Axell Wireless A216SERIES, A215SERIES User Manual

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER’S MANUAL

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

Product Description and User’s Manual

This revision of the MBF manual is valid for single, dual and tri band repeaters covering the frequency bands LTE 700, 850, 900, 1800, 1900, 2200 and AWS

Firmware release version

 Common Commands and Attributes v 1.3.2

 MBF Commands and Attributes v 1.0.0

No part of this document may be copied, distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer language without the prior written permission of Axell Wireless Ltd.

The manufacturer has made every effort to ensure that the instructions contained in this document are adequate and free of errors and omissions. The manufacturer will, if necessary, explain issues which may not be covered by this document. The manufacturer's liability for any errors in the document is limited to the correction of errors and the aforementioned advisory services.

This document has been prepared to be used by professional and properly trained personnel, and the customer assumes full responsibility when using them. The manufacturer welcomes customer comments as part of the process of continual development and improvement of the documentation in the best way possible from the user's viewpoint. Please submit your comments to the nearest Axell Wireless sales representative.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions and Warnings ................................................................................................. 4

References .................................................................................................................................... 7

Contact Information ..................................................................................................................... 8

Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................... 9

1.1 Basic Repeater Features .................................................................................................... 12

1.2 Repeater Types .................................................................................................................. 12

1.3 Repeater Applications ....................................................................................................... 16

2.1 Repeater Firmware ............................................................................................................ 19

2.2 The RMC, Repeater Maintenance Console ....................................................................... 19

2.3 The AEM, Axell Element Manager ................................................................................... 19

3.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 20

3.2 Repeater Models ................................................................................................................ 21

3.3 Characteristics ................................................................................................................... 22

3.4 Casing ................................................................................................................................ 22

3.5 Connections ....................................................................................................................... 24

3.6 Building Blocks ................................................................................................................. 24

3.7 Signal Diagrams ................................................................................................................ 30

3.8 OMU-Repeater System ..................................................................................................... 32

3.9 Access to the System ......................................................................................................... 33

3.10 SW for Configuration and Control .................................................................................... 34

4.1 Software Features - Overview ........................................................................................... 35

4.2 Network Nodes .................................................................................................................. 36

4.3 Fibre Loss Compensation .................................................................................................. 38

4.4 Alarm System .................................................................................................................... 39

4.5 Repeater Heartbeat ............................................................................................................ 52

4.6 RF Parameters ................................................................................................................... 57

4.7 Hardware Identification ..................................................................................................... 59

4.8 Tag and ID ......................................................................................................................... 60

4.9 User Access ....................................................................................................................... 61

4.10 Integration into AEM ........................................................................................................ 62

4.11 Upgrading Firmware ......................................................................................................... 62

5.1 Commissioning Advice ..................................................................................................... 64

5.2 Install the Repeater ............................................................................................................ 69

5.3 Start-up the Repeater ......................................................................................................... 78

5.4 Initiate Local Communication ........................................................................................... 82

5.5 Install the OMU and Set up OMU-Repeater System ......................................................... 84

5.6 Configure the Repeater ...................................................................................................... 84

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

5.7 Set Up Remote Communication ........................................................................................ 87

5.8 Integration into the AEM ................................................................................................... 98

6.1 General .............................................................................................................................. 99

6.2 Preventative Maintenance ................................................................................................. 99

6.3 Trouble Shooting ............................................................................................................... 99

6.4 Component Replacement ................................................................................................... 99

6.5 Product Disposal ................................................................................................................ 99

7.1 Single Band Repeater MBF-S-7/8/9/17/18/19/22............................................................ 100

7.2 Dual Band Repeater MBF-D-9-22/8-19/7-17 .................................................................. 102

7.3 Tri Band Repeater MBF-T-9-18-22/8-17-19 ................................................................... 104

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Safety Instructions and Warnings

Guarantees

All antennas must be installed with lightning protection. Damage to power modules, as a result of lightning are not covered by the warranty.

Switching on AC or DC power prior to the connection of antenna cables is regarded as faulty installation procedure and therefore not covered by the Axell Wireless warranty.

The repeater box should be closed using the two screws. The screws must be fully tightened. Failure to do so may affect the IP65 compliancy and therefore any warranty.

Safety to Personnel

Before installing or replacing any of the equipment, the entire manual should be read and understood. The user needs to supply the appropriate AC or DC power to the repeater. Incorrect power settings can damage the repeater and may cause injury to the user.

Caution

Please be aware that the equipment may, during certain conditions become very warm

and can cause minor injuries if handled without any protection, such as gloves.

Throughout this manual, there are "Caution" warnings. "Caution" calls attention to a procedure or practice, which, if ignored, may result in injury or damage to the system, system component or even the user. Do not perform any procedure preceded by a "Caution" until the described conditions are fully understood and met.

Caution

This notice calls attention to a procedure or practice that, if ignored,

may result in personal injury or in damage to the system or system component.

Do not perform any procedure preceded by a “Caution” until described

conditions are fully understood and met.

Safety to Equipment

When installing, replacing or using this product, observe all safety precautions during handling and operation. Failure to comply with the following general safety precautions and with specific precautions described elsewhere in this manual violates the safety standards of the design, manufacture, and intended use of this product. Axell Wireless assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these precautions. This entire manual should be read and understood before operating or maintaining the repeater.

Electrostatic Sensitivity

Observe electrostatic precautionary procedures.

Caution

ESD = Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Device

Semiconductor transmitters and receivers provide highly reliable performance when operated in conformity with their intended design. However, a semiconductor may be damaged by an electrostatic discharge inadvertently imposed by careless handling.

Static electricity can be conducted to the semiconductor chip from the centre pin of the RF input connector, and through the AC connector pins. When unpacking and otherwise handling the repeater, follow ESD precautionary procedures including use of grounded wrist straps, grounded workbench surfaces, and grounded floor mats.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Class 1 Laser

This product is equipped with class 1 lasers, as per definition in EN 60825-1.

Caution

Un-terminated optical receptacles may

emit laser radiation. Do not stare into beam

or view with optical instruments.

Optical transmitters in the opto module can send out high energy invisible laser radiation. There is a risk for permanent damage to the eye.

Always use protective cover on all cables and connectors which are not connected. Never look straight into a fibre cable or a connector. Consider that a fibre can carry transmission in both directions.

During handling of laser cables or connections ensure that the source is switched off. Regard all open connectors with respect and direct them in a safe direction and never towards a reflecting surface. Reflected laser radiation should be regarded as equally hazardous as direct radiation.

Radiation Hazard

This equipment emits radio frequency radiation and can, if used the wrong way, be hazardous for personnel. Here follows an example of the power densities from an intentional radiator.

For radiation from a general antenna, the power density (S) at some distance is according to the well-known formula:

For the repeaters described in this handbook the maximum output powers are 5 W for 900 / 1800 MHz and 10 W 2100 MHz. The corresponding power densities using a + 10 dBi antenna as an example at 1 m will be 4 W/ m² for the 900/1800 MHz output and 8 W/ m² for 2100 MHZ output.

1 m distance from the antenna at these frequencies is used as a minimum distance for practical exposure of the public. It is also difficult to have a developed EMF at distances closer than 1 m.

According to R&TTE Health requirements referring to the 1999 Council recommendation, the reference level for the frequency range of 400 – 2000 MHz is f/ 200 W/ m² ( f in MHz ) and above 2 GHz, 10 W/ m².

For the repeaters in this manual the levels are:

GSM 900 (960 MHz) = 4.8 W/m² DC 1800 (1880 MHz) = 9.4 W/m² UMTS 2100 (2170 MHz) = 10 W/m².

This means that an installation with a +10 dBi antenna does not exceed the basic restriction levels according to the recommendations.

For frequencies between 400 and 2000 MHz the ICNIRP occupational guideline level of exposure is f /40 W/m² (f in MHz), and 50 W/m² for frequencies above 2 GHz.

The ICNIRP levels for the frequency above bands:

GSM 900 (960 MHz) = 24 W/m² DC 1800 (1880 MHz) = 47 W/m² UMTS 2100 (2170 MHz) = 50 W/m².

There are no radiation health issues with the above + 10 dBi antenna installations. However, the repeater is marked with radiation hazard warning.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

References

This document covers both GSM and WDCMA repeaters. These references are valid for respective repeater type.

ETSI TS 25.106

ETSI TS 25.143

ETSI EN 301 908-3

ETSI EN 301 489-23

EN 60 950 Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General requirements

EN 301 502

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); UTRA repeater

radio transmission and reception 3GPP TS 25.106 version 5.8.0 Release 5)

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); UTRA repeater

conformance testing (3GPP TS 25.143 version 5.8.0 Release 5)

Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM);

ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 1: Common technical requirements

Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM);

ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 23: Specific Conditions for IMT-2000 CDMA Direct Spread (UTRA) Base Station (BS) radio, repeater and ancillary equipment

Harmonized EN for Global System for Mobile communications (GSM);

Base station and Repeater equipment covering essential requirements under article 3.2 of the R&TTE directive (GSM 13.21 version 8.1.2. Release 1999)

ETS 300 342-3

R & TTE Directive: ETS EN 301 502 (ETS EN 300 6094/GSM 11.26)

ETS EN 301 489-8

ETS 300 342-3

Radio Equipment and Systems (RES); Electro-Magnetic Compatibility

(EMC) for European Digital Cellular Telecommunications systems. Base Station Radio and ancillary equipment and Repeaters meeting phase 2 GSM requirements.

Harmonized EN for Global System for Mobile communications (GSM);

Base Station and Repeater equipment covering essential requirements under article 3.2 of the R&TTE directive

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standard For Radio Equipment

And Services; Part 8: Specific Conditions For GSM Base Stations

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) For European Digital Cellular

Telecommunications System (GSM 900 MHz and DCS 1 800 MHz); Part 3: Base Station Radio and Ancillary Equipment And Repeaters Meeting Phase 2 GSM Requirements

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Contact Information

Headquarters Axell Wireless

Aerial House Asheridge Road Chesham Buckinghamshire HP5 2QD United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1494 777000 Fax: +44 1494 777002

Commercial inquiries info@axellwireless.com

Web site www.axellwireless.com

Support issues support@axellwireless.com

Technical Support Line, English speaking +44 1494 777 777

Contact information for Axell Wireless offices in other countries can be found on our web site,

www.axellwireless.com

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

AEM

ALC

Antenna

Antenna beamwidth

Antenna directivity

Base station

BCCH Broadcast Control Channel

Axell Element Manager

A software tool for operation and monitoring a network consisting of Axell Wireless products.

Previous name of this product was Avitec Element Manager.

Automatic Limit Control

The part of a radio transmission system designed to radiate or receive electromagnetic waves

More properly referred to as the half-power beamwidth, this is the angle of an antenna pattern or beam over which the relative power is at or above 50% of the peak power

This is the relative gain of the main beam of an antenna pattern to a reference antenna, usually an isotropic or standard dipole

The central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with a mobile radio equipment within a given range

BTS

Carrier-tointerference ratio, C/I

Carrier-to-noise ratio, C/N

Channel

Coverage area

Coverage hole

dBi

dBm

Base Transceiver Station, one part of a base station.

A base station is composed of two parts, a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and a Base Station Control Module (BSC). A base station is often referred to as BTS.

The BTS is also sometimes called an RBS or Remote Base Station.

The ratio of power in an RF carrier to the interference power in the channel

The ratio of power in an RF carrier to the noise power in the channel

In all Axell Wireless documentation a channel is the same as a carrier.

The geographical reach of a mobile communications network or system

An area within the radio coverage footprint of a wireless system in which the RF signal level is below the design threshold. Coverage holes are usually caused by physical obstructions such as buildings, foliage, hills, tunnels and indoor parking garages

Decibel, A technique for expressing voltage, power, gain, loss or frequency in logarithmic form against a reference.

Decibels referenced to an isotropic antenna. A technique for expressing a power gain measurement in logarithmic form using a theoretical isotropic antenna as a reference

Decibels referenced to 1 mW. A technique for expressing a power measurement in logarithmic form using 1 mW as a reference.

Dead spot

Distributed antenna system

An area within the coverage area of a wireless network in which there is no coverage or transmission falls off. Dead spots are often caused by electronic interference or physical barriers such as hills, tunnels and indoor parking garages. See also coverage area.

A type of antenna system that is distributed or remotely located away from the transmitter. Such an antenna or series of antennas can be connected via coaxial

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

cable, leaky feeder or optical fibre link.

DL, Downlink

EAM

EDGE

EMC

ERP

ETSI

GND

Hand-over

ISI

The transmission path from the base station down to the mobile station

External Alarm Messaging

Enhanced Data for Global Evolution. A technology that gives GSM and TDMA similar capacity to handle services for the third generation of mobile telecom. EDGE was developed to enable the transmission of large amounts of data at a high speed of 384 kilobit per second, or more.

Electromagnetic Compatibility. The ability of a device or system to function in its intended electromagnetic environment

Effective Radiated Power

European Telecommunications Standard Institute. The European standardization body for telecommunications

Ground

The passing of a call signal from one base station to the next as the user moves out of range or the network software re-routes the call

Inter Symbol Interference. An interference effect where energy from prior symbols in a bit stream is present in later symbols. ISI is normally caused by filtering of the data streams

LED

Link budget

LMT

LNA

Logical channel

LOS

MCPA

MTBF

Light Emitting Diode

A calculation involving the gain and loss factors associated with the antennas, transmitters, transmission lines and propagation environment used to determine the maximum distance at which a transmitter and receiver can successfully operate.

Local Maintenance Terminal

Low Noise Amplifier. A receive preamplifier having very low internal noise characteristics.

A communications channel derived from a physical channel. A physical channel, i.e. RF channel, typically carries a data stream that contains several logical channels. These usually include multiple control and traffic channels.

Line of Sight. A description of an unobstructed radio path or link between the transmitting and receiving antennas of a communications system

Multi Carrier Power Amplifier

Mobile Station (e.g. mobile phone)

Meantime Between Failures

Not Applicable

Not Connected

Noise Figure

Noise figure

ODF

OMC

A figure of merit for receivers and preamplifiers representing the amount of excess noise added to the signal by the amplifier or receiving system itself. The lower the noise figure, the less excess noise is added to the signal

Optical Distribution Frame, used for connection and patching of optical cables

Operations and Maintenance Centre. A location used to operate and maintain a wireless network

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

OMU

PSTN

Radio link

Repeater

Optical Master Unit, translates between RF signals and optical signals so that fibre fed repeaters can be used.

Power Amplifier. A device for taking a low or intermediate-level signal and significantly boosting its power level. A power amplifier is usually the final stage of amplification in a transmitter.

Public Switched Telephone Network, standard domestic and commercial phone service

The equipment and transmission path (propagation channel) used to carry on communications. It includes the transmitting system, the propagation channel and receiving system

A bi-directional Radio Frequency (RF) amplifier that can amplify and transmit a received Mobile Station (MS) signal in the

transmit band. Simultaneously it amplifies and transmits a received Base Transceiver Station (BTS) RF signal in the BTS transmit band.

Radio Frequency, 9 kHz – 300 GHz

Designation Abbreviation Frequencies

Very Low Frequency VLF 9 kHz - 30 kHz

Low Frequency LF 30 kHz - 300 kHz

Medium Frequency MF 300 kHz - 3 MHz

High Frequency HF 3 MHz - 30 MHz

Very High Frequency VHF 30 MHz - 300 MHz

Ultra High Frequency UHF 300 MHz - 3 GHz

Super High Frequency SHF 3 GHz - 30 GHz

Extremely High Frequency EHF 30 GHz - 300 GHz

RMC

RS232

RS485

Service area

Signal-tointerference ratio, S/I

Signal-to-noise ratio, S/N, SNR

SMSC

TCH

Transceiver

Transmitter

Repeater Maintenance Console. Software tool to monitor and control Axell Wireless repeaters via local or remote access

Serial interface standard

Serial Interface standard

The specified area over which the operator of a wireless communications network or system provides services

The ratio of power in a signal to the interference power in the channel. The term is usually applied to lower frequency signals, such as voice waveforms, but can also be used to describe the carrier wave. See also carrier-to-interference ratio.

The ratio of power in a signal to the noise power in the channel. This term is usually applied to lower frequency signals, such as voice waveforms. See also carrier-tonoise ratio

Short Messaging Service Centre

Traffic Channel. A logical channel that allows the transmission of speech or data. In most second generation systems, the traffic channel can be either full or half-rate

A transmitter and receiver contained in one package. A 2-way radio or cell phone is an example of a transceiver

Equipment which feeds the radio signal to an antenna, for transmission. It consists of active components such as the mixer, driver and PA and passive components such as the TX filter. Taken together, these components impress a signal onto an RF carrier

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

of the correct frequency by instantaneously adjusting its phase, frequency, or amplitude and provide enough gain to the signal to project it through the ether to its intended target

UL, Uplink

WDM

VSWR

The transmission path from the mobile station up to the base station

Wavelength Division Multiplexing. A technology that uses optical signals on different wavelengths to increase the capacity of fibre optic networks in order to handle a number of services simultaneously

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

1 Repeater Technology

1.1 Basic Repeater Features

A basic feature of a mobile communication system is to transmit RF signals between base stations and mobile radio equipment.

When there is a blocking object, such as a mountain or a building, preventing the base station signal to reach the mobile equipment, a repeater can be used to extend the base station’s coverage area.

Donor antenna

BTS BTS

Undisturbed transmission Obstacle creating a coverage hole

In the downlink path (from the base station to the mobile phone) the repeater picks up the signal in the air via a donor antenna, amplifies it and re-transmits it into the desired coverage area via a server antenna. In the uplink path (from the mobile phone to the base station) the repeater receives the signals from mobile transmitters in the covered area and re-transmits them back to the base station.

A repeater can work off-air, as the repeater in the example above, or be fed over fibre from an optical master unit, OMU. The OMU taps the signal directly off a base station via a coupler, converts it to light and transmits it to a number of repeaters via fibre.

MS MS

Server antenna

Repeater

1.2 Repeater Types

1.2.1 Channel Selective Repeaters

Channel selective repeaters are mainly used for coverage of dead zones, shadows, in-building coverage or other areas with inadequate signal strength. The output power of a channel selective repeater is sufficient to cover an area shadowed by a building or other obstacle.

In a channel selective repeater each carrier is separately filtered, amplified and retransmitted.

Donor antenna

BTS

A channel selective repeater system consists of one repeater unit complemented with one antenna facing the donor BTS and another antenna directed towards the coverage area. The repeater site needs to be located

Server antenna

Repeater

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

where the BTS signal strength is large enough to be usable by the system. Ideally the repeater’s donor antenna should have line of sight (LOS) contact with the BTS antenna. If the signal strength is high enough, LOS may in some cases not be necessary.

The signal generated by the BTS is picked up at the repeater site via the donor antenna. The repeater filters and amplifies the signal before retransmitting it at the same frequency over the server antenna.

The isolation between the antennas at the repeater site has to be high in order to prevent degradation of signal quality and risk of oscillation. Ways to achieve this can be large physical separation between the antennas, usage of highly directional antennas with good front-to-interference ratio or external shielding between the antennas. Another option is to use a Frequency Translating repeater (see description below).

Channel selective repeaters may have higher output power per carrier and typically have better spurious rejection than band selective repeaters. The maximum output power per carrier can be several watts.

1.2.2 Band Selective Repeaters

Band selective repeaters have the same functionality as channel selective repeaters. The difference is that band selective repeaters do not separate out specific carriers but amplify and retransmit all signals within a defined frequency band.

The risk for intermodulation distortion leads in most cases to a lower output power per carrier in a band selective repeater than in a channel selective repeater.

1.2.3 Frequency Translating Repeaters

A frequency translating repeater provides output power levels comparable to a base station. The concept allows for high gain without the high antenna isolation required for channel selective repeaters.

The frequency translating repeater consists of two units; one donor unit and one remote unit.

Link antennas

Server antenna

Remote unit

RF Link Path

Donor unit

Donor Cell

Repeater units

Base Station

The donor unit is mounted at the base station site where the signal enters the repeater via a directional coupler. In the donor unit, the signal is translated into another frequency, the link frequency, amplified and transmitted via a link antenna. At the remote site, a link antenna picks up the signal and feeds it to the remote unit. The signal is translated back into the original frequency and retransmitted over the server antenna.

Only 2 guard channels are needed between the radio frequency and the link frequency.

The isolation between antennas at the remote site seldom needs to be more than 75dB. This value that can be achieved with a limited antenna displacement, often as low as 3 meters. The relatively modest isolation requirement allows the use of omni-directional antennas for the service area.

Important applications for frequency translating repeaters are road coverage, rural coverage or for transferring capacity from a base station to another area.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

1.2.3.1 Donor Unit

There are two types of donor units – single donor (SD) and double donor (DD).

A single donor (SD) unit has one input connector. The input signal from the BTS is split in two within the repeater unit. In the opposite direction – in the uplink – the signals are combined within the repeater before being sent to the BTS.

A double donor (DD) unit has dual inputs. This can be used in combination with a BTS that uses air combining, and hence has a separate antenna for each TRU. A double donor unit can alternatively handle two signals from two separate BTS.

1.2.3.2 Remote Unit

There are two types of remote units – internal combining (IR) and external combining (ER).

In an internal combining (IR) remote unit output from the power amplifiers in the downlink is combined and filtered before being passed on to the server antenna. In the uplink the signal is separated within the remote unit.

An external combining remote (ER) unit has two server antenna ports and the signal is combined in the air. Since the ER model needs no combiner the output signal and gain is 3dB higher than in the IR model.

1.2.4 Band Shifting Repeaters

Band shifting repeaters are based on the same concept as frequency translating repeaters described above.

In contrast to a frequency translating repeater, which uses another frequency within the same band for the link, a band shifting repeater uses another band. For instance can a repeater operating on the 900MHz band use the 1800MHz band for the link and vice versa. Other combinations are also possible.

Link and server antenna on the

Link antennas

Band 1

Base Station

By using another band for the link the isolation between antennas at the remote site becomes very low. It might in some applications even be possible to use the same antenna for both the link and the service area.

Band 2

Donor unit

Donor Cell

RF Link Path

Repeater units

remote site can often be combined

Server antenna

Band 2

Band 1

Remote unit

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

1.2.5 Fiber Fed Repeaters

The fiber fed repeater is primarily designed for coverage of tunnels and large buildings.

Leaky feeder

Tunnel

Directional coupler

BTS

A fiber fed repeater can be either channel selective or band selective. It receives the RF signals from the base station via a HUB or an OptoBox which translates the RF signal to an optical signal and sends it to the repeater via a fiber optic cable. The repeater unit can be installed up to 20 km away from the base station.

Inside the tunnel leaky feeders or antennas can be used for transmission to the mobile units.

HUB/ OptoBox

Optic fiber

Fiber fed repeaters

BTS

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

1.3 Repeater Applications

1.3.1 Channel Selective Repeaters

1.3.1.1 Shadow Coverage and Gap Filling

When there are coverage holes caused by buildings or mountains, a channel selective repeater can be used to extend coverage into the “dead zone”. The building can sometimes be used as physical shield to create the necessary antenna isolation.

Repeater

The terrain is often seen as a limiting factor when striving for flawless radio coverage. The gap-filler repeaters can be used as a complement to the network of base stations.

BTS

1.3.2 Frequency Translating Repeaters

1.3.2.1 Low Traffic Coverage

The example shows coverage extension in an area with low traffic by using frequency translating repeaters.

A two sector BTS is extended with two frequency translating repeaters. Both donor units are mounted at the base station site and connected to the base station via directional couplers.

Each repeater has a different link frequency and transmits the frequency of the opposite base station sector, thus minimizing interference or multi-path propagation problems. A normal handover is performed between the repeater coverage area and the neighboring base station coverage area.

Remote unit

Donor unit

RF Link Paths

Donor unit

BTS

Remote unit

Since the installation of frequency translating repeaters requires moderate antenna isolation, remote site requirements are very moderate.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

1.3.2.2 Highway Coverage

One two-sector BTS feeds two frequency translating repeaters, each covering an area comparable to the base station. This is a way to get maximum coverage out of the one BTS, with one connection point for transmission.

BTS

Since antenna isolation requirements are low for frequency translating repeaters, omni-directional antennas can be used at the remote sites to achieve good coverage.

1.3.2.3 “Fake site” – Moving Capacity

In this application the BTS is upgraded with an additional “sector” used for feeding a frequency translating repeater to cover an area up to 20km away from the BTS. This is an effective alternative when no transmission point is available in the area to be covered. The frequency translating repeater “moves” capacity from the base station site to the new location.

Remote

Donor unit

BTS

This type of installation takes full advantage of the high output power and high sensitivity of the frequency translating repeater.

unit

Fake Site

1.3.3 Band Shifting Repeaters

A band shifting repeater can be used in the same way as a frequency translating repeater if the user has access to frequencies on two different bands.

1.3.4 Fiber Fed Repeaters

1.3.4.1 Tunnel Coverage

Fiber optic fed repeaters makes it possible to cover long tunnels from one or two BTS sites nearby. The hub unit at the BTS site can feed up to 24 repeaters. The repeaters distribute the signal in the tunnel with antennas or radiating cables (leaky feeders).

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Using leaky feeders is normally the most effective way to cover a tunnel, since the signal is evenly distributed along the tunnel. Achieving good coverage in a train tunnel, for instance, using antennas can be difficult as the trains tend to block signal propagation.

1.3.4.2 Open Area Coverage

A fiber optic fed repeater can be used in combination with a HUB or an OptoBox to move the repeater away from the base station. This can in some cases be used to avoid antenna isolation problems.

Omnidirectional Antenna

Directional Coupler

Fiber Fed

BTS

HUB/OptoBox

In this example a HUB/OptoBox is placed at the BTS site. The RF signal is tapped from the antenna by a directional coupler, translated into an optical signal and sent to the repeater over a fiber optic link. At the repeater site a fiber fed repeater receives the signal, translates it back to RF and sends it to the antenna. This antenna can be for instance omni-directional because the distance to the BTS is no longer a problem.

Optical Fiber

Repeater

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

2 Software Overview

Axell Wireless mainly supplies three different types of software; Repeater firmware, Repeater Maintenance Console and Axell Element Manager.

2.1 Repeater Firmware

The repeater firmware is the software inside the Control Module of the repeater. It is command line based, with simple SET and GET commands. A rich variety of commands are available to control and monitor all subsystems of the repeater from a normal VT100 terminal emulation program, such as MiniCom (Linux/Unix) or HyperTerminal (Windows). This also means that any standard laptop is able to control a repeater without additional software installed.

The repeater firmware has three main tasks:

 Set and configure parameters in the repeater, such as channel numbers, gain, power levels, and different

report configurations

 Monitor and measure alarm sources, alarm parameters and repeater utilization

 Send reports and alarms to the repeater OMC

Communication with the repeater can be performed either locally on site or remotely via a built in modem. For local communication a terminal with RS232 interface is needed. For remote communication a computer with a modem is needed as well as a serial communications program such as HyperTerminal™.

2.2 The RMC, Repeater Maintenance Console

RMC is an online software program with an intuitive graphical interface that simplifies control and installation of the repeater or OMU. The RMC is a graphical shell for the repeater’s Control Module. It reads commands and attributes from the Control Module and displays them in an intuitive layout. This eliminates the need to learn commands and attributes for controlling the repeater or OMU.

Login can be made locally via the LMT port or remotely via a modem or via Ethernet. As soon as the RMC is connected it constantly polls the repeater or OMU for parameters such as power supply levels, in and out levels, temperature, traffic, etc. If the repeater is a slave type repeater, the OMU manages the data collection from the repeater.

The RMC program can be installed from a CD. It is a Windows based application that runs on Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

2.3 The AEM, Axell Element Manager

AEM is a complete operations and maintenance centre for Axell Wireless repeater networks.

The AEM takes control of the repeater – or the OMU-Repeater system - once the installation at site is completed. The repeater gets integrated into the network and will be controlled by the Element Manager. During integration all repeater parameters and statuses are downloaded into a database. The database is regularly updated with all incoming alarms and reports, and will hence contain a copy of the repeater configuration so that current repeater information will be accessible without setting up communication with the repeaters.

Communication between the AEM and the repeaters are message based. This means that the operator does not have to await message delivery, but will be informed when the message is delivered to the repeater

The Axell Element Manager is a Windows™ based application that runs on Windows 2000, Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP.

For more information please refer to the separate AEM User’s Manual.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

A tri band repeater with three fibre optic converters fed by three OMUs

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

3 Product and System Description

3.1 Overview

The MBF family of repeaters include band selective, fibre fed repeaters with one, two or three bands integrated into one repeater box. The repeaters are named MBF (Multi Band Fibre) with an extension that defines the number of bands and the type of band. The number of bands is indicated by a letter where “S” stands for single band, “D” for dual band and “T” for tri band. The frequencies covered are indicated by numbers where “7” stands for 700MHz, “8” stands for 850MHz, “9” for 900 MHz, “18” for 1800MHz, “19” for 1900 MHz, “22” for 2100MHz and “17” for the AWS band.

The MBF repeater is a systems component and needs to be fed from an Optical Master Unit, OMU. Each OMU can be equipped with up to 6 fibre optic converters. Several OMUs can also be cascaded to form more extensive repeater systems.

Server Antenna

MBF Repeater

OMU

From BTS via coupler

FiberOptic Converters

Opto Fiber

Standard OMU-Repeater application where one OMU is used

In a standard OMU-Repeater application as illustrated above, the input signal to the system is tapped off a base station via a directional coupler. In the OMU the RF signal is converted into an analogue optical signal and transported via optic fibre to the fibre fed repeater MBF. The repeater converts the optical signal back into an RF signal which is then amplified and transmitted via a server antenna. In the uplink direction the OMU receives the signal from the repeater via the fibre optical cable, converts it to an RF signal and sends it back to the base station via the coupler. The OMU-Repeater system can also be fed from one a repeater. In this case the signal is tapped from the repeater’s server antenna port. The repeater in its turn can be linked to an antenna that picks up the signal off air.

An MBF repeater with more that one band can be equipped with one fibre optic converter which is shared between the bands or have one converter for each band. Below are the two options exemplified.

Server Antenna

Tri band repeater with three fibre optic converters

BTS 3

BTS 2

BTS 1

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

A tri band repeater with one fibre optic converter fed by one OMU

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Server Antenna

Tri band repeater with one

Combiner system

BTS 3

BTS 2

BTS 1

An OMU-Repeater system can be expanded to handle up to 24 repeaters and cover a distance of to up to 20 km of fibre between the OMU and the most distant repeater.

fibre optic converter

3.2 Repeater Models

The MBF repeater can be configured in many combinations. These are the most common ones.

Single Band

MBF-S-7 LTE-700

MBF-S-8 GSM/WCDMA850

MBF-S-9 E-GSM

MBF-S-18 GSM1800

MBF-S-19 GSM/WCDMA1900

MBF-S-22 WCDMA2100

Dual Band

MBF-D-9-22 E-GSM and WCDMA2100

MBF-D-8-19 GSM/WCDMA850 and GSM/WCDMA1900

MBF-D-7-17 LTE700 and AWS

Tri Band

MBF-T-9-18-22 E-GSM, GSM1800 and WCDMA2100

MBF-T-8-17-19 GSM/WCDMA850, AWS and GSM/WCDMA1900

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

3.3 Characteristics

These are some of the most important characteristics of the MBF family of repeaters.

For more detailed information please refer to section 7 Specifications.

MBF

System GSM/WCDMA850, E-GSM, GSM1800,

GSM/WCDMA1900, AWS, LTE and WCDMA2100

Composite Output Power DL 850MHz +37 dBm

Composite Output Power DL E-GSM +37 dBm*

Composite Output Power DL 700MHz +37dBm

Composite Output Power DL 1800MHz +37 dBm*

Composite Output Power DL 1900MHz +37 dBm

Composite Output Power DL 2100MHz +39 dBm

Gain is defined by the whole link including the OMU Adjustable in 1dB steps

* Note! In repeaters that share a common downlink fibre for 900MHZ and 1800MHz a minimum of 4

carriers in each band is required for the full composite output power to be attainable maintaining full ETSI compliance.

3.4 Casing

Axell Wireless repeaters are relatively small and have low power consumption. They are housed in a die cast aluminum box which makes them light and offers good heat conduction and waterproofing. Cooling is accomplished by convection.

Note! The MBF repeaters are designed primarily for multi carrier purposes. If the repeaters are run at full

output power over a longer period the convection cooling might not be enough. The repeaters have a power management function implemented that will step down the power and if needed fully shut down the amplifier chains until temperature has reached normal values. In situations where a repeater will be run in such a manner extra cooling can be provided for instance by putting the repeater in a temperature controlled environment or via external fans.

The housing conforms to IP65 and NEMA 4 standards.

Dimensions, Weight and Power Consumption

Dimensions

Weight

Single and dual band versions: 540 x 350 x 150 mm

Tri band version:540 x 350 x 220 mm

Single band version: 21 kg, Dual band version: 25 kg, Tri band version: 33kg

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

Tri band repeater with door open

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Single or dual band repeater Tri band repeater

Single band repeater with door open Dual band repeater with door open

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

The repeaters are closed with two hex screws, M8.

As a complement the repeaters can be locked with a key.

Note! The two screws must be fully tightened.

Failure to do so may affect the IP65 compliancy and therefore any warranty.

The external connections at the bottom of the repeater can be protected with a cover which is screwed in place.

The repeaters are designed to be mounted on a wall or in a 19” rack. They should always be mounted in a vertical position with the connectors facing downwards.

Screws

Lock

Connectors

3.5 Connections

All connections are placed at the bottom panel of the repeater.

Power Fiber inputGround Server

antenna

 Antenna connection is DIN 7/16” connector, female

 Fibre connector is SC/APC. It is placed on the fibre optic converter(s) inside the repeater

 Plinth connection for power input is described in section 5 Installation

 Plinth connector for external alarms is described in section 5 Installation

Note!

APC connectors need to be used

throughout the whole link between the OMU and the repeater.

Also all ODF connections need to be of the same type.

External alarms

3.6 Building Blocks

The repeaters consist of the following main building blocks.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

 Control Module – all MBF repeaters have one

Control Module

 MCPA, Multi Carrier Power Amplifier – an MBF

repeater has one MCPA for each band

 Radio Module – an MBF repeater has one Radio

Module for each band

 Fibre Optic Converter – an MBF repeater can have

one, two or three Fibre Optic Converters

 Filter – all MBF repeaters have one filter for one,

two or thee bands

 RefGen, Reference Generator - all MBF repeaters

have one RefGen

 EAIM, External Alarm Interface Module - all MBF

repeaters have one EAIM

 PSUP, Power Supply Module - single and dual

band repeaters have one PSUP, and tri band repeaters have two

The illustration to the right shows a dual band repeater with one fibre optic converter.

Control Module

Ref Gen

Radio Module

Fibre Optic

Converter

MCPA MCPA

Power

PSUPPSUP

Fiber Input

Radio Module

Filter

Server

Antenna

Port

External

Alarms

EAIM

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

The illustration to the left shows a tri band repeater with three fibre optic converters

Fibre Optic

Converter

PSUPPSUP

Radio Module

MCPA

Ref Gen

Radio Module

Fibre Optic

Converter

MCPA MCPA

PSUPPSUP

Control Module

Radio Module

Filter

EAIM

Power

Fiber Input

Server

Antenna

Port

External

Alarms

3.6.1 Control Module

The Control Module manages and controls the repeater and handles alarms. The Control Module keeps track of all modules in the repeater based on serial numbers. Data is collected from modules within the repeater such as MCPA, Radio Module and Fibre Optic Converter. The collected data is processed and if an error is detected the Control Module may send an alarm via a built in modem or via Ethernet to an Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC).

In addition to collecting data from all modules, the Control Module can also collect status of four external alarm inputs connected to the External Interface board. The summary alarm status of the repeater can be indicated on a relay port, available on the external interface connector. This relay can be used to indicate to external equipment if the repeater is functioning properly.

The Control Module includes a Real Time Clock (RTC). The RTC keeps track of at what time alarms and events occur. This RTC has its own backup battery in order to keep up proper time keeping even during long power failures.

The Control Module contains a RS232 port used for local access to the repeater. The USB connector is not activated in this version of the repeater and cannot be used.

The Control Module can be configured in two different modes:

 Stand-alone Mode – in this mode all communication is made directly with the unit – either locally or

remotely via a modem or Ethernet. The communication with the Axell Element Manager is performed using a modem or Ethernet.

 Systems Slave – being a systems slave means all communications with the Axell Element Manager is

handled by the Control module in the OMU.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

The Control Module has four LEDs which give information regarding the status of the repeater and if someone is logged on to the repeater.

If the repeater is configured as a system slave the two LEDs MDM Power and MDM Status do not fill any function and can be disregarded.

Blue LED - Login

Quick flash Control Module switched on, someone logged in locally and/or remotely

Off (except for a quick flash every 10th second)

Off (permanent) Control Module switched OFF

Control Module switched on, no one logged in

Red LED - Status

Quick flash Control Module switched on, one or more errors/alarms detected

Off (except for a quick flash every 10th second)

Off (permanent) Control Module switched off

Control Module switched on, status OK

Green LED – Modem Power

On Modem Power is on

Off Modem Power is off

Green LED – Modem Status

On Depending on type of call:

Flashing

(irregular)

75ms on/75ms off/75ms on/3s off

75ms on/3s off

600ms on/600ms off

Off Modem is off

Voice call: Connected to remote party

Data call: Connected to remote party or exchange of parameters while setting up or disconnecting a call

Indicates GPSR data transfer. When a GPRS transfer is in progress the LED goes on within 1 second after data packets were exchanged. Flash duration in approximately 0.5s.

One or more GPRS contexts activated

Logged to network (monitoring control channels and user interactions). No call in progress

No SIM card inserted, or no PIN entered, or network search in progress, or ongoing user authentications, or network login in progress

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

3.6.1.1 Modem

The repeater can be equipped with a wireless modem or a PSTN modem for remote control and supervision. Different wireless modem types are supported – GSM, EDGE, GPRS, TETRA, etc. If the repeater is equipped with a wireless modem a SIM card holder is mounted on the Control Module.

The repeater can also be accessed via Ethernet.

Wireless modems are placed on the Control Module inside the repeater. A PSTN modem is placed in a separate module within the repeater.

3.6.2 MCPA, Multi Carrier Power Amplifier

There is one MCPA for each band in the repeater.

3.6.3 Radio Module

There is one Radio Module for each band in the repeater. These are RF boards containing two RF-chains, one uplink and one downlink.

3.6.4 Fibre Optic Converter

A single band MBF repeater has only one Fibre Optic Converter. A dual or tri band repeater can have one, two or three converters depending on the mixture of frequency bands and the requirements on the system.

The Fibre Optic Converters contain both a receiver and a transmitter. The two optical signals are combined utilizing WDM technology (Wavelength Division Multiplexing). Hence only one fibre is necessary for transmission. The module also contains a function for the internal communication over the fibre.

The Fibre Optic Modules work in pairs in the system – one in the OMU and one in the repeater. The one placed in the OMU is the master (Optical Master Unit) and the one placed in the repeater is the slave (Optical Slave Unit).

The Fibre Optic Converter has a pilot tone generator that is used for detecting the optical path loss in the fibre. This information can be used for compensation of this loss. Optical loss compensation is always initiated from the Optical Master Unit. In the Optical Slave Unit the pilot tone is normally disabled, and only enabled upon request (from for example the Optical Master Unit).

The Fibre Optic Converter contains two optical alarm sources. These are alarms for transmitted and received optical signal level. The levels of the received optical signals can be monitored on-line via the RMC. This is convenient during installation and tuning of the system. The module also has two alarm sources for the communication between the master and the slave.

There are 6 LEDs on the module to indicate the status.

LED 1, Power, Green

On Unit is powered on

Off Unit has no power

LED 2, Error, Red

On Error detected

Off No error

LED 3, UL Data, Yellow

On Communication is ongoing in the uplink direction

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Off No communication

LED 4, DL Data, Yellow

On Communication is ongoing in the downlink direction

Off No communication

LED 5, Opto Rx, Green

On Received RF signal on fiber channel is above threshold

Off Input level below threshold

LED 6, Opto Tx, Green

On Transmitted RF signal on fiber channel is above threshold

Off Output level below threshold

3.6.5 Filter

The filter provides a wide band selective window for the uplink and downlink in each band on the RF antenna end of the repeater.

3.6.6 RefGen, Reference Generator Module

The Reference Generator generates a stable reference frequency which is distributed to the radio modules of the system. It is used as a reference signal in the synthesizer in the repeater and also in the microcontrollers in the MCPA and Radio Module.

3.6.7 EAIM, External Alarm and Interface Module

Four external alarm sources can be connected to the alarm module, EAIM. These sources must generate a voltage between 12 and 24 VDC. The presence or absence of this voltage will trigger the alarm depending on how alarm thresholds have been configured in the controller software.

The module can also supply +15V to external alarm sources. The maximum allowed load on this supply is 100mA.

One relay contact closure is provided to reflect the status of the repeater. This can be used as a sum alarm. For installation of external alarms see section 5 Installation.

3.6.8 PSUP, Power Supply

The PSUP is fed by 110/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz or -48 V DC. The PSUP generates secondary DC voltages for the repeater modules. The input is equipped with a surge, EMI, EMC suppression filter.

The -48VDC version of the power supply is designed to turn off if the supply voltage falls below -36V (±1V). It will turn on again as the supply voltage reaches -43V (± 1V).

On the Power Supply unit a rechargeable battery pack in mounted. This part also includes charging and supervision electronics. The backup battery will provide the Control Module and modem with enough capacity to send an alarm in case of input power failure.

The power supply module is connected to all other electronic modules via the distribution board.

The power supply has a switch which allows it to be set in “on” position or in “stand by”. The battery can be switched on and off.

MBF, Multi Band Repeater

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND USER'S MANUAL

Power Supply

The power supply has 4 LEDs to indicate the status.

Input Power

+6V +15V +28V

LED 1, Input Power, Green

Slow flash Power supply unit operating on AC or DC

OFF Power supply unit not operating

LED 2, +6V, Red

Slow flash (every 10 seconds) +6V power supply operating

Quick flash +6V power supply not operating or operating with malfunction

LED 3, +15V, Red

Slow flash (every 10 seconds) +15V power supply operating

Quick flash +15V power supply not operating or operating with malfunction

LED 4, +28V, Red

Slow flash (every 10 seconds) +28V power supply operating

Quick flash +28V power supply not operating or operating with malfunction

3.7 Signal Diagrams

Uplink

Optical In/Out

Fiber Optic Converter

Downlink

Radio Module

GSM

Duplex Filter

RF in/out

MCPA GSM

Single band repeater for E-GSM

+ 75 hidden pages

Axell Wireless A216SERIES, A215SERIES User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual