DOCOMO to Develop Next-generation Base Stations Utilizing Advanced C-RAN Architecture for LTE-Advanced
R&D
TOKYO, JAPAN, February 21, 2013 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC., Japan’s leading mobile operator and provider of integrated services centered on mobility, announced today it will begin developing high-capacity base stations built with advanced C-RAN architecture for DOCOMO’s coming next-generation LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) mobile system. The new architecture will enable quick, efficient deployment of base stations, especially in high-traffic areas such as train stations and large commercial facilities, for significantly improved data capacity and throughput.
Advanced C-RAN architecture, a brand new concept proposed by DOCOMO, will enable small “add-on” cells for localized coverage to cooperate with macro cells that provide wider area coverage. This will be achieved with carrier aggregation technology, one of the main LTE-Advanced technologies standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The small add-on cells will significantly increase throughput and system capacity while maintaining mobility performance provided by the macro cell.
High-capacity base stations utilizing advanced C-RAN architecture will serve as master base stations both for multiple macro cells covering broad areas and for add-on cells in smaller, high-traffic areas. The base stations will accommodate up to 48 macro and add-on cells at launch and even more later. Carrier aggregation will be supported for cells served by the same base station, enabling the flexible deployment of add-on cells. In addition, maximum downlink throughput will be extendible to 3Gbps, as specified by 3GPP standards.
Going forward, DOCOMO is determined to enhance customer satisfaction through continuous efforts to develop services offering higher speeds and greater quality.
Notes
- 1: LTE-Advanced is an advanced radio access technology based on the 3GPP’s LTE standard.
- 2: C-RAN is an abbreviation of Centralized Radio Access Network.
- 3: Carrier aggregation is an LTE-Advanced technology that achieves 3 Gbps maximum throughput by aggregating multiple carriers of up to 100 MHz of carrier bandwidth.
- 4: DOCOMO’s high-capacity base stations will be capable of 3 Gbps maximum downlink throughput. The maximum throughput for commercial service may differ.
(Attachment) Advanced C-RAN Architecture
- About NTT DOCOMO
- NTT DOCOMO is a world-leading integrated-services company centered on mobility. The company serves over 60 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world’s first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit www.nttdocomo.com for more information.
