Introduction
to PCS
Networking
Application Note 1219
Telecommunications
Soneplex
®
PCS System Collocated in the BTS
The Personal Communication Services (PCS) network is a digital network that has the
same basic components and standards as cellular networks. A PCS network consists of a
mobile switching center, base station transceivers or cell sites, and base station control-
lers connected to a network service provider.
The mobile switching center typically handles 100,000 subscribers. It connects the radio
network to the service provider’s telephone network. The base station controller handles
link handoffs, acts as an administrator for the location register and concentrates and
routes the traffic from several cell sites to the mobile switching center.
The cell site radio equipment requires one or two DS1 circuits connected to the local
exchange carrier’s network by optical fiber, T1 or High bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line
(HDSL). The cell site equipment is located in the last link of the PCS network and is
usually owned by the local exchange carrier (LEC).
Typical PCS Network
M1/3
Switch
Microwave
Radio
Microwave
Radio
Transport
Equipment
Transport
Equipment

2) Where is the demarcation point, inside or outside the BTS?
Where the customer's demarcation point is located inside the BTS, the Soneplex PCS
System is an ideal solution. In this application (see figure 1), collocation is possible,
eliminating the need for a separate pedestal or outside plant cabinet to house the
transport equipment. The elimination of separate enclosures saves on valuable real-
estate and reduces the capital investment of the PCS network. In addition, the Soneplex
PCS System provides a single solution for DS1 services over copper or fiber. With other
systems, the network provider must install one product to extend optical DS2 (6.3 Mbps)
services over fiber to the BTS. And, the Soneplex PCS system's built-in intelligence
provides T1 circuit visibility for remote trouble sectionalization and identification. This
integrated intelligence reduces the need for a separate monitoring overlay system,
lowers overall technical dispatch expenses and improves the service provider's business
case.
Application
T1 Transport
Collocation
Figure 1
STS-1
X.25
SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
MODEM
LOCAL CRAFT PORT
DS3
OPTICAL
HDSL
T1
DS1
BTS
DS1
VOICE

Soneplex PCS Digital
Transport Equipment
Package
The Soneplex PCS System provides a flexible, low cost solution for T1 service delivery in
the last link of the wireless network. The system is completely modular and designed to
be space-efficient for both copper or fiber-based PCS applications. Each chassis is 1.75"
high (1 rack space) and fits into a 19-inch relay rack. The system can be preconfigured
for T1 transport over HDSL, T1 or Optical DS2 facilities or any combination. Modular
components, including a fiber splice tray, CSU panel and front access panel are also
available to custom design your own PCS system. All components are wired for -24 VDC
power (-48 VDC is also available).
Figure 2 shows a variety of applications using copper and fiber facilities to feed DS1's to
a cellsite where the customer demarc is collocated with the transport equipment.
The Federal Communications Commission auctioned 99 licenses for PCS, in 51 market
regions that covers the United States, its territories and protectorates. This action raised
$7 billion for the U.S. Treasury. The top three winners purchased 61 of the 99 licenses.
WirelessCo, a consortium of Sprint and three large cable TV companies bid $2.1 billion
for 29 licenses. AT&T Wireless PCS Inc. bid $1.7 billion for 21 licenses. PCS PRIMECO, a
consortium formed by Bell Atlantic, NYNEX, Pacific Telesis’ spin-off AirTouch Commu-
nications, and U S West bid $1.1 billion for 11 licenses. The PCS winners must provide
service coverage equal to 1/3 of the area population within five years. Coverage for the
other 2/3 must be provided within 10 years.
Figure 2
Soneplex PCS Transport System
HDSL
HDSL
Soneplex Broadband System
DS3
or
STS-1

H
L
X
D
S
X
Cell Site
Radio
Fiber splice
CSU CSU
H
L
X
D
S
X
Cell Site
Radio
Fiber splice
QLX
H
L
X
D
S
X
Cell Site
Radio
Fiber splice
CSU CSU