Nordic Train Passengers Stay Connected with CommScope Coverage Solutions

Trains and rail systems – among the most complex environments for providing wireless network services – are fast becoming priorities for providing reliable coverage because of consumers’ expectation for constant connectivity. CommScope, which through its Andrew Solutions portfolio already has provided connectivity solutions to rail systems throughout the world, now has supplied new coverage and capacity solutions for trains and train tunnels in multiple Nordic countries, enabling commuter access to reliable wireless communications.

“Challenging RF environments such as train cars and tunnels require dedicated coverage systems for supporting wireless signals,” said Phil Sorsky, vice president, wireless sales, Europe, CommScope. “Devising the engineering and product solutions that enable wireless communications in such difficult environments is a specialty of CommScope.”

Wireless operators are faced with many challenges in providing service along railways, including tunnels and stations that block or restrict signals, high-speed trains that complicate cellular hand-offs, and smartphone users who expect constant access to data services while onboard. Such demands typically require dedicated coverage and capacity solutions to ensure access for commuters and sufficient network capacity for operators.

Wireless operators in Denmark and Finland are utilising the Node AM digital repeater from CommScope, a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communication networks, for in-train deployments. Meanwhile, one operator in Norway is deploying CommScope’s ION™-M distributed antenna system (DAS) and Node A digital repeater platform for wireless coverage in train tunnels.

In Denmark, CommScope supplied its Node AM in-train repeaters for use by wireless operators with three RF cards in each repeater supporting the 900MHz, 1,800MHz and 2,100MHz bands. Thanks to the Node AM’s flexible design, each repeater can easily be extended to support LTE in the 800 MHz band. Node AM in-train repeaters are placed in each train car to effectively manage access to RF signals for passengers.

CommScope also is supplying Node AM repeaters for use by wireless operators in Finland. There, each repeater has two RF cards – one combined card supporting the standard 900MHz band and GSM-R and one card for UMTS in the 2,100MHz band.

“Multi-operator, multi-frequency band, and multi-technology standard are common scenarios when working on train projects such as these,” said Sorsky. “CommScope’s extensive history in bringing wireless coverage and capacity to rail systems, sports stadiums, and other challenging areas helps us manage such complexity.”

CommScope’s work in Norway has involved supplying RF equipment for installation in train tunnels, not inside the train cars. The company’s ION-M DAS and Node A digital repeater platform bring wireless signals into the tunnels, making access for train passengers possible. CommScope’s coverage and capacity solutions currently support CDMA in the 450MHz, 900MHz, 1,800MHz and 2,100MHz bands, and are also easily extended to LTE 800MHz.

ION is an easy-to-scale, fibre-based coverage and capacity solution for indoor and outdoor applications, available in multiple power levels with a unique multi-band, multi-operator platform. CommScope’s off-air repeaters include a full line of pico and micro class RF enhancers and macro class digital nodes. CommScope’s repeaters provide RF signals for wide area coverage through antennas and are self-diagnosing, self-adaptive and available in multiple power classes.

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Private Mobile Networks-Private GSM and IP Solutions

Private Mobile Networks (PMN) provide the ability to access voice services using mobile handsets over a private GSM network. With PMN, the mobile phone can be the handset of choice for financial and practical reasons by replicating a cellular network in software and inter-operating with IP/SIP devices and applications.

PMN can be deployed into areas where network integration and infrastructure costs would otherwise be prohibitive or into areas of high mobile usage with poor or no GSM network coverage, such as warehouses or in-building areas with signal disruption. The solution is ideal at temporary locations, such as in the construction and outdoor events industries. In areas where voice privacy is an issue, PMN can be implemented as localised islands of communication with the inherent security of GSM.

At the heart of the Private Mobile Network is the Private Mobile eXchange. PMX creates a self contained, privately owned and managed mobile network based on standard GSM protocols. The solution comprises both hardware and software components. The components are:

Base transceiver station (BTS) mobile phone access pointsBase station controller (BSC) to manage the BTSsPMX software run on industry standard servers

A Pico cell (BTS) connected to a local IP network delivers signal over low powered GSM. PMN can be deployed using a local server or as a hosted service delivering a Private Mobile Extension.

Increase in-building coverage using mobile handsets operating as PBX extensions also increases the ability to contact employees, reduces time to respond to customer and colleague queries, and provides a platform for quicker decision-making. A PMN also gives enterprises the ability to control and monitor and the potential to decrease mobile spend selectively.

PMN enables mobile phones to become part of the internal telephony infrastructure while near the workplace. Users are able to access the same services and features using a fixed extension on the corporate PBX or on their mobile phone. PMN can be implemented either by replacement of the PBX or by integration with the existing PBX infrastructure.

Use of applications on the mobile phone can be simplified using Mobile Office software which provides a menu-based interface to conferencing, call recording and call transfer and delivers this functionality to mobile handsets even when roaming.

Features and benefits:

Allows mobile phones to operate as PBX extensions while on-siteCorporate phone bills are reducedEase of use of devicesConsistent telephony user interface, irrespective of device, network or locationHigh level of customer service from improved staff contactBusiness continuity as the PMN continues to operate when the macro network is unavailableFixed Mobile Convergence with 2G and 2.5G handsetsPMX is built on industry standards, protecting investment with its ability to accommodate future developments

Many organisations benefit from a mobile, yet fully contactable, workforce and PMO has been designed to fulfil this requirement, providing in-building/on-campus communications.

PMO can extend or replace the current PBX infrastructure, providing an effective alternative to cumbersome Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) and Private Mobile Radio (PMR) installations used today.

Standard GSM mobile phones, including ruggedized handsets, connect users together on a secure, private network without incurring mobile phone call charges. Voice quality is high, as expected, on an industry standard-based GSM network, and support for PTT, SMS and GPRS is available.

Using one or more base stations PMO registered mobile handsets are able to communicate with each other in a localised GSM ‘island’. PMO provides cost effective utilisation of standard mobile phones and the improvement of in-building coverage.

To ensure network security only registered handsets can be connected. Pico cell base stations provide the interface between the handset and the private network. Callers roam anywhere within the coverage area with call control being seamlessly handled between base stations. The PMO can integrate alarm and notification systems.

Cost benefits

Our cost benefits include:

Zero call costs when in range and at landline rates when passed through local PBXAutomatic switchover when in range ensures cost controlCost-effective alternative to DECT, PMR or WiFi technologyControl of call and messaging costs between mobiles in the office

Productivity benefits

Our productivity benefits include:

Allows mobile phones to operate as PBX extensions while in rangeSupport for feature-rich PBX applications on the mobileBusiness-critical continuity maintained when the macro network is not availableLow powered spectrum extends mobile battery lifeEffective range of up to 900m radius (outdoor) with excellent voice qualityExternal analogue PSTN/SIP connectivity provides uplink / backhaul choice and flexibilityPrevents issues of network congestion and lossImmune to interference from WiFi or video senders

Compatability benefits

Our compatability benefits include:

One device, one number PBX applications – convergence without compromiseExtensive handset choice

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CommScope-Infrastructure Solutions for Communication Networks

CommScope has played a role in virtually all the world's best communication networks. It creates the infrastructure that supports networks for the business of life at home, at work, and on the go. CommScope's portfolio of end-to-end solutions includes everything its customers need to build high-performing wired and wireless networks. The company's objectives are to help its customers create, innovate, design, and build faster and better communications networks.

People want to connect anywhere, anytime and everywhere all the time, including residents of some countries who are enjoying access to wireless communication for the first time. CommScope's solutions span the entire RF landscape, helping wireless carriers manage increasing cell site complexity and optimize network planning, capacity, coverage and performance. Examples of CommScope's industry leading solutions for the wireless market include LTE deployment support, in-building coverage systems, location systems and remote cell site control and monitoring.

Recognized worldwide for complete end-to-end solutions, CommScope combines innovative technologies and premier brands with more than 70 years experience in RF solutions through its Andrew Solutions heritage. It sets the standard with best-in-class PIM results, integrating proven multi-frequency technology into its designs, superior RF pattern performance, and electrical tilt management capability. Low-profile design for easy zoning approvals are a feature of CommScope’s antenna technology.

CommScope has a scalable and future-proofed portfolio of solutions. Its optical and off-air repeaters for indoor and outdoor coverage are “LTE Ready” today and offer a fast, easy and cost effective migration path to upgrading wireless networks to meet LTE requirements. The company can help reduce the cost of LTE deployments through its global footprint of facilities for regional production, distribution and delivery, easy deployment, and ensuring seamless integration into existing networks. CommScope also has significant capability to design new products and quickly ramp up into full-scale production volume.

CommScope offers a complete Distributed Antenna System (DAS), which takes a donor feed from a macro cell via a repeater or a dedicated Base Transceiver Station, and then distributes it over fibre and/or coaxial cables throughout the building. A dedicated radio base station connected to a DAS ensures both dedicated coverage and capacity, confines the signals, prevents signal spillage and interference and thus enhances the quality for both voice and data services. CommScope’s end-to-end In-Building Solutions bring together all of the company’s RF products to support system integrators, enterprise managers, and wireless carriers.

Each day, over 2,500 location-based mobile applications generate hundreds of millions of location requests. For an operator the ability to satisfy location requests, regardless of form or type, is a necessity – one that has spawned a business opportunity expected to top $13 billion by 2013. CommScope’s GeoLENs® portfolio of products makes a network-based solution possible. Working in concert with the underlying network’s infrastructure, GeoLENs coordinates the functioning and capabilities of all location components within and external to the network – mobile devices, LMUs, network-based location servers, internet-based applications, emergency calls, etc. – and ensures that all customers are location-enabled.

Through its GeoLENs Indoor location solution CommScope can also make it easier for emergency services personnel to locate mobile phone users inside large buildings, potentially saving lives and reducing risk of harm to rescuers. The platform also offers improved accuracy for callers inside buildings, as well as giving operators and building owners the capability for commercial applications including mobile advertising and social networking applications, among others.

By routinely monitoring cell site network performance, CommScope’s OneBase InSite® products help operators prevent minor problems from turning into major disruptions, saving them money by avoiding costly dispatches of emergency repair crews and helping maintain customer satisfaction. Operators cannot afford to have a site go down due to power loss, failing equipment or other concerns; OneBase InSite is the smarter, easier way to track cell site performance regularly. The OneBase InSite product line is comprised of two components: the InSite RF Diagnostic Unit and the InSite Connect System which includes a central management system (CMS) and remote controller unit (RCU).

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