Mapping the Small Cells Network

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2013 // Issue 02

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Mapping the sMall cells network The growth of the small cells ecosystem, from components and software platforms to the finished access points, across gateways, backhaul and management and operational engines is bringing with it an evolving cast list of vendors and developers. Who does what, and where do they fit into the small cells map? The Mobile Network maps the small cells ecosystem.

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Feature sponsor:

The small cell ecosystem is maturing, growing out from its roots as a residential coverage solution to something that is critical to the overall business models and customer-centric service strategies of mobile operators.

From the home, small and large enterprise, to outdoor public access, the market is evolving and developing, bringing with it requirements for integration, management and interoperability. A new ecosystem is growing to support those requirements.

Radisys, as a key enabler of this maturing small cells ecosystem, both in the access and core network, is delighted to sponsor this exploration and visualisation of the small cells market.

Todd Mersch, Senior Director, Software & Solutions, Radisys.

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The small cell ecosystem is formed of the elements that make up the access points, gateways and backhaul. Surrounding these basic building blocks are small cell focussed systems and operations

Airspan Alcatel-Lucent Cisco Ericsson Huawei NSN (In partnership with Ruckus Wireless) Proxim Ruckus Wireless

such as design, planning, test, verification, systems

Software platform providers:

management and optimisation and operation.

Aricent

The access points themselves come in different sizes and factors, and are built on a stack of systems on chip, platforms, and application software.

End to End systems providers:

Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Hitachi, ip.access, NEC, NSN, ZTE

NodeH Radisys Tata Communcations (Ubiquisys)

Component/ Software ecosystem: Altobridge (data optimisation) Dapu Telecom (frequency management, timing) Interdigital (bandwidth management) Lantiq (gateway architecture)

Access points:

Ablaze (ODM) , Airspan, Airvana, Alcatel-Lucent, Argela, Contela, Futisu, Hay Systems Hitachi, Huawei, ip.access, Juni, NEC, NSN, PureWave, QuCell SagemComm (ODM), Sercomm (ODM), SpiderCloud (As part of its E-RAN), Sistel, Tecom (ODM), Thomson, Ubiquisys (Cisco), ZTE

Chip providers Broadcom Cavium Freescale Intel Mindspeed Qualcomm Texas Instruments

Mimon (protocol stacks for chipset developers) Quortus (soft core) Rakon (frequency management, timing) Symmetricom (timing) Tango Networks (enterprise integration)

Design, planning and deployment Small cell planning and deployment requires paying attention to a complex list of variables: traffic demand, site acquisition, access and approvals, power, backhaul and physical site security. Companies with small cell planning software include Amdocs, Aircom, Forsk, iBwave, Keima Wireless and Mentum. Additionally, the major systems vendors, such as Alcatel-Lucent with its Metrocell Express and NSN, are also forming solutions aimed at providing a complete design and deployment solution, including taking care of commercial negotiations and civils.

Gateway controllers secure gateways

SMALL CELL ECOSYSTEM

Carrier WiFi:

Controllers, network gateways, secure gateways and convergence servers provide the integration, provisioning and security of small cells and femtocells into the mobile operator’s existing core network.

(NSN, with its Flexi Zone concept, introduces a local controller of a “zone” of small cells).

This integration, control and security architecture forms a key part of the offering of End-2-End small cell providers, such as Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, ip.access, NEC, NSN and others.

Gateway and core controller providers include Acme Packet, Astri, Genband, Stoke and Taqua.

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BLiNQ BluWan Bridgewave CBNL Cambium Ceragon CCS DragonWave E-Band Ericsson

Wireless options for small cell backhaul Small cell backhaul options include NLOS microwave, point-to-multipoint microwave and 60GHz and 70/80GHz millimetric bands that offer high capacities combined with high attenuation.

Where fibre is available that will be many operators’ preference, and some see the potential for cable companies to operate as small cell backhaul wholesalers, especially in metro areas. 5GHz WiFi may also be an option in some deployments.

Fastback Huawei Intracom LightPointe NEC Radwin Siklu Sub10 Taqua Tarana Yubiq ZTE

Wireless options for small cell backhaul

Aviat