This system is designed to be operated indoors as a fixed system device and must be
located either on or near the ceiling away from the user. It must be mounted in a manner
to ensure that all users and bystanders and users are kept a minimum of 60mm away
from antennas at all times.
Do not touch or move the antenna(s) while the unit is transmitting or receiving.
Do not hold any component containing a radio such that the antenna is very close to or
touching any exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes while transmitting.
In most parts of the world, regulatory approval(s) are needed before the nanoBTS is
operated.
Do not connect any device other than the nanoBTS to any RJ45 socket that has been
enabled for nanoBTS connection (i.e. 48Vdc operation).
The nanoBTS is intended for dry indoor applications only. If evidence of condensation is
present do not apply power to the nanoBTS.
The nanoBTS must only be powered using a PSU supplied by ip.access.
PSUs supplied by ip.access must not be used for powering any other equipment.
The nanoBTS is a picocellular basestation operating in one of the GSM frequency bands and
complies with all the relevant ETSI / FCC specifications. A nanoBTS basestation is mounted on a
wall or ceiling, taking its power and traffic from a single 10/100 switched Ethernet connection.
The range of the nanoBTS exceeds half a kilometre in an uncluttered environment and inside
buildings can be expected to support users within a radius of up to 50m or more, depending on
the building construction materials.
The nanoBTS is physically linked to the BSC over an IP network and uses standard GSM
protocols to connect to the existing Public Land Mobile Network
The diagram below shows the system architecture. Calls within the installation are passed over
the IP network and are handed over to the PLMN if the mobile leaves the installation coverage
area and is out of range of the ip.access basestations.
The nanoBTS may be mounted on walls or ceilings, in convenient locations chosen at the system
planning stage, to provide adequate coverage in a building. Power to the nanoBTS is via the RJ45
socket enabled for 48Vdc. The nanoBTS has a LED indicator used to convey its status.
This indicator can be disabled after commissioning if required using the nanoBTS installer
software. For wall mounted installations and installations on sloping surfaces it is preferred that
the cable access is from the bottom as this prevents the ingress of dust and condensation, but
where circumstances dictate the nanoBTS may be mounted to allow cables access from the top
of the unit. When mounted on a ceiling the plastic clip-on cover
ventilation and cooling.
Prior to installation and following a technical site survey, ensure that the following items are
available.
1. Details of placement of PSUs (at central site or at nanoBTS).
2. The following system information is required for each nanoBTS:
•
The ARFCN (Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) to be allocated to that
cell.
•
A specific IP address may be allocated to each nanoBTS location or a pool of IP
addresses may be provided and the installer allocates the IP address for each
nanoBTS.
•
Requirements for and details of any external antenna and mounting and locations.
•
BTS Id for each nanoBTS.
•
IP address subnet mask and default router IP address for the each nanoBTS.
3. For the installation site, the following information is required.
• IP address subnet mask and default router IP address for the installation PC.
•
Printout of the site configuration plan produced as a result of the survey
•
A floor plan showing the mounting location of each nanoBTS, together with
location name and btsid.
Installing the nanoBTS
Parts required for each nanoBTS:
•
Wall fixings: These are not provided as part of the nanoBTS but should be
suitable for the wall material and weight of the nanoBTS (2.7kg). Suggested
materials are 4 x 30mm no.10 woodscrews or M5 bolts and wall plugs (if
required).
•
PSU.
• NanoBTS complete with mounting bracket.
•
RJ45-RJ45 connecting leads
Tools required:
Installation:
•
Drill and masonry or wood bit.
•
Mounting bracket removal tool for removal of the bracket from the nanoBTS.
• Spanner or screwdriver suitable for any fixings used for the mounting bracket.
Power for the nanoBTS may be at either the RJ45 outlet or at the output of the last Ethernet
switch/hub/router etc. See Figure 3 below
nanoBTS
nanoBTS
PSU
φφφφ
~
(48v)
RJ45
PSU
θθθθ
RJ45
~
Ethernet Switch
θθθθ
PSU located at the switch
φφφφ
PSU located at nanoBTS
Figure 3 nanoBTS PSU location
IF THE NETWORK HAS AN EXISTING DHCP SERVER DO NOT CONNECT THE
nanoBTS TO THE SWITCH AT THIS TIME.
Installing the PSU at the Ethernet switch.
If the PSU is located at the patch panel /output port of the Ethernet switch, it is important
that the PSU is connected exactly as illustrated below (failure to do so will cause damage to
the switch). Ensure that the PSU is placed in a location that is ventilated and that the
connection leads provide no safety hazard.
Ensure that the PSU is placed in a location that is ventilated and that the connection leads
provide no safety hazard.
110-230Vac
~
Connection to nanoBTS
48Vdc
PSU
!
48Vdc
Mounting the nanoBTS.
The location of each nanoBTS is shown on the installation floor plan produced at the
network planning stage. The network wiring must be complete before the nanoBTS can
be tested. The nanoBTS should be placed on a wall at or above head height or on a
ceiling.
Note: If the nanoBTS is to be used with an external antenna the nanoBTS should be
modified as shown in appendix 1
a) Fixing to a wall
1) Remove the nanoBTS from the bracket by sliding the removal tool over the central fin
between the bracket and the body of the unit to disengage the locking spring, slide
bracket to separate it from the main body of the unit. The tool may be inserted from
the top or bottom of the nanoBTS
2) Position the bracket on the wall and mark the position of the four screw holes. The top
of the bracket
sufficient clearance is maintained to allow the unit to be located on the bracket (at
least 80mm from the bracket to the top of wall and 120mm from the side of the
bracket to a side wall). See the diagram below.
MUST
be positioned uppermost. Ensure that the bracket is level and
80mm min
120mm min
Figure 6 Positioning mounting bracket
3) Drill the four holes in the positions marked in step 2 and insert the wall plugs (if
required). Fix the mounting bracket securely to the wall. The bracket is designed to
allow the nanoBTS unit to be mounted with the connections either to the top or bottom
of the unit.
4) Slide the nanoBTS onto the bracket and ensure that the retaining spring engages into
the indent at the rear of the unit.
5) Record the MAC address from the label against the correct location of the nanoBTS
in the site configuration plan.
When fixing to a ceiling or a sloping wall the same fixing process and clearances should be
observed as for fixing to a wall (at least 80mm from the bracket to the top of wall and
120mm from the side of the bracket to a side wall). On a sloping surface the top of the
bracket
cover
MUST
be uppermost. Once the unit has been attached to the bracket the outer
MUST
be removed to expose the cooling vanes.
Preparation for configuring nanoBTS
Connect the nanoBTS as per figure 3, to either a 48volt wall socket or to the nanoBTS side
of a PSU.
Check the power on self-test sequence by observing the Status Indicator on the nanoBTS.
The normal sequence is described below,
a) Red shows briefly.
b) Orange glows continuously for around 45 seconds as unit boots up.
c) If the boot process is successful the Status Indicator shows orange with a slow
blink (Off – 0.1 seconds. On – 1.9 seconds).
NOTE:
Do not connect the nanoBTS to the LAN until the DHCP server is running on the
configuring PC. This is especially important if there is already a DHCP server running on
the LAN
Repeat for all other nanoBTS before proceeding to the configuration.
Configuring mostly at the site IP switch room
Configuring mostly at the BTS. See appendix 3
Configuring mostly at the NOC (Network Operations Centre) See
appendix 4
”software file name.sdp”
Using a text editor, open the file C:\ipaccess\windchpd\com.ipaccess.nanoBTS
.v1
that has been prepared as part of the system planning process. The file is in the
following format.
# FILENAME: com.ipaccess.nanobts.v1
# Configuration file for windhcpd to server to ip.access nanoBTSs
# NOTE: values in this file override those in dhcpd.conf for nanoBTSs
#
################################################################
########### Basic IP configuration in standard DHCP ###########
################################################################
subnet = 255.255.0.0
router = 172.28.0.254
# The lease time is mandatory for a successful lease
# The value is in seconds. NOTE nanoBTSs assume lease-time=-1 makes the served
# IP and VSI configuration static, and disables future DHCP !!!
lease-time -1
# filename and next-server options tell the nanoBTS to do a TFTP download
# from the next-server (or from this server if omitted) using the given filename
filename = bts-software.sdp
next-server = 172.28.0.1
################################################################
############## VENDOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION (VSI) ##############
################################################################
#
# VSI options for all MAC addresses can be specified here
#omlipaddr = 172.28.0.30
# default omlipport is 3002 for IPA SW BTS builds, may as well has this default.
omlipport = 3002
################################################################
############## MAC SPECIFIC (VSI) ##############
################################################################
# MAC-specific options can be included too - these override the above defaults
# e.g.
# 00:02:95:ff:ff:01 ipaddr=172.28.3.1 lease-time=-1 omlipaddr=172.28.2.42
#
# you can specify any of the following options per MAC address line:
# ipaddr=
# subnet=
# router=
# lease-time=3600
# filename=
# next-server=
# omlipaddr = 172.28.0.30
# omlipport = 3002
# 2ndomlipaddr = 172.28.0.30
# 2ndomlipport = 3006
# location = "On my desk"
# btsid = 42
# trxid = 0
#
# NOTE that MAC addresses are case sensitive and should be in lower case.
Update the file to reflect the settings specified in the site configuration plan. The
DHCP server uses this file, to pass all of the configuration information, including the
IP address to the nanoBTS, and then stores the IP address as a fixed address.
Note:
If no software is to be downloaded to the nanoBTS, the [filename] field should
be left blank.
Step 2. Connecting the nanoBTS
Connect all the RJ45s to the switch.
Start the DHCP server and the TFTP server by running
C:\ipaccess\tools\windhcpd\windhcpd.exe (or use the desktop icon). The following
screens are displayed when the servers are running and no further intervention is
required, as the servers will automatically respond to requests from the nanoBTS.
Step 3. Setting IP addresses and downloading software
The DHCP server automatically responds to the nanoBTS broadcast with the relevant
IP configuration.
If a .sdp filename has been specified in the “com.ipaccess.nanoBTS
configuration file, then the software will download from the TFTP server to the
nanoBTS. Check against the IP address in the TFTP server window that the .sdp file
has been downloaded and that no error / fail message is displayed.
Figure 10 TFTP server window when active
Setting the frequency of nanoBTS oscillator
The frequency of the nanoBTS is referenced to a crystal oscillator that has to be
accurately calibrated to 26MHz ± 20ppb. The frequency can be adjusted using either of
two methods:
a) Calibration by synchronisation to other GSM base stations transmitting locally. This is
the preferred method, as described below.
b) Using a frequency counter and manually adjusting the frequency. This is an alternative
method that can be used at the BTS site as described in Appendix 2
The following steps 4, 5, 6 and 7 should be done on one nanoBTS and then repeated on
each remaining nanoBTS in turn.
Step 4. Calibration of nanoBTS using frequency synchronisation
Note:
Prior to calibration, the unit must be powered up for a minimum of 60
minutes, to ensure frequency stability.
Start the nanoInstaller and open a session to the nanoBTS by entering the IP address of
the nanoBTS for which the calibration is to be performed.
Figure 11 nanoInstaller opening screen
Figure 12 BTS Session
Wait until the mode and BTS status boxes indicate idle.
Once the connection is established, select the frequency band from the tool
bar.
Select, on the, Frequency Synchronisation Test icon
Select the NWL Properties () icon and then select the ARFCN Lists tab and check
that no lists are selected.
Select the RXLEV Threshold tab and set (tick) “Apply a Threshold”.
Set the threshold to 1 to ensure a sufficiently strong signal is used for calibration.
This test is designed to identify GSM BCCH signals, which can be interrogated later during
the BCCH Information Test.
Select BCCH Channel Usage icon
Select the Properties (
the Apply a White List and Apply a Black List boxes are unchecked.
Click OK and start test or select BCCH Channel Usage Test Start (
menu bar. Wait for the test to complete.
) icon and then select the ARFCN Lists tab and check that
.
Step 7. Retrieve BCCH frequency information
This test measures the receive levels from neighbouring cells in order that the network
operator can effectively plan for handovers. Within the building the handovers will be
designed to pass to other nanoBTS but from the entrance of the building handovers may
be passed to the macro network as the caller moves away from the building.
Select BCCH Information
screen, using the Properties (
threshold to 1.
Select the BCCH Info Type tab and check the boxes as shown below.
Click OK and Start test.
icon and open the Network Listen BCCH information
) icon. Select the RXLEV Threshold tab and set
) from the
Figure 16 BCCH Information Properties
Frequencies selected as a result of the channel usage test are plotted. Placing the
cursor over the frequency plot displays 'Info' summary.
When the test has completed, export the results to a file by selecting ‘File’ ‘Export To
File’ and save the file as the default file name, which will be a combination of the units
IP address and the test name, in a pre-determined directory.
This test is designed to measure path loss between pairs of BTS sites so that the TX
power can be adjusted to achieve required coverage (typically 95%).
In this step each nanoBTS is selected in turn to transmit and the signal is measured on all
other nanoBTS in the building. The information from each test will be entered into a matrix
on the installation report, as shown below.
Extend matrix to
cover all nanoTRX
Record path loss
for each
basestation pair
nTRX a
nTRX b
nTRX c
nTRX a
X
X
nTRX c
nTRX b
X
Table 1 Path Loss Matrix
If a connection is not already established to each nanoBTS, in the installation, open a
BTS session by selecting File, OpenBTS session (or Ctrl +O).
Select the window for the nanoBTS to be used as the beacon
Select Transmit Beacon
but barred).
Click NWL Properties (
Figure 19 Transmit Beacon Properties: NWL options
On the Beacon Information tab and enter one ARFCN from the site configuration plan.
Set the BSIC (Base Station Identity Code) from the site configuration plan and
Set the Absolute Power to the maximum power allowed, specified in the site configuration
plan.
from the side menu (when set as a beacon the cell is active
) and check the Perform the tests until stopped box
Figure 20 Transmit Beacon Properties: Beacon Information
This test is performed to fine adjust the nanoBTS(s) as agreed to give a suitable service
meeting the coverage levels specified in the site configuration plan.
Set each nanoBTS into beacon test mode on its allocated ARFCN and power level as
calculated in the previous step. (See Step 8)
Using a test mobile or other GSM measuring device, walk through the installation site
looking for areas where service is below the threshold specified in the site
configuration plan, recording black spots.
Individual BTS power levels may be adjusted to minimise areas of poor network
performance.
Record all locations that are subject to poor reception.
Step 10. Installation Report
Compile an installation report for the network operator to enable them to set their BTS
neighbours, cell list, power levels and handover thresholds to optimise the network.
The report should contain: -
•
BCCH information
•
Channel usage
•
Path loss matrix
•
Walk test results
• Completed site configuration plan
This completes the installation and configuration of the nanoBTS site.
Appendix 1: Modifying nanoBTS for use with external antenna
Remove Plastic cover.
Remove the top and bottom plates from both ends of the nanoBTS. Lever gently apart with
screwdriver in notch.
Antenna Cover
Top
Notch to aid
removal of
cover
Antenna Cover
Body
Antenna Cover
Bottom
Figure 24 Removal of antenna covers
Remove the antenna cover body, by unscrewing the two Torx T20 screws retaining
Remove Torx Screws
Figure 25 Removal of antenna cover body
Fit the replacement antenna cover body ensuring that the feeder cable connector fits into
the antenna. Note that one cover only fits the receiver whilst the other fits the transmitter.
Fit the clamp as shown below and second Torx screw, then replace top and bottom covers.
Appendix 2: Alternative method to set frequency of nanoBTS
oscillator
Note:
The nanoBTS should be powered on for at least 60 minutes before
performing the frequency calibration procedure, in order to allow the oscillator to
reach its normal operating temperature
Start the nanoInstaller. Select from menu File, Open BTS Session
Figure 27 NanoInstaller Opening Screen
Enter the IP address of the nanoBTS that is to be calibrated.
Figure 28 BTS Session
Click OK and wait until the Mode and BTS State boxes indicate idle.
Once the connection is established, select the frequency band from the tool bar.
If commissioning is to be done mostly at the nanoBTS instead of connecting the PC to
LAN in switch room (step 2) the laptop PC should be set up at the nanoBTS as shown the
diagram below using the power over Ethernet adapter to connect the PC onto the LAN
(the adapter applies the 48V DC to the nanoBTS). Connect a crossed RJ45 lead from the
adapter to the Ethernet connector on the nanoBTS.
nanoTRX
nanoBTS
nano Installer
Power Over
Ethernet
~
Adapter
Laptop PC equipped with
nano Installer, Windhcpd
and TFTP software
Figure 33 Test Setup, Option 1
Page
Step 1.
Steps 2 to 7 performed at the nanoBTS
Step 2.
Step 3. Setting IP address and downloading operational software .....................................17
Step 4. Calibration of nanoBTS using frequency synchronisation.......................................18
LED is on but is flashing orange (1sec on, 1sec off)
The unit is powered up but
does it have proper
connection to the installation
PC.
Check that the BTS is connected to the Ethernet cable
and ensure it is plugged in fully into the Ethernet
socket.
Check that the Ethernet cable is plugged into a power
supply.
Check that the Ethernet is plugged into the correct
socket on the power supply (BTS).
LED’s have been disabled using nanoInstaller
Check that the power supply is connected to the
mains and powered up.
Check the Ethernet cable between power supply unit
and installation PC.
Check that the cable between PC and Power supply
unit is crossed, if connecting directly to the nanoBTS
Check that the Ethernet is connected to a correct
(Live) socket on the hub.
Check that the DHCP server is running on installation
PC
No communication between the nanoInstaller and the BTS
Check that the Ethernet cable is connected between
Check that nanoInstaller is not set to look at the wrong
IP address or port number
the installation PC and the BTS via the power supply
box.
Has the BTS been powered up long enough to warm
up? Warm up time is normally less than 60 minutes
but can sometimes take over one hour if the unit has
been stored in a cold environment before power up.
Problems During Beacon Test
No signal seen on other nanoBTS during beacon test
The nanoBTS is not enabled to transmit a beacon
The power level of the beacon BTs is set too low.
Select a higher power level.
A white list has been applied which does not include
the beacon channel
If using the external antenna, ensure that the cable
connections are in place.
Basic Ethernet at 10 Mbit/sec
Ethernet running at 100 Mbit/sec
Access Channel
Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number
Broadcast Control Channel
Broadcast Channel. A channel transmitted by one (e.g. BS) and received by
many (e.g. MS)
Bit Error Rate
Base Station Controller. The 'brains' of a base station subsystem, controlling the
radio equipment in the BTS
Base Station Subsystem (includes BTS and BSC)
Decibel. 10 times the logarithm of the value in base 10
Decibels referenced to one milliwatt
Dynamic Host Control Protocol. Allows automatic assignment of IP addresses on
a network
Downlink. Radio link from network 'down' to the terminal. Compare with UL
ȀȀȀȀA LAN protocol using collision detection to resolve access contentionȀ
European Telecommunications Specification Institute
ȀȀȀȀA MSC designed to receive wireless calls from the PSTNȀ
ȀȀȀȀThe process of a MS changing from one frequency in one cell or sector to a
different frequency in a neighbouring cell or sectorȀ
Internet Protocol
Kilobits per second
Local Area Network
Light Emitting Diode
Medium Access Control (layer in a protocol stack)
Mobile Station (wireless phone)
Mobile Switching Centre
- 39 -
Negative Acknowledgement signal
ip.access term for a base station controller
ip.access term for a picocellular basestation
Neighbour List
Network Operations Centre
Network Listen Ip.access term for functionality of monitoring surrounding
basestations from the nanoBTS
Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator
Operations and Maintenance Centre
Public Land Mobile Network. A cellular or PCS network
A specification of the messages used to communicate over one or more
interfaces
Packet Switched
Public Switched Telephone Network
Quality of Service. A list of measurable attributes such as bandwidth, delay and
jitter that should be met for a customer
Radio Frequency
RJ45
RX
.sdp
SysInfo
TCP
TCP/IP TCP used over IP
TFTP
TRX
TX
UL
VoIP
Minature 8-position keyed data jack, providing electrical network connection for
data
Receiver
Software download packages
System Information
Transmission Control Protocol. A protocol that provides for reliable delivery of
messages over the Internet. See IP
Trivial File Transfer Protocol
Transceiver
Transmit
Uplink. Radio link in the direction ‘up’ to network. Compare with DL
Voice over IP