NSN Unveils Centralized RAN

ESPOO, Finland -- NSN is launching new software that is capable of activating the hidden performance of networks and thus doubling the uplink capacity in existing LTE networks, without any additional hardware investments. Centralized RAN links together multiple base stations and turns the interference into useful traffic, especially in dense traffic areas with a large number of smart devices.

In addition, the company is adding two new software features to its Liquid Radio Software Suite to allow operators to steer LTE-capable smart devices onto 4G more quickly, freeing up WCDMA capacity. These features ensure all subscribers get the fastest speed and best application performance on mobile broadband networks.

During large events and in other crowded situations, there can be more uplink than downlink traffic as people upload pictures, videos and other content from their smart devices. To meet the demand, multiple base stations provide coverage over a small area. Yet this can create considerable interference from mobile devices, which reduces network capacity and impairs service quality.

To help operators address this problem, NSN Centralized RAN links multiple LTE base stations to work directly with one other to reduce interference between neighboring cells. This can double the average uplink capacity across a cell, while uploads at the cell edge can be up to ten times faster. It also helps extend battery life as smart devices no longer need to transmit at high power to cut through the interference. Fully standards-compliant, NSN Centralized RAN runs on the proven Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station with a software upgrade and works with all existing LTE devices.

"As mobile broadband data usage continues its rapid growth, operators look to suppliers for innovations that make great user experiences possible even under the most extreme traffic conditions,” said Ken Rehbehn, principal analyst, Yankee Group. “Breakthroughs in RAN centralization promise to significantly raise the capacity of a cell to improve the performance of services and allow subscribers to more easily share content.”

Two new features for the NSN Liquid Radio Software Suite move smart devices from WCDMA to LTE networks more quickly and reliably, and without subscribers noticing, even while they are watching video or using real-time services. The software upgrades not only ensure the fastest data connection for subscribers, but improved interworking allows operators to use WCDMA and LTE resources more efficiently and economically, and make full use of their LTE investments.

The first feature is Measurement-based LTE layering, which ensures LTE capacity is available before devices are steered, even when LTE and WCDMA sites are not co-located. Also launched is Smart LTE handover, which enables smooth handover from WCDMA to LTE with low delay.

“Our Centralized RAN is capable of enabling operators to convert interference into useful traffic and all without additional hardware or even having to modify their existing base station structure,” said Thorsten Robrecht, vice president, Mobile Broadband portfolio management, NSN. “Apart from this, our two new Liquid Radio software features allow operators to ensure top class mobile broadband experience for their LTE subscribers. These features are valuable in any areas with fluctuating network traffic or densely populated by subscribers, as they are adding more capacity whenever needed, even during special events.”

“Alongside our new LTE Stadium Optimization service, which cuts interference by up to 60% to boost performance of LTE networks for stadiums, these innovations help operators ensure the best mobile broadband service during large events such as sports events, pop concerts or cultural festivals,” added Robrecht.

The LTE Stadium Optimization service extends NSN’s Special Event Support Services that help operators maintain excellent network and service performance under extreme traffic conditions through comprehensive planning, diligent preparation and fault-free execution by a team of technical experts.

Nokia Networks