Learn more about how carrier aggregation and time and phase synchronization can help reduce the number of deployed cell sites while extending coverage and capacity.
Maximizing 5G Performance and Savings: How Carrier Aggregation Transforms Cell Site Deployment
In the United States, the average cost to build a cell site is between $200,000 and $300,000. However, Carrier Aggregation (CA) can reduce the number of deployed cell sites while extending coverage and capacity. CA requires networks to have specific bandwidth levels for time and phase synchronization.
5G is deployed in two frequency ranges: FR1 (sub 6 GHz) and FR2 (millimeter waves of 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz). FR1 is further divided into the low band (sub 1 GHz) and mid band (1–6 GHz). Low-frequency ranges provide very good coverage because of their large wavelengths that propagate deeper indoors. These ranges are typically deployed in FDD mode, which also has a higher uplink signal strength compared to TDD mode. The high-frequency ranges deliver the largest capacity and lowest latency in TDD mode compared to the other frequency ranges. However, these ranges are limited by a poorer uplink signal strength compared to the mid- and low-frequency ranges. Coverage is usually restricted by the uplink signal strength rather than the downlink signal strength. The mid-frequency ranges in TDD mode offer the best balance between coverage and capacity. The mid-range frequency range coverage is not good as the one of the low-frequency ranges but is better than the high-frequency ranges. Similarly, the capacity of the mid-range frequency ranges is not as good as the one of the high frequency ranges but still better than the one of the low frequency ranges.
In summary, the mid- and high-frequency ranges in TDD are important for 5G to provide more capacity. The drawback is that these ranges require the deployment of more cell sites for coverage unless CA is implemented.
CA is a core feature of 5G that delivers the best performance out of the spectrum available. It maximizes the use of FDD and TDD bands and enables 5G to extend coverage and reduce the deployment of additional cell sites. This is a major cost-saving item for mobile operators.
CA combines several channels in the same FDD and TDD frequency band or between different frequency bands to improve capacity and achieve much higher data rates.
CA requires networks to have specific bandwidth levels for time and phase synchronization. FR2 intra-band requires a maximum Time Alignment Error (TAE) of 130 ns; FR1 intra-band contiguous and FR2 intra-band non-contiguous require a maximum TAE of 260 ns.
In summary, time and phase synchronization are critical for deploying CA to maximize the use of the spectrum and avoid the cost of deploying additional cell sites. It is key in the cost savings factors that minimizes the cost of capital expenditures.
For more information about our timing and synchronization products and solutions, please visit our clock and timing systems web page.
Karim Traore, Apr 11, 2024
Tags/Keywords: Communications
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