Nokia Networks

LTE network in a box

Public safety networks will gradually evolve to LTE-based

technology in the coming years. Such networks must offer
much higher resilience and service availability than traditional
mobile networks, making the public safety market the key
driver for LTE-based network-in-a-box (NIB) solutions.
A pre-installed NIB can be used to recover from network
failures, whereas a rapidly deployable NIB can be used at the
scene of an emergency outside wide area network coverage.
Commercial mobile operators can enhance services with
NIB, for example by offering high quality, reliable services
in remote locations. NIB is also valid recovery solution in
commercial networks.
Several industry sectors, including oil, gas, energy, mining
and healthcare, can use LTE and NIB to better meet their
communication needs.

Nokia Networks white paper

LTE network in a box

Contents

Network in a box meets many demands

LTE network in a box

LTE network in a box use cases

Nokias position

12

References

13

Innovation is happening right now at Nokia

Many of the innovations from previous years described in this document are still relevant today and have been developed to support the
optimization of mobile broadband networks and services.
Looking ahead, Nokia will continue to focus on innovation and we will be updating this document to reflect the latest developments.

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Network in a box meets many demands

Cellular networks encompass several functions normally distributed
across different network elements and geographical locations.
Commercial or private mobile networks can comprise thousands of
base station sites, while core network functions are typically located
only in a few centralized sites. Network in a box (NIB) is a fairly old
term to describe a system in which the main mobile network functions
are integrated into a small box. NIB for LTE includes the eNodeB and
integrated evolved packet core (EPC) functions. Many NIB uses require
additional integrated functions, especially for voice communications.
Public safety communication is key market for LTE NIB solutions. Public
safety networks are expected to start migrating from current technologies,
such as TETRA and P25, to LTE in the coming years. Deployable NIB can
provide communications in uninhabited areas without existing network
coverage, while pre-installed NIB is an effective recovery solution for
mitigating network failures. 3GPP will focus on public safety resilience
and its Release 13 will specify isolated E-UTRAN operations for public
safety. The Rel-13 specifications are planned to be ready in early 2016.

Fig. 1. NIB can be installed on a trailer for rapid deployment

LTE NIB allows commercial mobile operators to develop their data services,
for example for enterprise customers. Furthermore, operators can use NIB
to deploy reliable mobile broadband to remote locations, sometimes in
areas with commonly occurring natural disasters like tropical cyclones.
In some situations, industry sectors often prefer dedicated private
networks instead of commercial services. NIB meets their requirements
for secure wireless communication. For example, a private network for an
oil platform could be justified by the need to use only special safe mobile
devices in the high risk environment and guarantee reliable wireless
connections for automation systems.
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LTE network in a box

Overview
A LTE NIB is a compact box including eNodeB base station and
tightly integrated EPC or mini-core. NIB offers standard authorized
IP connectivity for LTE users. NIB can integrate additional functions
and provide for example communication services such as Voice over
LTE (VoLTE) and push-to-talk group communication for public safety.
The local EPC mini-core can serve also neighboring eNodeBs, if
transmission connections are available.
Base station options
Typical eNodeB for NIB solution has macro site coverage and capacity
performance. Especially deployable NIB solutions benefit from
compact size. Therefore eNodeB should be suitable for outdoors
without a bulky cabinet. Preferably the eNodeB platform can run LTE
core network software in a virtualized environment.
Some NIB use cases benefit from low power consumption and
extremely small physical size of micro or pico cells. Such eNodeB
products may not have adequate processing power for core functions
in which case for example additional industry PC hardware can be used
for LTE core network software. Rest of this paper focuses on examples
and use cases based on macro eNodeB.

RF module
System module

NIB SW integrated in
system module

eNodeB

EPC

Fig. 2. Example of compact NIB integration to macro site eNodeB

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Core network functions

NIB includes key EPC functions for authorized access, session and
mobility management, and IP connectivity. Additional core network
services, such as VoLTE, can also be included. NIB architecture
must be flexible for a set of use cases anticipated and especially
for future evolution. Management and deployment of core network
functions and applications can be eased by utilizing network functions
virtualization (NFV) technologies.
Access authentication and authorization: Subscriber data held in
the NIB Local Home Subscriber Server (HSS) can be specific to local
users, or can be replicated data from a master HSS in a centralized
core network.
Session and mobility management: The Local Mobility
Management Entity (MME) provides the S1 control plane interface
to the eNodeB to support relevant functions including session and
mobility management. The MME can serve multiple eNodeBs when
S1 connections are available to neighboring eNodeB sites.
IP connectivity: The Local Serving Gateway (SGW) and Packet Data
Network Gateway (PDN-GW) provide user plane data services and
enable local device-to-device IP connections; IP connections to
external IP servers; and handovers between neighboring eNodeBs
with S1 connections. NIB also includes Domain name Server (DNS)
and firewall functions.
Security and QoS features: NIB complies with standard 3GPP
security features for authentication, integrity protection and
encryption. It also supports 3GPP Quality of Service (QoS) for
default bearers based on subscriber QoS settings in the HSS.
Dynamic QoS is supported for dedicated bearers when NIB includes
the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF).
Additional services: When NIB provides VoLTE service, the PCRF
controls the Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) bearers and Call Session
Control Function (CSCF) together with Telecom Application Server
(TAS) include voice service registration and call control functions.
Also other functions and applications can be integrated including
3GPP Rel-12 group communication system enablers (GCSE) and
proximity services (ProSe), Rel-13 mission critical push to talk
(MCPTT) application server as well as local video broadcasting, video
and sensor edge analytics, local content at the network edge for
rapid access and augmented reality, and location-based services.

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Network architecture scenarios

A NIB can be used as a standalone LTE network without connections
to external networks or NIB can offer locally selected core function
while rest of core function are served by centralized core network. The
following scenarios are the most typical:
Isolated network: A deployable NIB solution can provide complete
LTE network service without any transmission connection to external
networks. NIB can also support multiple eNodeBs connected with
S1 interfaces, enabling it to act as a back-up core network for a
region should neighboring eNodeBs lose transport connection to a
centralized core site.
Support remote locations: A NIB can optimize services in a remote
location with limited transmission connection.
Local breakout deployment: A NIB can support a local breakout
solution when the local traffic volume is high, for example at
enterprise sites. When applicable, NIB can use IP security for
connections to the operators centralized core site.

Deployable NIB
> EPC enables access for
selected users (HSS data)
> UEs can communicate within
eNB coverage area

eNB + EPC

NIB serving isolated area after

transport failure
> NIB EPC enables access for
selected users (HSS data)
> UEs can communicate within
area served by NIB and multiple
eNBs
transport failure
eNB + EPC

S1, X2

eNB

eNB

UE
UE

Fig. 3. Single eNodeB NIB as deployable standalone LTE network. NIB as

backup core network.

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Split core due to limited transport option 1

Split core due to limited transport option 2

> NIB packet core optimizes local connectivity and mobility

> Optionally localized broadband content and

services can be offered

> Centralized HSS for authentication and network access

> UEs can communicate with broadband performance locally

HSS

HSS

E.g.
satellite

Limited transport

Limited transport
> Narrow bandwidth
> High latency

eNB + MME+
SAE-GW

eNB + MME+
SAE-GW

S1, X2

Local data
services

eNB

eNB

eNB

SGi

S1, X2

UE

UE

Fig. 4. NIB optimization when transport connection to centralized core is limited.

Split core for local breakout option 1

Split core for local breakout option 2

> NIB can optimize local traffic routing

> NIB can optimize local VoLTE calls

> For example local breakout for enterprise

intranet traffic

S1, X2

IMS, TAS

Internet

Internet

HSS

eNB + MME+
SAE-GW

HSS

eNB + MME+
SAE-GW +
PCRF +
P-CSCF
SGi

eNB

UE

S1, X2
Local data
services

SGi

eNB

Local data
services

UE

Fig. 5. Local breakout with NIB.

Deployment considerations
Due to multiple NIB solution alternatives with varying network architectures
and functional requirements that differ from traditional network
deployments, attention must be drawn to design, implementation,
integration, field verification and optimization of NIB solutions.
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LTE network in a box use cases

Isolated operations for LTE public safety
Many public safety agencies and organizations are already
investigating how to evolve from their existing networks to LTEbased solutions. LTE supports a wide variety of services, from high
bandwidth data services to real-time communication services all in
a common IP-based network. Mission-critical communication during
emergencies sets strict requirements for the network.
NIB supports public safety and defence-related scenarios that require
a mix of data (e.g. group messaging, location data, video streams,
sensor data etc.) and voice services. Such advanced indoor and
outdoor services must securely and reliably connect people and
machines as well as support mobility using a light infrastructure.
NIB can provide wireless communication in all conditions, a key
requirement for LTE-based public safety services. Although LTE
public safety devices will support direct mode operation (DMO),
also known as device-to-device (D2D) communication, the coverage
and communication capabilities are limited when network support
is missing. NIB improves network resilience and provides a rapidly
deployable solution for locations without existing network coverage.
>

Private LTE network as a deployable

system for public safety forces
(police, firefighters, disaster recovery)

>

Compact and robust, can be mounted

into even small vehicles

>

Ready to operate within minutes,

covers also larger areas when used
with telescopic mast

>

Fully autonomous system, no

backhaul required

>

Secure mobile broadband

communications. For example
increased situational awareness with
video monitoring cameras and body
cameras

Fig. 6. Deployable NIB for public safety.

It is feasible to design and implement LTE public safety networks
to include a NIB as a back-up for a set of eNodeB sites. Should the
backhaul transmission connection to the centralized core network
site be lost, the local NIB can provide the necessary core network
services for a group of neighboring eNodeBs fitted with S1 fallback
connections to the NIB EPC (See Figure 3).
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Typically, countries have sparsely populated or uninhabited areas

without network coverage, but incidents such as forest fires require
emergency response. A rapidly deployable NIB with a macro sized
eNodeB brings vital communications to the responders over an area
of several square kilometers.
In normal conditions macro network EPC is serving the eNodeBs
and public safety devices. Because isolated operation offers limited
communication services, the mobile devices must detect it and inform
the users. At the time of writing 3GPP has just started evaluating
technical alternatives for isolated E-UTRAN operation for public
safety (IOPS). Expected solution for detecting isolated operation is to
assign dedicated public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) when
eNodeB enters isolated operation mode. Dedicated PLMN ID allows
mobile device to differentiate easily cells operating in normal mode
from isolated mode cells.
Remote hotspot
Broadband communication services in rural areas and remote
locations can be poor. Quite often there is no fixed optical connectivity
and external communication may rely on expensive satellite links.
Substantial numbers of people live in regions affected by regular
tropical storms that often damage telecommunication systems. Thus
there is a need to improve telecom services in remote locations.
LTE coverage extension to remote
location

Site with
local EPC

Satellite

Optional local
services &
CDN/caching

Operator LTE network

Centralized
LTE core

IP
edge

Internet

>

Extends commercial LTE services into geographical

white spots such as rural areas, islands, deep valleys,
cruise ships

>

Allows for various transport options like MWR,

satellite, or wireline connection

Fig. 7. NIB for remote hotspots.

LTE and NIB can be deployed to remote areas to enhance and improve
the reliability of communications and data services. NIB can also be
used to introduce local broadband services even in places served by
satellite links. Local authorities can offer online services for inhabitants
via local content servers.
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Enterprise data services

Mobile operators typically offer a large portfolio of services for
businesses. Services include mobile communication and mobile
broadband, together with various value-add options such as mobile
devices, security and VPNs, applications and cloud services.
Many enterprises have already migrated from fixed telephone lines
to enterprise VoIP and mobile voice. However, mobile broadband has
now reached a level of performance and cost that makes LTE a viable
alternative to WiFi and Ethernet for mobile employees.
LTE NIB is an attractive opportunity for mobile operators to offer
wireless campus solutions for their business customers. Because
a large portion of the data traffic generated by employee business
mobile devices is internal to the enterprise, NIB provides local
breakout in enterprise premises, offloading a significant amount of
traffic from the operators backhaul or centralized core network. This
allows enterprises to save WiFi and Ethernet infrastructure.

Data center

>

Mobile operator can offer LTE based mobile

office and campus connectivity

>

Broadband data connection for smartphones,

tablets and laptops and high quality VoLTE and
VoIP with same infrastructure

>

NIB provides local breakout to enterprise IT

solutions. Enterprise intranet traffic does not
load operator backhaul or centralized packet
core

>

Even enterprise internal voice calls can be routed

locally

Fig. 8. NIB for enterprise local breakout.

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Mining - Industry example

Mining is an industry that could benefit from LTE and NIB. Large openpit mines can be tens of square kilometers in size, which means that
communications must be possible over distances ranging from a few
kilometers to tens of kilometers. A wide area communication solution
would be more efficient than, for example, a wired network and WiFi
access points.
Automation brings higher safety to mines and requires wireless
machine communications to autonomous drilling and haulage system.
Wireless communication is not only used to control systems remotely,
but also for sending live video to a control room.
NIB can provide the local connectivity and communications needed for
managing autonomous mining systems, for collecting sensor data (e.g.
vibration and pressure sensors), and for employee communication.
NIB can serve multiple eNodeBs to support large sites and mining
companies with multiple locations connected to centralized operations
and control rooms. Large companies could centralize some NIB
functions, but for operational continuity and safety would use easily
local NIBs in the mining areas.

>

Private LTE network for secure

and reliable wide area
communication

>

VoLTE, messaging and industry

specific applications for
employees

>

Improved security with live

video monitoring and real time
data from vibration and
pressure sensors

>

Enables autonomous drilling

and haulage systems

Fig. 9. NIB fulfilling all communication requirements in mining area.

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Nokias position
Nokia has been developing and providing LTE public safety solutions
for many years. It has several customer references including the
worlds first dedicated LTE Public Safety network for Qatars Ministry
of Interior, deployed in 2011. Current Nokia LTE products support
3GPP Release 11, which provides an excellent broadband data system
for public protection and disaster relief. Nokia is driving the 3GPP
standardization of public safety specific features in Releases 12 and
13 and its products will support Rel-12 and Rel-13 public safety
specific features once standardization is complete.
Nokia expects that public safety will be the key market for LTE network
in a box solutions. 3GPP Rel-13 specifications for isolated E-UTRAN
operation will increase the demand for standards compliant NIB
implementations.
Nokia considers that LTE network in a box will be valuable solution also
for commercial mobile operators and different industries.

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References
TS 23.468 3GPP TS 23.468 Group Communication System
Enablers for LTE (GCSE_LTE); Stage 2
TS 22.179 3GPP TS 22.179 Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT);
Stage 1
TS 22.346 GPP TS 22.179 Isolated E-UTRAN operation for public
safety; Stage 1
TR 23.797 3GPP TR 23.797 Study on architecture enhancements
to support Isolated E-UTRAN Operation for Public
Safety

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Nokia is a registered trademark of Nokia Corporation. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or trade names of their
respective owners.
Nokia
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Finland
Visiting address:
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ESPOO,
Finland
Switchboard +358 71 400 4000
Product code C401-011891-WP-201505-1-EN
Nokia Solutions and Networks 2015

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