The world’s first self-organising small cell microwave backhaul
The small cell backhaul challenge
Small cells will be essential alongside LTE macro cells to increase network densification to meet future capacity requirements. But a lack of viable backhaul has been a major roadblock to outdoor deployment.
The more complex and dynamic nature of small cell deployment means that traditional backhaul technologies are often not sufficiently cost-effective and flexible.
The CCS approach
CCS set out to create a totally new approach with the world’s first self-organising small cell microwave backhaul.
It’s the only solution that meets all key requirements for high capacity and low latency,
reliability, rapid deployment and low-cost operation in a small, low-impact design.
Self-organising, self-healing links automatically reconfigure themselves to optimise
performance across a resilient, multipoint-to-multipoint architecture. It’s easy to
install each node in less than 15 minutes, with no need for radio planning or manual
alignment. And it’s easy to scale, with no need to re-align existing nodes as new ones
are added.
These unique attributes are key to delivering the lowest TCO for any small cell
backhaul technology. The CCS system enables small cell deployment in a flexible,
organic way, as additional capacity is required, maintaining a quality of service that
meets customer expectations.
The first commercial deployment was for China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile
operator, in one of the first live deployments of metro cells not just in China, but the
world.
We’ve won global recognition for our pioneering approach, which is a significant
validation of the unrivalled technical and business benefits our system delivers.
It’s the first backhaul solution that makes outdoor small cells truly viable.
2014Winner
“ Innovative architectural approach to the significant challenges of backhaul.”Small Cell Forum
“ A significant advance for the communications sector.”IET, The Institution of Engineering and
Technology
Mobile data traffic continues to surge and network operators are struggling to meet capacity requirements.
The only small cell backhaul system that meets all key requirements
Self-organising and optimisingNodes connect autonomously to form self-organising,
self-healing links that dynamically reconfigure to optimise
performance and spectral efficiency as LOS circumstances or
traffic levels change, whilst minimising interference. The system
polls the network continually and automatically determines
the optimal topology to deliver capacity where needed. Each
cluster runs a Spatial-TDMA transmission schedule, which
allows links to operate simultaneously to increase the overall
capacity delivered to each small cell location.
Small form factorForm factor is critical in the small cell environment. The CCS
system comprises small, lightweight and robust units for
discreet installation on street furniture, sides of buildings and
roofs. Each multipoint node has a wide 270-degree field of
view, so only one unit is required per site, rather than multiple
radios required by V/E-band solutions. This is not only more
acceptable to urban planners, but contributes significant
CAPEX and OPEX savings.
Quick to deployOperators will ultimately need to roll out thousands of small
cells, so rapid, low-cost deployment is crucial. It takes less
than 15 minutes to install each CCS unit, with no need for radio
planning or manual alignment. The wide 270-degree field
of view with support for multiple connections, allows plug-
and-play installation by local contractors rather than telecom
engineers, which reduces CAPEX considerably. A single type
of outdoor unit with integrated power performs all network
functions, to further simplify deployment.
Lowest TCOThe CCS system is designed for large-scale, low-cost
deployment and operation. Its unique, self-organising capability
coupled with a resilient multipoint-to-multipoint architecture
is key to delivering the lowest TCO for any small cell backhaul
technology. A recent analysis by Senza Fili estimated TCO
CAPEX savings of 42% and OPEX savings of 34% for CCS’ self-
organising solution compared to V/E-band solutions. It’s the
first backhaul that makes outdoor small cells truly viable.
Each CCS node has a wide 270-degree field of view
so only unit is required per site.
The CCS system delivers the lowest TCO for any small cell
backhaul technology.
Low latency and high capacityDesigned with LTE in mind, the CCS system accommodates
evolving traffic demands. It offers low latency – averaging
100μs per hop – and high capacity at 480Mbps per node or
960Mbps for dual-node installations. Ethernet QoS can be
provisioned to provide guaranteed capacity to the small cells.
Performance has been independently verified by Chronos
Technology.
Flexible synchronisationEach CCS node is uniquely capable of providing GPS-derived
local master synchronisation (SyncE and 1588.v2) to the small
cell, enabling operation in challenging environments when
the small cell’s own GPS may fail. The system also supports
1588.v2 Transparent Clock from the core network to the
small cell. Nodes can recover synchronisation and fall back
to core network-provided SyncE and 1588.v2. Distributed
timing recovery provides further synchronisation resilience to
overcome GPS failures.
The unique combination of self-organising, self-healing links with a highly resilient multipoint-to-multipoint architecture.
Easy to scaleThe expectation is that operators will gradually expand the
number and density of small cells over time – where and
when they are needed. There’s no need to re-visit existing sites
when new CCS nodes are added, because existing nodes will
automatically re-organise and re-align. This creates large OPEX
savings compared to PTP systems, which will need continual
re-planning and re-alignment as the small cell network grows.
Interference management enables the system to scale to many
thousands of nodes. Only one unit is required to add a new link.
High availability and resiliencyThe system has a unique multipoint-to-multipoint architecture
to provide higher resiliency and redundancy at no incremental
capex. Self-organising, self-healing links automatically re-route
traffic in the event of node failure or LOS obstacles, while the
unit's wide 270-degree field of view ensures it's not affected by
pole-sway. The system can be uniquely deployed in a hybrid
mesh, PTP and PMP topology for ultimate flexibility.
Network planningThe EMS includes an integrated planning tool for operators to
model a CCS multipoint-to-multipoint backhaul network, to
determine the optimal location and configuration of units to
meet network requirements.
Operators can plan extensions to existing small cell networks to
understand the effect of adding new sites and ensure backhaul
requirements are met.
Planning and managing the CCS network
Network statusCCS backhaul networks are easily monitored and accessed
from a central management overview. The network topology
for all installations is provided based on accurate GPS locations.
Radio link status and quality can be queried for each node in
real time. Street map and satellite views are also available.
Network managementFault managementA detailed view of all alarms across the network is provided,
with the ability to query the alarm status of each node and link.
Current alarms and historical statistics can be filtered based on
priority and CCS node ID to aid troubleshooting, which can be
exported into a data file for backup and further analysis.
Configuration managementBandwidth can be assigned on a per-node basis for both
peak and mean traffic demands, and in the uplink and
downlink directions. Based on CCS node demands, the system
automatically configures the network topology and resources
to best meet requirements.
Performance managementDetailed node and link statistics are accessible over selected
periods of time. Link traffic, RF parameters and CCS node
statistics such as traffic, latency and temperature can all be
added to interactive graphs to aid troubleshooting. Data is
exportable in industry standard formats.
Network upgradeNew software releases can be remotely upgraded and
managed throughout the CCS backhaul network. These can
be scheduled for automatic Installation with minimal operator
input required.
Northbound interfaceNorthbound SNMP fault and performance management is
provided for integration into operators’ central monitoring
systems, along with northbound exportable data in industry
standard formats.
The CCS Element Management System (EMS) is an intuitive, web-based application to plan, configure and monitor the network. It provides simple topology views together with industry standard network management features.
The CCS Element Management System provides a network-wide
view and real-time performance monitoring.
Node specifications
CCS self-organising node
Technology Self-organising multipoint-to-multipoint system
Capacity
480Mbps – single node 960Mbps – dual node 112MHz channel
In a dense urban environment, the use of Spatial TDMA will allow the simultaneous use of the same RF channel. Nodes employ dynamic interference monitoring to minimise inter-node interference, thereby optimising capacity from the efficient use of spectrum
Radio
Frequency bands26GHz, 28GHz Future support: 32GHz, 38GHz, 42GHz
Standards conformanceITU-R F.748-4 & CEPT ERC 13.02E ETSI/R&TTE Approved and CE Compliant. FCC
Radio access method TDD Future support: FDD, Dual-TDD
Radio transmit power +24dBm
Power control Adaptive
Channel sizes112MHz, 100MHz (USA) Single frequency channel used across all nodes
Modulation and coding Hitless Adaptive Modulation and Coding using FEC and LDPC
Services
Ethernet Services and QoS
Native Ethernet 802.1Q (VLAN tagging) 802.1p (Class of service) 802.1ad (QinQ) Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP)
Synchronisation
GPS-derived synchronisation providing local master SyncE and 1588v2 clock to the small cell
1588v2 Transparent Clock Recovery from core network SyncE and 1588v2
Proprietary distributed radio synchronisation to overcome GPS failures
Latency Minimum 40μs per hop
ScalabilityInterference management enables the system to scale to many thousands of nodes
Antenna
Antenna options
Integrated wide beam width high-gain antennas
External high-gain directional antennas
Standard antenna gain +19 dBi
High gain antenna +31dBi
Standard antenna coverage 270° horizontal x 20° vertical
High gain antenna coverage 4° horizontal x 4° vertical
Unit characteristics
Size 185mm height 202mm diameter
Power requirementsAC 110V – 240V, 48 VDC and PoE Power connection via IP67-rated connector
Weight 4kgs
Range Up to 1km standard unit
Extended range using external antennas
Interfaces 2 gigabit Ethernet interfaces are exposed externally via IP67-rated connectors
Further informationPlease visit www.ccsl.com for more information on CCS and our products.
Cambridge Communication Systems Ltd
3rd Floor, Mount Pleasant House
Huntingdon Road
Cambridge CB3 0RN
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1223 314197
www.ccsl.com
Any drawings, descriptions or illustrations contained in this brochure are produced for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the
goods described in it and are subject to change. Cambridge Communication Systems Limited (CCS) makes no warranty or representation as to
the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose or use of such information. CCS shall not be held liable for any loss or damage of any kind,
including indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of such information and all warranties and conditions, whether express of implied by
status, common law or otherwise, are hereby excluded to the extent permitted by English law. ©Cambridge Communication Systems Ltd 2015.
All rights reserved.