Introduction - Andrew Node C837 User Manual

2 Introduction

2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 PURPOSE
Wireless communication systems provide a two-way information transfer (voice and
data) between a base station and multiple mobiles within a given area.
Environmental variables such as physical structures both man-made (buildings) and
natural (mountains) attenuate signals in the transmission path, which reduce the
transport signal's strength. This attenuation leads to a reduction in quality and data
rate and eventually prohibits the system's use entirely. A Node C is specifically
designed to extend coverage, enhance quality, and increase air-interface capacity.
In the downlink (DL), the Node C picks up signals coming from the base station,
filters them, amplifies them, and retransmits them to the mobile. In the uplink (UL), it
picks up signals from the mobile, filters them, amplifies them, and retransmits them to
the base station. The Node C constantly monitors the quality of the signals passing
through it, while simultaneously electronically decreasing isolation requirements.
2.2 THE NODE C NETWORK ELEMENT
The Node C is a primary network element, capable of enhancing up to three adjacent
CDMA carriers in a CDMA system. Its primary function is to increase the signal
strength between multiple mobiles and a base station in areas where basic voice or
high-speed data transmission is not available. It may be used for basic coverage,
signal reinforcement, and cell shaping, which can increase a network's coverage
area, data rate, and capacity.
The Node C is a dedicated CDMA device. However, several enhancers operating at
different frequencies and technologies may share the same hardware (cables and
antennas) via a crossband coupler. Within the CDMA frequency band, multiple
operators may use the same unit via additional modules, thus reducing cost, while
sharing the user interface and antennas.
The Node C may be set-up locally or remotely. A circuit switch or packet data modem
may be connected to an integrated controller. This provides the network
management system with on-demand, alarm generated, or heartbeat monitoring via
the always-connected packet features. The Node C has features and functions that
may be monitored and changed by the operators via a web-based browser remotely
or locally, or via the SNMP based OMC software platform. The graphical interface of
the Node C provides a setup menu including a setup wizard which allows both setup
and monitoring capability without any equipment required apart from a laptop or PC.
The Node C network element is self-diagnosing, self-adaptive, and virtually
maintenance-free.
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