High-Capacity BTS - Indoor

Model Name
Components

Outdoor Adjuncts
Dimensions

Footprint
Mass
Multi-chassis

Max LTE Carriers per Frame

Max LTE Carriers
Spectrum Support

Receive Sensitivity

Output Power Options

MIMO Support

Remote Radio Support

Circuit Transport
Packet Transport

GSM Support
WCDMA Support
CDMA2000 Support
TD-LTE Support

Commercial Availability
Simultaneous Multi-Standard Support
Other Models
Low-Capacity BTS - Indoor and Outdoor

Model Name
Components
Outdoor Adjuncts
Dimensions

Footprint
Mass
Multi-chassis
Max LTE Carriers per Frame
Max LTE Carriers
Spectrum Support

Receive Sensitivity

Output Power Options

MIMO Support

Remote Radio Support

Circuit Transport
Packet Transport

GSM Support
WCDMA Support
CDMA2000 Support
TD-LTE Support
Commercial Availability
Simultaneous Multi-Standard Support

Other Models
Base Station Capacity

Base Station Capacity

Alcatel-Lucent - 9000 Series

9914 Ultra Compact Base Station; 9926 BBU + RRU
Cabinet; Distributed BBU+RRU

9914
675x600x575mm; Data not provided

0.35m2; zero footprint

130kg; data not provided
Yes - 2; data not provided

9 carriers @ 20MHz; 3 carriers @ 20MHz

18 carriers @ 20MHz; 3 carriers @ 20MHz
All: 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, and
2600 MHz
All: -122.7dBm

All: 5W/ 20W/ 30W / 40W / 60W

All: SISO, 2x2, 4x4 MIMO support

All: Yes, based on various BBU (9322, 9326) and various RRU (RRH2100, RRH900,
RRH850 @ 40W and 60W)
All: 8xT1/E1, STM-1/OC-3 (optional) when used with converged RAN products
100bT/GigE

Yes, with Converged RAN product- 54 TRX

Yes, with Converged RAN product - 24 SC
Yes, with Converged RAN product - 69 SC
Yes, up to 9 sectors @ 20MHz; no data provided

Currently no, but on product roadmap for 2011

Currently no, but on product roadmap for 2011
9218 Macro; 9228 Macro; 9216 Compact; 9224 Sub-Compact; 9226 Compact
Alcatel-Lucent - 9000 Series

9926 BBU + RRU

Distributed BBU+RRU
Data not provided
Data not provided

Data not provided

Data not provided
Data not provided
3 carriers @ 20MHz
3 carriers @ 20MHz
700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2300MHz, 2100 MHz
and 2600 MHz
-122.7dBm

5W/ 20W/ 30W / 40W / 60W

SISO, 2x2, 4x4 MIMO support

Yes
8xT1/E1, STM-1/OC-3 (optional) when used with converged RAN products
100bT/GigE

Yes, with Converged RAN product- 54 TRX

Yes, with Converged RAN product- 54 TRX
Yes, with Converged RAN product - 69 SC
No data provided
2010
Currently no, but on product roadmap for 2011

9222 Micro; 9234 du Distributed

Alcatel-Lucent - 9000 Series

 LTE Carrier Support High-Capacity Base Station: Alcatel-Lucents 9914 Ultra

Compact supports nine carriers at 20MHz in a single frame, and 18 carriers at
20MHz in its maximum capacity. While most of ALUs major competitors promise
more capacity, ALUs solution provides more than adequate capacity support based
on most operators spectrum requirements. High-capacity can have a positive impact
on CapEx, as it can help lower the number of base stations an operator needs to
deploy in order to service its end-users.

LTE Carrier Support Low-Capacity Base Station: Alcatel-Lucents low-capacity

base station the 9926 BBU+RRU delivers a maximum of three carriers at 20MHz.
Only Kyocera, NEC and ZTE offer low-capacity solutions with a lower maximum
carrier level. Low-capacity solutions provide service providers with an option to
extend capacity into hard-to-reach areas cost effectively: inside buildings, along
highways, valleys, etc without overpaying for unneeded capacity that comes from
high-capacity base stations.

WCDMA Carriers: ALU claims both of its LTE base stations, when configured as part
of its multi-standard RAN solution, deliver 24 sector carriers of WCDMA capacity.
This is a very competitive figure, and should meet most mobile operators needs. As
end-user migration from one radio technology generation to the next isnt uniform, it
is important for infrastructure vendors to provide operators with networking
solutions that have adequate capacity to support all types of users.

Capacity Scalability: The ability to scale capacity benefits the vendor in terms of
addressing multiple deployment scenarios. Scalability benefits operators as it allows
them to plan for growth in their user base without having to invest in a completely
new set of base stations. ALUs 9441, based on its architecture can scale to support
two frames at a single cell site for a maximum capacity of 18 carriers at 20MHz. The
9926 doesnt scale beyond its single frame.

Ericsson - RBS 6000 Series

RBS 6201; RBS 6202, RBS 6601
Full sized, frame based; rack based; distributed main and remote units

RBS 6101; RBS 6102; RBS 6601

1435x600x400mm; 489 x 483 x 370 mm; 19" rack, 1.5 HU

0.24m2; 0.18m2; zero footprint; Data not provided

<215kg; ~65-70kg; main unit 10.5kg, remote radio 20kg
All: Yes

12 @ 20MHz; 6 @ 20MHz; 12 @ 20MHz

All: Can expand to higher capacity depending on spectrum availability
All: 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2600
MHz
Data not provided

All: 60W to 80W @ 20MHz

All: Yes

No; No; Yes 12 per main unit

All: E1/T1/J1, STM-1 applicable for GSM/WCDMA, for LTE IP/TDM using Multi Link PPP
All: 100bT, GigE, ATM, and ATM IMA group supported in WCDMA. 2G/3G/CDMA/LTE IP
co-transport sharing

48 TRX; 24 TRX; 24 TRX

48 SC; 24 SC; 24 SC
All: No
All: Yes

All: Yes
All: Yes, separate digital unit per technology and adding multi-standard RU
RBS 2000 and RBS 3000 Macro family support LTE
Ericsson - RBS 6000 Series

RBS 6601
Distributed main and remote units
RBS 6601
Fits into 19" rack, 1.5 HU

Data not provided

Main unit 10.5 kg; remote radio 20 kg - up to 12 radio units per main
Yes
12 @ 20MHz
Can expand to higher capacity depending on spectrum availability
700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2600
MHz
Data not provided

60W to 80W at 20MHz

Yes

Yes, RRUS 01 and RRUS 11, both can scale to 12 per main unit
E1/T1/J1, STM-1 applicable for GSM/WCDMA, for LTE IP/TDM using Multi Link PPP
100bT, GigE, ATM, and ATM IMA group supported in WCDMA. 2G/3G/CDMA/LTE IP cotransport sharing

24 TRX
24 SC
No
Yes
Data not provided
Yes, separate digital unit per technology and adding multi-standard RU

RBS 2000 and RBS 3000 Macro family supports LTE

Ericsson - RBS 6000 Series

 LTE Carriers High-Capacity Base Station: Ericssons RBS 6201 and RBS 6601 both
support a maximum of 12 carriers at 20MHz respectively in a single frame. The RBS
6202 supports six carriers at 20MHz in a single frame. The vendor can deliver higher
base station capacity by combining and synchronizing multiple cabinets. For single
frame capacity only Huawei and ZTE market higher performance. High-capacity can
have a positive impact on CapEx and OpEx, as it can help lower the number of base
stations an operator needs to deploy in order to service its end-users.

LTE Carriers Low-Capacity Base Station: Ericsson also markets its RBS 6601 as a
low-capacity solution. As noted, it can deliver 12 carriers at 20MHz. At 12 carriers, the
6601 risks being overkill for some low-capacity deployments. The vendors low-capacity
solution is essentially a repurposed high-capacity solution, which is in contrast to
Kyocera, NEC and ZTE that have purpose built low-capacity base stations. While maybe
not needed in initial deployments, low-capacity solutions provide service providers with
an option to extend capacity into hard-to-reach areas cost effectively: inside buildings,
along highways, valleys or in areas with low population or usage.
WCDMA Carriers: Ericssons three LTE base stations deliver WCDMA carrier capacity
on par with its GSM capacity. The 6201 scales to a market leading 48 sector carriers
(SC) while the 6202 and 6601 can support 24 SC each. Ericsson is unusual as the only
vendor reporting WCDMA capacity equal to GSM capacity. As the end-user migration
from one radio technology generation to the next isnt uniform, it is important for
infrastructure vendors to provide operators with networking solutions that have
adequate capacity to support all types of users.

Capacity Scalability: The ability to scale capacity benefits the vendor in terms of
addressing multiple deployment scenarios. Scalability benefits operators as it allows
them to plan for growth in their user base without having to invest in a completely new
set of base stations. Ericsson lists spectrum as the main contributing factor for limiting
its three base stations to scale to support capacity levels beyond that of a single frame.

Huawei - BTS/DBS 3900 Family

BTS3900; BTS 3900L
All: Rack-based BTS, including BBU and RFU

BT3900A
900x600x450mm; 600 x 600 x 450mm

0.27m2; 0.27m2
All: =124kg with 3RFUs, =160kg with 6 RFUs, =235kg with 12RFUs
All: No, but can add additional RF units for more capacity; BTS3900 6 RFU,
BTS3900L 12 RFU
12 carriers@20MHz; 24 carriers @ 20MHz
12 carriers@20MHz; 24 carriers @ 20MHz
All: 700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1700Mhz, 1800MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600MHz,
AWS
All: -111 dBm with four-way receive diversity

All: 240W RRU/RFU, degradation capable to 2x30W or 2x20W; or 1x60W

multimode RFU
All: Downlink: SISO, 2x2 from Q2 2009, 4x2 from Q2 2010, 4x4MIMO from
Q4 2010. Uplink: SISO, 1x2 SIMO, 2x2 MU-MIMO from Q2 2009, 1x4 SIMO,
2x4 MU-MIMO from 2010
All: support remote RF units
All: T1, E1, FE/GE, STM-1
All: ATM, ATM IMA, 100bT, GigE

All: 72 TRX
All: 24 SC
All: 48 SC
All: Yes, max. capacity of 12 carriers @20MHz per site

All: Q2 2010
All: Yes, with a separate digital unit per technology in one BBU
No
Huawei - BTS/DBS 3900 Family

DBS 3900
BBU and remote RF
DS3900
DBS3900: BBU3900 (86x442x310mm), RRU (480mmx270mmx140mm)

0.14m2
BBU = 11 kg, RRU =13.5 Kg
DBS3900: 1 BBU can connect max. 12 RRUs
12 carriers @ 20MHz
12 carriers @ 20MHz
All: 700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1700Mhz, 1800MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600MHz

-111 dBm with four-way receiver diversity

Up to 2x40W, degradation capable to 2x30W or 2x20W

Downlink: SISO, 2x2 from Q2 2009, 4x2 from Q2 2010, 4x4MIMO from Q4
2010. Uplink: SISO, 1x2 SIMO, 2x2 MU-MIMO from Q2 2009, 1x4 SIMO,
2x4 MU-MIMO from 2010
DBS3900 supports remote radio; RF output is 40W/60W/80W.
T1, E1,100bT, GigE, STM-1
E1,T1,ATM,100bT, GigE

72 TRX
24 SC
8 SC
Yes, Max capacity of 12 carriers @ 20MHz
July 14, 2009 - already commercially delivered to TeliaSonera
Yes, with a separate digital unit per technology in one BBU

Data not provided

Huawei - BTS/DBS 3900 Family

 LTE Carriers- High-Capacity Base Station: Huaweis BTS3900L supports up

to 24 carriers at 20MHz. This is the highest level of capacity reported by
any vendor in the class. The BTS3900 has half the capacity of the
BTS3900L. It should also be noted these maximum configurations, while
providing a high level of scalability, most likely dont represent a typical
configuration that will be regularly used in the near-term. High capacity can
have a positive impact on CapEx, as it can help lower the number of base
stations an operator needs to deploy in order to service its end-users.

LTE Carriers Low-Capacity Base Station: Huaweis DBS 3900 delivers a

maximum of 12 carriers at 20MHz, the highest for this base station class.
While 12 carriers certainly gives an operator room to grow its business
without using additional base stations, for truly low-capacity needs 12
carriers can be overkill. Operators could end up paying for more capacity
than what they need. Low-capacity solutions provide service providers with
an option to extend capacity into hard-to-reach areas cost effectively:
inside buildings, along highways, valleys and even in emerging areas where
there are limited end-users.
WCDMA Carriers: Huaweis BTS3900, BTS3900L and DBS3900 all deliver
24 sector carriers of WCDMA. Only Ericsson (at 48) and Nokia Siemens
Networks (at 36 sector carriers) promise higher WCDMA capacity. As the
end-user migration from one radio technology generation to the next isnt
uniform, it is important for infrastructure vendors to provide operators with
networking solutions that have adequate capacity to support all users.

Capacity Scalability: For Huawei capacity scalability doesnt come from

combining base station frames, but from the addition, or subtraction of
radio units. The BTS 3900 and BTS3900L support up to six or 12 radio units
each. Each radio provides two carriers of LTE capacity. The DBS3900
supports up to 12 radios, at one carrier per radio.

Nokia Siemens Networks - Flexi Multiradio BTS

Flexi Multiradio BTS
Stackable modules for indoor and outdoor deployment

Flexi Multiradio BTS

133 x 447 x 422mm per module; three-module configuration (2BB + 1RF)
standard for GSM, 3G, and LTE technologies

0.19 m2 (zero-footprint possible)

23 kg (per module)
Higher capacity is achieved by adding modules.

9 @ 20MHz
9 @ 20MHz
700MHz, 800MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1700MHz, 2100MHz, 1500MHz, 1800MHz,
1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz(TD), 2500/2600MHz(TD), 2600MHz
-107.7dBm

8W, 20W, 30W ,40W, 60W per sector

Yes, SISO, MIMO2x2, Beamforming (for TD-LTE), higher MIMO schemes
prepared and available in line with devices and market requirements;

Yes, remote radio head supports 40+40W per sector (180W per sector planned)
E1,/T1,/JT1, STM1/OC3, Media-translation (CSoPDN) integrated;
ATM on circuit links (not LTE, which is all-IP). 100bT and GigE supported w/
Native IP and Timing over Packet (IEEE 1588). Hybrid (IP-circuit) transport
available. Ethernet interface to Flexi Packet Microwave (for zero-footprint site
solutions without any additional equipment between Flexi Multiradio BTS and
Flexi Packet Microwave; both outdoor capable).
108 TRX
36 SC
No
Yes, capacity same as for FDD

Flexi platform = 2005; Flexi multiradio = 9/2008

Yes, for WCDMA and LTE
No
Nokia Siemens Networks - Flexi Multiradio BTS

Flexi Multiradio BTS

Stackable modules for indoor and outdoor deployment
Flexi Multiradio BTS
133 x 447 x 422mm per module; two-module configuration (1BB + 1RF)
standard for GSM, 3G, and LTE technologies
0.19 m2 (zero-footprint possible)
23 kg (per module)
Higher capacity is achieved by adding modules.
3 @ 20MHz (1 RF module)
3 @ 20MHz (1 RF module)
700MHz, 800MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1700MHz, 2100MHz, 1500MHz, 1800MHz,
1900MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz(TD), 2500/2600MHz(TD), 2600MHz
-107.7dBm

8W, 20W, 30W, 40W, 60W per sector

Yes, SISO, MIMO2x2, Beamforming (for TD-LTE), higher MIMO schemes
prepared and available in line with devices and market requirements;

Yes, remote radio head supports 40+40W per sector (180W per sector planned)
E1,/T1,/JT1, STM1/OC3, Media-translation (CSoPDN) integrated;
ATM on circuit links (not LTE, which is all-IP). 100bT and GigE supported w/
Native IP and Timing over Packet (IEEE 1588). Hybrid (IP-circuit) transport
available. Ethernet interface to Flexi Packet Microwave (for zero-footprint site
solutions without any additional equipment between Flexi Multiradio BTS and
Flexi Packet Microwave; both outdoor capable).

18 TRX
12 SC
No
Yes, capacity same as for FDD
Flexi platform = 2005; Flexi multiradio = 9/2008
Yes, for WCDMA and LTE

Data not provided

Nokia Siemens Networks - Flexi Multiradio BTS

 LTE Carriers High-Capacity Base Station: NSN Flexi Multiradio BTs supports
up to nine carriers at 20MHz. The majority of NSNs major competitors support a
higher maximum capacity. However with most operators constrained by
spectrum availability, nine carriers should meet most deployment requirements.
Carrier capacity translates directly into the number of users a base can support,
and the data available to those users. High-capacity can have a positive impact
on CapEx, as it can help lower the number of base stations an operator needs to
deploy in order to service its end-users.

LTE Carriers Low-Capacity Base Station: NSNs Flexi Multiradio BTS, when
deployed with one base-band unit and one radio unit, supports up to three
carriers at 20MHz. Low-capacity solutions provide service providers with an
option to extend capacity into hard-to-reach areas cost effectively: inside
buildings, along highways, valleys, or cost effective coverage for areas with
limited end-users. At three carriers, NSNs low-capacity solution matches well
with those deployment scenarios as it doesnt force operators to overbuy
capacity.
WCDMA Carriers: NSNs Flexi Multiradio BTS supports from 12 to 36 WCDMA
carriers based on base station configuration. As with its GSM support, NSN
provides the widest range of WCDMA capacity currently marketed. This flexibility
helps NSN support a wide variety of deployment scenarios. NSN also markets
the highest WCDMA carrier capacity out of its main competitors.

Capacity Scalability: NSNs Flexi Multiradio BTS uses a series of stackable

modules to create the base station and grow capacity. The base station can
range from a single BBU and RF to two BBU and three RFs. Based on the
configuration, the Flexi Multiradio can provide capacity solutions of three, six or
nine carriers in 20MHz channels. This level of capacity granularity allows NSN to
match infrastructure performance with operator requirements, and help prevent
operators from paying for unnecessary capacity.

ZTE - ZXSDR 8000 Family

ZXSDR BS8700; ZXSDR BS8800
Distributed base station, consisting of BBU B8200 & RRU
R8882/R8880A/R8884;full sized integrated macro base station
consisting of BBU B8200 & Radio System Unit RSU82
ZXSDR BS8700; ZXSDR BS8900A
BBU-88.4x482.6x197 mm, the smallest RRU is 420x340x105mm;
950 x 600mm x 450mm (primary cabinet), 700 x 600 x 450mm
(secondary cabinet)
0.1 m2 or zero when wall mounted; 0.27m2
22kg (BBU6.75Kg + RRU 15Kg); 135 to 250kg
No, but can add up to 17 RRU for extra capacity; Yes, with addition of
secondary cabinet for higher capacity
18@20MHz; 6@20MHz
18@20MHz; 12@20MHz
All: 700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1700MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz,
2600MHz,1.9GHz, 850MHz
All: -108.8 dBm @ 1.4MHz channel bandwidth, -105.0 dBm @ 3MHz
channel bandwidth, -103.5 dBm @ 5MHz/10MHz/15MHz/20MHz
channel bandwidth
All: four scales: 2x10W (free of charge) , 2x20W, 2x30W, 2x40W
All: SISO, 2x2, 2x4, 4x4

All: yes max 2x40W (four scales: 2x10W (free of charge) , 2x20W,
2x30W, 2x40W)
All: 1 x 100bT/GigE, 16xE1
All: ATM, ATM IMA, 100bT, GigE

All: 60 TRX
24 SC; 24 SC (30 with extra cabinet)
36 SC; 48 SC
Yes, supports 18x20MHz carriers (MIMO 2x2); when supports 8
antenna beamforming, it can support 6x20MHz carriers
Yes, End of Q2 2010
All: A single BBU dynamically support multiple wireless standards with
different digital units.
No
ZTE - ZXSDR 8000 Family

ZXSDR BS8906; ZXSDR BS8908

Micro compact base station, consisting of BBU B8200 and RSU82;
fully enclosed and compact
ZXSDR BS8906; ZXSDR BS8908
650 x 320 x 480mm; 380 x 320 x105mm

0.15m2; 0.03 m2
<50Kg; 15Kg
No, but can add 17 RRU for extra capacity; No
All: 1 @ 20MHz, 2 @ 10MHz, 3 @ 5MHz
All: 1 @ 20MHz, 2 @ 10MHz, 3 @ 5MHz
700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1700MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz,
2600MHz,1.9GHz, 850MHz; 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2600MHz
-108.8 dBm @ 1.4MHz channel bandwidth, -105.0 dBm @ 3MHz
channel bandwidth, -103.5 dBm @ 5MHz/10MHz/15MHz/20MHz
channel bandwidth; No data provided
2x10W (free of charge) , 2x20W, 2x30W, 2x40W; 2x10W
SISO,SIMO, 2X2, 2X4, 4x4; SISO,SIMO, 2x2, 2x4

Support for remote radio heads with 2X40W; No

1XFE/GE, 16XE1; 100bT/GigE
ATM, ATM IMA, 100bT, GigE; 100bT, GigE

6 to 60 TRX; No
24 SC; No
Yes, 8 SC to 36 SC with external RRUs; No
Yes, 1 carrier at @20MHz; No
Already commercial; Q1 2011
A single BBU dynamically support multiple wireless standards with
different digital units.; No
ZXSDR BS8220 (Pico, indoor and outdoor version)ZXSDR BS8210
(Femto)
ZTE - ZXSDR 8000 Family

 High-capacity Base Station - LTE Carriers: ZTEs ZXSDR BS8700 and

BS8800 support up to 18 and 12 carriers at 20 MHz, respectively
(higher number of carriers available with smaller spectrum channels).
This capacity is only bested by Huawei at 24 carriers. The BS8700
uses 18 RRUs to reach its maximum capacity; a configuration the
vendor says it doesnt recommend, as most operators dont have the
spectrum to support it. Carrier capacity translates directly into the
number of users a base can support, and the data available to those
users.

Low-capacity Base Station - LTE Carriers: ZTEs ZXSDR BS8906 and

BS8908 both deliver one carrier at 20 MHz. This is the lowest capacity
reported by vendors with a low-capacity solution. Extra carriers can
be added through lower sized spectrum channels. While extra radio
units can be added to the BS8906 for increased capacity, the vendor
says that would negate it from being a low-capacity base station.
Low-capacity solutions provide operators with an option to extend
capacity into hard-to-reach areas cost-effectively: inside buildings,
along highways, valleys or for covering areas with limited end-user
uptake.
WCDMA Carriers: ZTEs BS8800 delivers 24 carriers of WCDMA and
the BS8900 30 carriers (thanks to the use of a secondary cabinet).
The low-capacity ZSSDR BS8906 supports 24 WCDMA carriers;
however this appears to be delivered on a configuration not normally
deployed. With all three base stations, ZTE has the ability to deliver
capacity levels needed to remain competitive.

Capacity Scalability: ZTEs three LTE base stations ZXSDR BS8700,

BS8800 and BS8906 have the ability to scale their capacity. Both the
BS8700 and BS8906 can support the addition of 17 RRUs for
increased capacity, giving each the ability to grow from one up to 18
carriers. The BS8800 has a secondary cabinet that allows the
doubling of carrier capacity, reaching 12 carriers at 20 MHz.