Maximize Narrowband Network

Capacity and Spectral Efficiency

with cnReach™ Synchronization
OVERVIE W

Overview
Wireless point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint Because RF availability is finite, network operators are
(PMP) wireless networks utilizing narrowband sub-1 constantly challenged to maximize spectral efficiency (bits/
GHz spectrum are widely used in Industrial IOT (IIOT) Hz/s) to support the increasing network capacity demand.
applications to facilitate the data communications To optimize spectral efficiency, network operators work to
of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) open up additional capacity where it does not presently
systems. These SCADA networks typically incorporate exist by addressing self-interference and channel reuse.
programmable logic controller (PLC) masters at the control
center and remote terminal units (RTU) at the remote sites. Cambium Networks, a market leader in wireless IIOT
As the density of these networks increase and the demand networks, offers a range of narrowband products – the
for more capacity expands, efficient use of the available cnReach™ product line supports frequency bands of
spectrum becomes critical. 900MHz (both ISM and MAS), 700MHz, 400MHz and
220MHz, with excellent options for channel reuse and
Noise floors in field area networks (e.g., oil well fields network scalability.
and electrical substations) are notoriously high. The
rising noise floors can limit capacity by lowering radio This whitepaper outlines the theory behind self-
modulations, increasing packet re-tries, and preventing interference in narrowband systems and presents a
connections altogether. A significant contributor to poor number of techniques available to users of cnReach
network performance by noise is self-interference – the narrowband radios to maximize spectral efficiency
unintended spectral interaction between the radios including TDD synchronization, alternating antenna
comprising the network itself. polarizations, and strategic channel planning.

Wireless IIOT Deployment Scenarios

cnReach networks are commonly connected in Point- There are three general scenarios of wireless IIOT
to-Multipoint (PMP) topologies with the SCADA master deployments:
at or behind the Access Points (AP) while the RTUs are
1. Small-scale single Access Point (AP) with a
connected to the End Points (EP).
small number of EPs, e.g. up to 60 EPs, as illustrated
in Figure 1.

EP

AP

EP EP

EP

Figure 1 Single-AP Single Hub Deployment

Maximize Narrowband Network Capacity and Spectral Efficiency with cnReach™ Synchronization 2
W I R E L E S S I I O T D E P L OY M E N T S C E N A R I O S

In this scenario, optimizing network performance is straightforward and dependent on selection of the modulation mode
and radio frame size. There is no need to consider self-interference and RF channel reuse as the cnReach radio operates with
a scheduled TDD (Time-Division Duplex) air interface, and only one radio is transmitting at any point in time.

2. Medium size networks with multiple single AP clusters scattered in a deployment area as illustrated in Figure 2

EP
EP

AP

EP EP
BACK TO BACK RELAY
AP
EP

EP EP

EP

Figure 2 Multi-cluster Network

In this deployment scenario, the operator has multiple APs distributed across the field, each serving a number of EPs. The
clusters could even be connected using a back-to-back relay configuration for backhaul. In this scenario, the operator is
typically using the same RF band for each AP. They may use different channels, but in the case of the same channel, the
operator must consider self-interference to optimize network performance as the AP clusters are operated independently.

3. Large-scale network with collocated APs forming a hub and multiple hubs covering a geographical area,
as illustrated in Figure 3.

EP EP EP EP EP EP

EP EP EP
EP

AP AP AP AP

AP AP AP AP

EP EP EP EP
EP EP EP EP

Figure 3 Multi-AP-hub, Multi-hubs Deployment

These more complex deployments are driven by the need for higher capacity in areas where a single AP may fail to provide
sufficient range, data capacity, or EP density, given narrow channel sizes. The operator may choose to deploy multiple APs
at a hub location using directional antennas, often mounted within feet or meters of each other. Channel planning and
mitigation of self-interference becomes especially important in these scenarios.

Maximize Narrowband Network Capacity and Spectral Efficiency with cnReach™ Synchronization 3
W H AT C A U S E S S E L F - I N T E R F E R E N C E ?

What causes self-interference?

Self-interference arises when multiple radios in an area In this situation, there are two types of self-interference:
are transmitting at the same time, and the wanted signal
1. Co-channel interference occurs when two or more
vs. the unwanted signal (Signal to Noise ratio or SNR)
AP clusters are operating on the same frequency.
becomes lower than required for a specific modulation
mode, and the radios are unable to demodulate the 2. Adjacent/Alternate Channel Interference occurs
wanted signal. This will happen when the radios are not when two or more AP clusters are operating in the
only operating in the same frequency (channel), but also same RF band, but not on the exact same channel.
when they are operating in different channels in the same The interference occurs when a radio is transmitting in
frequency band. one channel and its energy spills over into neighboring
channels. A transmission on a carrier channel is
cnReach uses TDD based technology for data transmission; not perfect in the sense that the desired emission
TDD systems operate by transmitting part of the time does not and cannot “fall off” as sharply as wanted.
and receiving part of the time on a frame basis. The AP Inevitably, “out of band emissions” occur and interfere
controls which EP radio is transmitting by scheduling the with adjacent channels.
air interface to prevent multiple EPs from transmitting at
the same time. Self-interference occurs when a system is While different frequency bands have different
comprised of multiple APs, each operating independent of requirement for the “roll off”, an example of transmission
the other, which collectively compromises their individual emission mask is shown below to make the point:
TDD capability.

Figure 4 Example of a Transmission Emission Mask

One can see that the transmitter will transmit into the dBm, this would usually allow the signal to be modulated
adjacent channel at 20 dB lower, and into the alternate or at the highest modulation in an environment without
second adjacent channel at 40 dB lower, than the center interference (SNR > 40 dB). However, if AP2 is transmitting
frequency. at the same time that AP1 is receiving, the signal feeding
into AP1 could be as high as -30 dBm – assuming AP1 Tx
Taking a 900 MHz radio with alternate channel deployment Power of 30 dBm (1Watt), space loss of 40 dB (~2 meters
as an example: consider two APs installed on the same separation), and signal “fall off” of 40 dB. The unwanted
tower; one AP (AP1) is operating in Channel 1, and the signal from AP2 to AP1 is 20 dB higher than the wanted
other AP (AP2) is operating in Channel 3 (one channel signal from the EP to AP1, making the wanted signal
separation) in the same licensed frequency band. If AP1 completely undecodable.
is receiving from the EP at a very strong signal level of -70

Maximize Narrowband Network Capacity and Spectral Efficiency with cnReach™ Synchronization 4
T D D S Y N C H R O N I Z AT I O N & A C H I E V I N G C H A N N E L R E U S E

-70dBm -40dBm
EP AP1 AP2
WANTED SIGNAL NOISE

30dBm (1Watt Tx Power)

– 40dB (alternate channel fall off)
– 40dB (>2 meter distance, free space loss)

– 50dBm (alternate channel interference)

Noise over Signal = –50 — (–70) = 20dB

Figure 5 Example of Self-interference between Colocated APs Operating on Alternate Channels

We will explore three ways to address this using cnReach: TDD Sync, alternating antenna polarizations, and channel planning.

TDD Synchronization of cnReach radios and Networks

The TDD sync feature on cnReach enables the network Customer field experiences have proven that enabling
operator to control a group of radios such that they each TDD sync on licensed deployments yields significant
transmit and receive at the same time. With TDD sync, improvements in network performance regarding both
the operator can set all the APs in a network to transmit capacity and stability.
concurrently with all the EPs receiving.
In one customer deployment, the network master stations
Consider again the case explained in Figure 5 – when were operating in alternate channels (not adjacent
AP1 is receiving from the EP1 with sync and AP2 is NOT channels) without synchronization. The network was
transmitting anymore (because it is also in receiving mode), unstable and aggregate throughput was much lower than
so with -70 dBm of receive signal level (RSL), the link could expected when all radios were operating. Once TDD sync
be running at highest modulation mode. One could argue was enabled, the network started to perform reliably and
that when AP1 is receiving from EP1, AP2 is also receiving at top modulation mode.
from EP2 – so EP2 signal will appear as noise to AP1.
However, because AP1-EP1 and AP2-EP2 are operating in With TDD sync, adjacent channel deployment will also
alternate channels, the interference caused by EP2 to AP1 work, but not necessarily at top modulation mode.
would be at least 40 dB lower than the wanted signal –
enabling the highest modulation to succeed.

Achieving Channel Reuse with alternating antenna polarizations

and front to back isolation

There are three scenarios for channel reuse. For scenario #1, the solution to
SCENARIO Multiple APs at a hub site achieve channel reuse is via antenna Front-
#1. to-Back (F/B) isolation, combined with TDD
(refer to figure 3, but consider a single hub only)
synchronization. To simplify the analysis,
SCENARIO Multiple APs scattered around the area, each covering consider the following diagram where
#2. a sub area (refer to figure 2). two APs are situated back-to-back and
operating in the same frequency.
SCENARIO Multiple hub sites, each hub site with multiple APs
#3.
(refer to figure 3, consider all hub sites shown).

Maximize Narrowband Network Capacity and Spectral Efficiency with cnReach™ Synchronization 5
ACHIE VING CHANNEL REUSE

EP1

VERTICAL
AP1 HORIZONTAL
AP2

F/B ratio

EP2

Figure 6 Channel Reuse for Two APs at the Same Site

There are three challenges to overcome: polarities for AP1 cluster and AP2 cluster. For example,
antennas for AP1 cluster use H-Pole and AP2 cluster uses
1. Collocated APs self-interference – AP1 and AP2
V-Pole. (Note that all EP’s in that sector must also use the
interfering with each other
same H or V polarization). This will add another 20-25dB of
2. Interference to one AP coming from EPs of another isolation, resulting in 35-40dB of isolation between the two
AP, for example, EP2 causing interference to AP1 when clusters and enabling channel reuse. Please note that SNR
AP1 is receiving from EP1. of 40dB is NOT mandatory. If the application requirements
3. Interference to an EP coming from another AP which can be met at a lower modulation mode (for example
the EP is not talking to. For example, AP2 causing 900 MHz MAS at 25 KHz channel size only requiring SNR
interference to EP1 when EP1 is receiving from AP1. of 20 dB to operate at QPSK), it may not be necessary to
implement all these options.
cnReach radio spec shows that if the SNR is greater than
~40dB, given good RSL, a cnReach radio link should The same logical analysis can be applied to the interference
achieve top modulation mode. To support this, the EP2 caused by AP2 to EP1.
signal to AP1 should ideally be 40db lower than EP1 to AP1
The analysis above assumed that EP1 and EP2’s RSL to the
if possible.
hub site is almost identical. What if signal strength for EP2
The first challenge can be easily addressed by activating to the hub site is much stronger than coming from EP2?
TDD Sync throughout the network, as explained in the In this case, the isolation achieved using polarization and
previous session. F/B radio may not be enough to reduce the noise level
to the victim link. In this case, some level of transmission
For the other two challenges, we can use directional power control is very helpful. The operator can deploy the
antennas and polarity isolation. network in such a way that the signal strength to the hub
site is close enough.
With directional/sector antenna installed on the APs, a
front to back (F/B) ratio of 15dB or higher can be achieved Figure 6 only shows coverage of 180 degrees. To cover
depending on the antenna design. So, assuming that the remaining 180 degrees, another channel should be
the signal coming to the APs from the EPs are the same used. Cambium Networks recommends using an alternate
strength, EP2 to AP1 is lower than EP1 to AP1 by at least channel for better SNR performance – Figure 7 shows an
15dB. To achieve higher isolation, we can use different RF example of that type of deployment.

Maximize Narrowband Network Capacity and Spectral Efficiency with cnReach™ Synchronization 6
ACHIE VING CHANNEL REUSE

EP EP EP

EP EP
Deployment using:
• TDD Sync
CH3-V AP AP CH1-H
• Directional Antenna with good F/B ratio

CH1-V AP AP CH3-H • Different antenna polarity

• Alternate Channels

Double the RF efficiency with complete coverage.

EP EP
EP EP

Figure 7 Hubsite with Multiple APs, where back-to-back APs Share Same Channel

For scenario #2
Using different antenna polarities for the deployment can reduce the interference between the clusters by ~20dB (could
be up to 25dB). Use of TDD Sync can prevent the APs from interfering with one another - if the APs happen to be receiving
strong signals from one another.

Considering the following deployment scenario.

INTERFERENCE

H-POLE EP
AP1
H-POLE
V-POLE

EP EP
V-POLE AP2
BACK TO BACK RELAY

EP
INTERFERENCE

Figure 8 Multiple AP-clusters in an Area

To use the same channel on AP1 and AP2, the operator AP2 EPs. Also assume that EP1’s signal does not cause
should ensure that the EP2 signal does not cause interference to AP2. In many situations, no interference
interference to AP1 when AP1 is receiving from EP1 – between EP2 and AP1 will occur because of a non-line-
assuming EP1 to AP1 is the worst link for all of AP1’s EPs, of-sight path profile between the two points, which adds
and EP2 to AP1 is the best link possible for AP1 to any substantial path loss.

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OPTIMAL CHANNEL PL ANNING

Cambium Networks LINKPlanner™ can be used to model For radios operating in MAS band with 25 kHz channel
this scenario, setting AP1 as the interference victim, and size, this SNR level would allow 16QAM modulation.
assuming that the RSL from EP2 to AP1 is “rsl2”, and the
RSL from EP1 to AP1 is “rsl1”. The SNR for EP1 to AP1 will Scenario #3 is a combination of scenario #1 and
be snr1 = rsl1-rsl2+20 (db) (“20” comes from the polarity scenario #2. The following diagram is a simplified network
separation). Be sure that snr1 is greater than that required which shows only 180 degree coverage with a single
for the target modulation mode – per the radio spec. channel for easier analysis. The operator should use TDD
Sync, and a sector antenna with both good F/B ratio and
For example, different antenna polarities. Analysis used in both scenario
If #1 and scenario #2 shall be applied. Interference between
rsl1 = -75 dBm, neighbor sites with the same antenna polarity should
be analyzed with desired modulation for channel reuse
rsl2 = -90 dBm,
feasibility.
Then
snr1=-75 - (-90) + 20 = 35 dB.

EP1
H-POLE

AP1
AP2 INTERFERENCE?

V-POLE F/B ratio

EP1
H-POLE

EP2 AP1
INTERFERENCE? AP2
F/B ratio
V-POLE

EP2

Figure 9 Multiple Complex-hubs in an Area

To achieve 360-degree coverage, alternate channels should be introduced.

Optimal Channel Planning

In deployments where multiple channels might be required to achieve enough capacity, consider arranging the channels
to prevent a potential co-channel interference path. The following diagram shows four channels - A, B, C, and D. Option 2 is
preferable because option 1 could create a potential co-channel interference path.

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T D D S Y N C H R O N I Z AT I O N S E T U P A N D C O N F I G U R AT I O N

C D A B C D A B
Potential co-channel
interference path C D C D

A
B

B
D C B A D C B A

D C D C

A
B

B
A B C D A B C D

A B A B

D
C

C
B A D C B A D C
Optimal channel path
B A B A

D
C

C
C D A B C D A B

C D C D

A
B

B
D C B A D C B A

D C D C

A
B

B
A B C D A B C D

A B A B

D
C

C
B A D C B A D C

B A B A

D
C

C
OPTION #1
OPTION #2

Figure 10 Channel Planning Optimization

SNR reference
The following table shows SNR requirements for different modulation modes for the 900MHz radio. Please refer to
specification document for other frequencies.

ISM MAS
Modulation Sensitivity (dBm) Min SNR (dB) Modulation Ch Size Sensitivity (dBm) Min SNR (dB)
57 MSK 1 -111 10 10 MSK 12.5 -114 14
114 MSK 1 -109 9 19 4FSK 12.5 -106 22
153 MSK 1 -108 9 23 QPSK 12.5 -108 20
229 MSK 1 -105 10 34 8PSK 12.5 -101 27
663 2FSK 1 -101 9 45 16QAM 12.5 -97 31
884 BPSK 1 -101 7 57 32QAM 12.5 -91 37
1768 QPSK 1 -98 11 19 MSK 25 -115 15
2651 8PSK 1 -91 18 39 4FSK 25 -103 22
3535 16QAM -86 23 36 QPSK 25 -110 15
3535 16PSK -75 34 52 8PSK 25 -104 21
4419 32QAM -83 25 70 16QAM 25 -100 30
87 32QAM 25 -96 34
105 64QAM 25 -90 40
39 MSK 50 -112 15
The quoted sensitivity levels are based 71 QPSK 50 -106 16
on a BER of 10-4 101 8PSK 50 -101 21
137 16QAM 50 -97 25
175 32QAM 50 -93 34
210 64QAM 50 -84 43

Table 1 Sensitivity & Minimum SNR Per Modulation Mode of 900MHz Radio

TDD Synchronization Setup and Configuration Conclusion

cnReach supports self-generated sync as well as sync provided by an cnReach™ offers operators multiple
external 1PPS source, such as the Cambium Networks uGPS module. With techniques to improve spectral efficiency
self-generated sync, one of the APs is configured to be the sync source, from and reduce self-interference. TDD
which all of the other radios in the network derive their sync timing. If the Synchronization, alternating antenna
remote cluster cannot derive the sync from the sync-source AP, external polarization, and selective channel
GPS – such as Cambium uGPS – should be installed on each cluster. While planning make it possible to reuse the
the benefit of using self-generated sync is cost effectiveness, the tradeoff is same RF channel in the deployment,
compromise of the entire network’s synchronization if the sync source AP resulting in significant improvement in
goes down. Please refer to cnReach user guide for proper configuration of RF efficiency and network performance.
the TDD Sync feature.

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