Telecommunications Engineering Wireless Systems

A Complete Overview of Telecom Infrastructure – From Tower to Core 1. Base Transceiver Station (BTS) – The Foundation The BTS site is the first point of contact for mobile users and includes three essential subsystems: A. Power System Ensures 24/7 operation through: • Grid Power (primary source, stepped down via transformers) • Diesel Generator (backup for outages) • Backup Batteries (DC power during failures) • ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) (automates switching between power sources) • Power Supply Control Cabinet (converts AC to DC) • DCDU (DC Distribution Unit – powers BBUs, RRUs, etc.) B. Radio Access Network (RAN) Enables wireless access and signal processing: • RF Antennas (4G/5G communication interface) • AISG (remotely adjusts antenna tilt and alignment) • Jumper Cables (connect RRUs to antennas) • RRU (Remote Radio Unit) – manages RF signal processing • BBU (Baseband Unit) – handles digital signal processing and traffic control C. Transmission System Links BTS to the core network: • Microwave Antennas (wireless backhaul) • ODU/IDU (Outdoor & Indoor Units – convert and process microwave signals) • IF Cable (connects ODU to IDU) • Router (routes and manages data traffic) 2. Transmission & Transport Network Transports data between access points and core: • Access Network: Connects mobile devices and IoT via radio towers and fiber • Transport Network: Aggregates and transports traffic using: • Microwave Links • Optical Fiber • DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) for high-bandwidth transmission 3. Core Network – The Brain of the System Responsible for data switching, routing, and service control: • Mobile Core (EPC/5GC): Handles mobility, authentication, and session management • IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem): Supports VoIP, video calls, and messaging • PCRF/PCF: Policy and charging control • HSS/UDM: Subscriber database and identity management • Gateways (SGW, PGW/UPF): Connect mobile users to external networks 4. Service & Application Layer Where services are hosted and managed: • Data Centers: Host platforms for: • Billing & Charging • Content Delivery (VoD, streaming) • Security & Firewalls • Network Slicing & Cloud Platforms • Edge Computing: Brings processing closer to users for low latency 5. Network Operations & Management Ensures performance, reliability, and optimization: • NOC (Network Operations Center): Central monitoring and fault resolution • OSS/BSS Systems: Support operations and business functions • EMS/NMS: Element and network-level management tools • AI/ML: Used for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and optimization Common Physical Components Throughout the Network • Fiber Optics / Patch Cords • CPRI/eCPRI Links (for fronthaul between RRU & BBU) • Ethernet Switches • Racks & Cabinets • GPS/Clock Synchronization Equipment This ecosystem enables seamless voice, data, and video services across billions of connected devices globally.

📍5G Beamforming Beamforming is a signal processing technique used in antenna arrays for directional signal transmission or reception. This is achieved by combining elements in an antenna array in such a way that signals at particular angles experience constructive interference, and signals at other angles experience destructive interference. Beamforming can be used at both the transmitting and receiving ends to achieve spatial selectivity. In the context of 5G, beamforming plays a crucial role in improving signal quality, reducing interference, and increasing overall network capacity. 》How beamforming works ? Imagine a group of people "antennas" trying to communicate with a friend "your device" in a noisy room "the environment with lots of signal interference". Instead of everyone shouting at once, they form a line and speak in sequence "phase and amplitude control", which makes their voice "the signal" clearly heard by their friend, despite the noise. 》In technical terms, here are the steps: ○The base station "like a cell tower" has multiple antennas – this is known as an antenna array. ○When data is transmitted, the same signal is sent from each antenna in the array. ○By carefully adjusting the timing "phase" and strength "amplitude" of each antenna's signal, the signals can combine to create a constructive interference "strong signal" in the desired direction. ○This effectively forms a beam of radio signals focused towards the target device, hence the term "beamforming". 》Benefits of Beamforming in 5G ○Improved Signal Quality By focusing the signal to specific devices, beamforming can significantly improve the signal quality and strength. ○Increased Capacity With less interference and more directed signals, more devices can connect to the network at the same time. ○Reduced Interference Since the signals are more focused, they cause less interference to other devices and networks. ○Energy Efficient Because beamforming focuses the energy in a specific direction rather than scattering it everywhere, it is more energy-efficient. 》Challenges & Solutions of beamforming Beamforming isn't without its challenges. It needs precise information about the location of the target device, which can be difficult in a mobile environment. But with advanced algorithms and techniques like "beam tracking" and "beam steering", these challenges can be effectively managed in 5G networks. #5G #beamforming #antenna #ran

Laser power beaming is a form of wireless energy transfer where electrical power is converted into a highly collimated laser beam, transmitted over a distance, and then converted back into electricity at the receiving end using photovoltaic (PV) cells or similar devices. This approach enables the delivery of significant power densities over long distances with minimal beam spread, making it suitable for applications where traditional wired power delivery is impractical or impossible. # Key Features and Advantages: High Power Density: Laser beams can deliver much higher power densities than solar radiation, allowing for much smaller receiver panels. For example, a laser system can provide the same 500 W of power with a receiver area as small as 0.02 m², compared to about 2 m² for solar panels. Precision and Portability: The narrow, focused nature of laser beams allows for compact transmitter and receiver setups, which is beneficial for powering remote equipment, space missions, and mobile platforms like drones or lunar rovers. Versatility: Laser power beaming can be used in various environments, including ground-to-ground, ground-to-air, and even space-to-ground scenarios. # Applications: Space Exploration: Used for powering equipment in shadowed lunar craters or on Mars, where sunlight is insufficient or unavailable. Defense and Security: Enables persistent power supply to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors, and forward bases without relying on heavy batteries or vulnerable supply lines. Commercial and Industrial: Potential for powering remote communication relays, underwater vehicles, or providing emergency power after disasters. # Technical Considerations: Conversion Efficiencies: Modern laser systems can achieve electrical-to-optical conversion efficiencies up to 85%, with typical semiconductor diode lasers around 50%. Photovoltaic receivers can convert monochromatic laser light back to electricity at efficiencies over 50%. Atmospheric Effects: Laser beams can be affected by atmospheric conditions, such as fog, dust, or precipitation, which can reduce transmission efficiency. Safety: Decades of research indicate that power beaming via lasers can be safe, but precautions are necessary to avoid accidental exposure to high-intensity beams. # Recent Milestones: Distance Records: DARPA recently demonstrated delivery of over 800 watts of power via laser over a distance of 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles) Commercial Development: Companies like PowerLight Technologies have demonstrated laser power beaming over 1 kilometer and are developing commercial solutions for UAVs and other platforms. Laser power beaming continues to advance, with ongoing research focused on improving efficiency, reliability, and practical deployment for both terrestrial and space-based applications.

Beamforming: A Key Enabler of 5G Performance — 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲-𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 Beamforming is revolutionizing wireless communication by enabling base stations to direct their signals precisely toward individual users, rather than broadcasting energy in all directions. Why does it matter? In legacy LTE systems, limited antenna counts (e.g., 4 antennas) made it difficult to control the shape and direction of transmitted signals. This led to: 🔻Wasted energy in non-target directions. 🔻High interference between users. 🔻Limited SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) Enter Beamforming with 5G: With large antenna arrays, 5G gNodeBs can dynamically adjust the phase and amplitude of signals at each antenna element, allowing: ⬆️ Sharper beams directed at specific users. ⬆️ Reduced interference from neighboring cells. ⬆️ Improved SINR, boosting throughput and reliability. Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) Beamforming also enables simultaneous communication with multiple users using the same time and frequency resources, as long as the beams don’t interfere with each other. This dramatically improves: ● Spectral efficiency. ● Cell capacity. ● User experience, especially in dense deployments. Beamforming it’s a foundational technology that makes high-capacity, low-latency 5G networks possible. 📎 Related content: Article: 5G Beamforming & Massive MIMO. https://lnkd.in/eGKMj9-4 Post: Beam management in 5G. https://lnkd.in/eynDcPMG #5G #MassiveMIMO #Beamforming

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦 - Security Edition, Part 1 💡🌐 In this two-part series, we'll explore how wireless network engineers implement crucial security measures, ensuring your networks remain robust and trustworthy. Today, we'll start with the fundamentals, from secure device identification to network monitoring, and discover engineers' strategies to safeguard your digital connections. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞: 𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝐼𝑡 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠: Imagine your network is like a high-security club; only invited guests should be allowed in. Device identification ensures that only trusted devices can access your network. 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐷𝑜 𝐼𝑡: Engineers use protocols like Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) and digital certificates for device authentication. They set up identity and authentication servers to verify the legitimacy of connecting devices. 𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝐼𝑡 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠: Think of this as setting up security cameras in your house. Monitoring helps you see if there's any unusual activity going on. 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐷𝑜 𝐼𝑡: Engineers deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) within the network. These systems constantly analyze network traffic, looking for unusual patterns or suspicious activities. 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝐼𝑡 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠: Encryption is like putting your messages in a secret code. They can't understand what's being said even if someone intercepts them. 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐷𝑜 𝐼𝑡: Engineers configure encryption protocols like IPsec and SSL/TLS to secure transit data. They ensure that encryption keys are strong and rotated regularly to maintain security. 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐀𝐍: 𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝐼𝑡 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠: Think of wireless signals as radio stations. If they're too close or too loud, they can interfere with each other. Managing the spectrum is like making sure each station has its own space to broadcast. 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐷𝑜 𝐼𝑡: Engineers use spectrum analyzers and management tools to allocate frequency bands efficiently. They employ dynamic frequency selection (DFS) techniques to avoid interference and optimize signal quality. As we wrap up this first part of our journey through the world of wireless network security, we invite you to share your thoughts. Have you ever wondered about the invisible safeguards that protect your wireless networks? What aspects of network security intrigue you the most? Join the conversation in the comments below ⬇, and stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll delve even deeper into the realms of encryption, spectrum management, resilience, and access control. #telecom #telecomevolution #security

5G NR Standalone (SA) Architecture: Option 2 Deployment The evolution to true 5G requires understanding NR Standalone (Option 2) architecture - the pure 5G deployment that unlocks the technology's full potential. Here's what makes it different: Key Characteristics of Option 2: • Direct UE connection to 5G New Radio (NR) • Native 5G Core (5GC) without LTE dependency • Full NG interface implementation (NG-C and NG-U) • Enables network slicing, 1ms latency, and massive IoT Key Architectural Components: 1. Radio Access Network (RAN) • gNB (Next-Gen NodeB): The 5G base station replacing eNodeB Connects to 5GC via NG interfaces Handles advanced RF functions including beamforming Performs distributed signal processing 2. 5G Core Network (5GC) Control Plane (NG-C interface): • AMF: Authentication and mobility management • SMF: Session establishment and IP management • PCF: QoS and slicing policy enforcement User Plane (NG-U interface): • UPF: The data routing workhorse enabling ultra-low latency Why This Matters: Option 2 represents the complete realization of 5G's promise, offering: True end-to-end 5G performance Flexible network slicing capabilities Future-proof architecture for emerging use cases Industry Impact: This architecture supports transformative applications from industrial automation to autonomous vehicles that require the full 5G feature set.

Super Bowl LIX wasn’t just a showcase of top-tier football—it was also a test of how well the networks could handle one of the most demanding connectivity environments in sports. As the Philadelphia Eagles celebrated their victory, New Orleans’ telecommunications infrastructure quietly played a crucial role in keeping fans, media, and businesses connected across the Caesars Superdome, tailgate zones, hotels, the airport, and the French Quarter. While much of the spotlight is on game day, T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T took a long-term approach, ensuring that their investments would benefit the city far beyond the Super Bowl. T-Mobile took a broad approach, focusing on both in-stadium upgrades and wider city improvements to keep fans connected wherever they were. -Upgraded its Distributed Antenna System (DAS) inside the Superdome, enabling peak speeds of 1.2 Gbps for fans in the stadium. -Enhanced macro cell sites in high-traffic areas like Champions Square, boosting speeds up to 920 Mbps. -Expanded its 5G network across New Orleans, adding permanent improvements to the French Quarter, key hotels (Hyatt Regency, JW Marriott, Roosevelt), the airport, and the Smoothie King Arena. Verizon focused on delivering high-speed connectivity in dense environments, making key enhancements to its 5G Ultra Wideband network: -Installed 509 Ultra Wideband radios and 155 C-Band radios inside the Superdome to provide consistent coverage across seating areas, suites, and concourses. -Mounted 42 MatSing Ball Antennas on the stadium’s catwalks, improving capacity in crowded sections. -Laid down 560+ miles of new fiber across New Orleans, permanently improving connectivity in areas like Bourbon Street, the airport, and other key venues. AT&T: A Critical Role as the Neutral Host Key Investments: -A significant DAS upgrade featuring 91 zones of 5G+ C-Band, 3.45 GHz, and mmWave, improving capacity across the stadium. -Outdoor antenna system enhancements, ensuring strong connectivity in tailgate areas, parking garages, and fan zones. -City-wide 5G+ expansions, with 69 small cell upgrades and C-Band overlays, particularly in high-density areas like the New Orleans Convention Center. The infrastructure investments made for Super Bowl LIX are a blueprint for how connectivity should be approached at large-scale events. Planning ahead is crucial. The carriers spent years preparing for this one-day event. At LA28, we are planning for a global audience across multiple venues for weeks at a time. Adaptability is essential. The ability to optimize networks in real time using cloud-based vRAN, C-Band, and mmWave proved valuable in managing massive data surges. Lasting impact matters. The networks deployed for the Super Bowl aren’t just for the game—they now serve as part of New Orleans’ long-term telecom infrastructure. The next step? Taking these learnings and applying them to the world’s largest sporting event. #SuperBowlLIX #topvoices

Nikola Tesla's dream was wireless power transmission. Wireless power transmission at MW-scale and single digit km distances would open up a whole new area of offshore RE without the need to lay expensive subsea cables. We could also easily create a grid on the sea to connect offshore RE with maritime loads. "As the world switches to renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, and hydropower, a logistical challenge arises: How to bring power from often remote locations to where it’s needed? In Europe, a number of major projects are currently planned to lay cables hundreds of kilometers long to do just that. But what if there were an easier way to transmit that energy? This is the question behind much of the current interest in wireless power beaming. EMROD stands out for an especially ambitious take on that idea: It ultimately wants to build a “Worldwide Energy Matrix” that transmits energy around the globe via satellites in space. “It’s pretty much the same concept as communications systems,” says Greg Kushnir, EMROD Founder and CEO. “You have a constellation of satellites that allow you to connect renewable energy generators with consumers all over the world using a power-beaming system.”" "For any power-beaming project, there are essentially two approaches to transmitting the power itself: Microwave or laser. With the former, electricity is converted into microwaves that are then focused into a beam and relayed towards a distant “rectenna” that converts the waves back into electricity. With the laser approach, electricity is converted into light and projected toward a receiver containing photovoltaic cells matching the laser’s wavelength. Generally speaking, microwaves are considered best suited for high-power, long-distance applications, while lasers, which degrade as they pass through the atmosphere, are more appropriate for smaller scale use cases or applications in space. EMROD has chosen to go down the microwave route, and while its “Worldwide Energy Matrix” is a long way from realization, its shorter-term goals are based around transmitting power wirelessly on Earth via relay towers. In the Amazon rainforest, around a million-and-a-half people use electricity from diesel generators. As an alternative, the company is in talks to offer wireless transmission of energy via a series of towers (“giant lollipops”, as Kushnir calls them) spaced between five and 20 kilometers apart. EMROD also has plans to pilot a scheme next year bringing wireless power to a remote community in the Middle East, and Kushnir is in talks with the government of Singapore to wirelessly power a fleet of electrified tugboats. “The first stage would be building a tower to beam power to a charging platform offshore, but the ultimate plan is to power those tugboats on the go,” he says." https://lnkd.in/g9QKNfXS

How Antennas Are Chosen in Mobile Phones Designing antennas for smartphones is complex because they must support multiple frequency bands, fit into a compact space, and maintain optimal performance near the human body. * Key Considerations: Multi-Band Support Mobile phones must support: 2G/3G/4G/5G cellular bands Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz or 6 GHz for Wi-Fi 6E) Bluetooth (2.4 GHz) GPS/GNSS (1.575 GHz and others) NFC (13.56 MHz) UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz, for modern features like AirTags) Size Constraints Antennas must fit in thin form factors, so designers use embedded antennas, inverted-F antennas (IFA), slot antennas, or planar meander structures. SAR & Human Proximity Antennas are chosen to minimize radiation absorbed by the body (Specific Absorption Rate) while maintaining performance. MIMO & Beamforming in 5G New phones use multiple antennas for MIMO and beam steering, especially for mmWave (like 28 GHz or 39 GHz), requiring phased array antennas. * Frequencies Used in Mobile Phones Service Frequency Range Notes 2G (GSM)850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz Legacy support 3G (UMTS)850–2100 MHz Moderate data 4G LTE700 MHz – 2600 MHz Widely used today 5G Sub-6 GHz600 MHz – 6 GHz Good coverage, moderate speed 5G mmWave24 GHz – 43 GHz (esp. 28, 39 GHz)Very high speed, short range Wi-Fi2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E)Wireless LAN Bluetooth2.4 GHz Low power short-range comms GPS1.575 GHz (L1), 1.227 GHz (L2)Global navigation NFC13.56 MHz For contactless payments UWB3.1 – 10.6 GHz For short-range radar, positioning * Types of Antennas Used: PIFA (Planar Inverted-F Antenna) – Compact, multiband Slot Antenna – Good for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Patch Antenna Arrays – Used in mmWave 5G (phased arrays) Meander Line Antenna – For miniaturization Ceramic/Chip Antennas – For GNSS, NFC  #AntennaDesign #RFEngineering #ECE #WirelessTechnology #5G #Substrate #GroundPlane #MicrowaveDesign #Electromagnetics

EN 18031 help The EU "Radio Equipment Directive" (RED) cybersecurity paragraphs 3.3d/e/f come into force as of 1 August 2025. It applies to any device to be sold in the EU with a wireless network interface ("radio"). The standard EN 18031 (in 3 versions -1, -2 and -3 depending on the type of device) describes what the vendors should do in order to comply. The EN 18031 has a format unlike I ever saw before. It looks quite complicated, lots of abbreviations and references. But the first step to do is to understand the structure of the 18031. Chapter 5 describes the general structure of all the 31 paragraphs in chapter 6. Each paragraph has a requirements section, followed by a rationale section, and lists possible mechanisms to fulfill the requirement. In the last section, you'll also find a flowchart how to do an assessment to determine whether the requirement is PASSed or FAILed. Nevertheless, really good understanding of the 18031 can still be quite some work. For example, what is exactly meant with "privacy asset" or a "network asset" ? You might have certain ideas about what an "asset" is, but is this in accordance with the 18031? Here I found the documentation provided by Zealience (on Github) very enlightening - explaining how to 'read' the 18031 jargon https://lnkd.in/ei7dnWux It also provides flowcharts and helps to set up the technical documentation. I'd advise to take a look at Zealience to assist you with any 18031 implementation. Remember that the RED comes into effect per 1 August 2025, so time is running out!