MetnetThe 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 Metnet, 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 Metnet 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 optimisingMetnet nodes 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 Metnet

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 Metnet node, 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 Metnet 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 Metnet node has a wide 270-degree field of

view so only one unit is required per site.

The Metnet system delivers the lowest TCO for any small cell

backhaul technology.

Low latency and high capacityDesigned with LTE in mind, the Metnet system accommodates

evolving traffic demands. It offers low latency – averaging

150μs 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 Metnet 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. Metnet 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 Metnet 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 Metnet 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 Metnet system

Network statusMetnet 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 Metnet 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 Metnet 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 Metnet 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 Metnet 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 Metnet 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 Metnet EMS displays detailed views of the system architecture

and viable links.

Metnet node specifications

Metnet 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 for higher frequency bands

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 Typically 150μs 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

Antenna gain Standard node - +19 dBi

High Gain - +31dBi

Antenna coverage

Standard node - 270° horizontal x 20° vertical

High Gain node - 4° horizontal x 4° vertical

Unit characteristics

Size

Standard node - 185mm height; 202mm diameter

High Gain node - 260mm height; 535mm width; 270mm length

Power requirements

AC 100V – 240V / 50-60Hz, 48 VDC and PoE Power connection via IP67-rated connector

Weight Standard node - 4.2kgs

High Gain node - 6.85kgs

Range Standard node - up to 1km

High Gain node - up to 2kms

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

info@ccsl.com

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. The CCS logo and the Metnet name are trademarks

of CCS. All other trademarks are acknowledged and observed. ©Cambridge Communication Systems Ltd 2015. All rights reserved.