User's Manual

2 S YSTEM AND P RODUCT O VERVIEW
2.1 I NTRODUCTION - W HAT IS A C OMPACT B ASE S TATION ?
At PureWave, we believe that true broadband data networks must roll out in a completely
different manner than the traditional, low-throughput cellular networks of yesterday. The
traditional cellular network paradigm of colossal “macro” base stations and large cell radii
developed from the need for high-coverage networks to carry low-bandwidth voice and
messaging traffic. However, as the demand for data-based applications has grown, networks
have quickly become congested, necessitating new wireless standards designed specifically for
high-speed broadband data. Furthermore, as spectrum is always a scarce and expensive
resource, the need for improved frequency re-use techniques has become more important than
ever.
The clear solution to this is higher-efficiency wireless standards, such as IEEE 802.16e Mobile
WiMAX, and more flexible cell sizes. Where medium and high population density exists, cell
sizes should be small to enable increased spectral re-use, thereby ensuring that each subscriber
enjoys a sufficient amount of throughput. In such cases it may be necessary to deploy base
stations on utility poles, flag poles, rooftops, small buildings, and walls. This necessitates small,
pleasant form-factor base stations that can accept a variety of antenna types, both omni-
directional and directional. Such base stations are often referred to as “Pico”. Because wired
backhaul may not always be available in some such locations, it also suggests the need for
wireless backhaul options.
On the other hand, in rural areas with lower population densities, it makes more economic
sense to deploy fewer base stations on higher towers or buildings, and usually with higher
transmit power. This is closer to the traditional cellular approach and typically involves large,
expensive, and power-hungry “macro” or “micro” base stations, often with split designs
requiring both indoor and tower-top electronics. Wherever indoor components are required an
operator must obtain an air-conditioned shelter, which adds significantly to the continual
operating expenditures of such a deployment, and limits the deployment location.
PureWave has taken a revolutionary approach in the development of exclusively “Compact”
base stations. A compact base station shares the similar form-factor and cost of a Pico base
station, but with the performance of a Macro base station. It is a zero-footprint device that can
be fully co-located with its antennas. It is the best of all worlds, and can be flexibly deployed in
Pico, Macro, and Micro type deployments.
Welcome to the Revolution!