Femtocell Software Framework

Smart phones and tablets have created an unprecedented demand for mobile broadband. Research by leading Analysts prove that most of this data is consumed indoors. Communication service providers are migrating to technologies like 3G, HSPA and more recently LTE to improve the mobile broadband data rates/speed. However the problem of insufficient indoor coverage continues to affect customer satisfaction and increase subscriber churn.

The challenge of providing higher data rates and better indoor coverage is driving communication service providers to solutions like Femtocells. Femtocells with their proximity to the user, small foot print and ability to use the subscribers internet (cable/DSL to backhaul traffic) are proving to be a very cost effective means of providing mobile broadband coverage in homes, malls and offices.The emergence of multi mode Femtocells supporting multiple standards such as 3G and LTE is ensuring that they continue to play a critical role across operator's heterogeneous networks.

Femtocell Software Framework and Protocol Stack

We offer a comprehensive suite of standards compliant software frameworks and protocol stacks to help TEMs rapidly develop Femtocell Access Points (FAP) and gateways. These frameworks have been pre-optimized on leading hardware platforms that help reduce investment risks and implementation complexity.

The software framework provides a complete set of building blocks to develop stand alone solutions for both 3G and LTE technologies or dual-mode solutions that support both 3G and 4G simultaneously. The framework has been licensed by many TEMs and has been deployed in several networks around the world.

The key highlights of Aricent Femtocell software framework includes:

• Support for building femtocells of multiple form factors.
• Protocol stacks for 3G and LTE Layer 2 and Layer 3, optimized on various hardware platforms.
• Comprehensive User Equipment and Cell Call functionality.

This framework exposes standard FAPI interfaces and has been integrated and tested with Layer 1 from leading PHY vendors.

Benefits

Flexible architecture provides unmatched scalability

A flexible and modular architecture ensures high scalability. The software can support solutions ranging from single-core to multi-core architecture based on the number of subscribers required to be supported.

Support for multiple technologies provides substantial cost savings

The software is capable of supporting both LTE and WCDMA simultaneously. This translates into major cost savings for both operators and subscribers as it eliminates the need for deploying stand-alone solutions.

Interoperability across multiple networks

We include support for all 3GPP-defined interfaces, including the Iuh interface. This ensures interoperability and seamless performance.

SON features provides rapid automation

Incorporates advanced Self Organizing Networks (SON) features that help automate network configuration, deployment and operations thus reducing the cost and complexity of maintaining a network.

Advanced RRM provides best-in-class QoS

The software includes support for advanced Radio Resource Management (RRM) features that enable operators to deliver the highest quality of service (QoS).