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To perform link adaptation at radio interfaces of an enhanced packet data cellular network the system behavior is simulated for different C/I conditions. Two sets of tables are obtained, each table including upgrade and downgrade thresholds expressed in terms of Block Error Rate (BLER). The tables are specialized for taking into account EGPRS type II hybrid ARQ, Incremental Redundancy (IR). Transmitted blocks are checked for FEC and results are sent to the network that continuously updates BLER. A reliability filter output is used to decide the weight between new and old measurements. IR efficiency is tested for each incoming block and an indicative variable IR_status is filtered. Each threshold of BLER to be used is obtained by linear interpolation between the tabulated threshold without IR and with perfect IR, both weighed with filtered IR_status. Filtered BLER is compared with interpolated thresholds for testing the incoming of a MCS switching condition.
1. A method for dynamically optimizing data throughput at radio interfaces of a packet data cellular network, said interfaces comprising one or more types of modulations having different immunity from transmission errors when used for transmitting bursts of data, said data being packed-up in blocks between mobile stations and serving base station and vice versa, comprising the steps of:
obtaining for each available modulation at least one of an upgrade and a downgrade tabulated threshold of the Block Error Rate delimiting a range in which the available modulation outperforms other available modulations in terms of net data throughput;
averaging and comparing the Block Error Rate, substantially continuously, of the relevant temporary connection with the tabulated thresholds for selecting the proper modulation; combining each available modulation with two or more coding schemes thereby obtaining many modulation-and-coding schemes with different protection against transmission errors;
obtaining for each modulation and coding scheme at least one of a first upgrade and a first downgrade tabulated Block Error Rate threshold which is valid for low-diversity radio frequency channels, delimiting a range in which the modulation and coding scheme outperforms the other available modulation and coding schemes in terms of net data throughput, and considering as low-diversity a channel without frequency hopping and with low user mobility;
obtaining for each modulation and coding scheme at least one of a second upgrade and a second downgrade tabulated Block Error Rate threshold which is valid for high-diversity radio frequency channels, delimiting a range in which the modulation and coding scheme outperforms the other available modulation and coding schemes in terms of net data throughput, and considering as high-diversity a channel characterized by frequency hopping or high user mobility;
selecting either the first or the second tabulated thresholds according to diversity of the radio frequency channel which sustains a temporary connection; and
using the selected thresholds for discriminating a right modulation and coding scheme.
2. The method according to
updating, at each new incoming block of data, an averaged value of Block Error Rate evaluated in correspondence of an actual modulation and coding scheme;
comparing the averaged Block Error Rate with the at least one of the upgrade and downgrade thresholds of the actual modulation and coding scheme; and
replacing the actual modulation and coding scheme with a modulation and coding scheme immediately less error protected when the averaged Block and Error Rate is lower than the upgrade threshold; or
replacing the actual modulation and coding scheme with the modulation and coding scheme immediately more error protected when the averaged Block and Error Rate is higher than the downgrade threshold.
3. The method according to
obtaining for each modulation and coding scheme at least one of a third upgrade and third downgrade tabulated Block Error Rate thresholds valid for both low-diversity channels and incremental redundancy active, and
delimiting a range in which the modulation and coding scheme outperforms the other available modulation and coding schemes in terms of net data throughput.
4. The method according to
obtaining for each modulation and coding scheme at least one of a fourth upgrade and downgrade tabulated Block Error Rate thresholds valid for both high-diversity channels and incremental redundancy active, and
delimiting a range in which the modulation and coding scheme outperforms the other available modulation and coding schemes in term of net data throughput.
5. The method according to
temporarily storing errored data blocks in a memory buffer for joint decoding with new transmissions of original blocks according to an incremental redundancy technique; and
continuously checking a condition of buffer full and other causes making retransmission with incremental redundancy inapplicable, for building a status variable which measures an averaged status of the incremental redundancy.
6. The method according to
7. The method according to
8. The method according to
weighting both a preceding and an actual values of a variable,
taking value 1 when incremental redundancy is properly working, and value 0 for the contrary, and
using a digital filter having a pulse response exponentially decreasing with discrete time n spanning a data block period.
9. The method according to
UP — th n=(1−IR_statusn)�BLER MCSx→MCSy +IR_statusn �BLER MCSx
DN — th n=(1−IR_statusn)�BLER MCSx→MCSz +IR_statusn �BLER MCSx
UP_thn and DN_thn are upgrade and downgrade thresholds, respectively, at an n-th block period;
BLERMCSx→MCSy is an upgrade first (A) or second (B) tabulated threshold;
BLERMCSx→MCSz is a downgrade first (A) or second (B) tabulated threshold;
10. The method according to
IR_statusn =f 1(IR_statusn−1)+f 2(IR_checkn)
n is an iteration index spanning one block period; and
f1 and f2 are weight functions according to same laws as used in the Block Error Rate calculation.
11. The method according to
wherein: Rn takes a formal expression as that used in the Block Error Rate calculation, while xn and β are the same.
12. The method according to
13. The method according to
14. The method according to
15. The method according to
16. The method according to
17. the method according to
BLER n =f 1(BLER n−1)+f 2(s n)
n is an iteration index spanning one block period;
sn=0 when a block at instant n has been correctly received;
sn=1 when a block at instant n has not been correctly received;
when K blocks are received for a considered connection;
f1(BLERn−1) is the first weight function, taking values inside an interval 0-1; and
f2(sn) is the second weight function of the variable sn relative to a decision on the errored blocks, taking values inside the interval 0-1.
18. the method according to
BLER k =f 1(BLER k−1)+f 2(s k)
k is a reporting instant lasting m blocks;
Nack_blocks: number of badly received blocks among those sent with a present MCS;
Sent_blocks: number of blocks sent with a present MCS in a previous polling period:
f1(BLERk−1) is the first weight function, taking values inside an interval 0-1; and
f2 (sk) is the second weight function of the variable sk relative to the decision on the errored blocks, taking values inside the interval 0-1.
19. The method according to
xn is equal to 1 when "at least" one Radio Link Control (RLC) block for a considered connection with a commanded MCS is received at time instant n, otherwise is set to 0;
β=1/TAVG is a forgetting factor and TAVG being a filtering period in multiples of a radio block; and
Rn=(1−β)�Rn−1+β�xn; R−1=0 is said reliability function.
20. The method according to
β=1/TAVG is a forgetting factor and TAVG being a filtering period in multiples of a radio block; and
Rk=(1−β)m�Rk−1+β; R−1=0 is said reliability function.
21. The method according to
IR_statusk =f 1(IR_statusk−1)+f 2 (IR_checkk)
k is a reporting instant lasting m blocks;
f1 and f2 are weight functions following the same laws as used in the Block Error Rate calculation.
22. The method according to
23. The method according to
off-line calculation of the expression:
T PxTS =T P /N TS,
wherein: TPxTS is a Peak Throughput per timeslot; TP is a Peak Throughput derived from a Quality of Service Class of the connection, and NTS is a minimum between a number of allocable timeslots and a number of timeslots that can be handled by the mobile station due to its multislot class;
off-line mapping of the calculated TPxTS on a simulated curve depicting a maximum achievable net throughput in function of values of Carrier versus Interference C/I, and obtaining from the curve a target C/Itarget value; and
exploiting the C/Itarget for all duration of the ongoing connection as a goal to be maintained by the network exploiting the Power and Interference measures at a receiver side.
The present application claims priority to international application PCT/EP02/03881 filed on Apr. 8, 2002 designating the United States, and further claims priority to European patent application EP01830283.6, filed on 30 Apr. 2001, the both of which are herein incorporated by reference.
The present invention is referred to the field of radiomobile communication systems and more precisely to an improved method of link adaptation in enhanced cellular communication systems to discriminate between lower or higher variable RF channels with or without incremental redundancy.
Background and relevant prior art in the above technical field is disclosed in the following documents:
The invention in subject, that will be disclosed later on, is suitable to be employed in the so-called General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), recently added to the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) for enabling it to manage packet data. So an introduction of the GSM-GPRS system is needed before discussing the apparently nearest prior art. The introduction takes advantage from the large GSM standardization coming from ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) and also from the volume titled: "The GSM System for Mobile Communication", edited by the authors: Michel MOULY, Marie-Bernadette PAUTET, Copyright 1992).
The schematized GSM-GPRS system is capable to switch both the traditional voice and data circuits and the new packet data which don't request fixed connections for all the duration of an active session. The SGSN node has the same role for packet data as the MSC center has for voice circuits, it traces individual locations of the mobile stations enabled for data packet communication and performs security and access control functions. For this purpose the HLR register includes information concerning GPRS users. The GGSN node provides interworking with external data packet switching networks, in particular with a backbone network based on IP protocol.
Both GSM and GPRS use standard procedures at the relevant interfaces, namely for: synchronization, cell selection and reselection, paging, access control, request a dedicated channel, security, error detection and correction, retransmission, power control, voice and data flux control, routing, handover, billing, etc. Such procedures belong to a most general protocol having a layered structure named "Transmission Plane" proposed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for Open System Interconnection (OSI). Based on ISO model an OSI system can be described by means of a set of subsystems fit in a protocol stack. A subsystem N which consists of one or more entities of level N interacts only with subsystems immediately upon and below it and a level N entity operates into its own level N. Peer level N entities communicate each other by using services from the underlying layer N. Similarly, layer N services are provided to the layer N+1 at an N-Service Access Point named N-SAP. Information transferred from a starting to an arrival point is always conveyed by physical channels provided at the crossed interfaces. Relevant layers for the arguments developed in this disclosure are the following:
At GPRS planning stage the compatibility with pre-existent GSM has been deliberately maintained to enable GPRS of exploiting the same physical channels as GSM at the Um interface and consequently promoting an easy integration. Both for GSM and GPRS there are signaling channels and traffic channels, the first ones are either for broadcast common control or for dedicated control, the second ones are either for voice or packet data. The additional logical GPRS channels, although referred to packet data have names and functional characteristics which follow from the conventional GSM channels; examples of relevant GPRS channels are the following: PBCCH (Packet Broadcast Control Channel), PCCCH (Packet Common Control Channel), PACCH (Packet Associated Control Channel), e PDTCH (Packet Data Traffic Channel). A list of relevant channels is reported in the specification GSM 05.01 titled "Physical layer on the radio path".
The Extended GSM 900 system is required to operate in the following frequency bands:
880-915 MHz: mobile stations transmit uplink, base station receives;
925-960 MHz: base station transmits downlink, mobile stations receive;
while for Digital Cellular System DCS 1 800 the system is required to operate in the following frequency bands:
1.710-1.785 MHz: mobile stations transmit uplink, base station receives;
1.805-1.880 MHz: base station transmits downlink, mobile stations receive.
Each of the above frequency band is also used in GPRS service and includes a plurality of modulated carriers spaced 200 kHz apart. Full-duplex communications take place by Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) technique. A carrier among those in use in a cell is assigned for all the duration of a timeslot TS out of eight cyclically repeated to allow time division among the users. During the assigned timeslot Modulation (detailed in GSM 05.04) impresses the characteristics of the modulating burst onto one or more physical parameters of a digital carrier to be transmitted at radiofrequency. The GSM-GPRS system exploits a GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) modulation that is a non-linear Continuous Phase Modulation (CPM) characterized by compact spectrum and constant modulation envelope. Compact spectrum generates poor interferences into adjacent frequency channels by introducing a slight worsening of the intersymbolic interference. Constant modulation envelope allows the gain saturation of the power amplifier (class C amplifying) and consequent energy saving from the power supply. Besides power control becomes simpler.
With reference to
GSM's payload timeslots are allocated one to one to the different users, both in uplink and downlink, while as far as concerns GPRS service a flexible allocation is available. More precisely: 1) GPRS's payload timeslots are independently allocated in uplink and/or downlink; 2) singular users can take advantage of multislot allocation; 3) each configured data packet physical channel PDCH (timeslot) can be advantageously shared among different users which access it on the basis of appropriate priority rules. The MAC layer of GPRS protocol has appropriate procedures for governing dynamic allocation of the resources. Control messages to set up or set down a connection activate said procedures for packet data transfer. Temporary Block Flows (TBF) are connections set up on physical layer by the MAC procedures, they include memory buffers to accommodate the queues of RLC/MAC radio blocks. Each TBF connection allows unidirectional point-to-point transfer of user data and signaling between a mobile station and base station, or vice versa. A TBF connection is held for the only transfer of all the RLC/MAC blocks of a LLC protocol session. The network assigns to each TBF connection a respective Temporary Flow Identity named TFI identifier by associating a field in the header of RLC/MAC blocks. The mobile stations shall assume that TFI identifier is unique for uplink or downlink concurrent TBFs (i.e. assigned to the same MS/UE). The header of RLC/MAC blocks further includes fields to specify direction and type of a control message.
In case of dynamic allocation of the resources and in presence of at least one uplink TBF connection, the header of each RLC/MAC block transmitted downlink includes an Uplink State Flag field (3 bits) named USF written from the network to enable the uplink transmission of a successive radio block from one out M mobile stations which share the same uplink PDCH channel.
GSM-GPRS system bears three classes of operation for mobile stations: a class A mobile operates with GSM and GPRS simultaneously; a class B mobile watches GSM and GPRS control channels but can operate only a set of service at a time; finally a class C mobile only uses GPRS services. Furthermore physical resources at the Um interface can be shared between speech and packet data services on the basis of traffic charge at the initial cell planning.
GPRS service bears Quality of Service (QoS) to assure among other things the following requirements: respect of a negotiated priority of service, service reliability, guarantee of a fixed end-to-end packet transfer delay, guarantee of medium and peak throughput in conformity with a certain multi-slot class. QoS parameters together with A, B, and C classes of operation and class of multislot capability take part in a User Profile made known to the network during GPRS attach.
A generic cellular telephony system suffers a lot of impairments mainly due to the following causes:
1. The peculiarity of radio propagation in conformity with the typology of the cells.
2. The Mobility of the Users
3. The intrinsic frequency reuse.
An impairment due to the first cause of above is the time dispersive behavior of the propagation medium because of non-linearities which distort the original shape of transmitted pulses, causing intersymbol interference due to the pulse spreading over adjacent symbol intervals. Another impairment descending from the same cause is undoubtedly multipath fading due to the random presence of spotted atmospheric diffusers on the radio path introducing statistical behavior on the radio propagation. Both at MS or BTS receiving antennas, various phase-shifted echoes of a transmitted signal coming from multipath are summed up with random distributed phases. The result is an amplitude envelope attenuated below certain levels during corresponding fade durations taken as observation times. The time-varying fading behavior is a statistical process whose probability density follows the Rayleigh distribution. Multipath fading is spectrally characterized to be either flat or frequency selective (notch), this happen respectively for correlated or uncorrelated scattering and in both the cases it generates burst errors. Last shortcoming of an on air interface is its vulnerability due to the easiness of malicious interception of data and conversations, if not otherwise provided.
Impairments due to the user mobility mainly are: shadow fading (i.e. corner), Doppler effect, and a certain spreading of Time Of Arrivals (TOA) of RF signals at the BTS antenna because of the various distances of the mobile stations. Shadow fading is caused by the incoming of an obstacle along the line of sight propagation. By shadow fading the transmitted RF signal undergoes an additional steep attenuation to the usual path attenuation. Doppler effect is a slight frequency shift proportional to the speed the mobile station; the shift introduces noise phase and makes time-variant the channel response. Doppler effect for the highest speeds disturbs the synchronization process and the estimate of the channel pulse response consequently. The spreading of the TOAs force the realignment of the RF signals at the BTS side.
An impairment due to the frequency reuse is the presence of isofrequential interferent signals coming from the neighbor cells. C/I ratio increases and the quality of the reconstructed signal gets worsen consequently. The smaller are the cells the greater is the allowed traffic throughput but parallely cochannel interference increases due to the heavy frequency reuse.
The finding of strategies effective to neutralize the above causes of misoperation in cellular systems, needs a good knowledge of the various electromagnetic environments. Typical Radiomobile channels have been extensively studied and experimented with large, medium, and small cells. Small urban cells are further subdivided into micro and pico cells (i.e. canyons). Large and medium cells are subjected to a variety of environments, such as: hilly terrain, mountainous, woody, motorway, urban, etc. Starting from the above considerations ETSI standard committee has specified in GSM 05.05 some practical pulse responses for typical radiomobile channels, such as: Hata-Okumura, COST231, TU3, TH, etc. Most recently models have been proposed in which the RF channel is also spatially characterized.
A lot of countermeasures have been introduced into the cellular systems to combat the above drawbacks; the most popular are the following: channel coding—interleaving—ciphering—channel equalization—frame alignment—frame (block) retransmission—slow frequency hopping—power control—intra-cell handover—and lastly link adaptation. They are valid in general so that speech, traffic data, and signaling can take advantage from them. Obviously link adaptation is the countermeasure that mostly impacts the present invention: it can be specialized into speech or data adaptation. Recently link adaptation has been improved in concomitance with the GSM enhancement, but before introducing link adaptation the older countermeasures will be considered.
As already outlined, GPRS service has been added to the GSM in order to achieve higher performance with data handling. The introduction of packet switching capability meets this objective. TABLE 1 of the APPENDIX shows four standard GPRS coding schemes CS-1 to CS-4 relevant to a RLC block. One block of 456 coded bits carries one radio block. CS-1 consists of a half rate convolutional code for FEC and a 40 bit FIRE code for BCS (and optionally FEC). CS-2 and CS-3 are punctured versions of the same half rate convolutional code as CS-1 for FEC. CS-4 has no FEC. Traffic channels exploit CS-1 to CS-4 while signaling channels prefer CS-1. Practical data-rates (kbit/s) achievable on a single GPRS time-slot are shown in the last column of Table 1.
A subsequent goal of GPRS specifications has been that to increase the data-rate. This aim has been reached by an Enhanced GPRS (EGPRS) version characterized by a higher modulation level, namely 8-PSK (Phase Shift Keying) in combination with additional five coding schemes. In case of 8-PSK modulation a block of 1368 coded bits (456 coded symbols) carries one radio block. While the only GMSK modulation allows to the GPRS users a theoretical bit-rate spanning between 9 and 150 kbit/s (the higher bit-rate being obtained with the poor coding scheme CS-4 and all the eight available time-slots), the 8-PSK modulation allows to the EGPRS users a theoretical bit-rate until 450 kbit/s, triplicating the previous one. In the new EGPRS context, because of the choice between two type of modulations, namely GMSK and 8-PSK, an assignment message shall specify both Modulation and Code type assigned to the channel. Nine combinations of Modulation and Coding Schemes, MCS-1 to MCS-9, are foreseen and detailed in GSM 05.03, GSM 05.04, and GSM 04.60.
TABLE 2 of the APPENDIX shows: code rate, data rate, number of coding bits, etc. concerning EGPRS MCS-1 to MCS-9 schemes. In TABLE 2 the column HCS means Header Check Sequence, while the column Family will be explained later. New EGPRS service thanks to the nine MCSi combinations offers several more opportunities for packet data link adaptation. From TABLE 2 it can be observed that for each type of modulation the grater the code-rate, the greater is the data-rate, because code-rate represents the ratio between the number of useful bits in the source sequence and the number of coded bits. Considering burst having fixed length it results that the higher the code-rate, the poorest is the protection against errors. Higher level modulations (like 8-PSK) are more sensible than lower level modulations (like GMSK) to the causes of RF link degradation and similarly higher code-rates in comparison with lower code rates. Greater sensibility also means faster worsening of the signal delivered to the users as the quality of the RF link worsen. Nevertheless the enhanced opportunity to select one out several combinations of modulation and coding schemes (MCS), enables the system to switch among the various MCSs during run-time to combat the variability of the RF channel. Link adaptation is just this behavior! TABLE 2 doesn't limit the present invention which is valid also in presence of different high level modulations variously combined with the same or different coding schemes.
Link adaptation oriented to voice services promote speech quality compatibly with the variable conditions of the RF link; on the contrary link adaptation oriented to packet data services promotes higher throughputs. In both cases a compromise between data-rate and quality of transmission shall be inevitably pursued when selecting a new modulation and coding scheme. Quality of transmission, and more in general quality of service, plays a main part in a radiomobile system which normally attempts to optimize its own operation by constantly monitoring a lot of parameters. For this aim a variety of measures directed to uplink and downlink transmissions are usually performed, such as (with reference to the single MS): delay of synchronization, channel pulse response, power level of the modulated carrier, power level of the interferent signals, carrier to interferences power ratio (C/I), signal to noise power ratio (S/N), Bit Error Rate (BER), Bit Error Probability (BEP), etc. Incoming useful and interferent signals from the neighbor cells are even monitored to compile a candidate list for handover. The measures performed by the mobile stations are provided by using the PACCH channel; these measures are joined to those performed directly by the BTS and sent forward to the BSC to enable its control capability in the opposite direction. The performed measures give support to the most known procedures of the radiomobile system, such as: Cell selection and reselection, Timing advance, Power control, Handover, Backward Error Correction (BEC) with or without retransmission under ARQ, link adaptation, etc.
Transfer of information relevant to voice, data, signaling, and short messages through the Um interface is governed by a standard protocol named Link Access Protocol for "D" channel modified (LAPDm) for the specificity of the radio channel (high error ratio, fixed length frame, etc.); the same information across the Abis interface undergo an LAPD protocol which descends from the High level Data Link Control (HDLC) procedure. To enable a correct flow control both LAPDm and LAPD deal with numbered frames having start/end flags and payload/signaling content. Henceforth packet data transmission will be only considered, because voice/data link adaptation is not particularly relevant for the invention in subject. Consequently the remaining part of the disclosure will be preferably referred to the GPRS/EGPRS improvement of the GSM. Decisions concerning link adaptation for packet data shall be inevitably issued from a high level protocol agent having the supervision of the signaling conveyed through the uplink TBFs and the opportunity to send command through downlink TBFs. The PCU functional block inside the BSC controller of
Quality of Service (QoS), see GSM 03.60, takes advantage from both transparent or non-transparent transmissions, as indicated for the services listed above. The two transmission modes differently impact the two QoS classes concerning point-to-point delay and throughput. Unacknowledged packed data is characterized by a fixed point-to-point delay and a variable gross bit-rate, mainly due to the system attempts to maintain a target user bit-rate with the required quality. Acknowledged packed data is characterized by a variable point-to-point delay due to retransmission and a constant gross bit-rate; in the last case the result is a variable user bit-rate which can be calculated with the following known expression:
Link adaptation is applicable in packet data transmission independently on the acknowledged or unacknowledged transmission modes. Other questions about link adaptation are the following:
effect of frequency hopping on link adaptation;
the effect of incremental redundancy;
compatibility of the link adaptation with power control.
These questions are briefly discussed in the following.
Frequency hopping increases the variability of the channel so that the choice of an idoneous MCSi shall be conditioned consequently, for example channels having higher variability should require more robust MCSs and consequently lower throughputs.
Incremental redundancy pertaining to type II hybrid ARQ, differently from type I ARQ, needs a lot of memory to store erroneous block together with multi-bits soft decisions usable in joint decoding the successive retransmitted bits. The overflow probability of an IR buffer de facto increases with the less robust MCSs at the lowest C/I; when this happens lastly stored blocks are discarded and BLER starts to increase. The capacity to contrast worsening of the service clearly depends from the skill of link adaptation to manage this circumstance.
Both Link Adaptation and Power Control are features that aim at network optimization but, if run independently, may lead to a contrasting situation. Link Adaptation tries to optimize performance (i.e. maximize throughput) for a given radio link quality. This means that if, for instance, radio conditions are improved, the known methods of Link Adaptation try to benefit from this situation and increase the overall throughput by switching to a different (less protected) coding scheme. On the contrary Power Control tries to reduce interference and save power by using the least possible transmit power suitable to achieve a specified C/I ratio (which is consistent with a required minimum performance). In other words PC tends to keep constant the radio link quality thus inhibiting further improvements due to the LA algorithm. Therefore a common strategy has to be decided to make LA and PC work together.
Patent application WO 99/12304 discloses a method for selecting a combination of modulation and channel coding scheme from a plurality of combinations of modulation and channel coding schemes. Main purpose of the cited invention is that of calculating, other than the usual averages of the oldest methods, also the variance of the measured quality parameters relevant to the RF link, i.e: C/I, BER, BLER, RX-level, time dispersion, and data throughput, for the precise aim to consider the variability of the RF channel when performing a dynamic link adaptation. An evident drawback of the method is the cumbersome off-line tables which map the mean values and variances of the measured parameters into corresponding BLERi for all the MCSi. That because each table of the type BLERi(C/I), or BLERi(BER), etc. shall foreseen entries for two variables and one output for providing the BLERi; e.g. BLERi(average C/I, variance). So the complete input has reasonably to keep into account several possible variances for each mean value considered in a significant grid. The more complicated are the mapping tables the more they suffer from sensitivity of the parameters, consequently the empirical representation of a certain BLERi requires to guess exact combinations of mean and variance. Another feature added to the independent claims concerns the determination of an optimal transmit power level for each MCSi scheme previously selected by link adaptation. The optimal power is determined based on the measured C/I and its level is limited by a dynamic range of the power transmitter. In that the optimal transmission power is dependent on the selected MCSi and requires the definition of as many C/I target as the MCSi.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,699 discloses a method of adaptively selecting from amongst at least two data modulation techniques to use when transmitting data, comprising the steps of:
in a first two-way communication unit:
The method of above implements link adaptation combined with Incremental redundancy. Another similar embodiment is disclosed for transparent services. In both the cases a plurality of different quadrature modulation schemes (QPSK, 16, 64, or 256-QAM) are provided for a unique coding scheme; in that link adaptation is performed by the variation of the sole modulation schemes rather than Modulation and Coding Schemes as in GPRS. The criterion to change modulation disclosed in the text of the citation consists of averaging the BLER of the actual Modulation and comparing the current average with a set of threshold values stored in a memory of the radio unit employing the method, preferably the transmission unit. Each of the possible modulation techniques has a defined upper and lower BLER threshold value that delimit a region in which the technique outperforms any other techniques. The averaging of the BLER makes use of one or several possible weighting factors to weigh recent quality information more than older information. Channel quality history is kept in a database located preferably at the transmitting end for the aim of averaging the BLER, with the database being updated after each transmission upon the reception of a feedback message that contains information as to which data blocks were received with errors, and which were received error-free. Alternate embodiments might require updating the database on a selective basis, e.g. only after a significant change. A first drawback of the method disclosed in the above patent document is that of performing link adaptation without discriminating, as far as concerns the BLER threshold values, between transparent and non-transparent transmission mode, either implementable for the same modulation scheme. A second serious drawback is that do not adequately exploit the opportunities offered by a single Modulation cause the lack of a combination with different coding schemes; in that the use of more onerous higher modulations is forced also when link adaptation could be carried out without changing the actual modulation but simply combine it with another coding scheme.
Patent application WO 00/49760 provides an exhaustive presentation of the problematic around Incremental Redundancy together with link adaptation; its teaching has been taken into GSM 04.60. A main problem solved by this invention is that of providing suitable overhead signaling messages to enable dynamic changing of the MCS during a connection, taking into account contrasting exigencies between Incremental Redundancy and pure Link Adaptation. A first type of said overhead messages is named LA/IR and corresponds to an additional bit inserted as a flag by the transmitting entity (i.e. the mobile station) in a control word of the RLC control blocks periodically transmitted in uplink to the receiving entity (the network). The LA/IR message provides an explicit request of the preferred operating mode, i.e. either link adaptation or incremental redundancy. This information can then be used by the network when selecting one of two predetermined rules for changing the MCS. For example, if the mobile station MS transmits the LA/IR field with a value which indicates that incremental redundancy is preferred, this implies that it currently has adequate memory capacity to continue to store blocks to support IR combining. This informs the network that the BTS can employ an MCS scheme more aggressive (less robust), taking the link quality estimate report into account. Alternatively, the LA/IR field may instead have a value which indicates that link adaptation is preferred by the mobile station. This may imply that the Mobile station lacks available memory and, therefore, cannot rely on incremental redundancy combining. When the network receives this message may then switch to a second MCS rule makes more conservative (more robust) MCS choices, based on the quality estimates, to ensure that the mobile station achieves sufficient performance without the incremental redundancy combining. Commands to change MCS are enclosed in downlink control blocks. A second type of overhead messages of the two mentioned in WO 00/49760 is the value of an additional bit flag named RSEG/NRESEG by means of that the receiving entity informs the transmitting entity whether the MCS for retransmission should be the same or different than the MCS for new blocks transmissions. Before considering the reasons for sending RSEG/NRESEG message a general description of the MCS opportunities for EGPRS is needed. TABLE 3 of the APPENDIX shows that the EGPRS MCS are divided into different families named A (Apadding), B and C. Each family has a different basic unit of payload: 37 (and 34), 28 and 22 octets respectively. Different code rates within a family are achieved by transmitting a different number of payload units within one Radio Block. For families A and B, 1, 2 or 4 payload units are transmitted, for family C, only 1 or 2 payload units are transmitted. When 4 payload units are transmitted (MCS-7, MCS-8 and MCS-9), these are split into two separate RLC blocks (i.e. with separate sequence numbers and BCSs) within the same Radio Block. These blocks in turn are interleaved over two bursts only, for MCS-8 and MCS-9. For MCS-7, these blocks are interleaved over four bursts. All the other MCSs carry one RLC block interleaved over four bursts. When switching to MCS-3 or MCS-6 from MCS-8, 3 or 6, padding octets, respectively, are added to the data octets. The highlighted structure of the MCSs schemes offers more than one retransmission opportunity to cope with change in the RF channel, for example it's possible under certain restriction, that the message originally pertaining one radio block be retransmitted with more, or less, robust MCS scheme. A change of MCS for the retransmitted message involving a splitting of the payload is said re-segmentation. In case the receiving entity were the network, the downlink control blocks transporting a suitable message include an MCS command which tells the mobile station which MCS should be used for transmitting uplink RLC blocks. The RSEG/NRESEG bit can also be added to the downlink control blocks. In this context a NRSEG asserted (re-segment bit=0) can be interpreted by the mobile station as meaning retransmissions by the mobile station using the same MCSs as the initial transmissions of RLC blocks; on the other hand a NRSEG negated (re-segment bit=1) should be interpreted by the mobile station as meaning that blocks to be retransmitted could be re-segmented and transmitted using different MCSs than the initial one. In the latter case, the specific MCS to use for retransmission can be determined by a predetermined rule stored in the receiving entity (mobile station). A help in retransmission come from ETSI GSM 04.60, paragraph titled "Acknowledged mode operation—Additional functionality in acknowledged EGPRS TBF Mode", in which a procedure is proposed which allows the receiver to operate either in type I or type II hybrid ARQ mode. This procedure says that according to the link quality, an initial MCS is selected for an RLC block. For the retransmissions, the same or another MCS from the same family of MCSs can be selected. E.g. if MCS-7 is selected for the first transmission of an RLC block, any MCS of the family B can be used for the retransmissions. Further, RLC data blocks initially transmitted with MCS4, MCS-5, MCS-6, MCS-7, MCS-8 or MCS-9, can optionally be retransmitted with MCS-1, MCS-2 and MCS-3 respectively, using two radio blocks. In this case, the Split Block indicator (SPB) in the header shall be set to indicate that the RLC data block is split, and the order of the two parts. For blocks initially transmitted with MCS-8 which are retransmitted using MCS-6 or MCS-3, padding of the first six octets in the data field shall be applied, and the Coding and Puncturing Scheme (CPS) field shall be set to indicate that this has been done. However, if the transmitter side is the MS and the re-segment bit is not set, the mobile station shall use an MCS within the same family as the initial MCS without splitting the payload for retransmission. The RLC data blocks shall first be sent with one of the initial code rates (i.e., the rate 1/3 encoded data is punctured with the Puncturing Scheme (PS) 1 of the selected MCS). If the RLC Data Block has to be retransmitted, additional coded bits (i.e., the output of the rate 1/3 encoded data which is punctured with PS 2 of the prevailing MCS) shall be sent. If all the codewords (different punctured versions of the encoded data block) have been sent, the procedure shall start over and the first codeword (which is punctured with PS 1) shall be sent followed by PS 2 etc. RLC data blocks which are retransmitted using a new MCS shall at the first transmission after the MCS switch be sent with the puncturing scheme indicated in the APPENDIX—TABLE 4. Furthermore, it is mandatory for an EGPRS MS receiver to be able to perform joint decoding among blocks with different MCSs if the combination of MCSs is one of the following: MCS-5 and MCS-7; MCS-6 and MCS-9. The long explanation of the LA/IR technique attends to clarify this complex argument at the advantage of the disclosure of the invention which is the subject of the present application, besides the lack in the second U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,699 citation of some indications useful to understand the influence of the IR mechanism on the decisional thresholds of BLER is better highlighted. On the other hand is quite evident that the incremental redundancy impacts the extension of the BLER regions and it needs some expedients to be correctly implemented together with link adaptation. The only reasonable inference on IR over LA from the teaching of WO 00/49760 is that IR take over pure LA in case of retransmission with infinite memory pad, but considering the more realistic case of memory saturation, LA is also activated to avoid frequent retransmission. There is a sort of pronounced antagonism between LA and IR at the lower C/I, and the higher BLER values are involved consequently. A problem to be solved by a link adaptation based on comparison with BLER thresholds is that of how taking realistic thresholds in presence of IR for maximizing data throughput. The prediction of LA/IR interactions is not an easy task at all, because, beyond the probabilistic nature of the phenomenon, the knowledge of the precise retransmit memory size is also required. Memory size at the mobile station side depends on the customer preferences about costs and dimensions of the apparatuses and can't be planned by BSS producer consequently. The problem of taking realistic BLER thresholds is further dramatized by the need of taking into account the effect of the variability of the RF channel other than Incremental Redundancy (IR).
With reference to the three aforementioned citations, the effect of the variability of the RF channel on link adaptation is now investigated. As known, the channel variability mainly depends on the presence of slow frequency hopping and/or high user mobility. The problem of the channel variability had been already considered in WO 99/12304 and solved in three steps:
if a change of MCS is needed towards one MCSi having higher throughput Ti.
The given solution, thanks to the calculation of the variance of the measured set, is really able to catch the variability of the RF channel. This performance nevertheless requires a great deal of off-line simulations, cumbersome run-time measuring and mapping steps, and run-time calculation of the relation (1) for the selection of the right MCSi. Nothing is said of how has to be considered the effect of the Incremental Redundancy on the whole method.
The method of U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,699 document apparently doesn't suggest any valid solution to the problem of how contrasting the variability of the RF channel, other than the usual calculation of the averages of historical quality values duly weighted for smoothing older information. The run-time advantage of the U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,699's adaptation method in respect of the method disclosed in WO 99/12304, is mainly due to the easier and quicker change of modulation which is established by a simple comparison with two tabulated thresholds. The run-time advantage pays the prize of the poor capacity to catch the variability of the RF link because the variance is not calculated.
Also the method of WO 00/49760 document apparently doesn't suggest any valid solution to the problem of how contrasting the variability of the RF channel in presence of Incremental Redundancy together with link adaptation.
A main object of the present invention is that to remedy to the defects of the prior art, in particular the one making use of BLER thresholds for dynamically optimize data throughput at the radio interfaces of a packet data cellular network, and indicate an improvement for taking into account the effect of slow frequency hopping and/or high user mobility.
Other object of the invention is that of further optimizing data throughput at the radio interfaces in presence of retransmission with incremental redundancy of the bad received radio blocks.
Further object of the invention is that to harmonize power control and link adaptation mechanisms jointly active at the radio interfaces.
To achieve said objects the subject of the present invention is a method for dynamically optimize data throughput at the radio interfaces of a packet data cellular network. The method of the invention provides an additional set of tabulated thresholds for considering RF channels with high variability. The additional set is particularly appreciable in presence of frequency hopping, that because the new thresholds provided for the BLER comparison better fit with the effects of an increased variability of the RF channel due to the frequency hopping. The two sets of tabulated thresholds, for channels with or without frequency hopping might be preferably both allocated to the BSS (PCU) and either enabled in the occurrence.
The approach taken for frequency hopping is extended to consider all the possible practical RF scenarios. It has been noticed that the simulation results can be grouped into few significant cases. For instance in a typical urban environment two only different cases can be taken into account:, namely: a "low diversity" scenario and a "high diversity" scenario. A first set of thresholds for the "low diversity" scenario should be selected if the cell is characterized by a low user mobility, such as: pico-cells, indoor cells, etc., without Frequency Hopping. A second set of thresholds for the "high diversity" scenario should be selected instead if the cell is characterized by a higher user mobility, such as: ≈50 km/h mobile speed, or if Frequency Hopping is enabled. The method of the present invention provides the two set of thresholds for "high diversity" and "low diversity" RF channels, in that resolving the problem of the variability of the RF channel. Relevant prior art is silent about a difference on the thresholds delimiting a BLER region characteristic of a particular modulation for taking into account low and high channel variability. Besides a link adaptation based on the only selection of different modulations doesn't offer as many opportunities as the combination of modulations with different codes.
The approach of the present invention is extended to consider the impact of Incremental Redundancy (IR) on Link Adaptation (LA). The invention solves this complex technical problem starting with introducing a variable called IR_status which gives continuously updated information to the receiving entity (either the network or the mobile station) about the efficiency of Incremental Redundancy, as disclosed in a relative dependent claim. The evaluation of the variable IR_status is quite simple and filtered IR_status values are taken to update the BLER thresholds consequently. Updating is performed by a linear interpolation between two extreme conditions, namely: BLER thresholds relative to lack of IR and BLER thresholds relative to perfect IR. Intermediate and more realistic conditions are automatically managed by the mechanism of threshold updating. The outlined contrasting behavior between LA and IR, since now remarkable source of problems in the determination of the best adaptation strategy, is no more a problem with the method of the invention extended to the Incremental Redundancy. The impact of Incremental Redundancy is either considered for high diversity or low diversity RF channels
Last argument of the invention is a modified Power Control algorithm having a different goal then the traditional one. The modified algorithm attempts to maintain a C/Itarget target value for the duration of the whole TBF. The C/Itarget target is associated to a Peak Throughput per timeslot decided as "Target performance". The association is performed through a curve that represents the maximum achievable Throughput versus C/I. This curve belongs to those simulated off-line during the preliminary step of the Link Adaptation subject of the present invention, in particular to a set having care of the incremental redundancy. Although the upper goal of Power Control, Link Adaptation continues to adapt to radio conditions, switching from one MCS to another, in order to optimize performance on net throughput. This may happen due to the fact that the power control cannot be "perfect" and therefore the actual C/I ratio may be different from the target one. From above it can be argued that the Modified Power Control algorithm complete the Link Adaptation of the present invention working in synergy with it; in that resolving the outlined controversy of the traditional Power Control. Besides, contrarily to the power control of the first cited document of the prior art, it need not separate optimization for each available MCSs.
From all the above considerations the following substantial advantages of the proposed invention emerge, namely:
The features of the present invention which are considered to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be understood with reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings given for purely non-limiting explanatory purposes and wherein:
APPENDIX—TABLE 1 includes coding parameters for GPRS coding schemes.
APPENDIX—TABLE 2 includes coding parameters for EGPRS modulation and coding schemes.
APPENDIX—TABLE 3 represents payload families used in the EGPRS coding schemes.
APPENDIX—TABLE 4 includes Puncturing Schemes for EGPRS.
APPENDIX—TABLE 5 includes modulation and coding schemes to be used for retransmissions when re-segmentation is not enabled.
APPENDIX—TABLE 6 includes modulation and coding schemes to be used for retransmissions when re-segmentation is enabled.
The arguments of
The reference frame of a known GSM-EGPRS system has been completed at this point of the disclosure. So the basis for the introduction of the features typical of the invention are given. The relevant means of the invention to carry out uplink and/or downlink TBF link adaptation constitute a particular combination of known and new means like the following list, in which when not expressly mentioned they are preferably allocated to the PCU and either confined in the firmware or in dedicated circuits:
With reference to the
Because of the trends of the various MCS curves of
But C/I values are difficult to estimate in a real network, while other parameters, such as BLER, can be calculated directly. The Link Adaptation algorithm here proposed will then be based on direct BLER measurements. The previous calculated 'ideal' C/I switching points now correspond to the following 'ideal' couples of BLER thresholds mapped on the curves of
MCS b
MCS c
Net throughput is then maximized changing the MCS according to these BLER threshold values. If actual BLER falls below the upgrade threshold (Tab, Tbc, Tcd) the algorithm switches to the next (less protected) available MCS. If actual BLER instead exceeds the downgrade threshold (Tab, Tbc, Tcd) the algorithm switches to the previous (more protected) available MCS. For example, if BLER goes below Tbc, while using MCS b, then a change to MCS c will be decided. On the contrary, if BLER goes above Tba, while using MCS b, then a change to MCS a will be decided.
If the RF environment changes, the MCS's performances curves change as well. Therefore the 'ideal' switching points depend on the actual RF environment. As an example, 'ideal' switching points may be different if Frequency Hopping is enabled or disabled in the network. Though the possible RF scenarios are virtually infinite, as already anticipated in the introduction, in a typical urban environment, only two different cases can be taken into account: a "low diversity" and a "high diversity" scenario.
The "low diversity" scenario corresponds to the family of curves represented in
The "high diversity" scenario corresponds to the family of curves represented in
For each specific RF scenario different upgrade switching points and downgrade switching points are derived through simulations and on field measures. These values of the switching points constitute as many sets of thresholds stored in matrix tables. Once the particular RF scenario has been assigned, the corresponding matrix table is selected, containing all the ideal switching points (downgrade/upgrade switching points from/to all MCSs) for that case. The initial MCS has to be defined as said later on.
Things are further complicated when type II Hybrid ARQ (Incremental Redundancy) is utilized. In the
With reference to the
The method of
Taking into consideration the teaching of standard ETSI GSM 05.08 about time filtering of quality variables, for analogy, expression (2u) now assumes the following expression:
In next step S4 the presence of Frequency Hopping is checked. If the answer in step S4 is negative, the case of low diversity environment is checked in the successive step S5. Affirmative answer in step S5 enters step S6 in which the BLER filtered at step S3 is compared to the upgrade and downgrade thresholds stored in Table A. Negative answer in step S5 enters step S6′ where the filtered BLER is compared to the thresholds stored in Table B. The comparison using Table B is also performed if Frequency Hopping were found active in the preceding step S4. Thresholds could be generalized in this way: put MCSx the actual MCS, MCSy the next available less protected one, and MCSz the previous available more protected one, then the appropriate thresholds will be:
Reaching the step S7 either from S6 or S6′, the occurrence is checked of an MCS switching in consequence of the previous comparisons. If in step S7 the actual value of BLER doesn't cross any thresholds the subsequent step S8 performs an unitary increment of index n, then in step S9 the active state of the actual TBF is monitored. Until TBF is active the respective BLER is continuously monitored from the cycle of steps S3-S10 to check the conditions for switching from the actual MCS; if during the cycle the TBF elapses the incoming step S10 resets BLER and R and the program waits for another TBF. If during the cycle S3-S10 the actual BLER falls below the value UP_thn, then MCSx is switched to MCSy in step S11. Alternatively, if during the cycle S3-S10 the actual BLER exceeds the value DN_thn, MCSx is switched to MCSz in step S11. When commanding the new MCS to the MS, in a PACKET UPLINK ACK/NACK or PACKET TIMESLOT RECONFIGURE message, the PCU can also set the re-segment bit to the proper value. In general, for retransmissions, setting the re-segment bit to '1' requires the mobile station MS/UE to use an MCS within the same family as the initial transmission and the payload may be split. Instead setting the re-segment bit to '0' requires the mobile station shall use an MCS within the same family as the initial transmission without splitting the payload. TABLES 5 and 6 of the APPENDIX show MCS schemes to use for retransmission after switching to a different MCS. TABLE 5 is valid for re-segment bit=1, while TABLE 6 is valid for re-segment bit='0'. According to the invention, in the case under description (no Incremental Redundancy mode), the re-segment bit is always set to "1". Whenever the Modulation and Coding Scheme is changed, BLER and R variable are set to zero in the successive step S12 and the filtering process is re-started from step S3.
Additional advantages of the disclosed method are mostly due to the filtering step S3, they are:
With reference to the
The IR_status is then filtered in step S7 (S7′) using the same approach used for BLER in step S3; in particular using a digital filter having a response exponentially decreasing with discrete time n as indicated by the following law:
Differently from the preceding method of
Indicating with BLERMCSx
The successive step S9 is charged to compare BLER filtered in step S3 with the new thresholds (7u) and (8u) either coming from step S8 or S8′, then in step S10 the occurrence of an MCS switching in consequence of the previous comparisons is checked. If from the check of step S10 it results that in step S9 the actual BLER doesn't cross any UP_thn or DN_thn thresholds, the subsequent step S11 performs an unitary increment of index n, then in step S12 the active state of the actual TBF is monitored. Until TBF is active the respective BLER is continuously monitored from the cycle of steps S3-S12 to check the conditions for switching from the actual MCS; if during the cycle the TBF elapses the incoming step S13 resets BLER and R variables and the program waits for another TBF. If during cycle S3-S12 the actual BLER falls below the value UP_thn, then in step S14 MCSx is switched to MCSy. Alternatively, if during the cycle S3-S12 the actual BLER exceeds the value DN_thn, in step S14 MCSx is switched to MCSz. When commanding the new MCS to the mobile station, in a PACKET UPLINK ACK/NACK or PACKET TIMESLOT RECONFIGURE message, the PCU unit can also set the re-segment bit to the proper value. If IR_statusn<0.5 then IR is considered as "not-properly working" and the re-segment bit is set to '1'. On the contrary, if IR_statusn>0.5 then IR is considered as "properly working" and the re-segment bit is set to '0'. For retransmissions the previous considerations are still valid so as TABLES 5 and 6 of the APPENDIX.
Whenever the Modulation and Coding Scheme is changed, in the successive step S15 BLER and R variables are set to zero and the filtering process is re-started from step S3.
Additional advantage of the disclosed method is that it is independent on the memory size at the BTS. In fact if there is so much memory as the IR_status variable will always be close to 1, then in step S9 the "perfect IR" thresholds BLERMCSx
The disclosure of how performing uplink adaptation with Incremental Redundancy carried out with reference to the
Considerations about the Incremental Redundancy, to say expression (5u) and (6u) both pertaining to IR_status and IR_check variables remain formally unchanged by using the reporting instant k. The same applies to the settlement of upgrade and downgrade thresholds through the expressions (7u) and (8u). In particular, when an EGPRS PACKET DOWNLINK ACK/NACK message is received, the MS_OUT_OF_MEMORY bit is checked:
Linear interpolations for updating all the upgrade and downgrade tabulated BLER thresholds associated to each available MCS take now the following expressions at the reporting instant k:
With reference to
Once TPxTS is set on the ordinate axis of the curve "Maximum achievable throughput", the curve itself associates to the TPxTS point a target C/Itarget value on the abscissa axis. In other words the couple of points (C/Itarget, TPxTS) is marked on the "Maximum achievable throughput" curve. C/Itarget target value constitutes the goal of the modified Power Control algorithm. Traditional Power Control algorithm attempts to minimize transmission power compatibly with a minimum fixed quality of the transmitted signal checked by the receiving entity. To reach this aim it needs to handle measures included in the Measurement Channel Report. Once the measures have been acquired, the traditional Power Control algorithm starts to increase, or decrease, step by step the transmitted power until the outlined goal on minimum quality has been checked back from the measures. Modified Power Control algorithm works as the traditional one but with a different goal, namely it tries to maintain the C/Itarget target value for the duration of the whole TBF. The Link Adaptation algorithm subject of the present invention, on the other hand, continues to adapt to radio conditions, switching from one MCS to another, in order to optimize performance on net throughput. This may happen due to the fact that the power control cannot be "perfect" and therefore the actual C/I ratio may be different from the target one. From above it can be argued that the Modified Power Control algorithm works in synergy with the link adaptation, in that resolving the controversy outlined in the prior art.
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While it is always challenging to find the time to get together – as we all juggle our dreams, work, families, commitments and farm chores – we certainly do love to get together to share and celebrate! And we think that shared meals, focused workshops and engaging conferences make for a strategic, laughter-filled and delicious moments
Please view our FarmStart Newsletter/Bulletin to see all the events we host or promote each month!
We hope you will join us at The Harvest Table Dinner at Artisanale Restaurant in Guelph on Thursday January 29th, 2015 (the beginning of the Organic Conference week in Guelph). Join us and help celebrate and support local food and new farmers!
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I know we're all really busy (I haven't even had time to log in in weeks!) but I wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing!
My girls were born 38 weeks 2 days and are 4 weeks old on Monday. They have gained over a pound each :) and they are doing well. Im exclusively nursing and I'm exhausted by the night feedings (they take an hour to feed/get back to sleep or more!) but I've given myself a 6 week goal and then I'll revisit how we're doing. I know they'll start going longer in between soon!!!
We've gotten out a lot and I'm actually scaling back so we can work on a daytime routine a little better. On the days I dont' go out they manage to sleep on their own (at the same time) for about one 2-hr chunk. No, I don't sleep during that time--I clean! I can't help it!!! The rest of the day I have a baby in my arms or in a baby carrier... or two!
Confession: I've had a couple days where I just wished I only had one at a time! I wished I didn't have twins because it would be SO EASY if I only had one to worry about (especially if it was the one that was being quiet at that moment). I consider them both good babies but I only have 2 hands. Even with the help I"ve been getting I still feel overwhelmed at times and there is not always someone else there. I love both my girls but it's so hard when they ae both screaming and there is only one pair of hands to sooth them.
Bonus: they are staying awake more and more and this morning (okay it was 5am!) they were both awake, quietly, for 1 1/2 hours!!! They then slept really well :) I'm looking forward to the next few weeks when they start to be alert more and start to "play" on their own for little chunks of time.
How are the rest of you doing?


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Op-Ed: Rapid Urban Growth Requires Prompt Action
May. 27, 2015 | The Financial Times
Seeing the future does not require a crystal ball - just an understanding of cities.
.@LeoDiCaprio, thanks for spreading the message and your unwavering support for protecting the environment. https://t.co/wtnibQm60B
about 15 hours ago
This site will help you learn more about the issues important to me and the causes I've supported in business, philanthropy, and through public service.
I've been fortunate to have been involved on a wide range of issues in the private sector through my company, Bloomberg LP, through my foundation, and through my tenure as Mayor of the City of New York.
This site is a great place to learn more about those issues and what you can do to get involved.


text:
Golf Channel Guy tears up over Tiger
We have first place in the over-reaction to Tiger Woods' statement: Some Golf Channel analyst tears up talking about it. What's this guy going to do when Tiger hits a perfect wedge shot?
We have first place in the over-reaction to Tiger Woods' statement: Some Golf Channel analyst tears up talking about it. What's this guy going to do when Tiger hits a perfect wedge shot?
Ha! Thanks for pointing this out. These guys crack me up.
i hope drew brees never has to call a similar press conference and later have cam cameron comment on it.
I don't see the big deal. Why is everyone so concerned about who tiger is sleeping with .. its like Dan Sileo say, "Tiger is not a friend or neighbor .. he is one heck of a golfer". Frankly, I don't care if he has a different hooker every night .. that is between him and his family. Unfaithful men are not news in this world. Much ado about nothing.
PLEASE!!!! Give me a break. This guy (if you want to call him that) probably wears silky laced underwear.
hey half the espn network, local news, and national news had their usual phony "somber and concerned" faces on. of course espn has had a man crush on woods for years. and as usual, the sports radio crowd basically smiled and winked approvingly at his misdeedswoods had to have his attorney's hand prints all over the statment. evrery day, a new sports figure has to have their lawyer or publicist gush out a wooden, robotic statement. i personally could care less if he ever tees up a golf ball. 100% phony.
Well...lessee...maybe the guy REALLY does get all teary when confronted by an adult truth. Watch out on the day someone tells him that there is no Santa Claus and no Easter Bunny.
What a loser!
Isn't he simply the sweetest most darling golf commentator in the whole wide world? That little soldier needs a great big hug. There, there my precious lamb chop, Tiger's gonna be fine as wine....
My eyes tear up every time I think about the sad sad tale of this billionaire who plays golf for a living, floating around the world on his yacht and sleeping with dozens of beautiful women. What kind of monster wouldn't feel sympathy for the man?
That what pathetic! Who wouldn't cry too for a guy who has a billion dollars and plays a game for a living? Boo Hoo Boo Hoo! Give me a break. That broadcaster should be embarrassed.
He's crying for his job.
Golf Channel isn't exactly the NFL Network.
Launching 18 months prior to Tiger's pro career,
studio executives likely made it clear, their orbit deteriorates with his .
If fans don't buy into his apology, Tiger may exile himself until they do,
or exonerate him in spite of it, and stomp their feet loud enough
for his irreverrent return.
In the meantime, no Tiger, no fans.
No fans, no Golf Channel.
You share in the SunSentinel.com community, so we just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, or take shots at anyone's sexual orientation or religion. If you can't be nice, we reserve the right to remove your material and ban users who violate our Terms of Service.


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Having blazed a beat by the great J. Dilla on his last feature, Jersey fave Neako takes inspiration from another world-class producer on his latest mixtape leak, the cryptically-titled LVL 2 x 10. Here, the freestyle alum flips a snippet from Kanye's Hell of a Life instrumental into a moody backdrop for his tightly-wound bars. Craving more? Stay tuned; The Number 23, the follow up to the artist's Booth-hosted LOUDPackTree mixtape, is dropping "very soon."
Written by richard on Aug 11, 2011
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Snow Sports Market Sees First Decline in Sales
the first time this season as recession-conscious holiday shoppers spent fewer
dollars. "According to the Census Bureau the rest of retail trade is down 11%
so considering that, the snow sports market is weathering this economic
downturn fairly well," said Kelly Davis SIA's Director of Research. Overall,
the snow sports market declined 1.5% in total dollars compared to August
category where current model ski sales were down 17% over last season. One
bright spot in the alpine equipment category was the continuation of strong
sales of twin tip and fat skis (80-95mm waist width). The snowboard category
declined 5% in boards, boots and bindings. Overall apparel was down 3% but
snowboard apparel, shell parkas and fleece sales remained strong and another
surprising increase of more than 20% in adult one-piece suits shored up the
market. Accessories continued to sell well and sales were up 4%, particularly
hats, gloves, and wax that many skiers and riders purchased at resort shops.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081209/AQTU104LOGO-b)
The equipment category declined 4% in dollars overall with the deepest
loss in alpine ski and equipment sold in chain stores. Alpine ski sales,
particularly current year models, declined 17% over last season even while
twin tips and fat skis were selling well. The biggest loser in the alpine ski
category was the mid-fat ski (70-79mm waist width) category; flat mid-fat skis
were down 45% and mid-fat systems were down 14%. Alpine boots and bindings
sales were about even with last season sales and current year models are
selling well. Snowboards, snowboard boots, and snowboard bindings sales
declined 5% season over season but reverse camber boards continue to sell
extremely well. Nordic equipment sales declined 2% in dollars and 7% in units
even though Alpine Touring Equipment sales soured 23% to
Apparel sales accounted for more than 40% of all dollars spent overall in
the snow sports market. Fleece continues to be the big seller in the apparel
market with
last season. Adult shell parkas sales increased 5% season and snowboard
apparel continued to sell well but increased just 1% compared to last season.
The hottest apparel trend is the surprisingly strong sales of apparel suits,
for both adults and kids. More than 70,000 adult suits have been sold so far
this season for a 20% increase in dollars sold, and sales of juniors suits are
up 21% in dollars sold. Overall, expect to see about 125,000 new one-piece
suits on the slopes.
Accessories sales were excellent as skiers and snowboarders picked up the necessities before hitting the slopes. Strong sales of new hats, gloves, goggles and wax helped the accessories market increase by 4% over this time last season. Change in Change in Dollars Aug- Units Aug-Dec Dec 2007 to 2007 to Aug- Total Dollars Aug-Dec 2008 Dec 2008 Sold Total Market -1.26% 2.25% $1,875,578,347 Specialty Shops -4.89% -3.63% $1,108,214,294 Chain Stores -1.59% 4.03% $391,287,421 Internet/Catalog 11.67% 22.90% $376,076,632
The Internet channel enjoyed strong growth in December, gaining 12% in
dollars and 23% in units compared to August to
consumers spent
accessories online. Internet sales comprised 20% of all the dollars consumers
spent on snow sports products in the U.S.
The specialty channel was hit hardest by declining sales in December. The
specialty market declined 5% in dollars. Specialty shops were responsible for
chain stores, and online sales) for the snow sports marketplace August through
shops. In fact, 76% of alpine equipment, 73% of Nordic gear, and 63% of all
snowboard equipment was sold in specialty shops so far this season.
Chain stores' equipment sales continue to tank with total decreases of 16%
in dollars and 14% in units. Alpine ski sales are down 20% and snowboard
equipment sales decreased 18%. Chain stores equipment sales accounted for
just 16% of all equipment sales in the U.S. snow sports marketplace from
August to December. Apparel sales made up almost half of all chain store snow
sports sales August through
The market data presented in this report comes from the SIA Retail Audit
conducted by the Leisure Trends Group. Each season, Leisure Trends gathers
1,200 snow sports retailers who provide sales data directly from their Point
of Sale systems. The panel and the method for extrapolating the results out
to the entire industry is based on a triennial census of snow sports retailers
designed to accurately define the size and structure of the snow sports retail
Note: The August to October retail data does not include resort retail
SIA partners with Leisure Trends Group to provide reliable data about the
snow sports market, and about the people who work and play in the snow. The
data contained in this press release is collected by Leisure Trends Group for
the SIA. Note that August to October retail data does not include resort
retail shops. If you need additional information, contact
Director of Research at email@example.com or by phone at 703-506-4224.
SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is a not-for-profit trade association
whereby competing on-snow product suppliers magnify their power, by working
together, for the development of the on-snow sports industry. For more
information, check out http://www.snowsports.org. SnowSports Industries
America, 8377-B Greensboro Drive,
Fax: 703.821.8276, E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com.
SIA media office, 703.556.9020; email@example.com
snowsports.org Media Center
SOURCE SnowSports Industries America


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I love techno
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: East Coast, USA. Formally Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1,436
Originally Posted by
Power Player
Yeah it can get really overwhelming with all the vsts and plugs..etc. From what you are doing, it sounds like maybe getting a sampler like an MPC would be an awesome investment. Just to be able to load all your samples on those pads, be freed from the computer and only have the filters in the device to sculpt sound can be incredibly inspiring. Also the feel of the drums from the mpc is so good..perfect timing with feel.
I love hardware so much for making tracks. If I get a chance to sit down and write now, I always come up with better ideas chilling on my sofa with a bass or drum machine then being in work mode on my computer.
Yeah I tried out the MPC, I found it more suited to hip-hop though. Still an awesome little tool for cutting stuff up, however. I'll get one at one point or another. I too enjoy hardware, I have a little 25-key MIDI controller that I sometimes take out and turn off my screen and just mess about. I'd like to, at some point, get a real hardware synth and just record stuff straight off that.
2x Prince o3 Tour MP - Polystar Energy 17g at 54 pounds, lead at 11 and 1
Se habla Espanol.
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The reusable Davis® PVC Treatment Boot makes it easy to apply hoof soaks and poultices. This hoof treatment boot has a webbed strap that adjusts for a snug fit to keep the boot in place during treatment. Each.
Dover's Tail Bag is made in 400D water-repellent nylon with a heavy-duty zipper.
The Dover Pro Padded Tail Wrap/Bag Combo keeps your horse's tail neat, clean and free of rubbing. Made of padded cotton with elastic, it's great for trucking.
Keratex Hoof Gel helps keep the horn watertight in wet conditions. This hoof gel prevents the horn from softening in wet muddy conditions, which could cause shoe loss. 1 liter.
Hooflex® Magic Cushion® Xtreme by Absorbine® offers fast, soothing relief for hoof concussion, pain and trauma. With greater concentration of anti-inflammatory and analgesic ingredients than regular Magic Cushion, Magic Cushion Xtreme is ideal for performance horses. 4 lbs.
The Tail Tamer Hunter Trophy Tails™ are popular with braiders. Made from 100% real horsehair from live horses. Trophy Tails attach easily and fill out sparse tails making your horse's tail look full and beautiful in the show ring.
Carr & Day & Martin Tea Tree Hoof Oil helps maintain and protect your horse's hooves when used regularly. It also adds show-ring shine. 16 oz.


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Products & ServicesSee also: Categories | Featured Products | Technical Articles | More Information
Supplier: Nor-Cal Products, Inc.
Description: Linear motion feedthroughs are standard positioning devices used when no rotational movement is required. These feedthroughs are actuated pneumatically, push-pull or rotationally. Features and General Specs: Materials 304 SS/anodized aluminum Motion: 2", 3" or 4" linear travel Any mounting
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 29.92 in Hg vac
- Feedthrough Mount: Flange Mount:
Supplier: Nor-Cal Products, Inc.
Description: Linear rotary feedthroughs are offered in magnetically coupled, bellows sealed and differentially pumped, o-ring sealed versions. These feedthroughs are normally manually actuated. Typically these feedthroughs are used for sample introduction or manipulation. Features and General Specs: Materials
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 29.92 in Hg vac
- Feedthrough Mount: Flange Mount:
Supplier: MDC Vacuum Products LLC
Description: No Description Provided
- Feedthrough Type: Mechanical
- Vacuum Rating: 29.92 in Hg vac
- Temperature Range: -4 to 212 F
- Feedthrough Mount: Flange Mount:
Supplier: Aerotech, Inc.
Description: Design Features High integration linear/rotary motion platform Pneumatically actuated 3-jaw gripper or ER collet Clear aperture for product feedthrough Optional front and rear tooling platforms Direct-drive linear and rotary motor technology Configure for wet or dry cutting
- Type: Complete / Turnkey System
- Options / Components: Gantry System / XY Table, Laser Head / Focusing Unit, Laser Optics / Beam Delivery, Rotary Table / Rotary Axis
- Laser Tube Cutting / Processing: Yes
- Thickness Capacity: 1.18 inch
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Chips - 14-Bit, 500Msps, Interpolating and Modulating Dual DAC with CMOS Inputs -- MAX5894Supplier: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Description: interpolating filters allow lower input data rates while taking advantage of the high DAC update rates. These linear-phase interpolation filters ease reconstruction filter requirements and enhance the passband dynamic performance. Individual offset and gain programmability allow the user to calibrate out local
- Interface Type: Parallel
- IC Package Type: Other
- Pin Count: 68
- Resolution: 14 bits
Supplier: SCHUNK Inc.
Description: Stroke unit with integrated air feed-through and high load capacity for universal applications like a short stroke vertical module. Benefits: 3 different strokes per size assure the maximum diversity of standard modules Integrated pneumatic feed through without hoses up to 8 bar (116 psi
- Device Type: Pneumatic Thruster
- Stroke or X-Axis Travel: 1.57 to 3.15 inch
- Rated Force: 56.2 lbs
- >Four: Yes
Supplier: TelephoneStuff.com
Description: Series II Three Feed-Through RCA/Phono Jacks combine the improved performance of center tuned Category 6 or 5e connector technology with the ease and reliability of rugged, front-loading Series II modules with linear 110 termination. RCA/Phono Jacks Features: - Three RCA/Phono jacks (White/Red
Standards and Technical Documents - APPLICATION GUIDE FOR MULTILAYER CERAMIC CAPACITORS - ELECTRICAL -- EIA-521
Description: and temperature-compensating type. They are available in a wide range of temperature coefficients (TC) with relatively linear characteristics. They are suited for applications where low-losses and high-stability are required. The capacitance ranges available in Class I are much lower than in the other classes. Class II
Find Suppliers by Category Top
Featured Products Top
Nor-Cal Products, Inc.
Glass Viewport Vacuum Chambers...Load Lock
Nor-Cal Products, Inc. load lock chambers are provided with a six inch CF flange for mounting to the gate valve, a six inch Add-A-Door with 7056 glass viewport, a 2.75 inch CF flange for attachment of the linear feedthrough, and two 2.75 inch CF flanges for pumping. Standard finish is electropolished. Custom sizes can be supplied upon request. SPECIFICATIONS. Construction: Flanges: 304 stainless steel. Body: 304 stainless steel. Viewport: 7056 glass. O-ring: Viton. Temperature... (read more)
Browse Vacuum Viewports and Access Doors Datasheets for Nor-Cal Products, Inc.
Nor-Cal Products, Inc.
Sample Transfer System
Nor-Cal's sample transfer system allows sample plate transfer from a rotary/linear feedthrough to the sample dock mounted inside the chamber. Systems are available for sample sizes ranging from 0.5 inches to 3.0 inches. Each system includes a dock assembly custom fitted to place the sample on target in your particular chamber, a transfer fork assembly which mounts to a rotary/linear device and two stainless steel sample plates. SPECIFICATIONS. Construction: Flanges: 304 stainless steel. Body... (read more)
Browse Vacuum Manipulators Datasheets for Nor-Cal Products, Inc.
API Technologies - Electromagnetic Integrated Services
New Mini Hermetic L Circuit Solder-in EMI Filters
DROs) and a wide range of RF & microwave systems & assemblies. Spectrum Sensors & Controls Precision Positioning Sensors Operation produces potentiometers and position sensors including rotary, motorized, hollow shaft, linear and fader types, as well as element segments and custom assemblies. The company's Advanced Thermal Products Operation produces temperature sensing probes and assemblies, PTC and NTC thermistors and resistive temperature detectors (RTDs). Spectrum Power Management... (read more)
Browse EMI Filters and RFI Filters Datasheets for API Technologies - Electromagnetic Integrated Services
Conduct Research Top
Motion Introduction
MDC motion products are vacuum compatible precision instruments ideal for demanding in-vacuum sample handling applications. The motion feedthrough product line presented in this section is divided into three basic categories including rotary, linear and multi-motion instruments. Each product
A conveyor for sealed environs
parts that convey the products sit in vacuum. The transportation system is modular, expandable, and easily adapts to transported items. There are no mechanical or electrical feedthroughs from the external control system to penetrate the vacuum environment. The basic concept is that of a linear motor
MICRO:Archive:Back Issue TOC
slurry cleaning systems, particle detection system, silicon-on-quartz wafers, yield management software, linear motion guide, flame detector, brushless linear motors, Teflon bellows, rapid thermal processing tool, poly etch system, critical dimension SEMs, flow switches, web-enabled tool connectivity
More Information Top
Vakuum�?Lineardurchführungen with magnetic liquid sealings
Vakuum�?Lineardurchführungen with magnetic liquid sealings .
Stepping motor adaptor actuator for a commercial uhv linear motion feedthrough
1) stepping motor, 2) adaptor actuator assembly, 3) Varian U.H.V. linear feedthrough , 4) base flange, 5) BeO disc holder, 6) BeO power absorbing disc, 7) photon beam, 8) blade support, and 9) blade.
As shown in Fig. 4.2, the left-most end of the horizontal tube is capped with a Huntington' 4" motor- ized linear feedthrough .
Development of Excited Helium Beam Injector for Electric Field Measurement by Laser-Induced Fluorescence Method
3-D linear feedthrough .
CHERS Fibers Aperture Linear Feedthrough .
Therefore the spare detector consists of a MCP which can be moved in/out with a linear feedthrough .
International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES) > A Prototype Microwave Pyrolyzer for Solid Wastes (AIAA 2013-3371)
The waste sample, however, is loaded externally into a crucible and inserted into the cavity region of the quartz tube vessel via a linear feedthrough (connected using a non-metallic rod).
ECH mirror interface tank for 110 GHz, 1 MW gyrotron
The mirror of the first assembly is required to be located 600mm from the gyrotron window which is accomplished with the center linear feedthrough of the second mirror assembly.
A new Channeltron-detector setup for precision mass measurements at ISOLTRAP
Therefore the spare detector consists of a MCP which can be moved in/out with a linear feedthrough .
Development and Performance of the Nanoworkbench: A Four Tip STM for
Electrical Conductivity Measurements Down to Sub-micrometer Scales
Each evaporation source can be isolated via a shutter mounted on a linear feedthrough .
The performance of the linear feedthrough apparatus was both good and not good.
Off-line identification of nonlinear systems using structurally adaptive radial basis function networks
This paper presents a novel off-line algorithm to train Direct Linear Feedthrough Radial Basis Function (DLF- RBF) networks.
A constructive approach for nonlinear system identification using multilayer perceptrons
This linear model is, in turn, incorporated into the MLP model as that part of the system corresponding to the linear feedthrough terms of the dynamic MLP (using a linear output activation function) [161-[18].


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User Reviews & Ratings - Necon 1/35 (28) oral
Read user comments about the side effects, benefits, and effectiveness of Necon 1/35 (28) oral.
Overall User Ratings199 Total User Reviews
User Reviews
Learn about
User Reviews
Reviewer: 25-34 Female on Treatment for 1 to less than 2 years (Patient)
Ease of Use
this pill has been 100% effecive
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Reviewer: ae, 25-34 Female on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)
Ease of Use
Since my pharmacy switched me to Necon from Nortrel a month ago, I have developed a bad rash on my back, HORRIBLE acne on my chin/neck, migraines for days at a time, severe dizziness, and nausea. I just figured out that it was from this pill and will be calling my doctor/pharmacy tomorrow and stopped taking the pill immediately. I think I am allergic to it and experiencing horrifying side effects. ... Show Full Comment
Reviewer: 19-24 Female on Treatment for 5 to less than 10 years (Patient)
Ease of Use
Reviewer: 19-24 Female on Treatment for 6 months to less than 1 year
Ease of Use
I used to take Sprintec (which I miss dearly) until my doctor put me on this bc. The first month I didn't notice anything different unless I missed a day and took two at once. When I did that I had the worst cramps. The second month I didn't get my period at all. The third month I got my period and it didn't fully stop for a full month. I would have maybe one day that I didn't ... Show Full Comment
Reviewer: LSP, 35-44 Female on Treatment for 10 years or more (Patient)
Ease of Use
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Hurley One & Only Zip Hoodie - Men's
Key Features of the Hurley One & Only Zip Hoodie:
- Zip Fleece
- 220gm fleece; 60 % Cotton/40% Polyester
- Woven icon loop label and soft-hand print.
This product can only be shipped within the United States. Please don't hate us.


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Forty Days and Sleepless Nights
Susan R. Hatten | Posted 04.28.2012 | Home
Read More: Lent, Catholicism, Relationship Breakup, Abstaining, Women's Issues, Arianna Huffington, Home News
Knowing that the Lenten season was approaching, I started to ponder what I would give up -- or start doing -- for forty days. Wine? Absolutely not. Too many social functions ahead where an alcohol buffer is needed. Golf lessons?
In the Gospels Jesus says, "It is mercy I desire, not sacrifice." Here's a novel idea for Lent: why not take Jesus at his word?


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2011 BEST Men's Clothing, One-Stop Shopping
Barneys New York
Your credit card may get a workout here, but think of the time you'll save: an entire wardrobe in one fell swipe. Workdays are covered with Surface to Air button-downs and Alexander McQueen ties; for weekend wear, scoop up hoodies and tees from T by Alexander Wang. And if your pockets start to feel empty, there's always the selection of wallets and handkerchiefs to fill 'em back up.
Be respectful of our online community and contribute to an engaging conversation. We reserve the right to remove impersonators or personal attacks, threats, profanity, or flat-out offensive comments. By posting here, you are permitting Boston magazine and Metro Corp. to edit and republish your comment in all media.


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TIRED OF THE SAME OLD ROUTINE? DEPRESSED OF THE SAME ROUTINE? Life is sad sometimes, isn't it? Shitty jobs(or internships in my case), same old routine, get to your job in this scorching heat , the travel , and they don't even pay you well( and yes, they don't pay you if you are an intern) . What for? Just a few certificates to make the career you are not even sure you want. You come back home, either you're not in the position to go out, or maybe your friends are too busy. Sometimes, you don't even want to catch up with people, u just don't know what to do, so you end up spending endless hours on the internet, reading about what other people are doing, and then you think- is my life really that sad? Or are the other people faking the –"wow" moments, uploading every single photo that might look cool. But, believe me, it's not at all the way it seems, yes you got to work, that is impending( unless of course you are Siddhartha Malaya, in that case you'd be busy banging the calendar models) As they say- WORK...
Tired of the Same Old Routine?
Por Sahil Handa en Indian Youth Magazine | Cupidspeaks.com
2 años · Escrita desde New Delhi, India · Comparte:
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Hubble's Cosmic Treasures
January 21, 2004
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has snapped an unparalleled image of a wide swath of the sky, unveiling 10,000 galaxies, which could help astronomers understand how large galaxies like our Milky Way evolved. The new mosaic, taken by the orbiting observatory's Advanced Camera for Surveys, is the largest color photograph ever made by the telescope, covering an area of sky about the apparent size of the full moon. To construct the image, a team of astronomers stitched together 78 separate exposures showing the region around the constellation Fornax in the Southern Hemisphere. The astronomers compared constructing the mosaic to making a big picture of a mountain range by pasting together individual pictures of each mountain.
Topics: Technology Internet, Barred spiral galaxies, Spiral galaxies, Hubble Space Telescope, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Fornax, Cosmic Evolution Survey, Hubble Deep Field, Galaxy, Milky Way, Hospitality Recreation


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PARIS, Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) has supplied Claro Uruguay, a division of leading global wireless service provider America Movil, with an end-to-end 4G LTE network that will be fully deployed and operational in Montevideo by February 2014. Additional phases of network deployment in 2014 will increase the coverage in Montevideo and other cities.
The new network, which is part of America Movil's Latin American 4G rollout, includes Alcatel-Lucent's end-to-end LTE solution and industry-leading IP Networking technology. Claro Uruguay customers can expect some of the most advanced wireless broadband services with ultra high speeds. The advanced LTE network is an overlay of existing 3G and will enable services such as HD video with Video on Demand, at least 10 times faster high-speed navigation, high definition videoconferencing, online gaming and other applications
Key Facts:
- Claro Uruguay is deploying Alcatel-Lucent's end-to-end 4G LTE solution that includes eNodeB, MME, OSS, and services throughout Montevideo with additional sites being rolled out across the country in 2014
- The network is part of American Movil's 4G LTE Latin American rollout which began with Claro Puerto Rico in 2012
- Alcatel-Lucent also will deploy its 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM)
- As Alcatel-Lucent repositions itself as a specialist in IP Networking and Ultra-Broadband Access, the Claro Uruguay 4G LTE deployments underscore the company's capabilities in advanced networking and access technologies.
Quotes:Horacio Alvarellos, Claro Uruguay Director, said: "We are delighted that Alcatel-Lucent was able to bring our new network into service so quickly. The deployment of 4G LTE is very important for Claro to expand our competitiveness in Wireless Broadband and offer new services to our customers. Especially for our customers in Montevideo and other urban areas it is important to offer a range of alternative services and improve coverage." Javier Rey, Alcatel-Lucent Sales Vice President in charge of the America Movil account, said: "This deal positions Alcatel-Lucent as a strategic LTE supplier with one of the world's top service providers and is a great opportunity to become a trusted partner of Claro AUP ( Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay). We look forward to additional deployments in this region as frequencies become available." Customer Boilerplate: Claro Uruguay is a subsidiary of America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. BMV: AMX [NYSE: AMX]. [NASDAQ: AMOV] [LATIBEX: XAMXL], the leading provider of telecommunications services in Latin America, with business in 16 countries of the American continent. The brand Claro is present in Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Republica Dominicana, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico and Uruguay ABOUT ALCATEL-LUCENT (EURONEXT PARIS AND NYSE: ALU) Alcatel-Lucent is at the forefront of global communications, providing products and innovations in IP and cloud networking, as well as ultra-broadband fixed and wireless access to service providers and their customers, enterprises and institutions throughout the world.