tour to the

basestation
Report on field trip to the
base station

jhon get
Field Trip Report: Field Trip to the Base Station and Shelter

Title

Observation of Wireless, Mobile, and Cellular Network Operations at the Campus Base Station

Objective

The primary objective of this field trip was to understand the working principles and
functionality of wireless, mobile, and cellular networks. By visiting the base station and its
associated shelter located in front of our campus, we aimed to gain practical insights into how
these systems facilitate communication.

Introduction

A base station is a key component in wireless communication systems, serving as a hub for
mobile devices to connect to the network. It plays a critical role in transmitting and receiving
signals for cellular and mobile networks. The shelter houses essential equipment such as power
supplies, signal processors, and network management systems. This field trip provided an
opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications by observing these
systems in action.

Materials and Methods

Materials:

 Observation tools: Notebook, pen, and smartphone (to observe connectivity changes).
 Resources provided by the base station supervisor: technical diagrams and explanations.

Methods:

1. Guided Tour: The base station supervisor provided an overview of the system’s
components and their roles in the network.
2. Observation: We examined the following:

Field Report
  Antennas: Responsible for signal transmission and reception.
 Shelter: Contained backup power systems, cooling units, and network
hardware.
 Microwave Antenna Transmission: Observed the components and
mechanisms of microwave signal transmission.
 Key Network Components: Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Base Station
Controller (BSC), and Mobile Switching Center (MSC) were explained in
relation to the field setup.

3. Data Collection: Notes were taken on the design, function, and maintenance of the
system.

Results

Fig 1

1. Base Station Components:

Antennas: Positioned at the top of the station, these were responsible for
transmitting and receiving signals over specific frequencies.
Microwave Antenna Transmission: The microwave antenna facilitates
communication between two points (A to B) by modulating message signals at the
IDU (Indoor Unit). These signals are transmitted to the receiver, where they are
converted to Intermediate Frequency (IF) signals. The IF signals are then
transmitted through a coaxial cable to the ODU (Outdoor Unit), where they are
converted to Radio Frequency (RF) signals and transmitted further.
There are two ODUs at the base station: one primary ODU for active operation and
one backup ODU for protection.

Field Report
 The reverse transmission process involves the IDU demodulating the IF signals
received back from the ODU.

Fig 2 network hardware components

2. Shelter: This secured environment housed:

Power supply units for uninterrupted operations.
Cooling systems to prevent overheating of equipment.
Signal processors for managing communication between devices and the main
network.
3. Key Network Components:

Base Transceiver Station (BTS): The BTS, located at the base station, facilitates
direct communication with mobile devices by managing the radio frequencies for
signal transmission and reception. For example, when a user initiates a call, the BTS
transmits the signal to the nearest tower, ensuring the user’s device remains
connected.
Base Station Controller (BSC): The BSC manages multiple BTSs in a region. It
coordinates handovers when a user moves from one coverage area to another (e.g.,
while traveling in a vehicle). During the field trip, we observed how the BSC
optimizes resource allocation and load balancing between BTSs to maintain call
quality and data connectivity.
Mobile Switching Center (MSC): The MSC serves as the central hub for
communication. It connects calls and manages data transfers between different
networks. For instance, if a user in our campus network makes a call to a user on a
different network, the MSC routes and connects the call to the intended recipient.

Field Report
 Fiber Optic Cable System:

Fig 2 fiber cable protected by layer of insulation

 The fiber core observed was as thin as a human hair and protected by layers of insulation.
 Fiber optic cables can be installed both underground and above ground.
 Backbone Line: The primary connection (A to B) forms the backbone of the network.
The signal is spliced at the Optical Distribution Frame (ODF) to ensure it is ready for
service.
 For customers requiring high-speed connections above 10 GB, services are delivered
through fiber. Customers requiring lower speeds (e.g., 2 GB, 3 GB, or 4 GB) are
provided services via coaxial cables.
 Before services are operational, the IP configuration is finalized to meet customer
requirements.

Network Operations:
 Wireless communication was facilitated using radio waves.
 Mobile network coverage ensured consistent connectivity for devices
within the range.
 The system managed call setup, data transfer, and network handovers
efficiently with coordination between the BTS, BSC, and MSC.

Coverage Issue and Solution:

During the tour, we asked the supervisor why the network around the girls' dormitory was weak.
He explained that the area was outside the current coverage range of the antenna. This issue
could be resolved in two ways:

 Manual Adjustment: Slightly repositioning the antenna to direct its

coverage towards the girls' dorm area. This involves physically reorienting
the antenna to align with the desired location.

Field Report
  Computer Adjustment: Configuring the antenna's parameters through
software to extend its coverage range to include the dormitory area
without physical changes.

The supervisor also mentioned that antennas have a directional range, and careful planning is
needed to avoid interference or overloading in other areas. Adjusting the coverage area is an
effective way to optimize network performance in specific locations.

Electricity and Network Prioritization:

Another issue discussed was the lack of data network functionality during power outages. The
supervisor explained that the base station is equipped with a generator that powers the station for
up to eight hours during electricity outages. However, to conserve battery life and maintain
essential services, the system prioritizes the 2G network over higher-speed networks like 3G or
4G.

Explanation:

o 2G networks consume less power compared to higher-speed networks and are

primarily used for basic services like voice calls and text messaging. By
prioritizing 2G, the base station ensures that critical communication remains
functional for a longer duration during power outages.
o High-speed data services require significantly more energy and are temporarily
de-prioritized to preserve the generator’s battery life. Once the primary electricity
supply is restored, the system resumes full functionality, including 3G and 4G
data services.

This strategy ensures continuity of essential communication services during emergencies,

though it may cause temporary inconvenience for users relying on high-speed data.

Discussion
The visit provided valuable insights into the practical workings of wireless, mobile, and cellular
networks. Observing the base station highlighted the importance of well-maintained
infrastructure to ensure reliable communication. The inclusion of microwave antenna
transmission illustrated the complexity of signal movement from A to B and the role of ODUs
and IDUs in this process.

The coordination between the BTS, BSC, and MSC demonstrated the hierarchical structure of
mobile networks. For instance, when a user makes a call while walking through campus, the BTS
manages the initial connection, the BSC coordinates the handover to maintain connectivity as the
user moves, and the MSC routes the call to the intended recipient, whether within the same
network or externally. This seamless integration ensures consistent communication quality and
user experience.

Field Report
The fiber optic system emphasized the advantages of high-speed data transmission and its
adaptability for customer needs. The observed coverage issue around the girls' dorm highlighted
the importance of precise antenna placement and alignment. Adjusting the antenna's direction or
parameters can significantly improve network availability in such scenarios, ensuring that all
areas receive adequate coverage.

The discussion on power outages provided additional context for network prioritization
strategies. By prioritizing the 2G network during electricity shortages, the base station ensures
critical communication remains available for users. This demonstrated the importance of
balancing energy consumption with service availability during emergencies

Conclusion
The field trip to the base station and shelter significantly enhanced our understanding of the
operational aspects of wireless and mobile communication networks. Observing real-world
implementations complemented theoretical learning and emphasized the importance of these
systems in everyday communication. The integration of BTS, BSC, and MSC in network
management showcased the complexity and efficiency of cellular networks. Real-life examples
of signal routing, handovers, and coverage adjustments brought clarity to these concepts. The
insights into network prioritization during power outages highlighted the critical role of energy
management in maintaining communication services. Future studies could involve analyzing
signal propagation and coverage in different environmental conditions.

References
 Lecture notes on wireless and cellular networks.
 Information provided by the base station supervisor during the field trip.
 Additional resources on base station operations from course materials.

Field Report