Skip to main content

The Radio (eNodeB/eNB)

Equipment Used

  • Baicells Nova 233 (datasheet)
    • Paired antenna: Alpha Wireless AW-3014-T4 (datasheet)
    • Meant for long-range/outdoor deployment
  • Baicells Nova 227 (datasheet)
    • Meant for short-range/microcell
    • Integrated antenna

Configuration

  • eNB was configured per documentation from the Seattle Community Network (SCN)
    • Because our controller/EPC will not be directly attached to the radio, we will configure the Baicells' WAN interface to be DHCP (see more about the NYC Mesh implementation here)
      • The MME IP will always be 10.70.90.170 to use the Open5GS server at SN3, routed through the Mesh network
    • Because the Google SAS product is paid software we are using the account from UW's local connectivity lab
      • To sign configurations, a CPI License is still needed - otherwise we would have to ask another licensed CPI to sign the configuration any time a change is made (this is attached to a person, not an organization)
    • The PLMN used by SCN (as we are using their SIM cards) is 91054

Current Deployment

PXL_20241027_181933403.jpgPXL_20241027_181058832.jpg
The Nova 233 and AW-3014-T4 installed on the East Mast of Vernon.

image (6).pngimage (7).png
The estimated range for this deployment (sourced from Ubiquiti's UISP Design Center tool and generic 60° antenna parameters and their LIDAR info) and the configuration parameters for the SAS platform based on the real-world installation characteristics.

Details

  • The Nova 233 is powered using a DC cable (crimped ToughCable) into a DC junction box inside the water tower, and plugged into the EP-S16
  • No additional configuration was done to the router to support the LTE connectivity
  • Baicells supports a mode called LGW, which allows the radio hardware to perform NAT and terminate LTE traffic locally, but this would then require per-hub configuration to support OSPF (out-of-scope at this time)