not record problem details as they PerformA can help define weak coverage
occur and therefore takes too much time.
PerformA deploys a call history record (CHR)
Instant revenue benefits and high-traffic areas, and provides
detailed information of any specified area
function that allows staff to find the record Currently, PerformA is widely used in in order to determine where and how
of the call - providing its time is known - many countries to assist operators monitor new BTSs be constructed. PerformA
and generates a problem location report. and solve problems with their wireless can forecast network services and load
Completed automatically by PerformA, this networks within a competitive timeframe, tendencies, realizing future network
process takes around 15 minutes only. which instantly increase their revenue. development preparation tasks. Thus,
PerformA demonstrates the following efficiency in terms of decision-making and
Automatic adjacent cell advantages: investment strategies for site construction
optimization are greatly enhanced.
Higher network quality To date, PerformA has been successfully
Statistics show that 60% of dropped
calls are caused by a missing element or PerformA features complete remote applied by a number of global operators,
by an error in adjacent cell configuration. network monitoring, forecasts network including America’s Leap and India’s
Traditional adjacent cell optimization coverage and trends, locates and solves TATA. With PerformA, it took just eight
in a medium-sized city usually takes more than 80% of network faults hours to complete the optimization of
four weeks. PerformA greatly reduces without field tests, and resolves the adjacent cells and parameters in Tibet,
this time by implementing real-time majority of hidden problems before they the so-called “the roof of the world”, the
monitoring in terms of adjacent cell are exposed. PerformA’s performance terrain of which poses a severe challenge
configuration, geographical rendering, monitoring function is oriented to key for constructing a high-quality network.
priority adjustments and automatic script services, network areas and VIP users Additionally with test and interference
generation. For instance, Bangladeshi to ensure high QoS and QoE. Network troubleshooting, PerformA has successfully
PBTL deployed PerformA and completed optimization using PerformA, increased helped China Telecom Tibet to complete
adjacent cell optimization involving 3.5 PBTL’s coverage rate from 81.76% to optimizing its CDMA 450 MHz network,
million domestic lines in just four hours. 90.78% and reduced its call drop rate which has greatly benefited the network
from 2% to 0.5%. Customer satisfaction quality and lowered call drop rate from
Real-time interference and loyalty were greatly elevated, and the 3% to 1%.
troubleshooting number of subscribers quickly grew from Editor: Xu Peng xupeng@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 34


HOW TO OPERATE
Choice for global rural communications

Choice
for global rural
Communications
By Liu Zhixiong, Global Rural Communication Forum

35 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

T
he 450M Wireless Access Phone (450M WAP) has enjoyed a rapid rise
in the world’s vast but thinly populated rural areas ever since its market
inception. This is attributable to its inherent advantages such as low
cost, wide coverage, powerful diffraction performance and compatibility
with NGN networks. These features have led the solution to contribute
significantly to the promotion of global universal communications services.
By May 2007, subscribers to 450M WAP reached nearly 20 million globally,
over 10 million of whom are located in mainland China’s rural areas. There are
currently 22 worldwide manufacturers operating in the 450M WAP industry
chain, and 60 new 450M wireless access terminals are available. In particular,
Huawei’s 450M wireless access solution has been accepted and commercially
deployed by 51 global operators. Through the study and analyses of existing
global commercial application, Global Rural Communication Forum holds that
the 450M wireless access solution will afford operators a number of benefits.

Saving investment costs


China Telecom: the 450M wireless access solution helps to save a
staggering RMB12 billion in investment, compared with cabled access
deployment.

The present market price of 200 pairs of copper cables with a 0.4mm core
diameter has increased from just under RMB20,000 per km to RMB40,000
per km, and this figure is still rising on the international market. Statistics
demonstrate that China Telecom’s service revenue increased by RMB8.7 billion
in 2006, of which more than RMB700 million - or just over 8% - is derived
from rural-based 450M wireless networks. The shift from DSL to wireless
access saved the equivalent use of 300,000km of 200 copper cable pairs,
and thus 200 million kilograms of copper. In comparison with traditional
access methods that utilize poles and copper cables, the 450M WAP curtailed
investment by an average of RMB1,000 per line, totaling RMB12 billion.
Situated in the roof of the world, China Telecom’s Tibetan branch, Tibet
Telecom, has enjoyed rapid service development after implementing Huawei’s
mature and reliable 450M wireless access solution. Over the past two years, Tibet
Telecom has allocated 400,000 numbers to subscribers, and its ARPU value has
reached RMB150.
Tibet Telecom saves power consumption by means of solar batteries, and reduces
civil engineering time and manpower via satellite use and an efficient transport
system. The wide coverage and powerful diffraction performance of Huawei’s
solution is able to satisfy network construction requirements in mountainous and
thinly populated areas. In comparison with other wireless modes, Tibet Telecom has
saved BTS resource use by 50% and, as a senior manager of Tibet Telecom states,
“Huawei’s 450M wireless access system has made an important contribution to our
goal of providing universal communication services.”
China Telecom and China Netcom both selected Huawei’s 450M wireless
access system, with the former already have purchased more than 12 million
lines. Currently, there are 9,000 wireless access BTSs in mainland China’s rural
areas to date, 7,000 of which were equipped by Huawei, giving a total market
share of 77.8%. Moreover, of the 19,000 domestic carrier frequency systems,
15,000 have been supplied by Huawei, representing a 78.9% market share;
there’s a total network capacity of 15 million lines running on networks.

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 36


HOW TO OPERATE
Choice for global rural communications

In 2006, the number of fixed phone wide 450M wireless access network wireless access network and the stability
and PHS subscribers across the Chinese coverage from Minsk to the entire and reliability that arise from mature
mainland increased by 14 million, of which country in less than 12 months. technologies. Since few BTSs are required,
5.2 million subscribed to the 450M wireless the engineering is simple and construction
rural phone service, comprising 37% of Phase I construction covered Minsk, time short.
the total growth. 2007 development trend Belarus’ capital, and was completed in
suggests that the increase in 450M wireless
rural phone subscribers is likely to exceed the
just one month after Huawei and Belcel
signed the project contract. After the
Wide signal coverage
sum of fixed phones and PHS subscribers. equipment was commissioned, the result
was very satisfactory. Three expansions were STI, Indonesia: Signal coverage
These case studies verify the capability
conducted later, enlarging the subscriber now remains uninterrupted by seas
of the 450M wireless access system to
capacity to 200,000, and spreading the or mountains.
conquer adverse environments, and its
continued status as the most effective rural services from Minsk to five other cities of
Huawei’s 450M wireless access technology
communication solution. the country. To satisfy increasing customer
now leads all land wireless technology in
requirements, Belcel is presently planning
terms of coverage, including 3G. It is capable
Short construction time to enlarge capacity to cater for 400,000
of covering over 50 km, and the area a single
subscribers during Phase IV of the project.
Huawei BTS covers is equivalent to that
Belcel, Belarus: In collaboration Rapid deployment capability originates
covered by 10 UMTSs or 6 GSM BTSs given
with Huawei, Belcel achieved nation- from the inherent superiority of the 450M
the same environmental conditions. The
technology also features a powerful diffraction
performance that is capable of diffracting
subscribers Statistics of subscribers of subscribers
mountains and other difficult terrains, and
140000 "information village" 9000 is thus applicable to complex topographic
8000 conditions. In addition, this high-capacity,
120000
7000
S666-type directional antenna BTS can cover
100000
6000
19,956 subscribers. With this wide coverage
80000
superiority, the Indonesian operator, STI, can
5000
now access all of its land and sea territories in
4000
60000 the most economical way possible.
40000
3000 Extending across the equator, Indonesia
2000 occupies a vast area that boasts 13,677 various
20000
1000 sized islands, with 30 small archipelagos
0 0 and five major islands. Mountains stretch
2006.7 2006.8 2006.9 2006.10 2006.11 2006.12 2007.1 2007.2 2007.3
in an unbroken chain, and small plains
Current number of subscribers of
remote village access
Net increase of subscribers of
remote village access
and marshlands dot the seacoasts. Wireless
access featuring wide coverage and powerful
signal diffraction capabilities is not merely
RMB million
Changes of revenue from applicable to the topographic conditions of
400
remote village access services
25%
Indonesia; it also demonstrates considerable
350 20% superiority in covering the nation’s vast seas.
300 Cooperation between STI and Huawei
15%
began with Phase I construction of 152 BTSs
250
10% covering Lampung, Bali & Lombok, 80%
200
of which are rural. The Phase 1 network
5%
150 was successfully deployed and subscriber
100
0% numbers increased quickly, reaching 75,000
-5%
in just a short time. By the end of 2006, this
50
number exceeded 112,000 and it is hoped
0
2006.7 2006.8 2006.9 2006.10 2006.11 2006.12 2007.1 2007.2 2007.3
-10% that 2007 will bring a total of 600,000.
Based on the outstanding coverage
Revenue from remote Month-on-month Percentage in main
village access services growth rate service revenue performance and effective number allocation
after Phase I’s commercial application,
Fig.1 Number of 450M wireless access phone subscribers and revenue STI has quickened its pace in order to
of services of China Telecom Sichuan accomplish its 2007 nation-wide coverage
and subscriber development plans. The

37 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

superiority of Huawei’s 450M wireless access 1. Data services, including broadband with the national economy, emergency
network has received full testimony during access Internet, data collection and video communications for major disaster rescue,
commercial use, and its wide coverage monitoring. and circuit backup for VIP customers and
capability describes a solid foundation for 2. Broadcast services, such as cluster key communication services.
STI to achieve nation-wide coverage. communications through public networks,
short message broadcast, conference calls, Few operational faults
Rapid number allocation radio broadcasts, and so on.
3. Audio info card services, including Faulty card ratio: Lower than 6
China Telecom Sichuan: 1.38 Farmyard Encyclopedia, Push to Talk, per 10 million per month.
million numbers allocated in 2 years. Family Talk, and chargeable cards.
4. Public phones and emergency G e n e r a l l y, t h e c o s t o f r u r a l
Sichuan is a large province situated in communications services, for example, communications facility maintenance is
the west of China that accounts for 6.69% wireless public phones, public mobile relatively high. Rural cabled phone networks
of China’s total population. 60 million of phones, and emergency communications. feature more copper cable joints, lower
Sichuan’s 87.50 million inhabitants reside The emergency communication service cohesiveness and serious water immersion
in rural areas and China Telecom Sichuan is available from vehicles involved in flood problems. This causes a sharp reduction
began construction of its RASYS wireless or earthquake rescue, forming a lifeline in the insulation resistance of lines,
rural access phone at the end of 2004. Phase during disasters and other emergencies. giving a monthly fault rate that exceeds
I equipment capacity covered 1.10 million In 2004, there were three disaster-stricken 2%. Furthermore, repair speeds are slow,
lines, and 2005 witnessed an increase of towns following a torrential flood in Y communications quality cannot be assured
680,000 subscribers. 2006 attracted a City, China. All means of communications and copper cables are liable to be stolen.
further 700,000 customers, and these 2 years were interrupted except Huawei’s 450M Both user complaints and maintenance
delivered a combined total service revenue wireless emergency phones. The mayor of costs are unreasonably high.
of RMB630 million. It is anticipated that Y City used his 450M wireless phone to Conversely, 450M wireless access
Sichuan Telecom’s total investment can be equipment can be used for longer periods
oversee disaster rescue, saving the lives and
recouped within four years. and is rarely targeted by thieves. China
assets of tens of thousands of people. In a
Taking China Telecom Sichuan’s Luzhou Telecom saves tens of millions of RMB
press interview, the mayor praised Huawei’s
branch as an example, the development of its per year in cables that would otherwise be
450M wireless phone, acknowledging that,
450M wireless rural phone enjoys exemplary stolen. Statistics, moreover, illustrate that
“Huawei’s wireless phone was the lifeline
success. Luzhou has a total population of the maintenance cost of 450M wireless
during the flood.”
4.83 million, 3.9 million of whom live in access averages RMB8 per line, compared
Audio info ser vices focuses on
1.15 million rural households. By the end with RMB30 incurred by cabled phones.
information services that supply farmers
of March 2007, subscriber numbers reached Operator Y possesses a 450M wireless
with audio information closely related
125,000 and, from July 2006 to March access capacity of 200,000 lines. According
to their daily work and lives. Farmyard
2007, an average of 6,400 new customers to their statistics for April and May 2007,
Encyclopedia, for instance, transmits
subscribed each month to the 450M Huawei’s 450M wireless access network
agricultural information concerning labor,
wireless rural phone. During the two peak gave the following average operation and
seeds, fertilizers, feed, trade and other
periods of August to October 2006 and maintenance indices: operation rate -
relevant news. Received on terminals, the
January to March 2007, this figure reached 99.5%; call completion rate - 99.2%; call
service not only benefits users in a practical
an average of 8,000 per month. The increase drop rate - 0.41%. Over the past three
sense, but also fosters good habits in terms
of 450M subscribers and traffic in remote years, only 4 BTS and system cards have
of technology and its uses. Push to Talk
rural areas is increasingly contributing to the been sent for repair, representing a faulty
sets access numbers on handsets for both a
total revenue of Luzhou branch, and now rate of less than 6 per 10 million per month
rural voice information station and other
accounts for approximately 10%. (line/card). These statistics are clearly
common telecommunication services,
superior to other wireless systems.
which users can activate with a single key
Abundant value-added press.
Studies show that a universal
communication solution has matured.
services From a range of perspectives, various
VAS satisfy current and future rural
Such a solution features less investment
costs, short construction times, wide
Value-added services (VAS): As communications demands, spanning high- signal coverage, rapid number allocation,
many as 15 types of VAS. quality voice services, rural informatization abundant VAS and few faults. Indeed, many
and IT implementation for rural local global operators hold that, “The 450M
Using Huawei’s 450M wireless access governments. Viewed over the long- wireless access phone represents the best
phone, operators can provide end users term, its application is far from limited to choice for global rural communications.”
with both fixed and mobile phone services, the countryside - it has extended to the
and supply 15 VAS types in four categories: resource industry that is in close relation Editor: Liu Zhonglin liuzhonglin@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 38


INTERVIEW
The harvest road of Bakrie Telecom Indonesia

The harvest road of Bakrie


Telecom Indonesia
While it’s an undeniable trend that fixed operators are suffering from a shrinking customer base, Barkie Telecom, Indonesia,
has rapidly grown its fixed wireless subscriber base from 20 thousand to over 2 million in just five years. Our reporter caught
up with Mr. Erik Meijer, the Deputy President Director of the company, and probed into the key to the company’s success.
By Huawei Reporter

Focus on creating better were awarded a nationwide license because


of our success. It’s still based on fixed wireless
quality information services?

life mobility but now we are able to operate in Meijer: First of all, we are using budget
any city in Indonesia. We are rolling out the telecom business model. We position more
Reporter: Mr. Meijer, could you please network together with Huawei and we shall to be like AirAsia, low budget carrier kind
introduce to us the current operation be able to launch in another few cities in next of company where people go in just to get
circumstance of Bakrie Telecom? one or two months. from point A to point B and you bring your
Why we can make more benefits in own food if necessary. We put a lot of effort
Meijer: Bakrie is actually a pretty old
this business? Indonesia has 220 million on branding and advertising. Focus on this
company. At that time Bakrie used ETDM
inhabitants. At this moment only 60 million target segment so we don’t go all the way
technology and it’s the second fixed line
of those actually have access to telephone. and try to get everybody on board. We have
operator in Indonesia. But the ETDM was
Since we launched the fixed wireless access low cost advantages. We also have highly
marginally profitable, very difficult to deploy,
business via a CDMA network, our fixed promoting expendable coverage area.
users have to have the huge box at their
wireless access subscriber base grew from Based on the simple basis model, we
house. It is the one connected to the phone
20 thousand to over 2 million in just five have four rules. One is focus on voice and
inside the house. So a few years ago Bakrie
years, Bakrie’s vision is to create better life for SMS services. 90% of Indonesian people
decided to do things differently. We not only
Indonesians by providing affordable and high only use their phone for voice and SMS.
focus on real fixed line communication but
quality information connectivity to them. It saves us a lot of money and therefore
also go for limited mobility fixed wireless.
it can save the consumers a lot of money.
We re-branded our product and started
calling it Esia in order to expand the customer Operational strategies Indonesia is primarily a prepaid market
which 95% of Indonesian subscribers use
base in the few years. But for this wireless
the prepaid. We have postpaid service
limited mobility what we’ve done is basically Reporter: What do you consider
but the main focus is on prepaid. We use
with government license so that we are are the key factors in order to provide
indirect distribution to reduce cost of
allowed to operate in every city. In 2006 we Indonesians with affordable and high-
setting up thousands of our own shops.
We try to offer real value for money, low
tariff, and affordable handset. These are the
key success factors that we live by basically
to reach the mission and vision.

Reporter: We all know that Indonesia


holds a very large potential market.
What strategies has Bakrie adopted to
enlarge its consumer base?

Meijer: We also address a large consumer

39 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Mr. Erik Meijer, the Deputy President Director of Bakrie Telecom: “Since we launched the fixed wireless access
business via a CDMA network, our fixed wireless access subscriber base grew from 20 thousand to over 2
million in just five years, Bakrie’s vision is to create better life for Indonesians by providing affordable and
high quality information connectivity to them.”

base with two different segments. One is We also see that our aggressive on-net advantage, the late entrant advantage and
we go after the existing GSM users because pricing has stimulated loyalty because people also good operational advantages.
they have been paying much for the are actually building their own community. CDMA advantages as we see is that we
telecommunication so far. We are planning We are selling our product to family, get a lot of asset productivity compared
to get a second one and make your outgoing companies, school classes so that they can to GSM. We pay less to cover the same
call on our network. We also go for new enjoy this very cheap on-net tariff that we area at the same capacity and we notice
subscribers who don’t have a phone yet. have. That creates stickiness. Of course with that we need about 75% less base station
The first best entry will be our network us rolling out nationwide we hope that this to provide the same coverage and capacity
with a cheap phone and cheap tariff. stickiness will strengthen further. of GSM operator. We are also 30% more
Based on that positioning strategy we Until last year people are talking about spectrum efficient. We also pay less inter-
see that our market share and sales have push credit. Push credit is one of the GSM connects which is part of the fixed wireless
grown consistently and substantially operator’s advantages. Basically it focuses advantage that we have. We have, on the
within one and half year we have tripled on the value of recharge voucher instead of CDMA advantage also, software-based
our customer base. This is one of the ads the amount of talk time that people got. technology to operate so we don’t need to
that we put out. Basically we just say: “If We’ve chased that with a lot of advertising constantly replace our network.
you would call for one hour, which one basically saying that we offer the longest On the fixed wireless limited mobility,
would you choose? GSM will cost you Rp talk time compared to anyone else. That advantage is that we don’t need to actually
80.000 (about US$8), but Bakrie’s Esia for has been successfully communicated. We cover the whole country. We also have
only Rp 1.000 (10 cents)!” We have this want to make sure that every Indonesian regulatory advantage in terms of license
promotion saying: “Call for one hour and has the right to use telephony. fee, inter-connect fee, frequency fee
only pay Rp 1.000 (10 cents)!” We still We work basically with everybody in and those kinds of stuff. We also have
make comparable ARPU level. the market with CDMA phone. We have the advantage of being a late entrant to
Actually our ARPU is the second value added voice portal, although we do the market with CDMA because we are
highest in the industry and higher than all value added voice service; we try to do that going to a maturing technology which
but one GSM operators. That’s explained, through SMS and voice, which is our basic means there a lot of standardizations have
proven by dropping price substantially strategy. happened already. We have rapidly reduced
makes people not pay less but it actually infrastructure CAPEX.
makes them talk a lot more. Fortunately Technical strategies
with the efficiency of CDMA, we are able
Reporter: How does Bakrie apply its
Future prospect
to use that and transport all the traffic at
very low rate that we are charging and advantages in the fixed wireless business? Reporter: What is Bakrie’s plan for
therefore still make a high ARPU for Here technically, what advantages can future development?
Indonesia. CDMA bring to Bakrie compared with
Meijer: The next task will be national
GSM?
rollout. We plan to cover 17 new cities
Branding strategies Meijer: There are about 45 million this year and to ensure the coverage
GSM users who claim not to roam. So about 52% of Indonesian telecom
Reporter: In order to implement the
it’s definitely our market. There are 55 market. Most of the new cities that we
aforesaid operation strategies, which
million who should be able to afford a are going to get into have lower GDP
brand strategies has Bakrie adopted?
phone but still have not, so they are new for the region, so we can attack them
Meijer: On the branding point, based users, that’s also our market. There are better with our value promise. And we’
on a research by TNS when most people 15 million GSM people who do roam. ve also seen that our brand awareness in
are asked about what brand they consider But we see that 45% of our consumers those new areas is already very high. We
to use besides the one they are using now, use two phones, which are what we are are proved to make a healthy profit from
most of them are looking towards our promoting, so we are using dual-phone surveying this market. Therefore we are
brand. With Rp 10.000 credit inside we usage. Dual mode phone which can use moving forward to legalize our dream
sell it for Rp 30.000 so there is no reason GSM card and CDMA card has also come which is basically providing good access
that they will use it up and buy a new one. into the market. We have achieved a lot of to telecommunication service for all
They will recharge instead of buying a new productivity on CAPEX and OPEX. We Indonesians.
starter pack. have limited mobility fixed wireless access Editor: Zhou Huajiao zhouhj@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 40


SOLUTION
Empowered by the 3rd generation BSC

Empowered by the 3rd


generation BSC
By Wu Si

Where is BSC heading? IP transformation from urban areas to remote islands or deserts.
According to different operators’ bearer
empowered by the 3rd

T
he BSC forms an important network conditions, the 3rd generation
mobile network component generation BSC BSC provides different interfaces and
networking schemes. For operators with
that, in the context of
mobile communication’s The 3rd generation CDMA BSC is rich TDM resources, IP over E1 can
developmental direction, integral to solving existing networks’ be provided. For small and medium-
provides a key link for holistic and urgently traditional CS domain problems and sized operators with limited transmission
required network IP transformation and achieving All-IP mobile broadband and resources, the implementation of direct
evolution. real-time multimedia service network IP connection without routers will realize
The 1st generation BSCs were oriented evolution. Accomplishing this depends on CAPEX and OPEX reductions.
to IS-95 and 1x, and mainly designed to its five outstanding capabilities. Flexible configuration and easy
solve traditional circuit voice problems.
The 2nd generation BSCs were intended Powerful IP central switching maintenance
to meet basic data service and network IP network Regardless of network scale, which can
transformation needs, while continuing span tens of thousands of subscribers to
The 3rd generation BSC exhibits a
to support circuit switched (CS) domain several million, operators can conduct
remarkable capacity increase and a powerful
development such as EV-DO, and A flexible configuration and capacity
IP central switching network. Its unified
and Abis interface IP transformation. expansion through stacking. This is
internal IP switching network reduces
C u r r e n t l y, t h e B S C i s f a c e d w i t h undertaken concordantly with actual
complexity and improves integration, thus
unprecedented challenges regarding its network development needs in order to
facilitating performance improvements,
capability and performance. seamlessly upgrade services. Even under
reducing the number of unnecessary
First of all, market competition and a small-scale capacity configuration, the
NEs (network elements) and enabling
existing network operations have led 3rd generation BSC still offers a favorable
rapid network deployment. In addition,
CDMA operators to consider methods to price performance ratio.
outstanding network performance protects
accelerate network deployment and further Some manufacturers presently employ
investment and ensures that the network
reduce end-to-end TCO. Furthermore, a patented Dual Plane Symmetrical
can cost-effectively evolve to UMB.
Network evolution and development Mixed-Plug technology with unbound
requires a remarkably improved QoS Flexible All-IP networking capability slot positions to easily realize extremely
mechanism for EV-DO Rev. A, a more complicated expansion and configuration
complex radio resource management To enable All-IP networking, both changes. Due to the complexity of BSC
algorithm, and a strong engine for Ultra high grade IP transmission efficiency and services, traditional 2nd Generation
Mobile Broadband (UMB) throughput powerful physical interface capabilities products invariably possess dozens of board
that will even exceed 100 Mbps in a are extremely important. Only the ability types, and the 3rd generation products
single sector. Adaptation to these market to support E1/T1, FE, STM-1, ADSL, reduce this quantity by using sub-boards
requirements calls for the emergence of the microwave and other transmission media can coupled with other new design ideas. This
3rd generation BSC. ensure convenient and flexible networking tremendously reduces the complexity and

41 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

maintenance cost of equipment inventory. network with dual-plane backup in leads the industry and displays outstanding
the switching layer; 1+1 service board technical indices. As far as performance is
Ultra-high integration and ultra- protection or resource pool mode in concerned, central switch bandwidth can
low power consumption the board layer; a service continuation be expanded from 120 Gbps to 1 Tbps.
mechanism in the event of interface board In terms of integration, the PARC BSC
With the continuous rise in network scale failure in the transport layer; and multilayer can serve 2 million subscribers, but occupy
and the emergence of multiple access modes, backup capability for maintenance boards, an area of less than 1sqm. As for power
the number of devices has increased, which communication links and the maintenance consumption, each subscriber requires
exerts greater spatial pressure on equipment client in the maintenance layer. only 4.25 mw. Regarding IP transmission,
rooms. The 3rd generation BSC’s advanced transmission expenses are saved by over 30%.
integration characteristics can better utilize
available space. Dual Plane Symmetrical
Gaining an edge through In addition, it enables flexible configuration.

Mixed-Plug technology can, for example, PARC BSC Every 26 slot positions in a subrack can
be freely configured. Besides, a complete
theoretically double spatial usage. backup mechanism and five backups realize
The Huawei-developed Platform of
The 3rd generation BSC’s advanced comprehensive E1 port protection.
Advanced Radio Controller (PARC)
technology can control power consumption The Indian operator TATA, for example,
represents a new generation All-IP hardware
per subscriber to within 5mw, compared previously required 44 BSCs and over
platform that boasts cutting-edge technology
with 10+mw for the 2nd Generation BSC. 100 cabinets to cover the Delhi area. After
and excellent competitive strengths. After
Given 2 million subscribers and a power rate deploying Huawei’s PARC BSC, only four
absorbing the multiple advantages of ATCA,
of RMB1.6/kwh, a sum of RMB140,000 BSCs and eight cabinets are necessary. The
the 3rd generation BSC PARC is large in
(USD17,500) can be saved each year in large capacity and highly integrated PARC
capacity, highly integrated, flexibly designed,
power charges. Low power consumption BSC has, not surprisingly, received much
highly reliable and offers flawless IP BSS
also generates less heat, which reduces praise and recognition from TATA.
networking capability while significantly
equipment room air conditioning costs. To date, Huawei’s pioneering PARC
reducing energy consumption. The PARC
BSC fully meets smooth IP network BSC has been widely deployed in various
All-round disaster tolerance and
evolution demands in response to mobile mobile networks, and has received favorable
backup capability comments from a number of operators in
network trends, and remarkably curtails
Due to its huge capacity, the 3rd network construction and maintenance addition to TATA. These include China
generation BSC demands greater system costs. Thus competitiveness is improved Mobile, Brazil’s Vivo, Vietnam’s Vinaphone,
stability and reliability and requires a across the whole network. Pakistan’s Ufone, Singapore’s StarHub, and
comprehensive backup capability. This Implementing multiple patented Chile’s Movistar.
must at least feature: an All-IP switching technologies, the PARC BSC currently Editor: Xu Peng xupeng@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 42


SOLUTION
To defend and grow through LiteFME

Faced with inevitable network transformation to mobile and


IP, how should fixed and integrated operators with CDMA
networks defend and grow new revenues?

To defend
and grow through
LiteFME
By Li Guodong

Decline of traditional in subscriber numbers and traffic volume


indicates that voice services are transferring
overwhelming dominance in the short
term, major fixed network operators in
narrowband services to IP at a breakneck speed. these countries need to urgently ascertain
Fixed network operators have attempted how to transform in order to regain

T
he global tide of fixed to defend their position through broadband competitiveness and survive.
network construction construction, service innovation, and The market in less developed countries
began receding 10 years mobile network construction that includes is characterized by low fixed network
ago. All fixed network PHS, GSM and CDMA networks. While penetration rates and insufficient cable
operators deployed PSTN they expected to regain dominance, these resources. The cost of constructing a
networks, not only faced direct and fierce measures have not and cannot prevent new fixed network is far higher than
competition from mobile operators, but the decline of fixed networks, or more constructing a mobile network, which
also subjected to nascent and oblique specifically, the decline of fixed networks’ makes mobile networks grow much faster,
attacks from new technologies such narrowband services. hence prompting FMS.
as VoIP and IM. Instant messaging According to European and American One outcome we can guarantee regarding
platforms such as QQ, MSN, and Skype statistics, fixed network subscribers are the future of networks is the certainty of
bring a seismic shift to the operating increasingly declining. In 2006, DT lost mobile and IP transformation. What, then,
philosophy and rules spanning the whole 2.3 million fixed-line subscribers and, for is the future of the fixed network?
communication industry. AT&T, VoIP services further exacerbated
According to a study, the market
share occupied by VoIP equipment
the worsening position of its fixed network
services after the loss of subscribers due to
Convergence
manufacturers increased by 32% in fixed mobile substitution (FMS). transformation based on
2006, totaling USD3.3 billion, and this The situation in developing countries existing advantages
was accompanied by a sharp growth in is also bleak. While the decline of fixed
services of all VoIP products. Viewed from networks is not as fast and sharp as in the Compared with pure mobile operators,
a traffic perspective, international VoIP developed world, the loss of fixed network fixed network operators enjoy inherent
traffic accounted for less than 10 million subscribers is inexorable and accelerating. advantages and unrivalled vitality. Firstly,
minutes in 1997, but reached 61.8 billion The growth generated by new subscribers fixed operators still have numerous wired
minutes in 2006, which comprises 20% is rapidly offset by those who are lost. broadband and enterprise subscribers who
of total global traffic. The rapid growth Although mobile services will not enjoy are accustomed to original communication

43 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

modes in terms of ser vice suppor t, mobile operators who compete with well- Save investment and maintenance costs
charging systems and usage habits. established mobile operators. Specifically,
Secondly, years of construction has fixed operators may become the largest LiteFME applies unified network
given fixed network operators significant convergent network operators in their architecture in the core network to exert
network infrastructure advantages and rich countries rather than leading mobile control over wireless access (CDMA,
operating experiences. operators. WiMAX), fixed access (PSTN) and data
Since CDMA technology has long Fixed operators need to optimally access (xDSL, FTTx) networks. This
formed a mobile supplement for fixed utilize local networks - fixed, mobile and affords considerable savings in investment
network operators, it takes into account data - and SIP technology based on IP and maintenance compared with previous
their operating characteristics including architecture. This must be accompanied networking modes in which fixed and
customer habits in segmented markets. with the consolidation and expansion of mobile networks are separate. The upper
Service development is easy and long-term services designed for enterprise subscribers. layer service platform can be repeatedly
cooperation with fixed network operators Thus, operators can grow with fixed, accessed to reduce excessive investment
allows CDMA to pick up many features mobile and data network convergence and in multi-service platform construction
and functions of both mobile and fixed defend against the invasion of FMS and that caters independently for mobile
networks. Not only is this far beyond the VoIP. and fixed core networks. Additionally,
capabilities of GSM, but the wide coverage upgrading to EV-DO Rev.A based on the
capability of CDMA 450 MHz system also The way to rapid existing CDMA2000 1X network requires
less investment and is quicker than
convergence
far exceeds other systems. Such advantages
have led fixed network operators to choose constructing a new 3G network.
CDMA to realize remarkable network Realize convergence experience
During its long-term cooperation with
construction cost savings.
fixed network operators, Huawei has based on the IMS architecture
In terms of service provision, fixed
developed a thorough understanding about
operators’ advantages lie with voice LiteFME’s design embodies IMS’s
future evolution patterns, from which arises
deployment and combinations when sophisticated design concepts, employs
its LiteFME integration solution. LiteFME
c o m p a re d w i t h t h e i m p a c t o f Vo I P unified subscriber data management
is designed to enhance service provision
technology. Voice deployment has been to provide the same service experiences
capability and operator competitiveness. To
a constant headache for current VoIP achieve this, the solution combines features for subscribers using multiple services
operators, while fixed operators can of Huawei’s proven CDMA, softswitch under different access modes, and lays
forcibly resist VoIP operators by combining and data communication products to a solid foundation for mobile roaming
local network advantages. AT&T and BT provide global fixed operators with management. Service delivery is more
can be used to illustrate this reactive stance a solution based on existing network convenient and flexible and ser vice
to VoIP. convergence. management easier and more efficient,
E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, AT & T o f f e re d thus ensuring the seamless evolution of
100 million mobile and fixed network Develop corporate, SIP, LiteFME to IMS.
subscribers free calls to and from convergence and wireless LiteFME provides a new option for
other AT&T subscribers via ser vice operators for convergence transformation.
broadband services Significantly, it impacts minimally on
combinations, and thus employed its local
network advantages to resist the dilution Convergence describes the orientation existing networks. Compared with IMS,
of its traffic by VoIP operators. of all fixed network operators for future which requires the creation of most of
BT globally deployed the world’s development. Enterprise and SIP services its network elements, LiteFME applies
largest SIP network, and partnered with that are imbued with mobile characteristics experience convergence based on mature
Yahoo! Messenger to launch Softphone- w i l l a l l ow f i xe d o p e r a t o r s t o m o re technology and equipment, and effectively
based VoIP services, which allows local powerfully defend their position against solves some huge problems, notably
SIP terminals to be used to make calls to mobile and VoIP operators. Convergence the enormous tasks of IMS network
BT Softphones registered anywhere in the and SIP services will yield a sharp weapon reconstruction and new service loading
world. This strategy increases BT’s global with which fixed operators can win during convergence.
reach, initiating a new telecom operation customers in developing markets. The LiteFME solution provides a
mode which promotes services via others’ LiteFME is integrated with EV-DO completely new choice for the world’s
networks. Rev.A based VoIP, VT, Video Conference, fixed network operators who collectively
For most fixed network operators, Instant Message, Unified Message, IP Fax, account for 1.7 billion subscribers. It
convergence denotes future development. and other services. Greater diversification offers a potentially massive impact on the
Here “convergence” does not simply and assured QoS greatly elevates both fixed services, sales and transfer modes of future
mean “transformation”, since fixed and integrated operators’ service provision fixed network operators.
network operators cannot become pure capabilities in the CDMA network field. Editor: Xue Hua xuehua@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 44


SOLUTION

TRUST R
TruStar: a true star of digital trunking service

a true star of
digital trunking service
Since adopting PTT (Push To Talk), Nextel has achieved phenomenal successes in the American
telecommunications market. Successfully merging with Sprint in 2004, Nextel has created a domestic ARPU
record and boasts both the lowest churn and fastest user growth rates. In fact, Nextel is just one of the many
operators who have benefited from PTT services.
By Yuan Long

What do users want? Talk in real-time mobile, be it a one-to-one discussion or


a conference with an entire team. It is no

P
Social and economic development has longer necessary to attempt a call several
TT is currently one of the
culminated in an increasingly fast-paced times if the intended receiver is busy,
key fields garnering attention
society to which communication methods and additional equipment is not required
across the wireless industry.
have adapted and responded. A niche to receive high-speed data services, thus
N O P Wo r l d , o n e o f t h e
has opened for real-time communication increasing efficiency, convenience and
world’s largest investigative
experiences, and speed is a precondition customer satisfaction.
and business information providers,
for success in business, production,
explains Nextel’s success in its May 2004
PTT Research Report: approximately
management and dispatch. Real-time Best value
communication is especially a necessity in
28% of users selected PTT since it is To d a y’s i n f o r m a t i o n g e n e r a t i o n
emergency and public safety services that
considerably quicker than making regular demands unlimited commercial
give direct impact on people’s lives and
cell calls; 20% viewed PTT as more communication in terms of conducting
security.
convenient, and 24% were impressed with business, production and management.
PTT’s flexible costing system. To date, Making talk easy Given the amount of information that is
the type communication model embodied shared in the modern world, best value
by PTT has been widely accepted by A single key press that connects one- communication services are prerequisite in
countless global users and operators. to-one or one-to-group is considerably terms of saving time and money.
It not only describes a reliable and more convenient than inputting a

TruStar: a true star of


convenient nascent means of communication, series of numbers. On a personal level,
but also a commercially viable endeavor that simplified, convenient and instantaneous
can potentially yield high returns. Trunking communication methods are increasingly digital trunking
services employing PTT are currently used mature, offering immeasurable benefits for
to maximize capability, efficiency and ensure maintaining relationships with family and Huawei’s TruStar (Trunking Star)
effective two-way communication in a range friends. In terms of business, a single key solution is based on half duplex
of fields including government, emergency press can access users to an almost instant telecommunication over CDMA2000,
services, utilities and corporations. real-time information exchange even when and delivers trunking services over cellular

45 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

networks. The technology provides requirements: broadband internet, VT 20,000 sessions, with a subscriber and group
one-to-one and one-to-group voice (Video Telephone), mobile games, and capability of 500,000. Advanced interface
communication services, and CDMA high VAS (Value-Added Services). Moreover, technology optimizes TruStar’s performance
speed data services to mobile phones via a TruStar’s flexible pricing system provides by employing air-interface and terrestrial
single key press. a customized tariff system based on times link sharing technology. Furthermore, a
of calls, call duration, traffic flow and temperature resistant back up mechanism
Rich service offerings monthly fees. allows TruStar to operate normally even in
TruStar provides both personal and The abundant services outlined above extreme conditions.
professional trunking services in order to greatly ameliorate the deficiencies that
currently exist in the general Trunking Saving TCO
satisfy diverse application scenarios. With
respect to professional users including Communication System. Besides cellular- From a network investor’s perspective,
government, utilities, emergency rescue, based professional trunking services, network development and evolution is
enterprises and manufacturing, a powerful TruStar also provides CDMA2000 1x extremely important and a thorough
administrative performance and a strong EV-DO high speed data and public voice understanding of future network direction
management capability are necessary. services, and VAS. As a combination of and operational methods is essential,
In order to assist users build their own trunking and CDMA services stimulates given the obvious impact on CAPEX
VPMN (virtual private mobile network), customer loyalty, TruStar is highly effective and OPEX. Imbued with technological
TruStar can provide a variety of services: in bringing new income opportunities for maturity, solid expansibility potential and
dispatch, VGCS ( Voice Group Call operators, reduces churn rate and increases the advantages of CDMA technology,
Service), VBS (Voice Broadcast Service), ARPU. TruStar can smoothly evolve into CDMA
private calling, priority services and IMS. Compared with general Trunking
Outstanding performance
eMLPP (enhanced Multi Level Precedence Communication System evolution, TruStar
and Preemption), late entry, dynamic High performance and reliable has undergone a qualitative leap.
grouping, automatic answering, emergency communications are increasingly important Tr u S t a r i m p l e m e n t a t i o n i s n o t
calling and permanent on-line status. in light of the global preoccupation complicated; the advanced integrated
Personal users’ requirements, however, with safety. Focusing on the needs of technology and network design concept
differ in that more attention is given to professional users, TruStar commits allow investors to simply overlap a PTT
differentiated experiences. Individuals tend itself to continuous improvements in Server in order to deploy the technology,
to be less concerned about the specifics these areas. In addition to high capacity, which reflects a minor change in existing
of new communication methods, but confidentiality, strong anti-jamming CDMA networking architecture. This
whether they can gain benefits without any capabilities, and high quality CDMA voice achieves CAPEX savings and stimulates
existing service changes. TruStar provides services, TruStar adopts specialized fast rapid deployment capabilities.
PTT services, notably the group call access, sharing channels, power control, TruStar also provides an All-IP interface
function, in order to enhance convenience and voice quality technology. to support future-oriented network
for users. For example, a group member B a s e d o n H u a w e i ’s a d v a n c e d evolution and expansibility, and the
can be accessed via the phone book, and technology, TruStar achieves the shortest advanced shared terrestrial link technology
temporary group calls can be set up any end-to-end voice delays, taking only 100 assists investors to maximize transmission
time, any place based on a personalized to 200ms for a caller’s voice to be relayed resource savings. When coupled with a
VPMN. As such, TruStar can assist users to the receiver, and TruStar boasts an access mature, carrier-class softswitch platform,
construct a shared resource pool. success rate of over 99%. The technology the high performance and excellent
Other than high speed data services, also enables powerful processing and reliability of TruStar guarantees operational
a range of other services are available bearing capabilities. For instance, a single success, significantly curtailing OPEX.
to satisfy entertainment and business TruStar Server can simultaneously establish Editor: Zhou Huajiao zhouhj@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 46


SOLUTION
SOLUTION

The HLR guardian By Wan Yanqi & Wang Minghu

Situated in the uppermost layer of a mobile communication network, the Home Location Register (HLR) is employed to
store mobile subscribers’ location information, authentication data and subscription service information. This information
is essential to stimulate service availability, and a faulty HLR may mean several million subscribers cannot be authenticated
or access desired services. The implications on an operator's revenue, brand image and customer satisfaction levels are
obvious and, consequently, methods of achieving holistic HLR security has emerged as a challenging focus.

Dilemma in geographical will automatically take over the service


provision role, without affecting subscribers’
an additional backup server to store data
from the active HLRs. If an active HLR is
redundancy construction communication channels. Thus, perfect down, maintenance personnel can manually

T
network quality is preserved. However, this upload data from the backup server to the
o avoid HLR faults and
solution exhibits obvious drawbacks in terms geographical-redundancy HLR, allowing it to
enhance availability, operators
of construction costs and OPEX. continue providing services.
usually deploy an HLR
First, it is a 1+1 solution that assigns The N+1 Geographical Redundancy
geographical redundancy
one active and one disaster tolerant HLR, Solution eliminates the 1+1 Solution’s high
solution, and the network
meaning double investment is required for investment costs and OPEX, but network
quality, construction costs and OPEX are
signaling link resources, utilities, equipment quality is unsatisfactory since it takes 30-60
the dominant factors to be considered.
room rent, maintenance, and OPEX. Second, minutes to recover communications. The
1+1 Geographical Real-time Redundancy
the solution requires Business and Operation underlying cause is that dynamic information
Solution and N+1 Geographical Redundancy
Support System (BOSS) modification in the such as subscriber’s location cannot be
Solution represent the two most popular
existing network to synchronize subscriber synchronized with the geographical-
solutions among those currently proposed
data on the two HLRs, which increases system redundancy HLR, and after assuming service
by the mainstream global industry suppliers.
complexity and maintenance demands. provision, subscriber’s location information
Both, however, have some weaknesses.
must be relayed via periodic registration,
1+1 Geographical Real-time N+1 Geographical Redundancy which may take more than 60 minutes.
Redundancy Solution Solution Even if subscriber’s location information is
synchronized with the independent backup
This solution utilizes two HLRs to This solution describes employing server, the disaster tolerant HLR will still take
achieve 1+1 backup. If the active HLR a geographical-redundancy HLR as a 30 minutes to upload the backup server data.
fails, the geographical-redundancy HLR backup for N active HLRs, thus requiring High network quality means high

47 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

costs, and low costs is usually achieved at Since the synchronization of dynamic director from Thailand, praises the solution as
the sacrifice of subscriber experience. This and static data occurs in real time, follows: “Huawei’s solution for geographical
raises two fundamental questions - are low communications will not be affected if redundancy is perfect, and quickly responding
construction costs/OPEX and high quality an active HLR fails and the geographical- to customers’ requirements. The technical
mutually exclusive? Is it possible to achieve a redundancy HLR then adopts service support experts have rich experience and can
win-win situation? provision. Even if faced with the extreme ensure high-quality and timely delivery. This
situation of several active HLRs’ simultaneous solution really gives us peace of mind.”
Building up HLR security failure, services will not be interrupted AIS began to cooperate with Huawei
line because the geographical-redundancy HLR
is capable of taking over the services of
in 2005 when it adopted the HLR 7+1
Geographical Real-time Redundancy
Based on a thorough understanding of multiple active HLRs. Solution, covering 14 million subscribers.
HLR geographical redundancy requirements, Not only are operators freed from all With its rapid growth as a catalyst, AIS
Huawei has proposed its HLR N+1 HLR concerns, they also receive significant cooperated with Huawei once again in 2006,
Geographical Real-time Redundancy financial benefits. The additional investment added 6 HLRs and used a 6+1 Geographical
Solution. Combining the advantages of required for the HLR N+1 Geographical Real-time Redundancy Solution. Now, the
the two mentioned solutions, the HLR Real-time Redundancy Solution constitutes solution covers 26 million subscribers.
N+1 Geographical Real-time Redundancy only one Nth of their investment in existing To date, Huawei has ser ved more
Solution is capable of saving CAPEX and network HLRs, and the OPEX is increased than 130 million subscribers with HLR
OPEX without negatively impacting upon by only one Nth as well. If any active HLR geographical redundancy services. Apart from
communication quality. This radically solves is down, the geographical-redundancy HLR the advanced HLR solution for geographical
the dilemma between network quality and cost. will automatically continue the services of redundancy, Huawei also supplies operators
As Fig.1 illustrates, subscribers’ dynamic the failed active HLR in real time, without with holistic services such as network
and static data on the active HLR are any necessity for human intervention, thus planning and legacy HLR cutover plans.
both synchronized in real time with the avoiding the need for 24-hour attendance For example, in China’s developed Yangtze
geographical-redundancy HLR’s subscriber by HLR maintenance personnel. OPEX Delta region, China Mobile applied the HLR
database, and this occurs via the SS7 and is reduced, and network quality further 6+1 Geographical Real-time Redundancy
IP networks. Static data are synchronized assured. Moreover, active HLRs and the Solution in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. All services
through the customer service center interface Geographical Redundancy HLR jointly were simultaneously cutover from multiple
including definition, deletion, service undertake subscriber data synchronization, active HLRs to the geographical-redundancy
suspension/reactivation, number changing, and no support by any other equipment is HLR. The active HLRs were then upgraded,
card reissuing, and instructions for modifying required, thus reducing construction costs for after which the service data was switched
service subscription data. Dynamic data is the geographical-redundancy HLR. back. This achieved the successful upgrade of
synchronized through MAP, and mainly China Mobile Zhejiang’s active HLRs, during
includes supplementary service status and Free from worries which no subscriber service was affected, thus
attributes, such as forwarded-to number, and achieving zero subscriber awareness, further
subscriber’s location information. Mr. Vikrom Sriprataks, AIS technical assisting China Mobile Zhejiang to elevate its
high-end brand image.
With rapid, on-time delivery, Huawei helps
operators quickly expand their market share
Dynamic data is synchronized through the SS7 network
and foster a competitive edge. In Sri Lanka,
the mainstream operator, Suntel, is enjoying
SS7 Network
a rapid increase in subscriber numbers. In
order to swiftly satisfy Suntel’s requirements
Active HLR 1
for high-quality networks, Huawei
completed implementation of a geographical
Geographical redundancy solution in no more than one
-redundancy HLR month, realizing geographical redundancy
Active HLR 2 backup for existing network subscribers, and
ensuring zero service interruption.
Static data synchronization
Practice has proven that the HLR N+1
IP network Dynamic data synchronization
Active HLRn Geographical Real-time Redundancy
Solution establishes a solid and economical
Static data is synchronized through the IP network security line for HLRs: it is indeed the
Fig.1 N+1 Geographical Real-time Redundancy Solution guardian of HLRs.
Editor: Xu Peng xupeng@huawei.com

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 48


LEADING EDGE
Fast-developing CDMA UMB technology

Fast-developing CDMA
UMB technology
By Chen Xiuting

In August 2007, Qualcomm demonstrated the first 4G radio system in San Diego,
America: Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB). What are UMB’s technical features?
What new experiences can it deliver to customers?

Technical features OFDMA

U
MB describes the updated version of High spectrum efficiency requires interference
the CDMA2000 series’ standards. reduction in two major aspects: interference from
It supports 20MHz bandwidth, other transmitters, for example, power control and
enhances network scalability and scheduling; and self-interference, which is stimulated
f l e x i b i l i t y, a n d d i v e r s i f i e s a n d by multi-path. Self-interference increases with multi-
elevates subscriber experiences. Similar to other 4G path delay relative to signal cycle. Self-interference
technologies, UMB employs advanced technologies severity is considerable in high-speed broadband
such as OFDMA and MIMO. communications due to the high bit rate and short

49 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


Huawei Technologies

basic idea of OFDM technology uses benefit spatial gain. The multi-antenna
orthogonal sub-carrier groups to achieve receiver uses space time codes to separate
parallel transmission. The theoretical basis and decode multiple data sub-flows
of OFDM is Fourier theorem - any signal in order to optimize the signal/noise
can be represented by the superposition ratio. MIMO technology effectively
of multiple sine waves. By modulating a utilizes spatial dimension resources
group of high-speed broadband signals to improve a radio communication
into multiple orthogonal sine transmission system’s transmission capacity nth times
waves, high-speed data flow is converted to (propor tional to antenna numbers)
a multi-channel parallel orthogonal low- without increasing transmission power
speed data flow. Thus interference between and bandwidth. The role of MIMO is
signals is eliminated. Furthermore, the therefore to separate the original high
OFDM system transmits high-speed data SINR channel into several low SINR
in parallel, greatly enhancing its ability to channels. According to Shannon’s capacity
protect against multi-path interference. formula, SINR improvement can rapidly
OFDM technology has been used improve spectrum efficiency at a low
for nearly 40 years, with its inception SINR, but the same is not true regarding
primarily in military radio communication SINR improvement at a higher SINR.
systems. In the 1950s and 1960s, the US An additional and important technical
military created the first multi-carrier aspect of UMB is its network architecture
modulation system and, the 1970s saw optimization feature. A traditional mobile
the appearance of an OFDM system access network normally uses BSC + BTS
that utilized large scale sub-carrier architecture, which involves multiple
and frequency superposition. This was network node layers whose signaling
gradually and widely applied in ADSL, interaction is complex, causing session
DVB, wireless LANs, IEEE802.11 series, connection delays and elevated service
IEEE 802.16 and IEEE 802.20. In the processing times.
1990s, the development of digital signal
processing technology allowed OFDM to Flat network architecture
be used on IFFT’s Tx and FFT’s Rx ends UMB employs a flat network
to realize modulation and demodulation. architecture in which traditional
This greatly reduced system complexity BSC functions are separated. Those
and promoted broad OFDM application. functions that are closely related to radio
transmission technology will be performed
MIMO
by the BTS, while other functions will
In 1948, the Shannon capacity formula be integrated with the access gateway.
defined the limits of communication Intermediate nodes such as BSCs will no
system efficiency. The maturity and longer exist, and this simplifies network
subsequent application of Turbo and hierarchy and signaling processing. Radio
LDPC coding technologies meant that network performance is greatly improved,
actual systems were approaching the to some extent reducing CAPEX.
Shannon limit. Methods of improving
efficiency were explored, and Multiple Market value
In p u t Mu l t i p l e Ou t p u t ( M I M O )
technology emerged as crucial. UMB system performance leads all
signal cycle, while the delay spread remains MIMO represents an important 4G technologies. Downlink spectrum
the same, thus hindering spectr um technical component of 4G radio efficiency is 3 to 4 times higher than in
efficiency improvement. communication systems. It achieves 3G technologies, and uplink spectrum
If parallel transmission technology holistic multi-path radio channels and efficiency 2 to 3 times higher. The
is introduced into the communication transmitting and receiving to improve flattened architecture can further reduce
system, multiple elements can be spectrum efficiency. The Tx and Rx ends air interface delays and subscriber-side
transmitted simultaneously. This allows employ multiple antennas, through which one-way delay is less than 17ms, which
each element’s transmission cycle to be signals are transmitted and received, and remarkably improves user experience and
greatly prolonged while maintaining the channel quality is improved. raises operators’ competitive strengths.
same total data transmission rate. The For MIMO, the multi-path mode can Since the subscriber data rate is improved,

OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34 50


LEADING EDGE
Fast-developing CDMA UMB technology

the experience a single subscriber receives is the UMB standard can be traced back two years. In
similar to that delivered by a fixed network, thus March 2005, 3GPP2 began preparing CDMA/EV-
allowing many fixed network services to be shifted DO air interface technology evolution. From March
to mobile networks. This promotes FMC (Fixed to June 2006, a number of companies submitted
Mobile Convergence), which serves to attract more their protocol framework proposals to 3GPP2. By
subscribers, and the flat architecture renders network August 2006, these were successfully combined to
deployment easier, thus reducing OPEX. form a unified protocol framework proposal. In
UMB can remain online permanently meaning February 2007, UMB standard parameters were
that radio and core networks can maintain continuous largely completed, and in April and September
sessions including PoC, Presence and other IP-based 2007, two protocol versions were released. As a
services. Sustained 3G system sessions entail excessive completely new air interface technology system,
terminal power consumption and greater signaling UMB standardization took only two years from
exchanges, compromising spectrum efficiency and initiation to version release. This can be attributed to
creating a much longer transition time from idle to close cooperation between the 3GPP2 team’s major
connected. Since UMB is unrestricted by distance, participants.
no dedicated control channel is required to maintain UMB therefore possesses Time to Market (TTM)
inner-loop power control balance. All services and advantages and as the first standardized 4G system,
control channels are shared, and single terminals are UMB is expected to become the first commercialized
in dormant state in the absence of data transmission, 4G technology. CDG predicts that the UMB
thus reducing terminal power consumption and commercial system can be widely deployed in early
uplink interference. Simplified signaling and shorter 2009.
transmission gaps enable status transition to be
completed in 50-100 ms, greatly expediting system Promising future
response.
UMB not only improves communication Huawei established its professional 4G R&D
efficiency, but also enables subscribers to enjoy more team early in 2005. At the research centers in
diversified and personalized services such as E-mail, its Shenzhen head office and America’s Silicon
IM, social, networking, blogging and User Generated Valley, over 100 influential telecom scientists and
Content (UGC). Commercial services are facilitated engineers are involved in UMB standardization.
including browsing, searches, location management, Currently Huawei’s technical experts assume many
information exchange, purchasing and banking, as important leadership positions in the 3GPP2 group,
are a range of entertainment multimedia services, for including vice chairperson of the TSG-C team,
example, IPTV, Content/Multimedia, VOD and on- which is responsible for air interface technology
line gaming. standardization.
After a sustained, long-term effort, Huawei,
Standardization: the status quo C h i n a Un i c o m , t h e R e s e a r c h I n s t i t u t e f o r
Telecommunications Transmission, and other
In September 2007, 3GPP2 announced the Chinese manufacturers submitted a framework
official release of UMB 2.0 in San Diego, proposal for UMB air inter face technology
USA, which marked the industry’s evolution to 3GPP2 in June, 2006. This represents
first 4G technical standard. the first time that Chinese manufacturers have
The development of presented a complete framework proposal to
3GPP2. Thereafter, Huawei submitted a complete
UMB simulation result to 3GPP2, which marked
another unprecedented step. Two years of efforts
have culminated in multiple Huawei-patented
technologies being accepted by the UMB standard.
According to initial statistics, Huawei possesses 14%
of the core patents in the UMB sector, describing
a historical breakthrough. Huawei’s outstanding
performance in UMB standardization has been
widely recognized by the industry and will contribute
to UMB’s likely future: the provision of enriched,
diversified and exciting consumer experiences.
Editor: Liu Zhonglin liuzhonglin@huawei.com

51 OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34


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OCTOBER 2007 . ISSUE 34

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