C-RAN by MobileNet Services

C-RAN is a relatively new concept but may be a significant consideration in widespread in-building deployment. This is especially true for smaller buildings or venues where it is not cost effective to install expensive RF source equipment at an individual location. With C-RAN (which stands for Cloud RAN or Centralized RAN), the baseband processing for a number of remote cells is centralized at one location. The benefits of C-RAN include improved performance because it has the ability to coordinate between cells, and cost reductions as a result of pooling resources.

C-Ran Desgin OptimizationThe problem is that no-matter who builds or owns the DAS system, the cellular operator (or operators) need to provide the signal source to connect the in-building network with the rest of the cellular system. However, these Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) may not see the benefits of adding resources to the building, particularly if they already have adequate macro coverage in the area as they are unlikely to acquire any new customers. Available budget is also a factor. Cellular operators are likely to prioritize deployment where it suits them best from an investment standpoint, not where it suits the building’s owner. The needs of the building owner are therefore not necessarily aligned with that of the cellular providers.

The C-RAN Solution

C-RAN offers a solution to this problem, allowing baseband resources (essentially the RF signal source) to be in a shared space and resources applied where they are needed. Traditionally, this has been viewed as a cost effective way of supporting dense systems as well as permitting redistribution of resources to support capacity needs as they change over time. An example would be the reallocation of resources to a stadium during the game then to the surrounding streets as it empties, then to transport locations as the crowd goes home. A similar approach can be used to support increased load during busy commutes with resources primarily applied to work locations after rush hour.

However, this same technology could allow a signal source to be more effectively deployed across an owner’s property portfolio. Resources could be redeployed as occupancy and even new construction dictates. This approach offers a scalable signal source bank serving a number of properties, reducing the need for each specific property to meet a standalone business case for individual deployment.

There are several business models which may evolve from this. Each would offer different levels of guaranteed capacity. One example would be a co-investment or the creation of a self-owned and managed baseband resource, which would be owned and operated by a building owner or property manager and would support the needs of several portfolio properties. Another would be for Neutral host companies to own and operate these shared enterprise systems, offering flexible bandwidth on demand to portfolio companies. For their part, MNOs would bring connectivity. They would be given some minimum overall guarantee of aggregate traffic, but would not have to make individual decisions based on the cost dynamics of any one given building. This requires coordination and cooperation with the MNO but given the right structure, would permit buildings owners to control the provisioning of the essential signal source element.

accelerate availability and viability of DAS projects

This concept would benefit both parties and accelerate availability and viability of DAS projects. It benefits from scale and calls for broad industry partnerships where collaboration and risk sharing (both financial and in terms of volume commitments) could be managed.

C-RAN systems offer a path to both efficiency and self-control of essential cellular network services, complementing the deployment of individual indoor DAS systems increasingly favored by buildings owners. Perhaps equally as importantly they offer a degree of control and the ability to upgrade and configure a system that ideally suits the ever changing property market, ensuring that investments will have both immediate and long term benefits.

MobileNet can assist partners by coordinating with MNOs to integrate and operate self-maintained C-RAN pools, managing the process and maintaining the system. We can essentially manage the C-RAN pool , ensuring it is properly scaled , utilized and provisioned for individual building owners as these properties opt in (or out as their needs and occupancy change).

MobileNet provides a full range of turnkey engineering services for every stage of network deployment, integration, optimization, performance validation and compliance testing to major telecom operators and OEMs across the nation. We have led deployment of 2G, 3G, and 4G networks for over a decade and have launched over 25,000 UMTS sites and over 5,500 LTE turnkey sites across the U.S, with deep domain expertise that spans GSM through CDMA, to LTE, WiFi, VoLTE, and beyond.

We are a leader in DAS System Verification, Optimization and Design with extensive experience testing over 2500 high profile venues including airports, stadiums, hotels, amusement parks, universities, and business parks. Our long lasting customer relationships attest to our reputation for Quality, Expertise, and Reliability and reflect the integrity we bring to delivering superior services, on time and on budget.