Deploying Tower/Roof/Pole
Mounted Electronics

Social and Networking

Reception and Registration

Opening Remarks and Self-Introductions

Each person will be asked to introduce him/herself and show how they can contribute to this process.

Host Keynote Opening Remarks and Presentation

• Objectives for the Workshop
• Strategy, Challenges and Future Considerations for Remote Radio Heads at the Top of the Tower
• Assessing 4G Deployment Plans (Existing and New Bands)
• Consideration for Managing PIM and General Interference, Especially Considering Small Cells
• Where do Carriers See PIM Verification Testing Going for Truly Distributed Antennas with a Transceiver Module on Each Radiating Element?
• CPRI is Not a Defined Standard, so Each OEM has Their Own Protocol; How Do the Operators Anticipate Test Equipment Manufacturers Will Meet Their Needs in the Future, if They Do Not Have Access to this Protocol?
• Small Cells Represent New Challenges in PIM Certification
• What Plans Do the Operators Have (Or Wish For) for PIM Verification in Small Cells?

Networking Break

Addressing Passive Inter-Modulation (PIM)

• PIM Fundamentals

• Test Parameters - a Uniform Standard

• Acceptance Criteria

• Best Practices - Test Methods

Networking Lunch

Active Antennas and Remote Radio Heads

• Some operators and vendors are for open radio interface (ORI), it does not appear to be embraced by the OEMs. The interface between the RRH/Active Antenna and the BBU remains closely guarded by each OEM.

  • Is the notion of equipment with open radio interface (ORI) a practical goal?

  • Do we need to develop a standard for a secondary (possibly wireless) interface mechanism to achieve some of the goals for basic monitoring/control/alarms of active products?

• What are current 3GPP recommendations for PIM testing?

• Prognostics/Maintenance/Site Monitoring

  • Linking measureable statistics with reliability/MTBF predictions to aid operational alarm threshold setting

  • Linking empirical data with analysis

Cables and Connectors

• Application Guidelines for Interconnection of RRH – Parameters used to select proper interconnect, long lengths, lightning protection, etc.

• Best practice for Grounding/Lightning Protection

• Best practice for Field Acceptance Testing

• Best practice for future Proofing, Configuration, Control and Sparing

• Statistics of field failures and how to improve reliability

Surge Suppression and Protection

• Understanding of the Tower Top Environment

• Considering Effects of Lightning and Electrical Storms

• Is There a Need for the Creation of Cohesive Standards for the Proper Selection and Coordination of Lightning Protection Devices?

• What Impact Does This Have on System-Level Mechanical and Environmental Design Requirements that Support Improved Service Reliability?

Networking Break

Installation and Best Practices

• Tower Loading

  • Effective Projected Area (EPA) vs. RRU thermal requirements

  • Weight and moment vs. original tower design

  • Proper weight distribution and mounting bracket design

• Multimode Radios and Fiber/Power Needs

  • Number of radios per sector - common and projected

• Antenna stability and PIM

  • Amount of motion & PIM influence

• Active Antenna Systems

  • Weight

  • EPA

  • Mounting and Hoisting

• TMA Considerations

• Camouflage and concealment

  • PIM considerations

  • Insertion/Reflection

  • Durability

Closing Discussion

• Considering Key Findings from the Workshop and Next Steps

Takeaways and Closing Remarks

Adjourn

Social and Networking

Reception and Registration