This is the
second in a two-part blog series that will answer the most frequently asked
questions about Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). The first part was
posted on December 18, 2019.
Full commercial deployment of Citizens Broadband Radio Service
(CBRS) will soon be approved by the FCC. When the band is officially available
for use, CBRS will be a brand
new ecosystem with many new concepts and requirements. Unless you were immersed
in the formation and standardization of CBRS for the past several years, like
CommScope has been, chances are that you have a few questions around deployment
of a CBRS network. We answered a first
set of questions in a previous post. Here we continue with some of
the other most frequently asked questions we are hearing from customers.
CLICK TO TWEET: ?Check out the final blog from CommScope's Rashid Bhatti answering the remaining most frequently asked questions about CBRS.
7. What
are other bands where a Spectrum Access System (SAS) might be used?
Elements of SAS such as the database and spectrum availability
determination can be applied to other bands. Spectrum sharing is currently
being considered for other bands where the incumbents may be difficult to
relocate off the band.
8. Do
I need to install any hardware or software products in my network to support
SAS or ESC?
SAS is a cloud hosted service that does not require any
infrastructure to be installed in an operator’s network. CBRS devices (CBSDs)
installed in the operator’s network are programed to connect securely to the
SAS via the internet.
There is no direct interaction between the ESC and an operator
network. The ESC only interfaces with the SAS.
9. What
do I need to implement CBRS in my network?
Here is a high-level checklist of items for deploying
a CBRS wireless network:
- For your specific business case, decide whether you
will require a PAL license or whether the GAA use of the band will meet your
business needs adequately.
- Perform a spectrum availability analysis for your
target area of deployment. CommScope can perform a detailed analysis for you
and make PAL channel recommendations.
- Select a SAS vendor. Some operators select their own
SAS vendor independently, while others pick from the SAS options provided by
their radio access network (RAN) provider. In almost all cases, a SAS with an
ESC network behind it will be needed. CommScope is a leading SAS/ESC
administrator and supported by most major RAN vendors.
- You will need a CBRS compliant RAN, which is
essentially a network of radio devices, e.g. small cells, or fixed wireless
base stations along with customer premises equipment (CPE). Depending on your RAN
equipment provider, you may need to purchase a domain proxy separately.
- If this is a greenfield LTE network deployment, you
will also need:
a.??? An evolved packet core (EPC).
b.??? If you are not experienced in LTE network
installation, an integrator to install everything for you correctly*.
c.???? If you are not experienced in LTE network operation
and management, a hosting service to manage and monitor your network.
CommScope offers turnkey CBRS networks.
We also work with several partners in the above expertise areas and can
recommend the right one for your network type.?
* You or your integrator may need a
Certified Professional Installer (CPI) to approve your CBSD installation. More
on CPI below.
10. What
is a domain proxy?
According to WInnForum, a domain proxy or DP is “an entity engaging in
communications with the SAS on behalf of multiple individual CBSDs or networks
of CBSDs. The domain proxy can also provide a translational capability to
interface legacy radio equipment in the 3650-3700 MHz band with a SAS to ensure
compliance with Part 96 rules.” Keep in mind that the domain proxy cost to
utilize CBRS on preexisting legacy equipment may be significant in some cases.?
11. What
is the CPI requirement?
FCC?Part 96 rules?require
that applicable CBRS devices (CBSDs) be professionally installed. A Certified
Professional Installer (CPI) may physically install the CBSD her/himself or may
take the responsibility for accuracy of the data entered into the CBSD by
another installer. All Category B CBSDs require CPI. Category A CBSDs installed
above six meter Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) and unable to self-geolocate
also require CPI.
CommScope is a CPI Training Program Administrator (TPA) for CBRS. The accreditation allows CommScope to offer training to
installation professionals who want to attain CBRS CPI certification. More
information and pricing for CommScope’s training program is available here.?
12. What
are the different categories of CBSDs?
There are two CBSD categories as following:?
?
|
Maximum EIRP (dBm/10 MHz)
|
Category A | ? ? ? ? ? 30
|
Category B | ? ? ? ? ? 47
|
?
13. Where
can I learn more about CBRS?
Watch this 25 minute video to
learn more about CBRS, SAS, ESC and the different use cases in detail.?
Still have questions? Contact us here.