Wireless Technologies For Rural Access

1
Wireless Technologies For Rural Access
Workshop on Access to Broadband Universal
Service Opportunities and Challenges Sharm
ElSheikh - Egypt

• Tarek M. Abd Ellatif
• NTRA - Egypt

2
Contents

• Introduction
• Wireless Technologies
• Standardized Technologies
• Proprietary Technologies
• Case Study

3
Introduction

• According to Final Report FG 7 New technologies
  for rural applications, more than 2.5 billion
  people over 40 of the planets population
  live in rural and remote areas of developing
  countries.
• Of the small fraction that has any access to
  telecommunications, radio broadcasts and voice
  telephony have traditionally been the main
  services provided.
• Today, a wide variety of new telecommunication
  applications such as e-mail, e-commerce,
  tele-education, tele-health, and telemedicine,
  has made access to interactive multimedia
  services as important for rural and remote
  communities as voice connectivity.

4
Introduction

• As highlighted in the ITU World
  Telecommunications Development Report 2003,
  Access Indicators for the Information, by
  providing Internet and broadband access at public
  institutions and private businesses, countries
  can leverage their per capita Internet
  penetration to allow a much greater level of
  Internet Universal Access.
• The same report also points out that public
  Internet access through schools, workplaces,
  government offices, and Internet Cafes is the
  main form of access in developing countries,
  since few families have PCs and Internet access
  at home.

5
Introduction

• Today Internet access becomes as essential as
  telephony
• Telecommunications is a key enabler of economic
  and social development of a nation
• Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) is used to
  provide broadband services to suburban and remote
  users (Voice, Data, High speed Internet).

6
Wireless Technologies For Rural Access

• Contents
• Introduction
• Wireless Technologies
• Standardized Technologies
• Proprietary Technologies
• Case Study

7
Wireless Technologies

• Advantages
• Fast and easy network deployment
• Scalable
• Easier to Adapt to Changing Market Conditions
• Lower Cost of Deployment
• Lower Cost of Network Maintenance, Management,
  and Operating Costs

8
Market Positioning Technology positioning -
Capacity
9
Technology positioning Bandwidth vs Mobility
Mobility
High Speed
Mobile Networks (GSM, UMTS, HSPDA, )
VehicularRural
Vehicle
BB Wireless (WiMAX 802.16d, 802.16e, )
VehicularUrban
Pedestrian
Walk
Fixed Networks (xDSL, )
Nomadic
Fixed urban

Fixed
Personal Area
Bandwidth (Mb/s)
1
10
100
0,01
0,1
Voice
10
Standardized Vs Proprietary

• Pre-Standard
• Proprietary, vertical solutions
• No volume silicon market

11
Introduction

• Key drivers of the proper technology choice
• Topographies of the rural area
• Type of Inhabitants
• Residential or industrial/Business
• Low, medium or high income users
• System Requirements
• Capacity
• Range
• QoS/reliability
• Data requirements
• Frequency band

12
Introduction

• Competition with others
• Regulatory Obligations
• Operating parameters
• Population density of services area
• Level of penetration
• Services offered
• Connection cost per line

13
Standardized Technologies

• Fixed GSM
• WiFi (Wireless Fidelity)
• WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability Microwave
  Access)
• VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)
• LMDS / MMDS (Local Multi-point Distribution
  Service / Multi-channel Multi-point Distribution
  Service)
• WLL DECT (Wireless Local Loop Digital Enhanced
  Cordless Telephony)
• WLL CDMA (Wireless Local Loop Code division
  multiple access)

14
Fixed GSM (1)

• Do not replace existing networks
• A good alternative to Copper plan installation
  for rural and sub-urban areas as a Wireless Local
  Loop solution
• Excellent Voice Quality, Circuit data Services at
  9.6 Kbps (can reach 64 Kbps with HSCSD upgrade)
  and Packet Data Services at 160 Kbps (can reach
  384 Kbps with EDGE upgrade)
• Less costly than wired when subscribers are
  spread
• Quick deployment and easy installation
• The fixed GSM solution is capable of evolving to
  a full mobile solution when the operator will get
  a mobile license

15
Fixed GSM (2)

• Normally, The overall average price for copper
  loops may range from 800 to 1,000 per
  subscriber on the low end, up to an average of
  1,200 to 1,500
• In rural areas, it is expected to see the cost
  per subscriber in the 3,000 - 5,000 range, or
  even higher
• The averaged price of fixed GSM solution in
  developing countries is between 250 to 500

16
Fixed GSM (3)

• Solution Description
• The phones are fixed on a wall with an external
  antenna and is connected to a local AC power
  supply. This is less economical than a standard
  GSM handset
• There is a possibility to connect several devices
  onto such GSM fixed socket (PC, FAX, normal POTS
  telephone, answering machine or small PABX)
• These phones are compliant with fixed license
  terms. (behave like ordinary wireline phone)i.e.
  no SEND key

17
Fixed GSM (4)

• Types of the service
• Incumbent Fixed Operator deploying a fixed GSM
  network

18
Fixed GSM (5)

• Mobile operator starting to provide fixed GSM
  services
• very limited investments (as the infrastructure
  is shared)
• Increase revenues by doing attractive
  fixed/mobile rates or a single prepaid solution
  (public phones and mobile prepaid)

19
Fixed GSM (6)

• Restricted Mobility
• The user can move inside one cell or a limited
  number of cells (generally from 1 to 6)
• It can be enhanced to a Location Area (from 10 to
  50 Cells)
• There is no impact on the BSS, only the MSC and
  HLR software have to be changed in limiting the
  mobility capability of the VLR

20
WiFi (1)

• Stands for Wireless Fidelity.
• WiFi is a WLAN topology, used to connect,
  wirelessly, CPEs (for example Laptops, PDAs,
  ...., etc) with LANs and the internet.
• Data rates
• IEEE 802.11b 1, 2,
  5.5, 11 Mbps
• IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11a up to 54 Mbps
• Coverage
• Open area 300 m (600 ft).
• Semi-open area 115 m (375 ft.).
• Closed area 50 m (166 ft).
• Costs
• CPE 30
• AP 100

21
WiFi (2)

• IEEE 802.11a 5 GHz up to 54 Mbps
• IEEE 802.11b 2.4 GHz up to 11 Mbps
• IEEE 802.11c Bridge operation procedures
• IEEE 802.11d Global Harmonization in the 5-GHz
• IEEE 802.11e QoS
• IEEE 802.11f Inter-Access Point Protocol
• IEEE 802.11g 2.4 GHz up to 54 Mbps
• IEEE 802.11h Spectrum and Transmit Power
  Management extensions in the 5 GHz
  Band in Europe
• IEEE 802.11i Security and Authentication
• IEEE 802.11j 4.9 GHz - 5 GHz Operation in Japan
• IEEE 802.11k Radio Resource Measurement of WLANs
• IEEE 802.11n Enhancements for Higher Throughput

22
WiMAX (1)

• MAN protocol
• The wireless alternative to DSLs and E1/T1 cable
  systems
• Provides Last Mile service as well as providing
  Backhaul to WiFi hotspots
• Supports low latency applications (VoIP, Video)
• LOS / NLOS capabilities
• High spectral Efficiency (gt 3.75 bps/Hz) to
  support 100s 1000s of subscribers per base
  station

23
WiMAX (2)
WiMAX Forum

• A non-profit organization comprised of
• Broadband wireless access equipment manufacturers
• Component suppliers (silicon, RF, antenna,
  software, test services)
• Service providers (carriers, wireless ISPs)
• Ensure interoperability of IEEE 802.16 and other
  interoperable (ETSI HiperMAN) systems
• Equivalent in purpose to Wi-Fi Alliance for
  802.11

24
WiMAX (3)
802.16 802.16-2004 802.16e
Completed December 2001 3Q 2004 (802.16 802.16a 802.16RevD) Expected 2005 / 7
Spectrum 10 - 66 GHz lt 11 GHz lt 6 GHz
Channel Conditions LoS NLoS NLoS
Bit Rate 32 134 Mbps in 28MHz channel bandwidth Up to 75 Mbps in 20MHz channel bandwidth Up to 15 Mbps in 5MHz channel bandwidth
Modulation QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM OFDM 256 sub-carriers QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM Same as 802.16RevD
Mobility Fixed Fixed, Portable Nomadic Mobility
Channel Bandwidths 20, 25 and 28 MHz Scalable 1.5 to 20 MHz Same as 802.16RevD with UL sub-channels
Typical Cell Radius 2-5 km 7 to 10 km Max range 50 km 2-5 km
25
WiMAX Vision
PMP
802.16e
802.16REVd
Wi-Fi
Mobile/ Portable Broadband
High Throughput Access Business, Backhaul
some Residential
NLS
802.16REVd
Hotspot Backhaul
802.16REVd
15 - 20 Km
Consumer Broadband Access
Wi-Fi
100 mtr
26
WiMAX (5)
Primary Bands for 2006 Deployments Licensed
2.3, 2.5, 3.3, 3.5 GHz Unlicensed 5.8 GHz
27
WiMAX Generations (6)

• WiMAX three generations
• The first generation
• Certified CPEs will be outdoor-installable.
• Expected to be available in 2005 and priced
  around 350.
• The second generation
• CPEs will be indoor-installable modems.
• Will be priced around 250 and are expected to
  be available in the late 2005/early 2006
  timeframe.
• The third-generation
• CPEs will be portable modems.
• Expected to cost approximately 100 and be
  available in the 2006-2007 timeframe.

28
WiFi Vs WiMAX (7)
IEEE 802.11 IEEE 802.16
Range Optimized for users within a 100 m radius. Add APs or high gain antenna to extend range Optimized for typical cell radius 7-10 Km Up to 50 Km
Coverage -Optimized for indoor environments Optimized for outdoor environments. Support advanced antenna techniques and mesh topologies
Channelization Fixed channel BW of 20 MHz Flexible Channel BW from 1.5 MHz to 21 MHz
Bit rate -Max. Spectral efficiency 2.7 bps /Hz (at 54 Mbps in 20 MHz) -Max. Spectral efficiency 3.8 bps /Hz (75 Mbps in 20 MHz) -Max. Spectral efficiency 5 bps /Hz (100 Mbps in 20 MHz)
QoS Basically, no support for QoS. 802.11e will support QoS. QoS designed for voice/video differentiated services
29
LMDS / MMDS (1)

• LMDS
• Local Multipoint Distribution Service
• A fixed broadband LoS, PMP microwave system, used
  in 24-40 GHz range
• Transmit Voice, Video and Data Signals within 5
  Miles in Diameter
• Used to provide high speed bridge to fiber
  infrastructure, particularly in metropolitan area
  networks
• Broadband services to large medium enterprises
• MMDS
• Multi-channel Multi-point Distribution Service
• Used in 2-10 GHz range (mainly in the sub 2GHz)
• Larger range, less powerful signal and cheaper
  than LMDS Historically known as Wireless cable,
  as it has been used as a one-way, analog wireless
  cable TV broadcast
• Broadband services to residential, SOHOs, and
  small businesses where DSL or cable are not
  available

30
LMDS / MMDS (2)
LMDS MMDS Standard IEEE 802.16.1 IEEE
802.16.3 Frequency Range 10-42 GHz 2.5-2.7
GHz, 3.4-3.7 GHz Data Rates Typically up
to 0.5 -3 Mbps 45Mbps Coverage 5 Km
35Km Bandwidth IP, ATM IP, ATM Allocation
Method CPE cost High Low- Medium
31
VSAT (1)

• VSATs are playing a growing role in the provision
  of telephony, distance education and data
  services in remote areas.
• VSATs are being deployed in areas where
  terrestrial telecommunication infrastructure is
  either uneconomical or too difficult to install.
• Prices for VSATs have fallen rapidly over the
  past decade.
• In the early 1990s, prices typically ranged from
  USD 10,000-USD 12,000 per VSAT.
• As of the year 2000, entry-level VSAT telephony
  stations typically start at USD 3500-USD 4000,
• Presently, Prices can range anywhere between USD
  2,000 and USD 8,000, depending on the volume
  purchased and added features.

32
VSAT (2)

• Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) refers to a
  small fixed earth station.
• VSATs provide the vital communication link
  required to set up a satellite based
  communication network.
• VSATs can support any communication requirement
  be it voice, data, or video conferencing.
• The VSAT comprises of two modules
• an outdoor unit
• an indoor unit.
• The outdoor unit consists of an Antenna and Radio
  Frequency Transceiver. (RFT). The antenna size is
  typically 1.8 metre or 2.4 metre in diameter,
  although smaller antennas are also in use.
• The indoor unit functions as a modem and also
  interfaces with the end user equipment like stand
  alone PCs, LANs, Telephones or an EPABX.

33
VSAT (3)

• VSAT networks come in various shapes and sizes
  ranging from point-to-point, point-to-multipoint
• Mesh systems have traditionally been somewhat
  smaller in size than star systems

34
WLL DECT (1)

• WLL is a system that connects subscribers to PSTN
  using radio signals instead of copper
• DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony
• Frequencies bands
• 1.88Ghz to 1.9Ghz
• 1.9Ghz to 1.92Ghz
• 1.92Ghz to 1.93Ghz

35
WLL DECT (2)

• Frequency Band 10 carriers between 1.8 GHz and
  1.9 GHz
• Access Method TDMA FDMA
• Duplexing Scheme TDD
• Modulation GFSK (Gaussian Frequency Shift
  Keying)
• Coverage Up to 10 Km
• Subscribers per system up to 1536

36
WLL CDMA

• The same concept as the other WLL networks
• CDMA benefits
• In a fixed telephony environment, CDMA is
  estimated to provide 15-20 times more capacity
  than its competitors.
• Single frequency reuse.
• Requires no contiguous bandwidth
• Allows variable rate vocodores, robust error
  correction and diversity in frequency, space and
  time.

37
WLL CDMA system

• WLL gateway switching system that connects the
  radio system to the PSTN,
• Radio Port Controller (RPC), which provides
  concentration and control functions to a number
  of base stations called the Radio Port (RP),
• Radio Interface Unit (RIU), which are the fixed
  units attached to the residential or commercial
  buildings.
• Radio Port Operation And Maintenance (RPOM) unit,
  which is responsible for maintaining and managing
  the radio network elements,
• Inter-working Function (IWF) unit, which is used
  as a gateway to data services such as the
  Internet and the public switched packet data
  network (PSPDN).

38
Proprietary Technologies

• Characteristics of proprietary solutions
• Flexible according to the case, and to the
  application .
• A large variety of solutions that depends on
  different technologies.
• May be better than the standardized solutions in
  some cases.
• Vertically Integration
• More Expensive

39
Wireless Technologies For Rural Access

• Contents
• Introduction
• Wireless Technologies
• Standardized Technologies
• Proprietary Technologies
• Case Study

40
Case Study

• Egypt
• WLL CDMA
• WiMAX (Pilot project)

41
WLL CDMA in Egypt

• Benefits of WLL projects
• provide the basic telephony services, as well as
  Internet services to increase community
  development.
• Increase community development.
• Support small business services.
• Emergency support
• Allow E-government and E- health. (In Future
  Plan)
• Allow E-education and E-entertainment. (In Future
  Plan)

42
WLL CDMA in Egypt

• Brief description of the Egyptian rural areas and
  villages
• For Egypt, villages are either allocated in a
  scattered way within certain area or allocated
  cascaded along certain road or along the Nile
  River.
• The climate is extremely hot and moist.

43
WLL CDMA in Egypt

• System Architecture
• OMC
• NSS
• MSC/VLR/SSP Mobile Switching Center/Visitor
  Location Register / Service Switching Point.
• HLR/AUC Home Location Register/Authentication
  Center.
• SC/VM Short Message Service Center/Voice
  Mailbox.
• SCP Service Control Point.
• PDSN Packet Data Serving Node.
• FA Foreign Agent.
• HA Home Agent.
• AAA Authentication Accounting Authorization.
• BSS
• 7BTS Base Transceiver Station
• BSC Base Station Controller
• PCF Packet Control Function

44
WLL CDMA in Egypt

• Hauwei ZTE Corporation provide full series of
  CDMA products for total network solutions
  including CDMA Network Switching Subsystem (NSS),
  CDMA Base Station Subsystem(BSS) and CDMA Mobile
  Terminals.
• The total capacity of the system is 100,000
  lines, distributed on 65 BTSs
• The range of the radio frequency band is 824- 849
  and 869- 894 MHZ
• For the microwave links, these frequencies are in
  the range of 15 18 GHz

45
WLL CDMA in Egypt

• In this project, the pre-existing
  telecommunication facilities are used as much as
  possible, the existing transmission media as
  fiber ring, and microwave links are used.
• For economical purposes, most of the base
  transceiver stations (BTSs) are located and
  implemented above the existing local exchanges,
  these BTSs are powered form main existing AC
  power of the local exchanges and are connected to
  the Base station controller (BSC) through the
  existing fiber transmission ring. Of course the
  equipment located in the local exchanges are
  secured.
• But for the coverage purpose, some BTSs are
  located apart from the local exchanges, with
  distances ranges from 20 to 100 Km, the places
  are chosen to fulfill the AC power requirement
  and security procedures. The links between theses
  BTSs (located apart from the local exchanges)
  are new microwave links.

46
WLL CDMA in Egypt

• Currently provided services
• For voice service, TE guarantees an acceptable
  grade of services (GoS) of 1.
• For data service, TE guarantees a data rate of
  153.6 Kbps

47
WLL CDMA in Egypt

• System cost
• The service is uniformly distributed and so, the
  line cost is approximately fixed, about 180 .
• The cost of Fixed Wireless Terminal (FWT) used
  for CDMA-WLL system is about 100 .

48
WiMAX Pilot Project in Egypt (1)

• Project Highlights
• Depends on Pre-WiMAX equipments
• Project on two phases
• First phase
• Smart Village (five buildings incl. MCIT and
  NTRA)
• Second phase
• Connecting SV with other 1 or 2 opt. locations
  (one of them is the MCIT building in Mohandessen)
• of BS 2 of SS 7
• Each SS supports 8 Mb/s
• Duplexing Scheme FDD

49
WiMAX Pilot Project in Egypt (2)
50
????? Thank you Merci