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Multi Operator Radio Access Network
MORAN-Multi Operator Radio Access Network, the name implies the sharing of RAN of two operators. MORAN is mainly used for coverage expansion with less hardware cost.
RAN sharing was standardized from Rel.6.
In two scenarios we can go for MORAN.
- 2 Operators are having their own networks in an area.
- Only single operator present in an area. 2nd Operator does not have their presence.
In both scenarios finally expansion of footprint is the main aim for implementing MORAN.
Scenario-1:
If 2 operators are having their presence in an area, there may be some locations where two operators will have coverage overlap and some locations two operators will have exclusive coverage. So to maximize the coverage area we can select the exclusive coverage sites for MORAN implementation.
If Operator-B is taking a site form Operator-A through MORAN that site will be like a new site for Operator-B.
Scenario-2:
If only one operator is present and 2nd operator does not have coverage then this is totally a new coverage for the seeker operator.
How MORAN works:
In Moran both networks will use same radio equipment, same transmission equipment and bandwidth till the MSC of host network. A connection is established between MSC to MSC of both networks which is called NNI – Network Network Inter-connectivity.
The only thing that we have to define is PLMN of both networks in the same cell. If operating frequency of the 2 operators is same (e.g. both operators are having same spectrum 1800MHz band) then we do not need any extra hardware in a cell.Just we have to define PLMN separately and in BSC this option is available.
If both operators are having different frequency spectrum (e.g. one at 1800MHz and1 at 900 MHz band) and the existing equipment (Antenna and radio) does not support both spectrum then we have to add additional antenna and radio baseband unit.
Transmission media will be same in both cases. Just we have to check that host network has enough transmission bandwidth to support the expected traffic of the seeker operator.
If expected total traffic of the seeker and the host site is more than current traffic handling capacity of the host site, then capacity augmentation would be required. For GSM addition of TRX and for 3G and 4G addition of additional bandwidth (e.g. License up gradation from 10MHz to 15Mhz bandwidth).
Implementation of MORAN:
We can take an example how practically MORAN can be implemented. We are taking this example for a single site for GSM MORAN.
- Site – A (Host site) and Site-B (Seeker site)
- BSC of Site-A is BSC-A, and Site-B is BSC-B.
- Core of Site-A is Core-A and Site-B is Core-B.
If we consider a scenario where both operator operates in different frequency band need additional antenna and radio unit.
Configuration in Host BSC:
- Some features need to implement in the BSC
- Multiple PLMN support in BSS
- Multiple CN support
BSC and Core connectivity:
BSC-A needs to be connected to Core-B (CS/PS) via NNI.
Site-B cells will be visible in Site-A OSS as these cells are part of BSC-A.
Though this process looks very simple, yet so many definitions and configurations required in both host and seeker network.Additional hardware not required, but involvement and configuration required atRF, Transmission and core end. Once for the 1st time a sample site implementation successfully completed then further tasks become simpler.
So through MORAN concept we can reduce effective cost of a BTS site and without new BTS/Base station we can expand our network coverage footprint.
P.S.- You should also read about ICR-Intra Circle Roaming which is another method of Network sharing method but with different concepts and also what are the differences between MORAN and ICR.
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