Transcript Slide 1

UTC Spectrum Services
Pros & Cons of Different
Frequency Bands
For Field Applications
Presented to:
American Public Power Association
Engineering & Operations Technical Conference
April 11, 2006
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Who Am I ?
Klaus Bender
Director of Engineering & Spectrum Management –
UTC Spectrum Services
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Registered Professional Engineer
BS Electrical Engineering – Penn State University
Staff Engineer at FCC – 7 years
With Sitesafe since July 2000 and UTC since 2001
United Telecom Council (UTC) is an international trade association
providing support on telecom issues to critical infrastructure companies.
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Use of Wireless in Field Operations
Choices – why use RF?
RF Background
Regulatory View
Unlicensed spectrum, pros & cons
Licensed spectrum and what it means
Other options?
Regulatory issues (800 MHz rebanding and land
mobile narrow banding)
Summary
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Why Use RF?
 Radio Frequency (RF) systems allow communications between
two locations without a physical connections (cable, keyboard,
pointing device)
• Cost of cabling is too expensive for various reasons
• Rights of way are unavailable
• RF is more efficient
 Systems can be used for voice communications (dispatch) or
data communications (telemetry)
 Some systems provide both voice and data
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The Long-Range Picture
 Commercial telegraphy gave birth to telephony, then died
 Telephony and Land Mobile Radio married, giving IMTS &
Cellular
 IP networks developed, their usage and bandwidth are
increasing
 3G and 4G are the wedding of IP and Wireless!
Land Mobile Radio
Extinction?
HF, VHF, UHF, Trunked
IP Networks
The Internet Voice over IP
Wireless Voice and IP Data
IMTS-Cellular-GSM-GPRS-WCDMA
Commercial Switched Telephony
Extinction?
Digital Switching
Commercial Telegraphy
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60
70
1800s
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80
90
10
20
Extinction!
30
40
50
1900s
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70
80
90
10
20
30
40
2000s
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Characteristics of a Radio Signal
SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS
The complete, timevarying radio signal
Natural Frequency
of the signal
S (t) = A cos [ wc t + j ]
Amplitude (strength)
of the signal
Phase of the signal
Compare these Signals:
Different
Amplitudes
Different
Frequencies
Different
Phases
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 The purpose of telecommunications is
to send information from one place to
another
 To convey information, some
characteristic of the radio signal must
be altered (i.e., “modulated”) to
represent the information
 The sender and receiver must have a
consistent understanding of what the
variations mean to each other
• “one if by land, two if by sea”
 Three commonly used RF signal
characteristics which can be varied for
information transmission:
• Amplitude
• Frequency
• Phase
Key RF Concepts
 Frequency: Measure in hertz (Hz) or cycles per second, the frequency
is the carrier for the information to be transmitted.
 Bandwidth: Also measured is hertz (Hz), the bandwidth is the
component of RF systems that determines how much information can
be carried.
 Antenna: The antenna is the device used to transmit the RF signal.
 Transmitter: This devices takes the information that is to be sent and
prepares it for transmission by the antenna.
 Power: Measured is watts, the power is the amount of energy used to
transmit the signal
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Key RF Concepts
 Radio signals decrease as they move away from the transmitting
antenna by a factor of 1/d2. So for example:
• A signal at 2 km has decreased by a factor of 4 compared to
the signal at 1 km;
• A signal at 4 km has decreased by a factor of 16 compared to
a signal at 1 km.
 The loss of signal is also dependent on frequency. The higher
the frequency the more the signal is attenuated in transmission.
 Higher frequencies tend to blocked by objects, whereas lower
frequencies have the ability to bend around objects.
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Radio Link Structure
Elements of a Radio Link
 Transmitter System
• Generates RF energy on a
desired frequency
Information
Transmitter
• Modulates the RF energy to
Antenna
convey information
 Antennas
• Convert RF energy into
electromagnetic fields, vice versa
Transmission
• Focus the energy into desired
Line
directions (“gain”)
Antenna
 Receiver System
• Filters out and ignores signals on
undesired frequencies
• Amplifies the tiny signal
Receiver
Transmission
sufficiently to allow processing
Line
• De-modulates the signal to
Information
recover the information
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Radio Frequency Basics
Radio Link Structure
Modulation Techniques
Voltage
Information
FDMA
Transmitter
User 1 User 2 User 3 User 4 User 5
INFORMATION
Antenna
Access Methods
Time
Frequency
CARRIER
TDMA
1
Transmission
Line
2
3
4
5
6
AM
Antenna
Time
CDMA
FM
User 1
XOR
Code 1
Receiver
Transmission
Line
Information
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PM
Overview of the Radio Spectrum
AM
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
LORAN
0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
1.2
1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
Marine
2.4
Short Wave -- International Broadcast -- Amateur
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4
5
6
VHF LOW Band
30
40
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8
9
VHF TV 2-6
50
60
70
10
12
FM
80 90 100
0.4
0.5
0/6
0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
CB
14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 MHz
VHF VHF TV 7-13
120 140 160 180 200
Cellular
UHF UHF TV 14-60 UHF
0.3
3.0 MHz
240
300 MHz
DCS, PCS
GPS
WLAN
1.2
1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
2.4
3.0 GHz
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14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 GHz
WLAN
3
11
4
5
Land-Mobile
Broadcasting
Wireless LANs
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7
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Aeronautical
Mobile Telephony
Terrestrial Microwave
Satellite
Regulatory View of Spectrum
 Licensed Spectrum
Frequencies for which someone needs to get a license from a
regulatory body like the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) before operating the system
 Unlicensed Spectrum
Frequencies that can be used without licensing. Devices can
be purchased at commercial outlets and used immediately
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Unlicensed Spectrum
 Unlicensed devices are controlled by FCC Rules, Part 15.
 These rules apply to the manufacturer, not the end user.
 Devices must be operated as instructed by manufacturer.
 Common frequency bands are:
• 43 MHz, 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483 MHz, 5785-5815 MHz,
10500-10550 MHz and 24075-24175 MHz
 Systems range from garage door openers, to cordless phones,
to utility meters, to high capacity microwave links.
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Pros of Unlicensed Systems
 Generally used for data telemetry
 Data and video systems; low to very high capacity systems are
available.
 Systems can be deployed rapidly
 There are no licensing or coordination fees associated with
deployment
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Cons of Unlicensed Systems
 No exclusive use of frequencies; hence
 No expectation of interference free operation; hence
 No expectation of highly reliable communications
unless error correction algorithms are used
 Security is also a concern
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Examples of Unlicensed Systems
 WiFi/WiMAX wireless data
 Wireless automated meter reading systems
 High capacity (T1 and higher) systems in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
 Unlicensed SCADA systems
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Pros of Licensed Spectrum
 Wide area or site by site licenses are available
 Some frequency bands offer exclusive use of channels
 Frequencies are coordinated for smarter allocation
 If interference does occur, licensed users are easier to identify
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Cons of Licensed Spectrum
 Not all bands have exclusive use
 Not all users follow the rules and get licenses
 Licensing adds additional cost
 Licensing add additional time to the project
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Examples of Licensed Spectrum
 Private microwave link network
 Land mobile dispatch communications system
 Point to multipoint SCADA system
 Cell phone and PCS service (carriers hold the license)
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Licensed Spectrum
Private Land Mobile Radio Services (PLMRS)
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Licensed under Part 90 of FCC Rules
Frequencies range from 30 MHz to 1500 MHz
Frequencies can be used for fixed and mobile use
Voice and data operations are available
Exclusive use of some frequencies is available
Private Operation Fixed Microwave Service
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Licensed under Part 101 of FCC Rules
Frequencies range from 900 MHz to 38 GHz and higher
Most frequencies are used for point to point operations
Most frequencies are assigned on an exclusive basis
Available Spectrum - PLMRS
 The following frequency bands are available for utility communications:
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Low band VHF or 30 – 50 MHz
High band VHF or 150-170 MHz
VHF 220-222 MHz (Band Manager)
UHF or 450 – 470 MHz
UHF TV Band or 470-512 MHz
800 MHz or 851-861 MHz
900 MHz or 935-941 MHz
1.4 GHz or 1427-1432 MHz
 Frequencies in the UHF TV, 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands are available
for exclusive use, i.e. no sharing with other licensees.
 Other frequencies are available for exclusive use on a case-by-case
basis, with the exception of the telemetry channels.
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Applications of Licensed Spectrum
 Mobile Data applications
 Voice Communications/Trunked Communications
 Utility Automation
 Telemetry
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PLMRS Application - Mobile Data
 There are currently "close to 50 million mobile workers" in North
America.
 Mobile workforce includes field service technicians, employees
of utilities and government, transportation workers, field sales
representatives, order fulfillment/parcel delivery workers, and
even taxi drivers, among others.
 Mobile data devices include laptops, hand held terminals, touch
screen devices and PDAs, all using radio frequencies to
establish communications.
 Wireless system can be combined with GPS technology to
provide location reporting functionality.
 PLMRS channels may be used for RF connectivity, but wireless
carriers have been making significant inroads, providing data
services over digital cellular and PCS systems.
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Mobile Data
 Most land mobile manufacturers
produce mobile data equipment
for the land mobile bands.
 Data rates vary and depend on
bandwidth of the channel:
• Up to 45 kbps on a 25 kHz
channel
• Up to 22 kbps on a 12.5 kHz
channel
 Systems require IT support for
integration into the enterprise
network.
 Some systems use IP
architecture.
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Voice Communications
 Voice communications are the primary use of licensed PLMRS
frequencies.
 Voice communications are used for:
• Dispatch of field personnel from a central office
• Communications among field personnel – mobile to mobile
communications, also known as “talk around”
• Coordination between agencies, such as police, fire, EMS
and critical infrastructure providers like utilities
 System complexity ranges from a few mobile units with no base
station to wide area digital voice and data systems.
 Voice systems use a single frequency (simplex), a pair of
frequencies (duplex), or multiple pairs in a trunked mode.
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Trunking Definition
Conventional
Single Frequency
Mobile Radio
Dispatch Console
Base Station
Portable Radio
Graphic provided by Motorola
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Trunking Definition
Repeaters
Smartnet Trunking
Control
Channel
Trunking
Controller
Dispatch by RF Control Station
Voice
Channel
Voice
Channel
Mobile Radio
Voice
Channel
Dispatch Console
Voice
Channel
Portable Radio
Graphic provided by Motorola
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Why Use Trunking?
1. Trunking is more spectrally efficient than conventional land
mobile systems.
2. Trunking allows licensees to define a “protected service area” in
some bands.
3. A protected service area precludes others from using the same
channels in the same area.
4. In some cases, existing channels can be used, with little new
equipment.
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Utility Automation
 Automation allows utilities to collect data from a large number of
fixed sites without requiring personnel to visit those sites.
 Applications include:
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) allows
utilities to monitor and control electric substations and
distribution systems, gas pipelines, water pumps, etc.
• Automatic meter reading in areas where meter density is high
enough to warrant a fixed RF system over meter reading
personnel.
• Security monitoring, include remote access of facilities,
control of video cameras, etc.
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Available Spectrum - Telemetry
 Multiple Address System (MAS) channels are available for
exclusive use for one way and two way operation, in the 932/941
MHz, 928/952 MHz and 956 MHz bands.
 These channels are issued Microwave, rather than PLMRS.
 MAS channels are congested in the major markets of the US.
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Available Spectrum - Telemetry
 New Telemetry Channels (216-220 MHz)
• Allocated for telemetry (non-voice) use.
• Channels are coordinated under Part 90.
• Channels from 6.25 kHz to 50 kHz available.
• Secondary to federal and other users.
• Band plan still under discussion with FCC.
• Shared use – with some existing users on 25 kHz channel
centers.
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Available Spectrum - Telemetry
 New Telemetry Channels (1427-1432 MHz)
• Allocated for telemetry (non-voice) in the same rule making
as the 216-220 MHz item.
• Channels are coordinated under Part 90.
• Channels from 12.5 kHz to 50 kHz available.
• The band is adjacent to Wireless Medical Telemetry Services
band.
• Band plan approved by LMCC and FCC.
• Shared use – but relatively virgin spectrum
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Available Spectrum - Telemetry
Entire United States (except…)
1427
1432
1429.5
2.5
2.5
Primary
Utility
Telemetry (WMTS*)
WMTS
Utility
Telemetry
Secondary
*WMTS can be co-primary only if licensed under Part 90
…7 Geographic Carve-out Areas**
1427
Primary
Secondary
1431.5
1429
2.0
Utility
Telemetry
WMTS
2.5
WMTS
1432
0.5
Utility
Telemetry
Utility
Telemetry
**Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Richmond/Norfolk, VA; Austin/Georgetown, TX; Battle Creek, MI;
Detroit, MI; Spokane, WA
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WMTS
Spectrum Planning Issues – Data Systems
 Mobile data operations on shared PLMRS channels are
secondary to voice operations.
• Licensees are required to monitor the channel before
transmitting.
• Data and voice operations can both use the same channel.
However, some utilities implement separate frequencies for
data use.
 Data systems currently do not enjoy protected service areas.
Coordinators committee is working on this issue.
 Data only systems are in danger of interference from trunked
systems.
 Creative system designs may allow data on trunking control
channel, or stand-alone channel on trunked license.
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Spectrum Planning Issues – Narrow
Banding Order
 FCC recently finalized its “narrow banding” of the land mobile
bands. Within 6 months of the publishing of the new rules, no
NEW applications for 25 kHz applications will be accepted.
 If you have a trunked system, you should be looking at
narrowing your bandwidth now. This will reduce the likelihood of
adjacent channel interference and will also provide an
opportunity to get a protected service area if you are the only
user in your area on your channels.
 Even if you do not operate a trunked system, you will still reduce
the possibility of interference from adjacent channels.
 Evaluate your options NOW, before everyone else does the
same thing!
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Spectrum Planning Issues - Telemetry
 Like mobile data, telemetry systems on shared PLMRS channels
are secondary to voice system and may not interfere with voice
operations.
 If exclusivity is needed for critical communications, the only
channels available are the MAS channels.
 The 217 MHz and 1.4 GHz band will add some relief for
telemetry applications, but the bands are still “shared” according
to the FCC.
 Frequency coordinators have agreed to seek to maintain
exclusive use of the 1.4 GHz band whenever possible.
 Only one manufacturer makes equipment at 1.4 GHz and this is
for commercial meter reading.
 So the 1.4 GHz band is wide open!
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Spectrum Planning Summary
 View spectrum requirements holistically, evaluating the need for
mobile data, voice and telemetry communications at the same
time.
 Consider the impact of narrow banding now, while channels may
still be available.
 Consider the efficiencies of trunking now, while channels may
still be available.
 Consider a shared system with other critical infrastructure and
public safety operators in the area. Economies of scale will allow
for all parties to get a better system.
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Other Spectrum Opportunities
 Commercial Carriers
• Cell & PCS carriers can offer voice and data services for
non-critical communications
• Heavily populated areas will be better served than remote
areas
• Use of a carrier eliminates the worry of FCC licensing
• Carriers may share the cost of services in exchange for tower
or utility pole space
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Other Spectrum Opportunities
 Band Managers
• Band managers buy spectrum and then lease it to other
parties.
• Access Spectrum is the only band manager to still offer
spectrum.
• Others are not aggressively marketing their spectrum
• So, the concept has not taken off
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Other Spectrum Opportunities
 Auctions
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The FCC still has spectrum auctions
Frequencies are issued on a wide area basis
Frequencies can be used for a wide variety of uses
Auction consultants will help small companies go thru the
auction process
Regulatory Issues
 800 MHz Rebanding
 Narrowing of PLMRS channels
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800 MHz Rebanding
 The edges of the 800 MHz band are being reconfigured to
mitigate interference between commercial providers in the band
and critical communication systems.
 FCC has set an aggressive three year schedule to complete the
rebanding.
 Nextel is paying for retuning or new equipment if necessary.
 The process is being managed by a third party Transition
Administrator
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Who is impacted?
 Licensees in the bands 851-854 MHz and 866-869 MHz will be
changing frequency.
 Rebanding will occur in four “waves” over the next three years.
 Resources for more information:
• http://www.800ta.org/index.html
• http://wireless.fcc.gov/publicsafety/800MHz/bandreconfigurati
on/index2.html
• http://800mhzrebanding.com/
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Rebanding Schedule
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Waves
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Before Rebanding
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After Rebanding
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But Everyone is Impacted . . .
 The FCC has established interference protection standards:
• -104 dBm for mobile coverage
• -101 dBm for handheld coverage
 Areas not showing an average of these signal levels do not get
protected from interference.
 Interference reports may be made online at:
http://www.publicsafety800mhzinterference.com
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The “Other” Issue
 From 800 MHz rebanding to . . . .
 Land mobile narrow banding . . . .
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Narrowbanding – What Does It Mean?
 “Refarming” proceeding begun in 1992!
 Improve spectrum efficiency below 512 MHz.
 Reduce channel spacing to create more channels:
• 15 kHz to 7.5 kHz at VHF.
• 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz at UHF.
 Initially allowed users to aggregate up to 4 channels.
 Narrower operation (e.g., 5 kHz) permitted with
coordination
 Initially, burden of narrowband conversion went to
equipment manufacturers.
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Mandatory Migration
FCC-04-292: Released December 23, 2004 in
response to petitions for recon of earlier timeline
The Memorandum Opinion and Order finalizes:
• Deadline for filing applications using 25 kHz for
voice channels.
• Deadline for converting systems to narrowband
technologies.
• “Efficiency equivalent” standard
• Minimum data rates for telemetry and digital
systems.
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Mandatory Migration Deadline
All systems must be converted by
January 1, 2013.
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Application Deadline
 FCC set deadline on filing new 25 kHz applications or major
modifications at January 1, 2011 (formerly January 2004;
stayed).
 Manufacturing and importation may continue until January 1,
2011 also (formerly 2008).
 Applications filed after this date must meet new spectral
efficiency rules.
 The Commission states that retaining a lengthier transition
time should permit operators to have maximum flexibility to
maintain existing systems without delaying migration.
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How are the Two Issues Similar?
 Both issues drive the need for all private system operators to:
KNOW YOUR SYSTEM!
 In order to accurately predict the cost of these system upgrades,
detailed knowledge of radio inventory, spare parts, infrastructure
status and acceptable radio coverage.
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System Evaluation - Inventory
An overall system evaluation is critical for
determining costs associated with an FCCmandated upgrade.
Accurate inventory should include:
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Age of equipment
Warranty status
Maintenance Costs
Availability of spare parts, etc.
System Evaluation - Inventory
 Make sure all FCC licenses are up to date and accurate.
 Make sure that the FCC has been notified of construction for
new systems or major modifications. Failure to do so could result
in license cancellation.
 Implement a routine inspection schedule for base station radio
sites, and include antenna support structures in the inspection as
well.
 Document areas of poor coverage.
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System Evaluation – Making Changes Now
Narrowbanding options for improving system while
migrating
• Conventional to trunked – more capacity (thru efficient channel
usage)
• Aggregating frequencies and integrating voice and data
Are these bands the best place for your system?
• Evaluate communications carried by the system
• What is the mix of voice and data? What are the growth plans?
• Consider other licensing options (e.g.,secondary market
leasing or purchase).
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Design Features versus Existing System
Use the opportunity of FCC-mandated upgrade to
examine the features of your system.
Build a wish list to discuss with manufacturers when
requesting bids.
A feature versus cost breakdown will allow
management to decide what features are “really”
necessary and what can be considered “nice to have”.
UTC Wireless Options study being released now
includes objective analysis of these issues.
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System Design Options – Costs Analysis
System upgrade analysis is a complex combination of:
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Relative age and condition of current equipment
Desired functionality
Desired frequency band
Available infrastructure – towers and buildings for
new sites
• System cost versus functionality
• Maintenance and ongoing costs
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Summary
 Wireless is not as reliable as wired connections!
 Unlicensed spectrum has its challenges, but offers great
flexibility.
 Licensed spectrum offers a stable environment but still has no
guarantees of interference free operation.
 Knowing your system is critical for maintaining and upgrading
your system.
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Summary
 Any questions?
 If you think of questions later, call or email:
 Klaus Bender ([email protected]) (703-558-2204)
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