Nokia Siemens Networks Smart Site an efficient environmentally friendly site solution for emerging markets

Motivation and overview

In the recent years emerging markets have witnessed a staggering growth of mobile usage. The success has been remarkable as many people are now connected to family, friends, business partners and information for the first time enabled by the speed of rollout of mobile connections. Fast subscriber growth is often coupled with declining ARPU levels because communication is available for more and more subscribers with lower income. This dictates the demand for efficiency. Covering busy towns as well as large rural areas in a sustainable manner requires top quality network performance and solutions that consider the specifics of the requirements and environment. Building the access networks to far reaching terrains with limited road infrastructure has its challenges, and there is a clear need for equipment that can be used in as wide a range of sites as possible from high capacity sites with multiple access technologies to those that have low capacity, are remote, and in high or diverse temperatures. Planning the most cost efficient network or coverage expansion starts with optimizing the number of sites needed: using equipment with leading radio performance, features that enhance coverage and careful planning that avoids over-dimensioning reduces the number of sites required. This results in lower CAPEX and OPEX. In emerging markets the power-grid is often unreliable or non-existent, transmission lines are not available or may be expensive to lease and regular access to sites can be challenging. Therefore efficiency of the whole site solution to securing optimal initial capital outlays combined with minimized running costs is crucial. Nokia Siemens Networks Smart Site Solution comprising site design, active equipment such as base station and transmission, passive equipment and power system addresses the challenges in emerging markets.

Smart Site Solution overview

Traditionally, the base station sites have been built with tower structures that can take large footprint, shelters housing active equipment such as base stations and transmission units as well as power system. In hot climates it is common to install two air conditioner units that take turns cooling the shelter down to the favorable temperature for batteries, and when needed, for base stations and transmission units. Such an approach results in high cost of power the air conditioner unit consumes more power than the average configuration of Flexi Base Station. Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi Base Station with its integrated transmission operates in a very wide temperature range and does not require additional cooling. Therefore, often the sole purpose of the shelter is to ensure cooled environment for the batteries because the lifetime of a battery will be halved for each increase of +10C from the nominal operating temperature (+20C). Nokia Siemens Networks Smart Site is customized for the network requirements and local environment to secure the lowest running cost of the equipment. Smart Sites are typically based on outdoor site design for minimal CAPEX and OPEX. This eliminates the cost of shelters and air conditioners, reduces the site footprint and power consumption. Due to its unique modular design, Flexi BTS can be deployed in a number of ways outdoors (or indoors) even without the traditional cabinet. Because the modules are light and compact, a popular Smart Site design involves placing modules on the roof or to the mast top close to the antenna. This approach eliminates the weight and cost of feeder cables, and enhances the coverage area because of no feeder losses. Using mast-top Smart Sites in rollout, can reduce the needed number of sites by approximately 25%1). Power cost represents a significant portion of site OPEX in many sites, comprising the price of electricity from grid and diesel cost for the generators that are needed to cover for outages. Smart Sites allow to considerably decreasing the power cost. This is enabled by power efficient Flexi Base Station, the low power consumption of which can further be enhanced with our portfolio of power saving features. Unique Nokia Siemens Networks SiteStar battery cooling cabinet allows maintaining batteries at the temperature that maximizes their lifetime at minimal power consumption. Compared to conventional shelter site, Smart Site can save 80% of the power related OPEX. When compared to other outdoor sites where batteries require cooling or heating, energy efficient Nokia Siemens Networks SiteStar battery cabinet reduces the power consumption by 95% compared to air conditioner based cabinets. The Smart Site Solution includes an option for autonomous site operation for off grid applications to increase deployment efficiency, lower OPEX, and create a green solution with beneficial total cost of ownership. Power is generated by two sustainable free power sources wind and solar power. Smart Sites can be configured to suit the climatic conditions on the site. Photovoltaic cells are used to convert sunlight to energy, providing all the required electricity for site operation or, when daylight exposure levels are inadequate, wind power is a supplementary source.

1) Assuming: 35m tower

Benefits at a glance
Availability of transmission backhaul is at times a problem, especially in rural areas. Where operators are building their own transmission backhaul, Nokia Siemens Networks has embedded its transport solution as an integral part of the Flexi Base Station thus allowing extra power consumption saving. Smart Site comprises several alternative transmission methods, including microwave radios, the Nokia Siemens Networks microwave radio (MWR) equipment can be connected directly to the Flexi Base Station avoiding the need of an addition MWR related indoor unit. Complementing the transmission products and particularly useful for scenarios where leased VSAT connections or expensive leased lines are used, we propose transmission efficiency features such as Local Switching for saving backhaul capacity. In order to minimize the site footprint, speed up the civil works on the site, and lower costs, light Smart Towers with triangular design form a part of the Smart Site Solution. In order to reduce costs of site materials at times of volatile pricing of commodities like copper and steel, we are constantly working to identify and implement cost effective alternatives for the site solutions.

Optimizing assets 2030% fewer sites Finding new sites, placing them where needed 20% lower site CAPEX Efficiency in network operation 35% lower site OPEX Maximum re-use of existing infrastructure with future-proof network evolution 70% less hardware with software-based evolution Nokia Siemens Networks SiteStar decreases the power consumption by 95% and extends the battery lifetime by 300% Lower CAPEX A smaller site footprint and associated construction materials requirements Lower OPEX reduce site rentals and maintenance costs, along with lower electricity bills from the energy efficient equipment Easier installation simpler and faster deployment with flexible installation options, suitable for multi-operator applications Environmentally friendly lower carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy systems and fewer materials used for the tower Durability a future-proof and professionally designed tower using the latest features and materials to ensure long-term durability No electrical grid infrastructure investment Nokia Siemens Networks is the driver for socially and environmentally sustainable solutions that provide the lowest cost of ownership for the operator.

Main elements of Smart Site Solution

Nokia Siemens Networks Smart Site is an environmentally friendly solution designed for cost-efficient coverage build-out in emerging markets. Recognized by the industry as the worlds most progressive mobile network technology at the annual GSMA Mobile Awards in 2009, the Flexi Base Station together with transmission solutions, customized site designs and efficient power system addresses the operators key site related cost drivers: tower, backhaul and power. 1. Flexible and cost-efficient site design Cost efficient outdoor site design eliminating CAPEX items such as shelters and air cons and reducing running cost of site Tower top sites for maximum RF coverage saving up to 30% in network roll-out costs Fast deployment with modular design 2. Optimized passive elements Smart Towers that are light, yet durable, three legged tubular tower design with the best load-bearing capacity for least amount of steel and up to 45% less weight for same height2) 30% less carbon emissions as less steel, concrete and transportation is needed Aluminic feeders suited for fast and cost efficient recycling Cost-efficient antenna range
Outdoor site design Tower top sites Site Design Passive Equipment Light triangular towers Cost effective antennas and feeders

Outdoor power solution including unique battery cooling system Off-grid solutions

Power Solution

Active Equipment

Multi-purpose outdoor/indoor BTS Lowest power consumption Integrated microwave

Smart Sites: Customized site solutions for the leanest CAPEX/OPEX

3. Market leading coverage solution with Flexi Base Station Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi Base Station supporting multiple installation options in outdoor and indoor environment Lowest power consumption in the market Suited for a broad range of climatic conditions Integrated transmission and transmission efficiency enhancement features 4. Effective power systems Compact outdoor compliant stand alone rectifier module in Flexi cover supporting the complete Flexi Base Station site modularity Nokia Siemens Networks SiteStar battery cabinet to maintain constant optimal temperature for maximum battery life in very hot or cold climates 95% smaller power consumption compared to air condition based outdoor power cabinets

Battery lifetime extended by three times compared to fan/filter based outdoor cabinets Minimal power consumption reducing CO2 footprint 5. Renewable Energy Solutions Autonomous Sites Standalone Solar site Hybrid renewable energy site Solar site with Generator only Solar with Wind Solar with Wind and Generator All autonomous sites are equipped with an integrated battery bank to provide power when solar generation is unavailable. Can be employed anywhere, operated remotely and requiring very little maintenance. Compared to the shelter sites the Smart Site with SiteStar from Nokia Siemens Networks can reduce the power related operational expenditure for an operator by 80%.

2) Compared to the traditional four legged angular tower

Nokia Siemens Networks Corporation P.O. Box 1 FI-02022 NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS Finland Visiting address: Karaportti 3, ESPOO, Finland Switchboard +358 71 400 4000

Product code C401-00418-B-200906-1-EN Indivisual

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