Siemens lowers cost of W-CDMA networks

February 13, 2006

A new product family from Siemens Communications lowers the cost of building new W-CDMA networks and makes enhancing existing GSM networks with

W-CDMA less complicated. The solution consists of two modules in different variants that can be combined as needed, making it possible to tailor a solution to an operator's individual requirements. The highlight: For the first time, the radio head and the server can now be installed at separate locations. That saves space, power, installation effort - and thus money. The solution's high scalability also ensures full W-CDMA coverage - even in buildings.

In conventional mobile network solutions, the radio component is integrated in the base station and connected to the antenna by cable. That configuration brings limitations with it: The base station must be located within a very limited radius of the antenna, where installation and rental costs are high. Siemens is now taking a new approach. The base station is split into two constituent parts - a radio head and a server. While the radio head and antenna are installed as usual on a roof or a transmission tower, the server can be located where costs are low - for example in a basement or storeroom. The distance between the radio head and the server can be up to 50 kilometers.

This newly distributed network architecture also enables the server to supply not just one, but up to twelve antennas and remote radio heads. That lets operators cut their costs by up to 70 percent. An additional benefit is the fact that the individual modules are true lightweights, offering all the advantages of a compact design and low power consumption.

The modular design also means that carriers can expand their existing GSM base stations to include 3G quickly and easily. To enable this, Siemens has also developed a small slide-in server. This standardized slider unit fits into all common 19-inch GSM base stations from an array of vendors. In combination with the remote radio heads any base station can thus quickly be made W-CDMA-capable, turning it into a multi-standard base station.