General8.05.2012

Nokia Siemens Networks extends small cells portfolio

• Launches enhanced range of picocell base stations and 3G Femto access points
• Implements US-based trial of Hot Zone approach

Already offering the industry’s most comprehensive small cells portfolio, Nokia Siemens Networks is further strengthening its market-leading position. The company is launching enhanced microcell and picocell products and new Femto access points at CTIA Wireless®. Nokia Siemens Networks has also announced a trial of its ground-breaking Flexi Zone approach for increasing network capacity, in the Chicago area.

Whether an operator is investing in a single site for rural coverage, or a large urban capacity underlay deployment, Nokia Siemens Networks has a complete portfolio of small cell products, services and expertise on offer to make any application a success.

“Nokia Siemens Networks’ innovations in the relatively new small cells technology market enable us to help operators plan, implement and optimize the most cost effective and profitable solutions to meet growing mobile broadband demand,” said Randy Cox, head of small cells product management, Nokia Siemens Networks. “And because we offer the full range of small cell products, tools and services, we can provide operators with a network that does exactly what they need. Consequently, they can keep CAPEX in check and enhance the user experience where it’s most needed.”

To show how small cells can increase network capacity and coverage, Nokia Siemens Networks has announced a Hot Zone trial system in the Chicago, Illinois, area, so operators can see for themselves the performance and benefits of the recently launched Flexi Zone* approach. Flexi Zone comprises clusters of multiradio (LTE, HSPA and Wi-Fi) access points that complement the macro-cellular network to deliver the highest capacity in Hot Zone areas. The trial system aims to showcase the innovation in a real-life environment by significantly boosting performance while lowering costs compared to traditional architectures.

As part of the trial, Nokia Siemens Networks is introducing a new capability to Flexi Zone – its functionality as a standalone, multi-technology, picocell. Using this feature, operators can initiate Hot Zone deployments with a single site, moving to a full pico cluster as traffic increases.

Meanwhile, the Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi Lite Base Station range has been extended with versions offering increased power of 10 watts + 10 watts for more deployment options, for example in rural locations. This range of all-in-one compact base stations can cut operator site costs by up to 90%** and enable sites that were previously impractical to be used.

Also announced are new 3G Femto access points, introduced to the North American market for residential and enterprise use. These small cell base stations offer seamless 3G access and link back to the operator’s network via the user’s existing broadband connection such as DSL or cable. Using standard network interfaces, the 3G Femto access points are easy to integrate with existing core and radio networks and feature automatic plug-and-play configuration to support rapid and cost-effective mass-market roll outs.

Alongside Nokia Siemens Networks’ proven capability in the planning and optimization of heterogeneous networks, and widely-deployed in-building solutions, the company’s enhanced small cells portfolio demonstrates its commitment to delivering excellent end-to-end capabilities around small cell products and tools, as well as consulting and optimization services.

A demonstration of Nokia Siemens Networks’ small cells portfolio can be seen at the company’s stand (Booth # 3701, Hall D) at International CTIA Wireless® 2012.

To share your thoughts on the topic, join the discussion on Twitter using #CTIA12 and #smallcells.

Available pictures:
Flexi Lite Base Station
FlexiZone access point
3G Femto access point

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