> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gxc.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gxc.io/docs/application-notes/4g-ap-deployment-modes.md).

# 4G AP Deployment Modes

## Introduction

The GXC Access Points (APs) — G100, G101, and G501 — support Single Carrier (SC), Dual Carrier (DC), and Carrier Aggregation (CA) deployment modes, providing the flexibility to optimize networks for diverse requirements. These deployment modes empower network operators to provide reliable mobile services, adapt to evolving user demands, and effectively support advanced applications.

In this document, the terms "carrier" or "one frequency" refer to a 10 MHz or 20 MHz frequency channel, which represents the bandwidth available for network transmission in each deployment mode. This distinction is important for understanding the throughput comparison tables later in this document, which highlight the differing performance of 10 MHz and 20 MHz frequency channels across deployment modes.

### 4G AP Deployment Mode Comparison Summary

This table summarizes the key differences between deployment modes to help you select the most appropriate option for your use case.

<p align="center"><strong>Deployment Mode Comparison Summary</strong></p>

<table><thead><tr><th width="170.54754638671875"></th><th>SC Mode</th><th>DC Mode</th><th>CA Mode</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Antennas per AP</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>UE Capacity</td><td>96</td><td>192 (96 per sector)</td><td>96</td></tr><tr><td>Best For</td><td>Lower traffic, basic<br>services</td><td>High device density, two coverage areas</td><td>High throughput, lower device density</td></tr><tr><td>License Required</td><td>None</td><td>FAP010</td><td>FAP009</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Single Carrier Mode

In SC mode, APs use a single carrier frequency, making it suitable for smaller networks or areas with lower traffic where bandwidth needs can be met with one frequency. SC mode is often used for basic services with lower data rates. While it performs well in environments with limited spectrum, it may become less effective as data demands grow. APs in SC mode use a single antenna and support up to 96 active UE per AP.

<p align="center"><strong>Single Carrier Mode</strong></p>

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2FZMX6sfDBENwLiHDn8ULq%2Fap-sc-mode.png?alt=media&amp;token=cb1d47c3-8639-4b79-a748-fc979070a7af" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Dual Carrier Mode

In DC mode, APs use two carrier frequencies simultaneously, effectively doubling the available bandwidth. Compared to the SC mode, DC mode provides the same data rates but allows for increased network capacity by effectively doubling the number of connected UE. DC mode is particularly advantageous for covering two distinct areas from a single AP, especially when the required throughput is less than that of a single channel. APs in DC mode use two antennas and support up to 96 + 96 active UE per carrier sector, with a total aggregate UE capacity of 192 UE per AP.

<p align="center"><strong>Dual Carrier Mode</strong></p>

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2F6vfLMgGt1ngxPScKoe0W%2Fap-dc-mode.png?alt=media&amp;token=e3751b15-2d69-4088-a879-c6532c22eafe" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE:** DC mode doubles network capacity (connected UE), not&#x20;peak per-device throughput. Each carrier sector delivers the same throughput as SC mode independently. See [*Throughput Comparisons*](#throughput-comparisons) for details.
{% endhint %}

### Carrier Aggregation Mode

In CA mode, APs can combine up to two component carriers (frequencies from the same or different bands) to increase throughput capacity and peak data rates. This mode enhances spectrum efficiency and significantly improves network performance, supporting high-speed data for bandwidth-intensive applications. CA mode is ideal for scenarios requiring peak data rates that exceed the capacity of a single carrier. It is better suited for use cases with lower device density but higher data throughput requirements, effectively doubling the data capacity. APs in CA mode use a single antenna and can support up to 96 active UE per AP.

<p align="center"><strong>Carrier Aggregation Mode</strong></p>

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2FSXKN6vrA8Wta6WN4mnaP%2Fap-ca-mode.png?alt=media&amp;token=76386d07-4f4e-44f5-96ad-01f1d5fa9169" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE**: CA mode requires UE devices that support Carrier Aggregation.&#x20;Verify UE capability before deploying CA mode.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE**: For detailed information on the cabling and antenna requirements for the GXC APs, refer to the AP documentation listed in the *Reference Documentation* section.
{% endhint %}

### Throughput Comparisons

The following tables list the throughput differences across SC, DC, and CA modes for the GXC G100, G101, and G501 APs, considering different bandwidth configurations.

In the following tables, the columns DL/UL Config 1, 2, and 6 refer to&#x20;LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame configurations that define the ratio of downlink to&#x20;uplink subframes. Config 1 is balanced (3DL:2UL), Config 2 is downlink-heavy (4DL:1UL),&#x20;and Config 6 is uplink-heavy (3DL:5UL subframe ratio).

#### **SC Mode**

<p align="center"><strong>SC Mode Throughput</strong></p>

<table><thead><tr><th>Bandwidth</th><th width="114.66668701171875">DL Config 1 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.6666259765625">DL Config 2 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">DL Config 6 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">UL Config 1 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">UL Config 2 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.666748046875">UL Config 6 (Mbps)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>20 MHz</td><td>105</td><td>145</td><td>85</td><td>28</td><td>14</td><td>35</td></tr><tr><td>10 MHz</td><td>51</td><td>70</td><td>42</td><td>14</td><td>7</td><td>17</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### **DC Mode**

DC mode values represent per-carrier throughput. Each carrier sector delivers the&#x20;figures shown independently.

<p align="center"><strong>DC Mode Throughput</strong></p>

<table><thead><tr><th>Bandwidth</th><th width="114.66668701171875">DL Config 1 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.6666259765625">DL Config 2 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">DL Config 6 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.6666259765625">UL Config 1 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">UL Config 2 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.6666259765625">UL Config 6 (Mbps)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2x20 MHz</td><td>2x105</td><td>2x145</td><td>2x85</td><td>2x28</td><td>2x14</td><td>2x35</td></tr><tr><td>2x10 MHz</td><td>2x51</td><td>2x70</td><td>2x42</td><td>2x14</td><td>2x7</td><td>2x17</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### **CA Mode**

<p align="center"><strong>CA Mode Throughput</strong></p>

<table><thead><tr><th>Bandwidth</th><th width="114.66668701171875">DL Config 1 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">DL Config 2 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">DL Config 6 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">UL Config 1 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.66668701171875">UL Config 2 (Mbps)</th><th width="114.6666259765625">UL Config 6 (Mbps)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2x20 MHz</td><td>210</td><td>290</td><td>170</td><td>56</td><td>28</td><td>70</td></tr><tr><td>2x10 MHz</td><td>102</td><td>140</td><td>84</td><td>28</td><td>14</td><td>34</td></tr><tr><td>20 MHz + 10 MHz</td><td>156</td><td>215</td><td>127</td><td>42</td><td>21</td><td>52</td></tr><tr><td>20 MHz + 15 MHz</td><td>182</td><td>250</td><td>148</td><td>49</td><td>24</td><td>61</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Carrier Mode Configuration

### Onyx Portal Configuration

This section describes how to configure an AP's carrier mode in the Onyx Portal.

{% hint style="info" %}
For detailed information on the AP configuration parameters, refer to *4G Onyx Portal Operations Guide > Add Access Points*.
{% endhint %}

**To configure AP Carrier Mode:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
In the Onyx Portal, click **Equipment** > **Access Point** tab.

The **Equipment** page > **Access Point** tab displays the summary details of APs configured in the network.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Add an AP or edit an existing AP.

* To add an AP, in the upper-right corner of the page, click **Add Node** > **Add Access Point**.

  <figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2FWv6iP15I23bA9ac3Bcq6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a6af3afd-8f45-4d0b-af8c-2f2c011b394c" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

  The **Create Access Point** page is displayed.
* To edit an existing AP, in the **Action** column, click the corresponding ⋮ (options) icon, then click **Edit**.

  <figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2FD2qCOnOiOfD8TEDbXcgf%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f3db33c7-e117-499e-8ba5-98b9d25a47d3" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

  The **Edit Access Point&#x20;*****\<AP name>*** page is displayed.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the **Access Point** tab, configure the AP details, then click **Configure RAN**.

<figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2FGmvt1fCqXnMqwaaR79D5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a2092ec5-6e32-4e5f-8d49-898fa799978f" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the **RAN** tab, configure the RAN details, then click **CSG Configuration**.

In the **Carrier Mode** field, select the carrier mode and configure the corresponding parameters. Note that the RAN parameters differ for each carrier mode:

* Single Carrier Mode

<figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2F0QUVI1GvVvBOPtT6XD2o%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=088ea4ed-cb66-4328-9d66-5e8b4293f4f4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Dual Carrier Mode

<figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2Fi1ze207mgwIv3cxSlI1u%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4d58d329-098b-4f9a-baff-d55e39e71bf7" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Carrier Aggregation Mode

<figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2FED4OpsntXZjn4nh77ZgO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=46335328-1f7c-4c4d-89f6-3bd047658314" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the **CSG Configuration** tab, configure the CSG parameters.

<figure><img src="https://4071075005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZc9hpHmiTCrh1sn4mWXn%2Fuploads%2FSo40MhJgZbUeO8CWSTjR%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=ce1a42c6-7668-4bba-9193-fdfc27387b95" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
To save the AP, in the upper-right corner of the page, click **Save Access Point**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### AP LCI Configuration

The carrier mode configurations required in the AP equipment are managed by GXC. For queries, please contact GXC Technical Support.

{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE**: For DC mode, the APs must be updated with the "FAP010 Dual Carrier Function" license.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE**: For CA mode, the APs must be updated with the "FAP009 Carrier Aggregation Function" license.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE**: If APs running software version BaiBLQ\_3.1.14 are configured for DC mode, to ensure seamless handovers between an AP's cells, GXC Technical Support must remotely log on to DC APs and run an internal command. Please contact GXC Technical Support to fulfill this requirement.
{% endhint %}

## Reference Documentation

For detailed information on onboarding the GXC APs and detailed hardware information including cabling and antenna requirements, refer to the following documentation:

* *4G Onyx Portal Operations Guide*
* *G100 Access Point Datasheet*
* *G100 Access Point Hardware Installation and Configuration Guide*
* *G101 Access Point Datasheet*
* *G101 Access Point Hardware Installation and Configuration Guide*
* *G501 Access Point Datasheet*
* *G501 Access Point Hardware Installation and Configuration Guide*

## Contact GXC

To get in touch with GXC, please visit <https://gxc.io/contact-us/>.


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