Overview of Extended Cell Range

The cell radius of an ordinary cell is 35 kilometres. In some cases, for example, in large rural areas,
a cell of that size may be too small compared to the capacity required in the area. Extended Cell
Range increases the cell radius up to about 70 km which means that this kind of cell covers an area
that is four times bigger than an ordinary cell. Hence Extended Cell Range saves the site costs of the
operator.
The implementation is based on a one-BCCH (broadcast control channel) and two-TRX (transceiver)
solution. The normal coverage area is served with different TRXs than the extended coverage area.
Timing of the TRXs, which serve the extended coverage area, is delayed so that they can serve the
area beyond 35 kilometres. This solution is possible with DE34/DF34 (Talk-family).
The purpose of Extended Cell Range is also to increase the cell radius. The implementation is based
on a two-cell two-BCCH solution. This solution is possible with DE21 (2nd generation).
Extended Cell Range is a licence-based software. Its use is controlled by a capacity licence based
on the number of TRXs. For more information on Licensing, see Licensing in BSC.
BSS6037 Improved Solution for Extended Cell is optional with BSC4015 Extended Cell.

Related topics

Functionality of Extended Cell Range

User interface in Extended Cell Range

Q3 interface in Extended Cell Range

Functionality of Extended Cell Range

Extended Cell Range allows you to increase the cell radius to up to 70 kilometres (the cell radius of a
normal cell is 35 kilometres). The implementation is based on a one-BCCH and two-TRX solution.
This means that the whole cell uses the same BCCH on the downlink direction. However, different
TRXs serve the normal coverage area and the extended coverage area. The following tables
illustrate the radio arrangements of an extended cell.

N-TRX RX
f1
f1
f1
f1
f1
f1
f1
f1
------------------------------------------------I 0 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I
------------------------------------------------BCCH/ NOT SDCCH TCH
TCH
TCH
TCH
TCH
SDCCH IN
USE
E-TRX RX (Delayed)
f1
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
------------------------------------------------I 0 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I
------------------------------------------------E-RACH SDCCH TCH
TCH
TCH
TCH
TCH
TCH

The N-TRX is configured with a BCCH/SDCCH and TCHs to serve the normal coverage area at
frequency 'f1'. The E-TRX is configured with the E-RACH, SDCCH and TCHs to serve the extended
area at frequency 'f2'. Timing of the receiver of the E-TRX is delayed so that it can serve the area
beyond 35 kilometres. Timing of transmitters of both the N-TRX and E-TRX is the same. The time
slot 0 of the E-TRX is tuned to the BCCH frequency ('f1') to get random access messages from the
extended area. The time slot 1 of the N-TRX cannot be used at all because the E-RACH is
interfering with it.

Mobile-originated call
In case of a mobile-originated call, the MS sends a random access message to the BTS to initate the
call. The BTS receives that access burst either via the N-TRX or E-TRX or via both the N-TRX and
E-TRX depending on the MS location.
If the MS is located in the normal coverage area, the BSC allocates a dedicated radio channel from
the N-TRX. The MS is assigned to move to the dedicated channel via the N-TRX.

Figure: Random access message via N-TRX

If the MS is located in the extended coverage area, the BSC allocates a dedicated radio channel
from the E-TRX. However, also in this case the MS is assigned to move to the dedicated channel via
the N-TRX.

Figure: Random access message via E-TRX

If the MS is located in an overlap area, the BSC allocates a dedicated radio channel either from the
E-TRX or the N-TRX. In this case the BTS receives two random access messages and the BSC
filters the later one out. Also in this case, the MS is assigned to move to the dedicated channel via
the N-TRX because the E-TRX does not have a downlink AGCH.

Figure: Random access message via both N-TRX and E-TRX

Mobile-terminated call
A mobile-terminated call is handled with the same way as the mobile originated-call except that
paging messages are sent to the MS via the N-TRX.

Handovers
Handovers to the extended cell and from the extended cell are performed according to the existing
handover criteria (for more information, see RF Power and Handover Algorithm). However, in case of
a handover to the extended cell, the target area (the normal coverage area or the extended coverage
area) is predetermined. The BSC allocates resources according to the adjacent cell parameter HO
target area. In case of a MSC controlled handover, the MS is always handed over to the
extended coverage area. You should take this into account in the network planning phase so that, for
example, the MS is not handed over to the extended coverage area when it is located in the normal
coverage area. This kind of planning error causes interference for other calls.
Handovers between different areas of the extended cell are performed according to the timing
advance information.
Handovers between N-TRXs and E-TRXs in the extended cell (similar to handovers to/from E-TRX
between different cells) are performed as asynchronous handovers.

Frequency hopping
It is not possible to use base band hopping in an extended cell. Instead of that, RF hopping can be
used but only N-TRXs can hop. Mobile allocation (MA) cannot contain any non-hopping frequencies
of the cell. MAIO management works as in a normal cell but only with N-TRXs.

Floating transceiver
Floating transceiver can normally be used to serve an extended area. If the BCCH N-TRX is
breaking up in some other sector, the floating E-TRX can be configured to serve the normal area of
that sector. Of course, the extended coverage area is lost in that case.

Channel configurations
The table below presents an example of channel configuration.

----------------------------------------------------RTSL(s)
BCCH N-TRX
N-TRX
E-RACH E-TRX
E-TRX
----------------------------------------------------0
BCCH+SDCCH/4 TCH
E-RACH
TCH
1
NOT IN USE
TCH
SDCCH/8
TCH
2-7
TCHs
TCHs
TCHs
TCHs
----------------------------------------------------Following restrictions apply for channel configurations:

An E-RACH must be configured to only one E-TRX RTSL 0

The RTSL 1 of a BCCH N-TRX must be configured to the NOT IN USE state

An E-RACH cannot be defined for N-TRXs

A BCCH cannot be defined for an E-TRX.

BCCH and E-RACH Recovery

BCCH and E-RACH recovery depends on the number of N-TRXs serving the normal coverage area
and the number of E-TRXs serving the extended coverage area. The recovery procedure works as
follows:
One N-TRX, one E-TRX
If the N-TRX breaks up, the E-TRX is configured with the BCCH and other control channels to serve
the normal coverage area. This means that the extended coverage area is lost and an alarm is
given. After the N-TRX is repaired, it is configured with the E-RACH and other control channels to
serve the extended coverage area.
If the E-TRX breaks up, the extended coverage area is lost and an alarm is given.
Several N-TRXs, one E-TRX
If a BCCH N-TRX breaks up, another N-TRX is configured with the BCCH and other control
channels. After the N-TRX is repaired, it is configured to serve the normal coverage area.
If the E-TRX breaks up, a non-BCCH N-TRX is configured with the E-RACH and other control
channels to serve the extended coverage area. After the E-TRX is repaired, it is configured to serve
the normal coverage area.
One N-TRX, several E-TRXs
If an N-TRX breaks up, a non-E-RACH E-TRX is configured with the BCCH and other control
channels to serve the normal coverage area. After the N-TRX is repaired, it is configured to serve the
extended coverage area.

If the E-RACH E-TRX breaks up, an E-TRX is configured with the E-RACH and other control
channels to serve the extended coverage area. After the E-TRX is repaired, it is configured to serve
the extended coverage area.
Several N-TRXs, several E-TRXs
If a BCCH N-TRX breaks up, an N-TRX is configured with the BCCH and other control channels to
serve the normal coverage area. After the N-TRX is repaired, it is configured to serve the normal
coverage area.
If the E-RACH E-TRX breaks up, an E-TRX is configured with the E-RACH and other control
channels to serve the normal coverage area. After the E-TRX is repaired, it is configured to serve the
extended coverage area.
Capacity
Restrictions

Capacity

A BCCH N-TRX provides a maximum of 6 TCHs/F or 12 TCHs/H.

An E-RACH E-TRX provides a maximum of 6 TCH/F or 12 TCH/H.

Other N-TRXs or E-TRXs provide a maximum of 8 TCH/F or 16 TCH/H.

Restrictions
TRXs
All TRXs of an extended cell have to be E-TRX capable.

BSS Licensing
Licence for Extended Cell for UltraSite BTS TRX count sets a limit for existing E-TRX count in
UltraSite. For more information on licensing, see Licensing in BSC.

BTS software
DF2.1 supports an extended cell with fixed a cell radius extension of 30 kilometers regardless of
Radius Extension parameter. DF3.0 includes support for dynamic radius extension.

Channel configurations

An E-RACH must be configured to only one E-TRX RTSL 0.

The RTSL 1 of the BCCH N-TRX has to be configured to the NOT IN USE state.

You cannot define an E-RACH for the TRX of a 2nd generation BTS or N-TRX.

You cannot define an BCCH for an E-TRX.

Frequency hopping

Base band hopping cannot be used

Radio frequency (RF) hopping cannot be used in E-TRXs.

Handovers
In case of MSC controlled handover to an extended cell, the new channel is always allocated from
the E-TRX.

Intra-cell handover
Parameter enable intracell handover interference UL and enable
intracell handover interference DL do not affect intra-cell handovers between
normal and extended coverage areas.

Tests
Following tests are not possible with E-TRXs:

TRX test
RX antenna test

TRX loop test

Antenna loop test

RX sensitivity test

Originating test call (if the STMU is located at the same site as the E-TRX)

Terminating test call (if the STMU is located at the same site as the E-TRX).

Intelligent Underlay-Overlay
You cannot use intelligent underlay-overlay in an extended cell.

Distance verifying
You can only use distance verifying for random access messages received from the E-TRX.

Circuit pool switching

In case of handover to a normal area of an extended cell, circuit pool switching is not possible.

CCCH Load indication

CCCH load indication is received from both BCCH N-TRX and E-RACH E-TRX between a defined
period. In case of an E-RACH E-TRX, only the RACH load is valid.

Double BCCH Allocation List

The Double BCCH Allocation List (Double BA List) is needed in the extended cell range solution
because of MS compatibility issues. The intra-cell handover between an N-TRX and an E-TRX is
performed by using a Handover Command message. Using the Handover Command requires that
the BCCH frequency of the serving cell is included in the BCCH allocation list. This can be achieved
by using the Double BA List. For more information, see Double BCCH Allocation List.

GPRS
Cell resources in the extended area of a cell are not used for GPRS.

Double BCCH Allocation List

With Double BCCH Allocation List you can define a list of BCCH carriers to be used in cell selection
and reselection by the MS (mobile station) when in Idle State.
The list is sent to the MS (mobile station) in System Information Message type 2 on the BCCH and
the MS may store it when powering down. Now the MS does not need to search through the whole
band when powering up. If the list contains all the BCCH carriers of a certain geographical area of a
PLMN, the MS can use it to search the suitable RF channels quickly in order to camp on a cell.
You can add, remove, and output carrier frequency numbers on the Idle State BCCH Allocation lists
with MML commands.
For a particular cell it is possible to define whether it uses one of the Idle State Lists or the Neighbour
Cell List of its own at System Information Message 2 on BCCH. If the cell is not attached to any of
the Idle State Lists, the Neighbour Cell List is used as a default list. The frequency of the BCCH
carrier of the cell itself is always added to the BCCH allocation in System Information Message 2.
Another selection can be made concerning the list in System Information Message 5 on SACCH .
The default is the Neighbour Cell List, but if an Idle State List is attached to the cell to be used in
System Information Message 2, the same list can also be used in System Information Message 5 on
SACCH. If the frequency band of the BTS in question is the same as the frequency band of the
BCCH BTS, the BCCH frequency is removed from the Idle State list of the System Information
Message 5.
If one of the Idle State Lists is selected to be used on SACCH, it is possible that the list contains
carrier frequencies that are not the BCCH frequencies of the actual handover neighbours. In this
case, the MS measures signals on these frequencies but no handovers are attempted towards those
undefined cells.
With the commands of the Frequency List and GPRS Objects Handling command group (EB ), you
can create, modify, delete, and output BCCH frequency list objects in the BSS Radio Network
Configuration database (BSDATA).
You can attach any of these lists to certain BTSs with the commands of the command group Base
Transceiver Station Handling in BSC (EQ ).
Double BCCH Allocation List is an application software in the BSC.

Related topics

Activating and testing Double BCCH Allocation List

Deactivating and testing Double BCCH Allocation List

Overview of Radio Network Configuration Management

Effect of Double BCCH Allocation List on interfaces

User Interface of Double BCCH Allocation List

Target cell evaluation according to radio criteria

When the BSC recognises the necessity to make a handover because of radio criteria, it forms a list
of the preferred HO candidates on the basis of the radio link properties, priority levels and load of the
neighbouring cells.
The basic evaluation algorithm calculated according to radio link properties is based on the following
strategy and order:

EQUATION 1.
AV_RXLEV_NCELL(n) > RxLevMinCell(n)
+ MAX(0, Pa)
where Pa = (
- P )
if
Pa = (
- P )
if

MsTxPwrMaxGSM(ADJ)(n)
adjacent cell is GSM 900 or GSM 800
MsTxPwrMaxGSM1x00(ADJ)(n)
adjacent cell is GSM 1800 or GSM 1900

EQUATION 2.
PBGT(n) > HoMarginPBGT(n)
The parameter RX lev min cell(n) (set for each of the 32 adjacent cells) is the level which
the signal level AV_RXLEV_NCELL(n) of the adjacent cell (n) must exceed before the handover is
possible. The range is from -110 dBm to -47 dBm.

MS txpwr max gsm(ADJ)(n) -P or MS txpwr max gsm1x00(ADJ)(n) -P

depending on a frequency band is the difference between the maximum transmission power that an
MS is permitted to use on a traffic channel in the adjacent cell (n) and the maximum transmission
power of the MS (P). The range of the MS transmission power in GSM 900 and in GSM 800 is from 5
to 39 dBm, in GSM 1800 from 0 to 36 dBm and in GSM 1900 from 0 to 33 dBm. The parameter can
be defined for each of the 32 adjacent cells.
The parameter HO margin pbgt(n) (set for each of the 32 adjacent cells) is the margin which
the power budget PBGT(n) of the adjacent cell (n) must exceed before the handover is possible. It is
also used as a threshold to prevent repetitive handovers between cells. The range is from -24 dB to
63 dB and the step size is 1dB. The power budget (PBGT) equation (2) is explained in more detail in
Power budget handover.
If the cause of the handover is signal level or quality, it is possible to use the following equation (2')
instead of the PBGT equation (2) above. The equation (2') is selected with the parameter enable
HO margin lev qual(n) (set for each of the 32 adjacent cells), which indicates whether

handover margins for signal level and quality is taken into account in target cell evaluation. The value
'yes' indicates that the margins is taken into account.

EQUATION 2'.
AV_RXLEV_NCELL(n) > AV_RXLEV_DL_HO + (BsTxPwrMax
- BS_TXPWR) + HoMarginLev/Qual(n)
The parameter HO margin lev(n) (set for each of the 32 adjacent cells) is the margin by
which the signal level AV_RXLEV_NCELL(n) of the adjacent cell (n) must exceed the signal level
AV_RXLEV_DL_HO of the serving cell before the handover is possible. It is used as a threshold if
the cause of the handover is signal level. The range is from -24 dB to 24 dB and the step size is 1
dB.
The parameter HO margin qual(n) (set for each of the 32 adjacent cells) is the margin by
which the signal level AV_RXLEV_NCELL(n) of the adjacent cell (n) must exceed the signal level
AV_RXLEV_DL_HO of the serving cell before the handover is possible. It is used as a threshold if
the cause of the handover is signal quality. The range is from -24 dB to 24 dB and the step size is 1
dB.

BS TX pwr max -BS_TXPWR is the difference between the maximum downlink transmission
power permitted in the serving cell and the actual downlink transmission power because of the BS
power control (BS_TXPWR).
The BSC evaluates the second equation (2 or 2') for each of the adjacent cells that satisfies the
basic equation (1). In order for the handover to be possible to the adjacent cell, the measurement
results must satisfy both equations (1 and (2 or 2')). The adjacent cells which meet the required radio
link properties are ranked according to the priority levels.