Basics Of Minilink Microwave Networks

Editor's Notes

• #3: Describe the objectives for this lesson
• #4: Message: There are a lot of access networks that needs to be upgraded for future mobile systems, still protecting the investment I.e. the installed base of microwave radios Most mobile access networks for 2G transmission is today built with PDH microwave radio, providing capacities from 2 to 34 Mbit/s. The networks are designed with combinations of star, tree, ring and cluster topologies. The current expansion of 2G and 2.5 G mobile networks and the introduction of 3G mobile system set new requirements on the mobile access network in terms of transmission.
• #5: Message: The capacity growth and network expansion in mobile systems has clear impacts on the transport network. As the operator’s business evolve constantly, so will his transport network. The evolution that takes place in the mobile transport networks consists of a number of different steps: New links are being added to extend coverage, and existing links are being upgraded to higher capacities. Ericsson microwave products are easy-to-upgrade and expand which is proven in MINI-LINK design where the capacity upgrade of existing links is done in minutes by simple replacement of the indoor modem plug-in unit. In this simple way, capacity can be changed rapidly within the range 4-36 Mbit/s.
• #6: SDH technology is being extended further out in the network, typically by configuring rings with high capacity microwave radio links. Our focus is to provide the operator with the end-to-end solution for mobile transport, therefore we have added the MINI-LINK High Capacity to our portfolio.
• #7: Point-to-multipoint microwave solutions are becoming more and more important, as the products become proven and the obvious advantages of simple network expansion and traffic concentration become well known. More and more countries reserve spectrum for this technology. We have developed our point-to-multipoint system MINI-LINK BAS for the robustness and the high capacity demands from the mobile segment. For 3G MINI-LINK BAS provides an ATM based transport end-to-end from the base stations to the switch.
• #8: In the networks with increasing density, the number of complex hub sites increase. This leads to a growing demand for solutions that simplify the design and reliability of such locations. We call them Smart traffic nodes. The latest example is the innovative MINI-LINK Traffic Node that is a microwave hub for point-to-point communication. Operation is simplified and reliability is improved, if the different solutions that will be required can be managed from a single management system. MINI-LINK Manager gives you complete control over your MINI-LINK transport network from one common screen. These are the driving forces behind the introduction of Next Generation Microwave Networks – A complete microwave portfolio for mobile transport networks. NOTE: In mobile access networks where capacity needs are even higher than what can be fulfilled with microwave solutions, Ericsson proposes the high capacity architecture to be based on optical networks. Ericsson can provide well-integrated solutions that include microwave and optical network solutions combined under one management system.
• #9: Mobile Transport – from hops to networks Message: Ericsson has invested largely the last few years in developing the products & solutions needed to facilitate network expansion & capacity growth in mobile networks. With the introduction of the products in our Next Generation Microwave Networks concept, Ericsson maintains the lead in offering the global market a flexible and complete product portfolio. All products in this new portfolio are honoring the traditional values that have made MINI-LINK the most popular solution in mobile transport networks today. The products that are included in Ericsson’s Next Generation Microwave Networks are presented in this slide.
• #10: The MINI-LINK Microwave Networks consists of 5 different products divided into 3 categories/families. MINI-LINK Ptp family consist of 3 products. - MINI-LINK High Capacity is our SDH microwave radio product - MINI-LINK E Classic is our traditional PDH medium capacity product that has been on the market a long time - MINI-LINK E Traffic Node is a new indoor concept that has been developed to meet the new requirements for microwave transmission networks MINI-LINK Pmp consist of only one product MINI-LINK BAS is our broadband access system MINI-LINK Management also one product - MINI-LINK Manager supports FM,PM,CM etc for all MINI-LINK products
• #11: Message: Based on the innovative and reliable radio platform from Ericsson, we are now introducing a high capacity microwave radio. Ericsson can with this product offer a product with very high spectrum-efficiency that preserves not only the built-in MINI-LINK values equipment quality, but it also enable you as an operator to use the knowledge that you have about MINI-LINK. Additional features for you as an operator is that you can use the same antennas and accessories as for MINI-LINK Medium Capacity. This product is also the first product to introduce the new MINI-LINK management architecture.
• #12: Complete radio program – MINI-LINK High Capacity covers the frequency range 7-38 GHz. During the introduction of this product we combine our offer with partner products, all products are supervised by our management system MINI-LINK Manager. Spectrum-efficient modulation and ATPC – Ericsson provides very spectrum-efficient modulation for SDH microwave radio based on 128 QAM. This modulation scheme enables 155 Mbit/s to be transported in the 28 MHz channel that traditionally has been used for 34 Mbit/s PDH microwave links. The two new modems introduced enables 155 Mbit/s to be carried over only 27.5/28 (18/23, 26, 28) MHz bandwidth (128QAM) 155 Mbit/s to be carried over only 55/56 (18/23, 26, 28) MHz bandwidth (16QAM) With Automatic Transmit Power Control (ATPC), network interference is reduced due to the adaptive mechanism built-in that ensures that not more output power than necessary is being used. Interfaces for optical as well as electrical interconnection – In order to suit all our customers we have developed the interfaces that exist today on traditional SDH equipment. New modern management architecture – Ericsson microwave products provides a new, open management architecture based on SNMP, IP DCN, EEM. Complete radio program – MINI-LINK High Capacity covers the frequency range 7-38 GHz. During the introduction of this product we combine our offer with partner products, all products are supervised by our management system MINI-LINK Manager. Spectrum-efficient modulation and ATPC – Ericsson provides very spectrum-efficient modulation for SDH microwave radio based on 128 QAM. This modulation scheme enables 155 Mbit/s to be transported in the 28 MHz channel that traditionally has been used for 34 Mbit/s PDH microwave links. The two new modems introduced enables 155 Mbit/s to be carried over only 27.5/28 (18/23, 26, 28) MHz bandwidth (128QAM) 155 Mbit/s to be carried over only 55/56 (18/23, 26, 28) MHz bandwidth (16QAM) With Automatic Transmit Power Control (ATPC), network interference is reduced due to the adaptive mechanism built-in that ensures that not more output power than necessary is being used. Interfaces for optical as well as electrical interconnection – In order to suit all our customers we have developed the interfaces that exist today on traditional SDH equipment. New modern management architecture – Ericsson microwave products provides a new, open management architecture based on SNMP, IP DCN, EEM.
• #13: Message: MINI-LINK Medium Capacity (MINI-LINK E) is the world’s most deployed microwave radio. It is based on an innovative and reliable microwave design that is today the platform for all the new products in the portfolio. Since the introduction 1996, MINI-LINK Medium Capacity has been augmented with new frequency bands, new modulation schemes and many other functions like Automatic Transmit Power Control etc. Major development has been performed on the radio units where size and weight has been reduced by app.. 50% through the introduction of the RAU2 generation based on highly integrated MMIC technology.
• #14: Complete radio program – MINI-LINK Medium Capacity covers the frequency range 7,8, 13, 15,18, 23,26, 28, and 32 GHz (32 GHz soon to be released) and is thereby one of the most comprehensive microwave product available. Dual modulation schemes & ATPC – Expansion of mobile services and introduction of 2,5G/3G mobile systems require more mobile radio base stations to be rolled out in the networks. At the same time new datacom. services demand for higher capacities per radio base station. Altogether this means that radio spectrum (that in some countries already are crowded) needs to be better used with regards to improved utilization. Ericsson is now introducing higher modulation schemes, based on 16QAM , to MINI-LINK Medium Capacity. Two new modems are introduced enabling 8x2/2x8 Mbit/s to be carried over only 7 MHz bandwidth (requires 14 MHz today) 17x2/34+2 Mbit/s to be carried over only 14 MHz bandwidth (requires 28 MHz today) With Automatic Transmit Power Control (ATPC), network interference is reduced due to the adaptive mechanism built-in that ensures that not more output power than necessary is being used. Plug-in to MINI-LINK Traffic Node - MINI-LINK Traffic Node is the new microwave hub solution form Ericsson, designed for integration of a large amount of MINI-LINK Medium Capacity terminals. Switching of traffic is done within MINI-LINK Traffic Node that can be equipped with other network interfaces than microwave such as E1, E2, E3 and STM-1. MINI-LINK Traffic Node is also capable of performing protection on e.g. ring level. Compact end-terminal – MINI-LINK Medium Capacity indoor unit is also available as a compact version for the End Nodes in the network (see picture). Capacity-agility for flexible upgrades –The installed base of MINI-LINK E equipment is already very easy to upgrade. Today a capacity-upgrade in the range 2x2-17x2/34+2 Mbit/s is performed by a simple swap of indoor units. The support for future capacity upgrades is now further improved. With the capacity-agile solution the operator can use the same piece of hardware for all the capacities supported over MINI-LINK Medium Capacity. This means that the four modem units that exists today in the operator network and warehouses can be replaced by one single unit.
• #15: Message: This is the new microwave hub from Ericsson, designed to optimize the microwave hub sites in the network. With the network expansion and capacity growth taking place, the transmission hub sites are becoming more complex as they will handle more traffic and more incoming microwave links. MINI-LINK Traffic Node is a scalable solution that is used to aggregate traffic from several incoming MINI-LINK Medium Capacity links into higher capacities. MINI-LINK Traffic Node also implements the new MINI-LINK management architecture based on SNMP, IP DCN and EEM. Compact sites – Reduces site space with up to 70 %. PDH and SDH integration –Integrates two domains under the same management into one platform. Saves space, cables and equipment compared to alternative solutions. Prepared for packets – Having a platform that supports evolution towards new packet-based mobile systems. Easy capacity expansion – The microwave hub based on MINI-LINK Traffic Node can be reconfigured for new capacity demands with minimal site impact Scalability – A good microwave hub solution must scale well from anything from a repeater site into a large aggregation node in the network. Extensive protection mechanisms – With higher capacity demands, there come new requirements on the protection mechanisms supported. MINI-LINK Traffic Node support e.g. ring protection of high capacities.
• #16: Complete radio program – MINI-LINK Medium Capacity covers the frequency range 7,8, 13, 15,18, 23,26, 28, and 32 GHz (32 GHz soon to be released) and is thereby one of the most comprehensive microwave product available. Capacity: - supports medium capacity capacity requirements 2x2-34+2 per modem unit - E1 switching capacity of the magazine backplane is 400 Modulation: C-QPSK (Constant- Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) 34+2 Mbit/s over 28 MHz With Automatic Transmit Power Control (ATPC), network interference is reduced due to the adaptive mechanism built-in that ensures that not more output power than necessary is being used. Configurations: 1+1 radio (as for MINI-LINK E Classic, 2 rau, 2 mmu, 1 smu) 1+1 E1 SNCP (sub network connection protection) 2 E1 with redundand paths 1+1 MSP (multiplexer section protection) redundant HW for the STM-1 line (2x LTU 155 boards, carrying the same traffic, one in stand-by) Capacity-agility for flexible upgrades –The installed base of MINI-LINK equipment is already very easy to upgrade. Today a capacity-upgrade in the range 2x2-17x2/34+2 Mbit/s is performed by a simple swap of indoor units. The support for future capacity upgrades is now further improved. With the capacity-agile solution the operator can use the same piece of hardware for all the capacities supported over MINI-LINK Medium Capacity. This means that the four modem units that exists today in the operator network and warehouses can be replaced by one single unit. New modern management architecture – Ericsson microwave products provides a new, open management architecture based on SNMP, IP DCN, EEM
• #17: Message: A good example of the scalability in our solution is the Launch solutions, with which MINI-LINK BAS limits the initial investment for the operator by streamlining the initial network build-out according to no. of subscribers added and select coverage pattern according to areas where coverage is needed. Capacity is added on an subscriber- and base station basis, with small state-of-the-art modular units for secure- and easy implementation and maintenance. One scenário from day 1 - minimal config. - launch solution up to full network seamless
• #18: Frequency: available versions for common LMDS licenses Capacity: each modem (NCU) delivers 37.5 Mbit/s symmetrical for each sector 530 Mbit/s is the Radio Shelf back plane capacity for switching traffic 874 Mbit/s is for the concentrator shelf Modulation: 37.5 Mbit/s over 28 MHz Configurations: in 1+1 configuration it Is the radio node (radio at the hub) that is protected Range: up to 6 km using the 90 degrees sector antenna, up to 10 km using directional antenna Other Features: Dynamic capacity allocation increases the usage of the traffic in the sector. The capacity in the sector is routed to the terminal that for that specific moment needs it
• #19: MINI-LINK – Antennas To optimize each link, MINI-LINK antennas are available in a wide range of diameters. High performance compact antennas, providing minimum outdoor visibility are available in the following diameters; 0.2m, 0.3m, 0.6m, 1.2m and 1.8m. The compact antennas are normally integrated with the antenna but they can be installed separately as well. The radio unit can be replaced without affecting antenna alignment. Larger antennas (2.4 m and 3.0 m) for separate installation are available in standard or high performance versions. The innovative integrated power splitter solution is the latest addition to the MINI-LINK antenna and accessories program. For a complete description of available antenna types, please refer to MINI-LINK Product Catalog. As all the MINI-LINK products are following the same mechanical structure the different antennas above can be used for all systems. It is only the frequency of the radio unit that needs to match with the antenna
• #20: One common microwave system One common microwave management system: MINI-LINK Manager is a flexible platform for managing all the Ericsson microwave products, i.e both MINI-LINK Point-to-point and Point-to-multipoint microwave systems Maximized network availability / Minimized maintenance costs: MINI-LINK Manager is a powerful, centralized operation and maintenance system. It provides functions such as Fault Management, Performance data, configuration of MINI-LINK equipment and enables you to reduce time to operation, reduce running costs and maximize network availability. This means detecting, localizing, and fixing faults quickly as well as minimizing labor, equipment and training costs. Unrestricted scalability: MINI-LINK Manager is built around a distributed and modular architecture that allows new network management capabilities to be added or expanded as the network expands. This means low initial costs and it is possible to pay as you grow.
• #21: MINI-LINK – Open Management Architecture Ericsson microwave products provides a new, open management architecture based on SNMP, IP DCN, EEM. Products already introduced on this new architecture is MINI-LINK High Capacity and MINI-LINK Traffic Node. Embedded Element Manager: On site configuration, performance and fault management can be performed using standard web-browser. The EEM functionality can be launched remotely over the IP based DCN functionality. SNMPv3 for integration to NMS: P roviding an industry standard SNMP interface (standard MIBs with extensions) towards higher layer management systems. FTP client for performance data on file IP router for DCN transport: B uilt-in IP router enables O&M data from MINI-LINK to be transported over an IP based Data Communication Network. Furthermore, it enables transport of O&M data from any external equipment via the IP interface in MINI-LINK. The capacity on the IP DCN network is 2*64 kbps between over the air between two MINI-LINK Traffic Node network elements. This transport is performed as IP over PPP. Configuration of the DCN router is performed via a Command Line Interface (CLI) in line with industry standard for IP based network elements.