The Radio Frequency Systems Bulletin

3Ga problem shared?

A world of wireless at RFSWorld.com Chinas communications boom

4th quarter 2001

A downtilt view of CDMA

The Clear Choice in Wireless

3 Editorial
Communications make the global village

12 Website
All is new at RFSWorld.com

4 Whats New
RFS enviro-sensitive cellular solutions 3G co-siting MUX & TMA family RFS unveils UMTS/GSM 1800 dual band tilt Gains increase with four-foot RFS CompactLine antennas

14 Broadcast Buzz
DTV takes a combined approach

16 Regional Focus
Chinese cellular market speeds to the lead

6 e-commerce
e-commerce: business of the future

18 In Touch
Vodacom opts for RFSs dual band and tilt Indonesian TV networks roll out with RFS RFS Shanghai production expands RFS Q1 2002 shows & exhibitions Featherweight antenna load test?

Radio Frequency Systems

WorldWideWeb: http://www.rfsworld.com Publisher: Jrg Springer Executive Editor/Editor EMAI: Mark Davies Editor Asia Pacic: Peter Walters Editor Americas: Dwight Staehler Managing Editor: Allan Alderson Production Editor: Christian Michatsch Art Director: Matthias Schwedt Authors: Allan Alderson, Dr Ellen Gregory, Doug Sharp (Ericsson Wireless Communications), Andy Singer Photos: RFS archives, John Bragagnolo, Graeme Chapman, Tony Koopmanns, Stefan Lehmann, Eric Patron, Maurice Trabsky Cover art: Matthias Schwedt Print: Print Design, Minden

7 Generation Next
3G: a problem shared is a problem solved?

10 Cellular Directions
Optimizing CDMA networks: the adjustable downtilt perspective

INDEX
7

3G: a problem shared is a problem solved? Infrastructure sharing just might be the cure for the current 3G/UMTS deployment ills. While some forms of sharing promise huge economic advantagesothers are yet to be proven.

Layout and Graphics: inform advertising, Hannover Editorial Services: Relate Technical Communications, Melbourne

12

All is new at RFSworld.com RFS unveils a new look websitewith new content, new tools, and new functionality.

16 10
Optimizing CDMA networks: the adjustable down tilt perspective Exploring the role of antenna downtilt in meeting the challenges of pilot pollution and hard handoff in CDMA networks. Chinese cellular market speeds to the leads STAY CONNECTED examines how cellular technologyand Radio Frequency Systemsis evolving to meet the demands of the hungry Chinese market.

C o m m u n i c a t i o n s m a ke the global village

The events of September 11 seemedat least for a momentto stop the world in its tracks. For many, the enormity of the attacks on New York and Washington and the scale of injury and death are almost incomprehensible. Im sure all at RFS around the world join with me in expressing our deepest sympathies for those caught up directly or indirectly in this tragedy. technology, specically to avoid detection. On the other hand, passengers on the hijacked ights used cell phones to make much-publicised calls in an attempt to communicate their situation to the outside world. result, rescue procedures were swiftly mobilised, while airports and other public facilities around the globe quickly secured. Perhaps more importantly, the world was instantaneously and accurately informed as to precisely what had happened and where. This stands in sharp contrast to other destabilising events in modern world history, where slow or inaccurate communication often played an insidious role in further disaster.

IMPRINT

EDITORIAL
Occurring almost days after the publication of the previous issue of STAY CONNECTED, it was an incident that simply rocked the world to its foundations. As RFS is a tight-knit global group, the impact of this tragedy was acutely felt right across our entire organisation. But from a window on the world perspective, the part played by modern communiModern communicationsmost notably digital cellular technologyfound itself being used for both good and bad purposes in these attacks. The terrorists were known to have selected digital cellular cations in all of this was, and will continue to be, much more signicant. Advanced communications technology facilitated the message and images of this horror to be beamed instantly around the world. As a
Jrg Springer Global Director PR and Publisher of STAY CONNECTED

The world today is an increasingly small place. The global village is a reality, with modern communications one of its prime foundations. We hope this village nature of the modern world will allow these troubles to pass, and see world peace speedily restored. Communicationsin

all its formswill be central to this healing process.

Jrg Springer

R F S e n v i ro - s e n s i t i v e c e l l u l a r s o l u t i o n s
Environmental issues pose a dilemma to cellular network planners in many parts of the world: while the more prominent antenna site locations often offer best performance, they can also attract higher levels of opposition. Two new ranges of environmentally sensitive cellular antenna solutions launched this quarter aim to minimise visual site impact, and thus simplify site negotiations. The rst is a series of camouage antenna solutions, using unique surface treatments to modify the appearance of the panel antenna. The range will be developed in three stages, with the rst phasea customised image applied to the surface of the panel to optimally blend it with its background available commercially during Q4 2001. The customised surface treatment will be developed to exactly match digital images of the background environment supplied by the operator, and boasts a 10-year operating life in all weather conditions. Were very excited about these developments, said RFS Area Product Manager Yannick Lascaux. While other antenna manufacturers have toyed with the camouage concept, we are the rst to present a truly comprehensive solution for our entire panel antenna range. The two remaining phases of the range will appear in Q1 2002, and comprise a series of standard sticker solutionssuch as forest, sky and wall patternsand a serial pattern surface treatment that optically redenes the width of the antenna. The latter will be a standard feature of all RFS cellular panel antennas from Q1 2002 onward. The second new range is a series of low impact cellular antenna solutions, using uniquely low prole antenna arrays. Three formats are available: a three-panel cluster antenna for GSM 1800 with independent variable electrical tilt; a tri-sector antenna for GSM 900 and CDMA 800 comprising

The RFS camouage antenna solution

WHAT S N EW

proved a fascinating exhibit at this years UMTS Expo in Barcelona, Spain.

sharing in 2G/3G base station co-siting applications. Specically developed to accommodating diplexing of GSM 900 and GSM 1800, and GSM 900 and 3G/UMTS cellular networks. The third element of the familythe ATM W 1912 tower mounted amplierensures a high signal-to-noise ratio in most BTS-toantenna loss situations. Providing DC feed, control and alarm signalling through the feeder, it provides 12 dB of gain and comes with a complete set of control components for BTS installation. It can be controlled by its own BTS-based control hardware, or adapted to an existing OEM control interface. Weighing less than two kilograms each and boasting IP65 enclosure protection, all three components are robust, easy to install and ideal for either outdoor or indoor installation. The units are compact in size and designed to complement the antenna aspect, ensuring minimal site visual impact.

3G co-siting MUX & TMA family

RFS has announced the launch of a unique family of RF conditioning products, designed to help meet the challenges of feeder

complement RFSs advanced single and multi-band 3G antenna range, the launch of this range is ideally timed to support current 3G/Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) roll-out timetables. The range has been optimised to comprise just three componentstwo diplexers and a 3G dual duplexed tower mounted amplier (TMA)yet these form combinations that support almost any 2G/3G antenna system co-siting scenario. The two two-way diplexersthe FD DW 6505 and FD GW 5504merge two incoming signals to a common output port. Both are bi-directional, so can be deployed either at the BTS or the antenna end of the shared feeder. The FD DW 6505 provides GSM 1800 and 3G/UMTS diplexing, while the FD GW 5504 is a broadband design

three xed-tilt antennas within a single radome; and a three-panel cluster antenna for CDMA 800 and GSM 900 featuring variable electrical tilt and in-ll panels between antennas for vermin exclusion. All three arrays are ultraslimwith outside diameters of 220 mm,

RFS unveils UMTS/GSM 1800 dual band tilt

Visitors to the UMTS Expo 2001 in Barcelona, Spain in October this year witnessed the unveiling of an important new development in 3G cellular antenna technologyRadio Frequency Systems dual band 3G/2G cellular antenna offering independently adjustable variable electrical tilt (VET) in both bands. RFSs new side-by-side antenna conguration offers 3G network planners and developers a step-jump in network deployment exibility at this vital stage of global 3G network deployment. The new antenna is part of RFSs growing antenna la carte familya Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)/ Global System for Mobile Communications electrical tilt in both the GSM 1800 and UMTS bands. Variable electrical tilt is an essential network planning tool for both existing 2G and the new wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA)-based 3G networks. It permits the cell coverage footprint to be precisely trimmed to meet demand requirements, an important issue at a time of changing subscriber populations and densities. W-CDMA networks, in particular, require precision cell size control, as the cell is said to breatheexpand and contract in

400 mm and 435 mm respectivelyyet offer the performance

of equivalent full diameter assemblies. Equivalent low

impact arrays are currently being developed by RFS for 3G applications.

(GSM) 1800 dual-band series offering fully customer-conguration of its specic an-

RFSs ultra-slim GSM 1800 three-panel cluster antenna, with outside diameter measuring just 220 mm

tenna elements. The UMTS/GSM 1800 dual band VET antenna exhibited at Barcelona, is the worlds rst antenna offering variable

footprint size. Separate antenna elements with independently adjustable tilt optimisation in each band are essential.

G a i n s i n c re a s e w i t h f o u r- f o o t RFS CompactLine antennas

Radio Frequency Systems has extended its range of cost-effective CompactLine with shaped subreector for optimum performance. According to Area Product Manager Daniel Wojtkowiak, the rst four-foot CompactLine antennas have been designed for frequencies of the 19, 22 and 25 GHz bands. Although mainly one- and twofoot antennas are used at these frequencies, high capacity applications demand a greater system gain and thus a larger diameter antenna, said Wojtkowiak. The four-foot CompactLine antenna provides the higher gain required while minimising the environmental visual impact. In 2002, RFS will produce four-foot antennas tailored for frequency bands between 15 and 10 GHz. Wojtkowiak explained that at these frequencies, reasonable system gain for radio links is achieved only with antennas of at least this size. microwave antennas to include a new model, four feet (1.2 metres) in diameter. To be used for point-to-point applications, the four-foot antenna incorporates all the standard features of RFSs single and dual polarized CompactLine rangesincluding a short shroud for low visual impact and a modied Cassegrain feed system

e - C o m m e rc e : b u s i n e s s o f t h e f u t u re
RFS Americas General Manager and global e-Business Steering Committee member, Bill Bayne, reects on RFSs e-commerce philosophy and its likely implications for business.
With the December 2001 launch of Radio Frequency Systems new global website (see pages 12 and 13) comes the dawn of a new business age for the company. E-commerce is just over the horizon, and seems set to transform business practices for all companies across the globe. To commemorate the occasion, STAY CONNECTED invited RFS Americas General Manager and e-Business Steering Committee member, Bill Bayne, to reect on RFSs global e-commerce philosophy and its likely implications for business. Bayne maintains that e-commerce will have far reaching implications to the companys business, ensuring global efficiency and resource optimization as the result of uent data transfer and market feedback.

Decisions will be made in a much more immediate manner. Our times to accept and process sourcing activities will further improve, thereby assisting those customers who may depend upon our systems to make their respective businesses simpler! he says.

E-COMMERCE
RFS is strongly committed to expanding e-business and e-commerce functionality, says Bayne. Its part of our focus on bringing increased value to our customers doorstep. We have a strong history of providing high quality products, services and technical expertise, but must now complement those efforts with e-business.

Common challenges
We all share similar challenges in the telecom world, and one of the key challenges is to make our businesses more efficient, he continues. There are many large global wireless communication organizations with a primary investment focus on building their system infrastructures. This

encourages RFS to invest in and provide

Value platform
According to Bayne, the new RFS global web site will provide the platform to deliver these values: from product specications to technical data; site design tools to required bill of materials; and from inventory availability to pricing. Our philosophy is to encourage our customers to seek RFS supportfrom system design through integration. Our global web presence with e-business tools will help drive that objective, he says.

tools that can be applied throughout such processes. We have been encouraged by several customers to expand our e-tools and create a user-friendly e-commerce approach. Providing a web-based RFS text book,

consistently improving technical tools, and providing for e-commerce will become an industry mandate that directly aligns with our business strategies.

3 G : a p ro b l e m s h a re d i s a p ro b l e m s o l v e d ?
Infrastructure sharing just might be the cure for the current 3G/Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) deployment ills. While some forms of sharing promise huge economic advantagesothers are yet to be proven.
As 3G/UMTS roll-out takes its rst tentative steps, would-be 3G operators stand faceto-face with a double headed deployment dragon: limited base station site availability in urban areas, coupled with increasing pressure to drive capital expenditure costs down, courtesy of last years Euro117 billion spectrum price tag. Added to this is an overriding pressure to complete these networks as quickly as possible. When commercial-grade handsets and node Bs Others believe that the current challenges are quite unique. Helmut Heinz, Siemens Director of RF Engineering, cites two key differencesa chronic shortage of sites across Europe and dramatically elevated levels of environmental sensitivity and subscriber expectations. The rst 2G operators in Europe had extremely good locations, says Heinz. The late comers on the 2G market had to take the rest. For 3G, Im afraid were

announced they would cooperate in the construction of network infrastructure and initial network operation in both Germany and the United Kingdom. In the same month, the German regulator RegTP announced it would allow license holders to share some network infrastructure. While the detail is uncertain, these are clear indications that a shared approach will certainly play a signicant role in early 3G roll-outs.

Three share models

Most infrastructure-sharing concepts and technologies fall into one of three basic models. The rst is base station site sharinga technique well-established in contemporary 2G deployment across sitestarved Europe. Typically, operators share site space, civil structures, power and so on. The Radio Access Networks (RANs)

GEN E RATION N E XT
nally become available, the race will be on to win subscriber market share. Apart from the overwhelming nancial pressure, other pressures impacting on operators and others will also come into play as the roll-out commences. The move to UMTS marks a major technology change for Europea move from Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)-based Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based UMTS modulation. Engineering skills and know-how may ultimately prove to be the weakest link, as network designers and planners clamber up the UMTS learning curve. picking over the rest of the rest. It will be very tough to acquire good new sites. The high penetration and strong growth of GSM in Europe over the past four to ve years has, according to Heinz, elevated subscriber expectations to almost unattainable levels. Todays subscriber is not willing to take a step back. If you want a 2G customer to convert to 3G, he expects at least the same quality of services and coverage he has today. What is strikingly similar between the 2G and 3G deployment is the race to roll-out. 3G operators will need very good coverage in a very short time to meet customer expectations, Heinz says. This urgency to roll-out paves the way for infrastructure

2G to 3G contrasts
Some industry observers claim the problems of 3G deployment are strikingly similar to that of last decades 2G roll-out.

sharing, most importantly for those operators with no established 2G base. In late June this year, rival networks Deutsche Telekom and British Telecom

remain completely separate. In some cases, antennas themselves are shared, but almost exclusively within a single network. The two new models most recently spoken aboutand those presenting the

Site sharing
While the technical and operational issues of the NETCO and RANCO are being addressed, the immediate reality of infrastructure sharing today is essentially site sharing. This offers operators a most practical and immediate 3G deployment path. Mark Dismorr, Director of Engineering at Crown Castlea global owner and

dramatically, explains CGTI sales engineer Didier Girardeau. CGTI also plans foundation-free towers, which will permit easy turnkey development of 3G towers

without the conventional delays associated with acquiring building permits. In Norway, operator and 3G license holder Netcom is a case-in-point demonstrating this site sharing trend. The company owns and operates around 2,500 GSM sites, and

greatest cost saving opportunities and implementation challengesare the

Network Company (NETCO) and Radio Access Network Company (RANCO) models. In the rst, a separate company is established to run the entire network, including the core network itself, as a shared entity. The RANCO model again requires a separate company to own and operate the radio access infrastructure elements node Bs, radio network controllers,

operator of shared wireless communications and broadcast infrastructurepoints out that conservative estimates gauge around 10,000 sites will be

required for each of the United Kingdoms ve 3G license holders. But you wont see 50,000 3G sites in the UK, Dismorr

antennas and so onbut with each operator owning and running separate core networks. In both models, billings, mainte-

insists. Therell be a

nance and operating expenditure costs are all teased out and allocated to each network user. Making real these more complex cooperation proposals presents many challenges. These range from the practicality of actually administering network operating expenditure costs and billings revenue, through to the delays and inefficiencies that might occur in such cooperative designs. Most important is the issue of maintaining industry competition and the ultimate rulings of Europes regulators. Some observers believe the degree of 2G penetration achieved in Europe was largely due to the essentially competitive nature of its deployment. Could a more cooperative 3G market achieve the same success?

great deal of network sharing at the site level, and many of these are going to be deployed towers. on Some existing incumbent

operators are looking to deploy in excess of 80 per cent of their [3G] sites on existing radio structures. Tower manufacturers and designers are also acknowledging this trend and developing innovative technologies to support it. Paris-based CGTI Pylnes is currently developing uniquely tall, enhanced-rigidity structures, specically designed to support multi-platform antenna congurations for cellular co-siting applications. Theres a general trend towards these shared tower structures, particularly to meet the is currently actively co-siting 3G base stations on its own 2G locations. In the rst phase of our roll-out we are trying to use our own sites as much as possible, because of the complexity of sharing with other parties, particularly when key 3G base station components are not yet available, says Trond Botheim, Netcoms engineering manager of UMTS. Botheim stresses the importance of

growing demand from cellular infrastructure brokers. 3G will escalate the need

deploying new 3G networks at the earliest

opportunity. We will need at least two years to be able to provide coverage and then services to the majority of the Norwegian population, so an early start was imperative, Botheim says. This is ne, so long as you rollout in a future proof way by ensuring the hardware is compliant with the nal release 99 standard.

ensure there is adequate RF isolation between each system3G to 3G, 2G to 3G and vice-versa. The release 99 layer 1 standards are mature and very clear as to what is required here, says Clavel. Its very important to ensure that the co-sited antenna outputs and interference levels fall below the isolation levels specied, to avoid Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and

variable electrical tilts (VET) for each band. Theres potentially a whole spectrum of 3G scenarios2G/3G co-siting, 3G/3G co-siting, 3G gap-lling and micro-cell sites, stand-alone 3G sites and even RANCO and NETCO deployment, Clavel concludes. The challenge here is to provide the widest RF technology range to ensure optimal site t-out exibility.

Shared RF solutions
A powerful and increasingly popular infrastructure alternative is the range of shared RF options. Botheim points out that for those 2G/3G co-sites where multiple antennas prove difficult, Netcom opts for dual and sometimes triple band UMTS/GSM antennas. We use multiband antennas for ve to 10 per cent of the sites, says Botheim, particularly

node B blocking and interference problems. Typically, this sort of data should be provided for a range of antenna congurations and separation distances. Multiband and shared antenna options help overcome the key hurdle of environmental impact, by reducing the total number of visual antennas from two and sometimes threeto just one. To this end, RFS has developed a family of crosspolarised multiband GSM/UMTS antennas

Optimal solutions
What ultimately proves the best infrastructure sharing choice will depend on just how the European 3G market evolves. An important factor will be whether 3G is fought on traditional network coverage and quality issues, or whether services will be the decider. Many believe coverage and quality will be a secondary issue, but Clavel disagrees. A number of European

GEN E RATION N E XT
in urban areas with strong aesthetic requirements, or if we feel we are being asked to meet unreasonable [rental] known as antenna la carte. This range offers a selected combination of the existing GSM and UMTS antenna ranges, including tri-band options, tted within a GSM antenna-sized radome. Network planning and optimisation for Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) is entirely different to that for GSM, Clavel advises. Aside from the smaller W-CDMA cell size, the cell is said to breatheexpand and contract in footprint sizewhich is a unique CDMA operational characteristic. From this point of view, GSM/W-CDMA sharing a broadband antenna simply isnt an option. Separate antennas with independently adjustable tilt optimisation in each band are essentialeven in multiband antennas. To address this problem, each element of the antenna la carte is supplied with independent xed tilt, or with continuously adjustable operators are actually struggling with the capacity of their existing 2G networks, Clavel says. Capacity might be an impotant reason for migration to 3G, which will shift the focus back to coverage. The ultimate shared infrastructure

demands from a building owner. Indeed, some of todays most enterprising operators are rolling out 3G passive sites now, with shared RF solutions factoring high on the list. These consist of ready-tted masts with antennas and feeders, without node Bs. They will be able to plug equipment to the site when it is ready, says Radio Frequency Systems European strategic marketing manager Pierre Clavel. It is a low capital investment into the least expensive and most timeconsuming part of network deployment. Shared RF solutions can play a key role here. An important factor to consider in co-sited antenna solutions, Clavel points out, is to

solution will no doubt be a blend of shared sites and site structures, shared RF solutions, RANCO/NETCO-style operator cooperatives and leased facilities, and Virtual Private Network Operators (VPNO). The challenge to operators will be to decide swiftly and deployat least at the base station layer 1 levelas soon as possible. The release 99 standard is ready, and node B, radio network controllers and handsets not too far away. Like 2G, the rst to realise coverage will win the richest revenue streams.

Optimizing CDMA networks: the adjustable d o w n t i l t p e rs p e c t i v e

Doug Sharp, Senior Engineer, ERICSSON Wireless Communications and Andy Singer, Radio Frequency Systems Director Marketing & Technical Services for the Americas, explore the role of antenna downtilt in meeting the challenges of pilot pollution and hard handoff in CDMA networks.
RF Engineers deploying Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems have developed a number of techniques to assist with optimizing network performance. Key optimization challenges include overEach sector of the CDMA site is allocated a unique pilot signala type of beacon to allow handsets in the region to assess signal conditions in the area. The pilot signal allows the handset to rstly

The Optimizer's improved performance, clean patterns and excellent front-to-back ratios have proven to provide the optimal CDMA solution.

coming so-called pilot pollution and improving hard handoff (HHO) in multifrequency CDMA systems.

identify those sectors that are up and available to accommodate the call, and secondly to assess actual signal levels

10

CELLULAR DIRECTIONS
Currently, in the 2G-cellular world these two challenges are restricted to those cellular networks using CDMA-based in the area on a sector by sector basis. The handsets Four Finger Rake searches and assesses the pilot signalsone nger searches for pilots in the area, while the other three de-correlate the signals from various pilots or multi-paths of the pilots. As a result, multi-paths are actually used to the CDMA handsets advantage. Unfortunately, a downside to the CDMA Four Finger Rake has been discovered as systems expand and grow. As the network load increases, the number of cells within

Figure 1: When 'Frequency 1' (F1) is deployed throughout a system's entire coverage area (left), its propagation is limited by the bordering F1 FA cells. Problems may occur when 'Frequency 2' (F2) is added to accommodate highdensity traffic areas (right)the F2 area extends geographically further, since there is no F2 FA in the immediate vicinity.

call rates increase. This condition is known as Pilot Pollution. Similar problems will no doubt be experienced with 3G W-CDMA networks where a similar number of rake ngers are used.

technologies known as cdmaOne. With much of the existing Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) world currently eyeing off Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) as the path of choice to third generation cellular, these challenges are soon to become globally far more

Optimizer variable electrical tilt

The solution to the CDMA pilot pollution problem is to realise improved accuracy in cell coverage, along with reduced side and rear lobe radiation. Antennas using variable electrical tilt technologysuch as the RFS Optimizer panel antenna rangecoupled with high precision cell-site planning tools and techniques have proven to be the optimal means of minimizing the pilot pollution problem. This situation becomes even more

widespread.

CDMA rake technology

CDMA unique handsets commonly as use a technologyknown overcome rake

the network become smaller and denser, resulting in an increased probability of multiple pilots arriving at the handset. With current generation CDMA handsets, if more than three pilots of relatively the same signal strength arrive at the handset coincidentally, the portable phone doesnt know how to react to the information, the Frame Error Rate (FER) deteriorates and dropped

technologyto

multi-path

problems. The CDMA Four Finger Rake system actually uses multi-paths to its advantage, through ingenious digital

challenging when deploying CDMA in highdensity urban areas, where planning regulations and space availability often preclude

processing and the use of pilot signals transmitted from the CDMA base station.

the use of spatial diversity antennas. The poor front-to-back ratios experienced with certain antenna technologies again raises the spectre of pilot pollution. The Optimizers improved performance, clean patterns and excellent front-to-back ratios have proven to provide the optimal solution to this vexing CDMA problem.

added only in those high-density traffic areas that require extra capacity (see gure 1). A fundamental problem encountered with CDMA networks is that the CDMA signal can travel long distances in the absence of interference from other cells operating on the same frequency or FA. This is the likely case for those F1-assigned cells operating on the periphery of the F2-assigned cells.

Texan town proves Optimizer a winner

Figure 2 shows drive test data from a specic location in a medium-sized city in Texas where pilot pollution proved a problem. Here, the Optimizer was

specically deployed to overcome pilot pollution that was causing dropped calls at a busy intersection. As is shown in the upper section of gure 2,

FA challenges
Another area where pilot pollution can negatively affect network performance is when attempting to optimize a CDMA system for multi-frequency operation. Many CDMA network deployments utilize a single frequency assignment (FA) to provide coverage, but in areas of high

Matched coverage
In most cases, RF optimization engineers will try to match the coverage of the F1 and F2 cells, taking into account cell-to-cell interference on F1, and lack of cell-to-cell interference on the F2 frequency border. By controlling F2 cell coverage, it is much easier for the network-planning engineer to select the target cell for the HHO. So how does one match coverage between F1 and F2 frequency assignments? One method is to decrease the coverage of the F2 border cell, thus not having any cell-tocell interference, in order to match the F1 coverage. This can be achieved using antennas with particularly clean patterns,

the CDMA signal began to experience poor FER (frame error rate) on the approach to the intersection suffering pilot pollution. RFS was called in to help with this pilot pollution issueit determined that an antenna site to the east had utilized excessive mechanical tilt. This presented a fourth strong pilot signal at the intersection, and proved to be the cause of the poor FER. RFS suggested that the operator replace the standard panel antennas on the site with the RFS Optimizer. By utilizing the Optimizers continuously adjustable

11

electrical tilt (gure 2, bottom section), the operator was able to eliminate the pilot pollution causing dropped calls at this intersection.

traffic density additional frequency assignments are often added. As the number of subscribers increase, the need for greater capacity often results in the operator deploying additional frequencies in a CDMA network. Thus, some cells within the system will operate with only one FA, while other cells will have multiple FAs. Calls are distributed using a hashing algorithman IS-95 dened routine

such as the RFS Optimizer with continuously adjustable electrical downtilt. By using the adjustable tilt feature and performing drive testing along the border, the coverage can be adjusted for optimal handoff performance. The experience of several leading North American OEMs and operators has shown that continuously antenna adjustable technology electrical is an

downtilt

designed to ensure load balancing across the frequency assignmentcoupled with hard handoff (HHO) mechanisms. When a HHO is triggered, a message is sent instructing the mobile station to move to the new frequency assignment. Assuring a robust and reliable HHO can be difficult if the system is not properly optimized. For example, assume that Frequency 1 (F1) is deployed throughout a systems entire coverage area, and Frequency 2 (F2) is

important tool in minimising CDMA pilot pollution and realising optimal HHO in multi-frequency CDMA systems. These two challenges will inevitably present themselves to todays 3G cellular world, as existing GSM operators move into the new CDMA-based 3G technologies. Advanced antenna technologies, such as RFSs

Optimizer, will no doubt prove vital to W-CDMA network RF engineers in their quest to optimize these emerging networks.
Figure 2: Application of the RFS Optimizer at this busy intersection eliminated dropped calls caused by pilot pollution.

All is new at RFSworld.com

RFS unveils a new look website with new content, new tools, and new functionality.
Radio Frequency Systems has recently launched a new look websitebut its had more than just a facelift. Unveiled in December 2001, the new RFSworld.com offers visitors a plethora of new pages, links and tools guaranteed to keep them returning on a regular basis. According to John Gu, RFS Global Chief Information Officer, the new site represents

12

WEBSITE
a breakthrough in information sharing for the company. Were primarily targeting engineers, who are increasingly using the Internet to nd information about our products, Gu says. And they generally want to nd it quickly. The search tools on the new site are a powerful means of honing in on the information they need. RFS Director E-Commerce, Katrin Rosenberg agrees. The Internet will facilitate RFS dealings with clients, she says. Our customers have easy access to any tools they needwhether product, service or tool related. And the new website lays an important foundation for global

New RFSworld at a glance

RFSs new website is abundant with new features and functionality. Five of the highlights are:

Quick Linksprovide instant connec Sitemapa

colour-coded tree outtions to important and popular pages, such as RFS Tools, FAQ, Press Releases, Job Opportunities, and STAY CONNECTED online. lining the pyramid structure of the website under the ve main sections: Products, News, Support, Contact Us, and Inside RFS.

Search toolsthe

site supports a

Product informationthe product

database has been expanded and enhanced in line with RFSs complete range of global and regional product offerings.

general search function, which explores the entire site, and the WebXpress search engine, which focuses on RFSs on-line product catalogue.

e-commerce, which is coming down the track.

Sleek designthe site utilizes bands

of muted colour to delineate between frames and menus, and to signal the surfer which page he is viewing.

Content is the key

Gu and Rosenberg emphasise that the number one aim in developing the new site was to provide a user-friendly environment with easy-to-nd information. Content is the key, says Gu. And the new format is designed to make it easier for visitors to nd what theyre looking for. WebXpress is the engine used to search the product database, which itself has been expanded and enhanced in line with RFSs complete range of global and regional product offerings. While the WebXpress search engine is the quickest method of nding a specic item, visitors also have the opportunity to browse through the on-line catalogue, which is arranged in tree-fashion according to general function and then specic design. Product data sheets will be available in both html and PDF format.

News & events on-line

Another feature of the revamped RFSworld.com is the focus on current news and events throughout RFS. The home page highlights the most signicant of these at any given timewhether an announcement of a major new contract, details of the latest exhibition that RFS is attending, or proles of important or new products. A complete archive of RFS press releases and technical articles is also available online. Information about the full gamut of the companys global activities can be accessed from this single point of contact with the general search tool particularly helpful at targeting specic topics.

viewing.

Within

each

of

ve

main

sectionsproducts, support, news, contact us, and inside RFSan appropriate

directory is clearly listed on each page, enabling subsections. easy navigation between

Towards e-commerce
Rosenberg and Gu admit that the long term goal of RFS is to embrace the world of e-commerce (see page 6 in this issue of STAY CONNECTED). The website is a single point of contact for all our customers, says Rosenberg. In the future, customers will be able to visit the website for more than just product information. Theyll be able to check their order status, check on the progress of any trouble-shooting queries (for example) they may have placed, and even order standard products.

The available material covers product descriptions, technical applications

and projects, and objective examinations

WEBSITE
In addition to searching the product database, visitors have the power to search the entire site for specic entries using textbased key words. Although arranged in a logical fashion, the site has multiple layers, says Rosenberg. Its a multi-tiered series of sections and subsections. Visitors to the website may nd it easier to use the general search tool, rather than scrolling through all the different sectionsparticularly if of the markets throughout the world in which RFS is particularly active. As revealed in the previous issue of STAY CONNECTED (3rd quarter 2001 issue), a virtual form of this magazine itself is also available at the website, completing a 0triumvirate of editorial resources for those visitors who want to read and know more about RFSs global activities. The new-look RFSworld.com is a blend of simplicity and style. There was a conscious decision to avoid complicated graphics that take forever to download, says Gu. The rst objective was to give our audience information. We also wanted people in places where bandwidth may be limited to be able to access the website easily. Instead of pages and pages of graphics, the new site utilizes bands of muted colour to delineate between frames and menus, and to signal the surfer which page he is Global customers will be able to visit a single website and track their orders across the world, enthuses Gu. This is likely to be the way business in the future is conducted, with vertical integration

13

between us, our customers, and our suppliers. Both agree that establishing a strong, comprehensive Internet presence is the rst step in these ambitions. The new RFSworld.com represents the foundation for a leap to the future. The Internet has potentially far greater reach than our print catalogue, which has a nite distribution, says Gu. It is now the critical link between our past and our future business relationships.

theyre looking for specic information. Complementing the two search tools is the array of Quick Links to be found on the home page of the site. The quick links provide instant connections to important and popular pages RFS Tools, FAQ, Press Releases, Job Opportunities, and the RFS eZine (STAY CONNECTED on-line), which may also be approached by navigating through the main sections, or using the Sitemap.

Embrace a world of new c o n t e n t , t o o l s, a n d functionality; visit the n e w w w w. R F S w o r l d . c o m

D T V t a ke s a c o m b i n e d a p p ro a c h
In response to the specic needs of digital television (DTV) broadcast, RF combining technology has moved into an era of DTV-tailoring.
Real world digital television (DTV) deployment solutions aim to make the best use of existing broadcast site RF hardware towers, antennas, buildings and so on. This ensures that the new DTV services can be overlayed with existing analogue services in the timeliest and most cost-efficient manner. An important tool used to realize this is the RF combiner. The balanced combiner (see gure 1) has wide applications due to its modular construction and minimal interaction between inputs. Its purpose is to combine multiple transmitter signals into a single antenna directly result from the allocation of adjacent channels for DTV broadcast. Located between existing analogue

channels, these gaps are the channels preferred by spectrum authorities around the world for DTV, in a quest to optimize spectrum use. In conventional analogue broadcast problems applications, previously interference these

rendered

adjacent channels unusable. The advent of digital broadcast has liberated adjacent channels, but at a price. To realize contiguous channels, complex masking lters

14

BROADCAST BUZZ
system, while keeping the transmitter isolated and properly matched. Forming an operational duo with the broadband panel array, RF combining technology has taken centre-stage in realising such combined DTV solutions. For European DTV deployment, combiners fall into one of three site power-based categories: High power sites (2-100 kW): those sites providing coverage of cities and larger centres. Medium power sites (20 W-5 kW): those sites addressing regional centre coverage, gap-lling and transposer applications. Lower power sites (less than 250 W): Used for very small area coverage, gap lling and translator applications. essentially brick wall ltersare required to minimize out-of-band products. The issue of site space constraintsparticularly in high-density urban areasis another practical problem confronting broadcasters in many parts of the world. Most DTV retrots aim to realize the extra channels within the space constraints of existing building leases. Lastly, the pace of DTV roll-out were now seeing around the world demands higher levels of exibility and modularity in lter/combiner application. Combiner lters that are tunableideally across the entire UHF bandhave proven to be a major step in this direction. RFSs earliest work focussed on the high power areas (2-100 kW). Waveguide coupling technology was obviously the

Long slender lter assemblies in RFSs new all-coaxial solution

were large and bulky, and capable of handling less than 20 per cent frequency span, which limited the scope for future channel additions outside this span. Also, adjacent channel combining demanded waveguide lters as complex as eight-cavity (eight-pole). These could be as tall as four metres high, which is often too large for many rooms. To overcome these problems, RFS turned to the directional waveguide combinera waveguide lter technology often used in

Adjacent channel challenge

Many of the advanced performance characteristics required of DTV combiners

preferred method to accommodate such power levels. Conventional waveguide UHF combiner systems posed limitationsthese
Figure 1: Balanced combiner schematic

MMDS systems. A number of innovations were required to convert the directional waveguide combiner for UHF use, and these are the subject of patent applications. In this arrangement, the two perfectly matched lters in a balanced combiner are effectively realized in a single circular waveguide assembly. Similarly, careful design of the wideband waveguide path (the spine) has provided dramatic improvements in frequency span. Lastly, cross-coupling

coaxial lter in the most compact total package. External cross-coupling has

transmission, voltage simply isnt a major issue. Fairly sophisticated computing tools are required to model and predict these voltages. Using computer aided design tools such as Mathcad, RFS has explored this area extensively. Future effort will be focused on the development of innovative low-cost devices for low power site applications (less than 250W). This is an area of great growth, particularly in Europe. Development will also focus on working with transmitter manufacturers in designing appropriately matched levels of ltering supplied with transmitter/combiner pairs. To date, ltering techniques in channel combiners and transmitters have been developed independently, creating a potential source of duplication and extra cost. Solutions addressing the technical,

proven an important design element. By applying a network of cross-coupling paths, RFS realized an elliptical function lter in 6- and 8-pole options for adjacent channel applications, plus 3- and 5-pole Chebychev variants for conventional wide and semi-adjacent channel combining. The cross-coupling paths are carefully tuned to produce notches or crosscoupling zeros in the lter characteristic (see gure 2). These provide the sharp masking lter response required for DTV semi-adjacent applications. External cross-coupling has been chosen in preference to conventional folded conguration. This has permitted the development of a purely in-line conguration, comprising long slender lter assemblies, with the and adjacent channel

between cavities has helped realize eight pole performance using the shorter six-pole assembly. The result is a particularly compact waveguide lter/combiner, which is around half the size of conventional waveguide

combiners, yet offers a frequency span of around 46 per cent. Just two models of directional waveguide lter accommodate the entire UHF frequency range. This

economic and practical limits of DTV are

BROADCAST BUZZ
compact waveguide lter/combiner technology is now being used across Europe, Australia and North America in particular, where larger power broadcast sites are more common. The most notable application of this technology is the combining of 14 high power channels for three antenna systems on Chicagos Sears Tower, the worlds tallest office building. Using input coupler at the base and the output coupler at the top. By applying this in-line conguration, the single 855 by 1100 mm rack shown can accommodate up to six channels, in a mix of 3-, 5-, 6- and 8-pole. Today, lters are often being ordered in advance of nal frequency assignments; channels are added in after design completion; and lters are retired at one site and redeployed at another. In response, RFS developed a range of coaxial lter cavities comprising just two sizes, providing full tunability across the UHF band. evolving very quicklywe are and will continue challenging the bounds of RF combining know-how. These developments will be driven by broadcasters demands for higher performance, more compact and reduced cost combining technology.

15

directional waveguide combiners, this was achieved in a room with a footprint of just seven metres by seven metres.

Medium power focus

Most recently, the medium power

Voltage modelling
DTV RF results in much higher peak to average voltages than those experienced with conventional analogue TV, as the signal comprises a large number of carriers within a single frequency band. This was a new issue to RF designersin analogue
Figure 2: Typical lter responses

(20 W-5 kW) combining applications have been the area of greatest development. Such powers are the regime of the more compact all coaxial lter solution. As with the waveguide combiner, the challenge here has been to realize a higher order

C h i n e s e c e l l u l a r m a r ke t speeds to the lead

Few could have predicted the explosion in Chinese cellular subscriptions over the past ve years. STAY CONNECTED examines how cellular technologyand Radio Frequency Systemsis evolving to meet the demands of the hungry Chinese market.
China, now the worlds largest cellular market, is currently undergoing a communications revolution. Driven by factors such as strong economic growth, changes to the regulatory environment, and new technologies and products, the expansion of the Chinese telecommunications industry over the past couple of years has been so huge as to defy prediction. Chinas telecommunications industry is launch a nationwide network of Code Divisional Multiple Access One (CDMAOne) standard. It was announced in June 2001 that contracts for the deployment of the new CDMA network have nally been awarded. From barely one million subscribers in 1994, the number of cellular subscribers in China was 20 million in 1998, 85 million by the end of 2000, and 120 million in July 2001. Yet these staggering gures represent a current penetration

The production facility moved quickly into the manufacture of GSM 900 vertical polar antennas in September the same year, earning a reputation across the country for the quality of its product and speedy turn-around. As the market has matured,

somewhat unique, and inextricably linked to

16

REGIONAL FOCUS
the nations political and trade policies. Until 1994, Chinas only telecommunications provider was China Telecom, regulated by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT). After irting with Total of less than seven per cent of the Chinese population, revealing that enormous

growth potential still exists. (Industry observers are currently predicting a

number approaching 300 million for 2005.) In orderto accommodate this relentless demand, it is clear that cellular technologies will have to stand up to the charge.

Access Communications (TAC) analogue systems in the early 1990s, China Telecom adopted the digital Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) in 1993; now operating as China Mobile, it has since become a major force in the Chinese cellular market. Chinas second telecommunications player, China Unicom, was born in 1994. With its market-oriented business structure, focus on providing the best technologies and

Chinas GSM roll-out race

During the past half-decade, Chinas race to roll-out GSM digital networks across the country, has driven an escalating demand for base station RF hardwarespecically world-class technology manufactured

within China. To help meet this need, RFS established its Shanghai manufacturing facility in late 1999, with production of the companys popular CELLFLEX

services, and willingness to accept foreign assistance, Unicoms unique approach has introduced new business philosophies to China. Now, in addition to its GSM license, the company has the exclusive license to

low-loss RF cable range commencing in Shanghai in January 2000.

the need for reduced capital and installation costs, tower and wind loading, and environmental impact has driven an increasing demand in China for more cost- and space-efficient cellular antenna technology. To meet this need, RFS Shanghai has

commenced of

the

local

manufacture antenna

introduction of remote electrical tilt. This new technology extends the convenience of variable electrical tilt by relocating the tilt adjustment facility from the antenna body

cross-polarised

cellular

technology in the latter half of 2001.

Beyond GSM 900

One expansion option for network planners confronted with such phenomenal market growth as exists in China, is to add more spectrum. In China, the 1800 MHz band was added to complement the 900 MHz GSM band in 1997. Yet already the existing GSM networks in China are challenged to meet demand, leading network operators to cast about for further options. Field trials in China for CDMA 800 MHz were rst conducted by the Peoples Liberation Army a couple of years ago, and now China Unicom will roll out the rst nationwide CDMA network this year. To support China Unicoms CDMA 800 deployment strategy, RFS Shanghai has mobilised to locally manufacture CDMA 800 MHz cross- and vertical-polarised panel antennas. These provided an important attraction at October 2001s PT/Wireless & Networks Comm exhibition in Beijing. The latest antenna development by Radio Frequency Systemsalso unveiled at the Beijing Expo in October this yearis the

to the tower base or the network management centre. In an age where fast and efficient network tuning is becoming critical, remote tilt technology will provide substantial site optimisation benets.

300 million subscribers

It is still the dawn of the cellular explosion in Chinaand, as one industry observer has pointed out, the future direction of world cellular telephony standards will likely be shaped by the needs of the Chinese market. With the number of subscribers anticipated to reach 300 million within ve years, it is clear that those needs will be great indeed. At the beginning of the 1990s, few could have predicted the degree to which China has embraced cellular communications. Now the demand for high volume networks is tremendous, with technology factors such as antenna performancebeing the critical path. 3G cellular is planned for 2005. RFSs innovative locally-manufactured

17

cellular antenna technologies will help this market through the enormous growth of the coming years.

RFS poised to meet Chinas wireless demand

RFS offers the Chinese communications market a product set embracing the entire spectrum of passive RF technology, from GSM and CDMA cellular technologies, through to microwave, conned coverage RF, and coaxial feeder systems. Weve witnessed amazing growth of RF technology application across China over the past decade, in every area of the wireless communications industry, said Chris

seeing many in the Chinese RF industry struggle with current demand, so our objective hasand continues to beto ensure we have the infrastructure in place to guarantee both premium quality and delivery, Jaeger said. Weve made great investments over the past two yearsmost particularly in our Shanghai-based cable and antenna

manufacturing facilitiesplus our sales and technical support facilities in Beijing and Hong Kong. Our plan is to dramatically increase this investment in local manufacture in the coming year. In short, were poised to meet the demand!

Jaeger, President of RFS Asia Pacic. The challenge, he emphasised, will be for suppliers to meet the escalating demand for premium quality RF technology. Were

Among the palmsan example of Vodacoms environmentally conscious cellular antenna deployment solutions.

Vo d a c o m o p t s f o r R F S s dual band and tilt

A multi-billion Rand network upgrade by South African cellular operator, Vodacom Pty Ltd, is nearing completion, with advanced cellular antenna technology from Radio Frequency Systems at its heart. Market leader Vodacom received the last of over 4,200 advanced technology cross polarized dual band panel antennas with variable electrical tilt from RFS in late July this year. RFSs dual band antennas were selected by the carrier, not only for their superior performance, but also to provide a signicant level of network future proong. The antenna supports operation in both the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) 900 and GSM 1800 bands, plus provides variable electrical tilt (VET) functionality, which permits tilt adjustment with the simple turn of a knob. An antenna technology that ensures the network is genuinely future-proof was an important consideration for this upgrade, said Stefan Lehmann, Director of RFS South Africa. The dual band nature of this antenna, Lehmann said, has provided Vodacom with room to growa vital element for the operator, which celebrated a record ve million subscribers in March this year. The early-2001 allocation of 1800 MHz spectrum by South Africas telecommunications regulator, the Independent

Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), has underscored the importance of such multi-spectrum RF technologies.

18

IN TOUCH

For the TransTV antenna system in Jakarta, RFS supplied two 6-1/8-inch coaxial feeder cables to enable full redundancy.

Indonesian TV networks roll out with RFS

In the race to meet On-Air deadlines, infant Indonesian television networks UHF license to broadcast an additional UHF channel in Jakarta. RFS has supplied both TransTV and DVN-Tivi7 with antenna systems for each networks inaugural Jakarta installation. The TransTV Jakarta installation will be followed by RFS installations in the cities of Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang and Medan. With an office in the country, RFS has a long history supplying equipment to the Indonesian broadcast industry. Our long experience in Indonesia means that RFS is very familiar with most of the transmitting locations, so we are able to quickly design cost-effective systems for the best coverage at a particular location, said Darryl Hancock, RFSs Chief Representative in Indonesia. RFSs in-country support also ensures that our Indonesian customers receive fast response support. to inquiries and technical TransTV and DVN-Tivi7 have both signed contracts with Radio Frequency Systems for the supply and installation of critical broadcast infrastructure. The launch of TransTV and DVN-Tivi7 will take the tally of Indonesian free-toair television networks on air to nine comprising eight commercial UHF stations, plus the government VHF network, TVRI. In addition, TVRI is planning to utilize its own

RFS Shanghai p ro d u c t i o n e x p a n d s
In response to growing market demand, Radio Frequency Systems has expanded its Shanghai production facility to include two new lines: the 1/2-inch size (LCF12) of its popular CELLFLEX low-loss RF cable range, plus locally manufactured crosspolarized cellular panel antennas. The Shanghai facility is the manufacturing and distribution centre for its premium quality antenna systems, RF feeder cables and accessories in the Peoples Republic of China. Inaugurated in early 2000, the facility is located in the Song Jiang Industrial Zone, some 30 kilometres south-west of central Shanghai. According to RFS Area Sales Manager Jennifer

Ai, one of the greatest challenges faced by Chinas cellular network operators is the increasing need for faster deployment speed. Across the board, cross-polar antenna technology is proving to be the technology of choice here in China, said Ai. By manufacturing cross-polar antennas locally in Shanghai, RFS can ensure that supply is able to meet the rising demand. It also means shorter lead times and

reduced costs for customers. RFS Area Product Manager, Zhu Du-qing agrees, pointing out that the RFS CELLFLEX cable range has been used in some of the biggest cellular rollouts seen to date in China. RFS Chinas prime focus is to guarantee speedy supply in an environment of increasing demand, Zhu said. Local production of the 1/2-inch CELLFLEX cable is an important part of this strategy.

Quality control Manager Jenny Wang (left) and Production Coordinator David Shi test RFSs 1/2-inch CELLFLEX foam dielectric coaxial feeder cable (LCF 12-50 J).

RFS Q1 2002 shows & exhibitions

2002 is just around the corner. RFS has a busy global schedule of exhibitions and shows commencing in the New Yearwe hope to see you in your corner of the world sometime soon. EXPO COMM Mexico NRB 3GSM World Congress Convergence India 2002 CeBIT Hannover CTIA Wireless TELEXPO 2002 NAB 12-15 February 16-19 February 20-22 February 6-8 March 13-20 March 18-20 March 19-22 March 6-11 April Mexico City, Mexico Nashville, TN, USA Cannes, France New Delhi, India Hannover, Germany Orlando, FL, USA Sao Paulo, Brazil Las Vegas, NV, USA

F E AT H E R W E I G H T A N T E N N A L OA D TEST?

In remote outback Australia, an RFS monopole HF antenna is subjected to an unexpected weight loadinga ock of native parrots (galahs).

R F S G L O B A L O R G A N I Z AT I O N
RF Conditioning Phoenix, USA Tel.: +1 602 252 8058 Fax: +1 602 256 2632 Antenna Systems Europe, Middle-East, Africa, India (EMAI) Hannover, Germany Tel: +49-511 676 2520 Fax: +49-511 676 2521 Antenna Systems Americas Meriden, USA Tel: +1-203 630 3311 Fax: +1-203 821 3850 Antenna Systems Asia Pacic Melbourne, Australia Tel: +61-3 9751 8400 Fax: +61-3 9761 5711

www.rfsworld.com

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The Clear Choice in Wireless