Base transceiver station
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A base transceiver station (BTS) is a piece of equipment that facilitates wireless
communication between user equipment (UE) and a network. UEs are devices like mobile
phones (handsets), WLL phones, computers with wireless Internet connectivity. The network can
be that of any of the wireless communication technologies like GSM, CDMA, wireless local
loop, Wi-Fi, WiMAX or other wide area network (WAN) technology.
BTS is also referred to as the node B (in 3G networks) or, simply, the base station (BS). For
discussion of the LTE standard the abbreviation eNB for evolved node B is widely used, and
GNodeB for 5G.
Though the term BTS can be applicable to any of the wireless communication standards, it is
generally associated with mobile communication technologies like GSM and CDMA. In this
regard, a BTS forms part of the base station subsystem (BSS) developments for system
management. It may also have equipment for encrypting and decrypting communications,
spectrum filtering tools (band pass filters) and so on. Antennas may also be considered as
components of BTS in general sense as they facilitate the functioning of BTS. Typically a BTS
will have several transceivers (TRXs) which allow it to serve several different frequencies and
different sectors of the cell (in the case of sectorised base stations). A BTS is controlled by a
parent base station controller via the base station control function (BCF). The BCF is
implemented as a discrete unit or even incorporated in a TRX in compact base stations. The
BCF provides an operations and maintenance (O&M) connection to the network management
system (NMS), and manages operational states of each TRX, as well as software handling and
alarm collection. The basic structure and functions of the BTS remains the same regardless of
the wireless technologies.
Contents
1General architecture
2Terms regarding a mobile BTS
3Gallery
4See also
5Further reading
6External links
7References
General architecture[edit]
A BTS is usually composed of:
Transceiver (TRX)
Provides transmission and reception of signals. It also does sending and reception of
signals to and from higher network entities (like the base station controller in mobile
telephony).
Power amplifier (PA)
Amplifies the signal from TRX for transmission through antenna; may be integrated with
TRX.
Combiner
Combines feeds from several TRXs so that they could be sent out through a single
antenna. Allows for a reduction in the number of antenna used.
Multiplexer
For separating sending and receiving signals to/from antenna. Does sending and
receiving signals through the same antenna ports (cables to antenna).
Antenna
This is the structure that the BTS lies underneath; it can be installed as it is or disguised
in some way (concealed cellular sites).
Alarm extension system
Collects working status alarms of various units in the BTS and extends them to
operations and maintenance (O&M) monitoring stations.
Control function
Controls and manages the various units of BTS, including any software. On-the-spot
configurations, status changes, software upgrades, etc. are done through the control
function.
Baseband receiver unit (BBxx)
Frequency hopping, signal DSP.
Terms regarding a mobile BTS[edit]
Diversity techniques
To improve the quality of the received signal, often two receiving antennas are used,
placed at a distance equal to an odd multiple of a quarter of the corresponding
wavelength. For 900 MHz, this wavelength is 33 cm. This technique, known as antenna
diversity or space diversity, avoids interruption caused by path fading. The antennas can
be spaced horizontally or vertically. Horizontal spacing requires more complex
installation, but brings better performance.
Other than antenna or space diversity, there are other diversity techniques such as
frequency/time diversity, antenna pattern diversity, and polarization diversity.
Splitting refers to the flow of power within a particular area of the cell, known as a sector.
Every field can therefore be considered like one new cell.
Directional antennas reduce LoRa (long-range)
interference. If not sectorised, the cell will be
served by an omnidirectional antenna, which
radiates in all directions. A typical structure is the
trisector, also known as clover, in which there are
three sectors served by separate antennas. Each
sector has a separate direction of tracking, typically
of 120° with respect to the adjacent ones. Other
orientations may be used to suit the local
conditions. Bisectored cells are also implemented.
These are most often oriented with the antennas
serving sectors of 180° separation to one another,
but again, local variations do exist.
Gallery[edit]
A BTS device
A BTS tower. The antenna is on top and
the shelter housing the BTS on the right
A mobile BTS
A BTS mounted on a building
Electronic equipment box at the base of a
BTS
