Evolution of radio access networks and the benefits

Radio Access Network is a major component of a wireless telecommunication system. It helps in connecting individual devices to other parts of a network through a radio link. RANs have evolved from the first generation to the fifth generation of cellular networking. With 4G, the system connectivity for the first time was based on Internet Protocol, replacing the previous circuit-based networks.

Coordination and management of resources across the radio sites are possible with RAN. The signal is sent from RAN to various wireless endpoints. Therefore, it can travel with traffic from other networks. A single handset or phone can be connected to multiple RANs. These handsets are sometimes called dual-mode handsets. In this blog, we will discuss how E-RAN can provide better mobile network coverage and mobility.

Different types of RANs

Many types of RANs have been used till now. Open RAN, C-RAN, GRAN, GRAN, UTRAN and E-UTRAN are just a handful of RANs that have been in use. In the same series, E-RAN was developed. An E-RAN Radio Node is in a different league altogether and has plenty of benefits.

How is E-RAN different?

Mobile network operators need to utilize both UMTS and LTE technologies efficiently since mobile broadband is in demand. The new network should also not add to the complexity. The scalable small cell system of NEC called Enterprise Radio Access Network (E-RAN) facilitates this. It hides the complexity of radio management and mobility. Operators can manage an extensive network of UMTS, LTE, and multi-access (UMTS and LTE) small cells using E-RAN.

Benefits of an E-RAN radio node

An E-RAN Radio Node will support many functions, which include the following. It can be installed on the ceiling or wall. The radio node can connect to the services node over Ethernet LAN and the internet. It gives reliable cellular coverage and capacity inside the building.

• UMTS Radio

The universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) is a third-generation mobile cellular system for networks based on the GSM standard. RN-310, a radio node developed by NEC, will be able to support up to 32 simultaneous UMTS voice and data channels

• LTE Radio

LTE is the last step towards the 4th generation of radio technologies designed to increase the capacity and speed of mobile telephone networks. RN-310, an E-RAN radio node developed by NEC, supports up to 32 active LTE users and 128 RRC Connected Users. When used with 20 MHz channel bandwidth, it supports a peak downlink rate of 150 Mbps and a peak uplink rate of 50 Mbps.

• Self-Organizing

Planning, configuration, management, optimization and healing of mobile radio access networks are simpler and faster. This is because the E-RAN network uses a self-organizing network (SON) which is an automation technology. The Radio Node developed by NEC implements SON capability by listening to other Radio Nodes within the E-RAN and neighboring LTE, UMTS, and GSM macro cells in multiple frequency bands. Continuous self-optimization helps in providing high-quality radio coverage and mobility.

• Easy To Install

The utility of E-RAN Radio Nodes can be varied as they can be installed on walls or ceilings. It uses Ethernet for both network connectivity and power. Convection is used for cooling the radio node, and antennas are built-in for both UMTS and LTE. Therefore, NEC radio nodes are easy to install.

• Protection against radio channel attacks.

E-RAN radio node provides security against radio channel attacks. If the node detects any breach of security, it sends a description of the attack to the gateway. The gateway sends a report to the command center through the EWA. Security counter-measures are taken after the command center analyses the report. Software components may be installed to tackle the security threat. Since there is no management of console port on the Radio Node, it can be physically locked to protect against theft.

Capabilities of an NEC radio nodes

An NEC radio node can support concurrent UMTS and LTE operation. The radio node enables Frequency-Division-Duplexing LTE, which reduces any kind of interference. The multi-access radio node capabilities enable it to handle 32 UMTS channels, 32 active LTE users and 128 RRC-connected users. The UMTS throughput is 21/5 Mbps, and the LTE throughput is 150/50 Mbps. The radio node can be deployed over existing Ethernet switching infrastructure (VLAN). The node uses certificate-based authentication and ensures the security of data. A digital certificate derived from cryptography is used to identify a user, device or machine before granting access to an application, network or another resource.

About NEC

Nec is a leader in network technologies. The portfolio of services provided by NEC includes telecommunications, public safety, logistics, transportation, etc.

Conclusion

E-RAN radio node is revolutionizing the way people can communicate with each other. RN-310, the E-RAN radio node developed by NEC, optimally uses radio frequencies and bandwidth for better coverage and mobility.

Nec is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies and brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to provide solutions for empowering people, businesses and society.