Stretching the Limits

Brought to you by The Small Cell Group

The Small Cell paradigm has long shifted from coverage to capacity and offloading. The industry has now started using the term hyper-dense networks to highlight that in specific traffic hotspots, the capacity requirement can be as much as 1,000 times today’s peak throughput.

Registration for this event is now closed.

About the event

The forward thinkers within today’s Mobile Network Operators need to determine how best to increase the capacity density of their networks, meeting demand for ever more Mbps per square metre per Hz in the most congested areas of the 800Mhz to 5GHz bands.

Is this best satisfied by extending traditional methods, widespread deployment of small cells, offloading to Wi-Fi or a combination of all three?

This Small Cell SIG event examines the different approaches, and evaluates the limits, constraints and benefits of each.

A formidable line-up of industry speakers will explain and evaluate the available options and look at practical issues of deployment. An interactive panel session enables lively participation with the audience.

 

Speakers include:

  • Caroline Gabriel, Research Director of Rethink Technology Research
  • Mike Lawton, Product Planning Engineer, Mobile Broadband Operation, Agilent Technologies
  • Atul Roy, Network Strategy Manager, EE
  • Jouni Korhonen, Technical Director, Broadcom
  • Justin Paul, Head of OSS Marketing, Amdocs and Neil Coleman, Marketing Manager, Amdocs Radio Access Network Division

The Small Cell SIG is championed by David Chambers of ThinkSmallCell, Zahid Ghadialy of eXplanoTech, Simon Saunders of Real Wireless, Simon Fletcher of NEC Telcom MODUS and Paul Kenworthy of Ranplan. We are also extremely grateful to Microlease / Agilent for sponsoring this event.

 

This event heads the April 2014 Cambridge Wireless Founders’ Dinner. This esteemed evening of exquisite dining offers outstanding networking with friends, colleagues and potential new business partners within the wireless ecosystem. Please note that invites are open to preliminary contacts at Cambridge Wireless Founder Member organisations only.

You can follow @CambWireless on Twitter and tweet about this event using #CWSmallCell.

Sponsored by Electro Rent

Electro Rent are test equipment specialists with over 50 years of experience providing access to the latest test and measurement technology.

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Sponsored by Agilent

Agilent Technologies, the world’s premier measurement company offers a full range of the latest wireless test equipment that spans the entire lifecycle from early design and development through to volume manufacturing, network deployment and service assurance. For more information, please visit: www.agilent.co.uk

Agenda

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The information supplied below may be subject to change before the event.

13:45

Registration & Networking over Refreshments

14:20

Introduction to the Small Cell SIG by David Chambers of ThinkSmallCell

14:30

Welcome from our Joint Sponsors Mike Lawton of Agilent Technologies

14:35

Operator Plans for the Ultra-Dense Network; Caroline Gabriel, Research Director, Rethink Technology Research

Over several years of forecasting small cell deployments, Rethink Research has seen changes in operators' priorities in technology, timing and services. However, one factor has remained constant - with every forecast, the projected density of urban networks increases as data consumption outdoes expectations and new services are added. In this session, we will share the results of a new survey of mobile operators worldwide and their plans for small cells, Wi-Fi offload and other approaches to adding dense capacity. This will provide insights into current thinking, as well as forecasts of future uptake, including how MNOs anticipate they will achieve 'ultra-dense networks' by the end of the decade, as well as the key obstacles in their path.

14:55

Q&A

15:00

Small cells deployment Challenges; Jouni Korhonen, Technical Director, Broadcom

Future wireless networks are a composition of multiple radio technologies in an increasingly challenging deployment environments, where macro network coverage and capacity is compensated with small cells. This presentation looks into multi-radio small cell deployment challenges in rural, metro and indoor environments. We take a broad look into technical, environment and ecosystem challenges the deployment face.

15:20

Q&A

15:20

Q&A

15:25

Unlocking Small Cell for the Enterprise; Atul Roy, Network Strategy Manager, EE

At EE we thrive to know what our customers want, and aim to offer them far greater innovation than they imagine. We believe that records are only set so that they can be broken. In our pursuit of setting higher bars of innovation, and pushing limits, we see small cell as a potential solution to some of the challenges ahead. However, we don’t believe that small cell will solve all coverage or capacity challenges, but we do believe that small cell could lead to something much bigger. This talk will give an insight into our views of what the future may look like, and the role small cell would play in it. We believe that to find the limits of what is possible, sometimes we may need to go into the realms of what is perceived to be impossible.

15:50

Refreshment Break & Networking

16:20

The use of Inter-cell Interference Co-ordination (ICIC) Techniques for Small Cell Deployment in Heterogeneous Networks; Mike Lawton, Product Planning Engineer, Mobile Broadband Operation, Agilent Technologies

Whilst there are multiple ways to grow network capacity, it is clear that small cells are needed in order to meet the challenge presented by the explosive growth in data traffic. Operators need to invest wisely and find ways to support the exponential traffic growth whilst driving down the cost per bit. Heterogeneous networks provide the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of small cells with an incremental investment to an existing large cell network. This brings many advantages but also challenges associated with managing interference. This paper looks at the techniques used to address these interference issues as they progress through standardisation into a commercial reality

16:40

Q&A

16:45

Automation –answer to the Capacity Crunch or Recipe for disaster; Justin Paul, Head of OSS Marketing, Amdocs and Neil Coleman, Marketing Director, Amdocs Radio Access Network Division

The rapid adoption of smart phones and tablets is driving phenomenal growth in data usage. Networks will not be able to cope without radical change. Amdocs believe that two types of automation within the network will be key to future success. The first type of automation is through Self-Optimizing and organizing networks (SON). Neil will explain Amdocs experiences of SON and how closed loop optimization of networks is the secret to success. The second type of automation is automation of the network roll out process. Justin will explain Amdocs experiences in Small Cell rollout and using network data to drive placement of Small cells.

17:05

Q&A

17:10

Open Forum with all speakers chaired by Zahid Ghadialy of eXplanoTech

17:45

Event Close and fill in evaluation forms

Speakers

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director, Analysys Mason, Co-founder and Research Director, Rethink Technology Research

Caroline has been engaged in technology analysis, research and consulting for 30 years and since 2002, has been focused entirely on mobile and wireless. As co-founder and research director of Rethink Technology Research, Caroline has developed a significant research base and forecast methodology, based around deep contacts with mobile and converged operators round the world. This addresses critical issues and trends in mobile and wireless infrastructure, and particularly operator deployment intentions for 4G, 5G, small cells, Cloud-RAN and other technologies. She is also a senior contributor to Analysys Mason’s Next Generation Wireless research programme. She has led research and consulting projects with a wide range of clients, including mobile infrastructure vendors, large and start-up operators, regulators, trade bodies, government agencies and financial institutions. Her advice and forecasts have helped inform strategic decisions at a wide range of vendors, operators, start-ups and finance houses. Prior to setting up Rethink, Caroline held various executive positions at VNU Business Publishing BV, then Europe’s largest producer of technology related B2B reports and publications. She was the European content and research director, and was a member of the leadership team for VNU’s online business. She holds an MA from the University of Oxford.

Jouni Korhonen - Technical Director, Broadcom

Mike Lawton - Product Planner, Keysight Technologies

Justin Paul - N/a, Independent Consultant

Justin has over twenty years’ experience in technology marketing in the telecoms and software industries. Prior to joining Ericsson Digital Services he worked for Zeetta Networks, Huawei Technologies in NFV/SDN Marketing and Amdocs where he led the launch of their NFV Portfolio which now forms a major part of the ONAP (Open Network Automation Platform). During his career he has been responsible for the launch and go-to-market for a number of leading-edge technologies including 3G, IPTV, LTE, NFV and 5G. A TED-trained conference speaker he has presented at a number of major international conferences including Layer 123 SDN and Openflow Congress, LTE Asia and SCTE. A CIM qualified marketeer he runs a Bristol-based Digital Marketing knowledge-sharing group.

Atul Roy - Network Strategy Manager, EE

SIG Champions

Simon Fletcher - CEO, Real Wireless

Simon joined Real Wireless in January 2016 as Chief Technology Officer, taking overall technical and innovation strategy responsibility across the company. He is a member of the UK5G AB, co-chair of the International WG, and member of the Climate WG. His long-standing association with the UK innovation eco-system through roles such as Director of mVCE and the Innovate-UK ICT-KTN brings a wealth of practical knowledge on open innovation to accelerate product and services delivery. Simon spent his formative years in telecoms infrastructure systems and product development. In NEC Corporation he played a key role in the formation of Joint Ventures for development of 3G and 4G products and established a core team that developed the first-generation of technology for 4G systems culminating in a Steering Board position in the LTE SAE Trials Initiative (LSTI). In recent times he has directed projects on future cities, the application 5G and IoT in industry verticals with an event horizon towards 2030. His long participation in Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) and then directing Real Wireless engagement in H2020 and the 2016 NIC study on Future Comms infrastructure brings great foresight on a range of architectural evolutions underway in 5G architectures, in particular for Open RAN and Diversification. He is a CW Small Cell SIG Champion, and in February 2022 the Small Cell Forum (SCF) appointed Simon as their Chief Strategy Officer, drawing on 25 years direct industry experience and work as an advisor to governments, regulators and big business.

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director, Analysys Mason, Co-founder and Research Director, Rethink Technology Research

Caroline has been engaged in technology analysis, research and consulting for 30 years and since 2002, has been focused entirely on mobile and wireless. As co-founder and research director of Rethink Technology Research, Caroline has developed a significant research base and forecast methodology, based around deep contacts with mobile and converged operators round the world. This addresses critical issues and trends in mobile and wireless infrastructure, and particularly operator deployment intentions for 4G, 5G, small cells, Cloud-RAN and other technologies. She is also a senior contributor to Analysys Mason’s Next Generation Wireless research programme. She has led research and consulting projects with a wide range of clients, including mobile infrastructure vendors, large and start-up operators, regulators, trade bodies, government agencies and financial institutions. Her advice and forecasts have helped inform strategic decisions at a wide range of vendors, operators, start-ups and finance houses. Prior to setting up Rethink, Caroline held various executive positions at VNU Business Publishing BV, then Europe’s largest producer of technology related B2B reports and publications. She was the European content and research director, and was a member of the leadership team for VNU’s online business. She holds an MA from the University of Oxford.

Vicky Messer - VP Product Management, Picocom

Vicky Messer is VP of Product Management at Picocom with over 25 years of experience in the wireless industry. Vicky joined Picocom over 4 years ago and leads Product Management, Technical Marketing and partnership activities. Vicky also leads the Picocom Small Cell Forum (SCF) activities and joined the board member at Small Cell Forum (SCF). In recognition leading in multiple work items and a published papers, Vicky was awarded the SCF ‘Outstanding Individual Contribution to SCF award’ in 2020.

Vicky is a certified IET registration mentor, and currently mentors a local young female engineer. In May 2023 Vicky joined Industrial Advisory Board Bath University Electronics and Electrical Engineering and also won a SCF Industry Award 2023 for Women in Wireless.

Neil Piercy - Founder, Independent

Neil has been developing base stations for various communications systems for over 30 years, during which time he has performed roles throughout the whole development lifecycle, as well as management roles. Neil joined the small cell specialist company, ip.access, when it was formed as a spin-off from TTP Com back in 2000, and stayed with the company for 23 years, during which time his roles varied from System Architect through to Head of Engineering. As a Systems Engineer covering software, hardware, and RF, he includes specialist areas such as security and networking, as well as a focus on all aspects of protocol design and implementation. He has analysed system performance and performed simulations across GSM, UMTS, LTE and NR small cell RAN equipment and systems. He is now a freelance telecoms Systems Engineering consultant.

Simon Saunders - Visiting Professor, King's College London

Prof. Simon Saunders is an independent advisor and researcher with deep industry and academic background in communication systems technology and a burgeoning interest in the intersection between real and artificial neural systems, communication systems and music. He is a Visiting Professor at King’s College London, telecoms advisor to DCMS and Trustee of the charity Music for All.

Simon is a specialist in the technology of wireless communications, with a technical and commercial background derived from senior appointments in both industry (including Google, Motorola and Philips), academia (University of Surrey, Trinity College Dublin) and regulation (Ofcom).

He founded the Small Cell Forum and chaired this industry association from 2007-12, growing membership to 150 companies and working with 3GPP to create the first standards for small cells. He acted as Director of Emerging & Online Technology for Ofcom, leading Ofcom’s Emerging Technology programme and creating their Online Tech team. At Google (2015-20), he worked with operators globally to enhance wireless connectivity via a range of advanced technology initiatives, combining wireless networks, artificial intelligence and network virtualisation. As co-founder and Director of Technology for independent wireless strategy advisory firm Real Wireless (2006-15), he was responsible for overall technical capability and direction, providing independent wireless expertise and advice to operators, regulators, technology and law firms and wireless users. In 2019 Simon organised the world’s first 5G music lesson on behalf of charity Music for All, led by famous musician Jamie Cullum.

He is an author of over 150 articles, books and book chapters, including a popular textbook on antennas and propagation. He has invented over 15 patented wireless technologies and served on technical advisory boards of several companies and universities.

Event Location

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Location info

Homerton College, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PH

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