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.
Deployment Mode Comparison Summary
Antennas per AP
1
2
1
UE Capacity
96
192 (96 per sector)
96
Best For
Lower traffic, basic services
High device density, two coverage areas
High throughput, lower device density
License Required
None
FAP010
FAP009
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.
Single Carrier Mode
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.
Dual Carrier Mode
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.
Carrier Aggregation Mode
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 LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame configurations that define the ratio of downlink to uplink subframes. Config 1 is balanced (3DL:2UL), Config 2 is downlink-heavy (4DL:1UL), and Config 6 is uplink-heavy (3DL:5UL subframe ratio).
SC Mode
SC Mode Throughput
20 MHz
105
145
85
28
14
35
10 MHz
51
70
42
14
7
17
DC Mode
DC mode values represent per-carrier throughput. Each carrier sector delivers the figures shown independently.
DC Mode Throughput
2x20 MHz
2x105
2x145
2x85
2x28
2x14
2x35
2x10 MHz
2x51
2x70
2x42
2x14
2x7
2x17
CA Mode
CA Mode Throughput
2x20 MHz
210
290
170
56
28
70
2x10 MHz
102
140
84
28
14
34
20 MHz + 10 MHz
156
215
127
42
21
52
20 MHz + 15 MHz
182
250
148
49
24
61
Carrier Mode Configuration
Onyx Portal Configuration
This section describes how to configure an AP's carrier mode in the Onyx Portal.
To configure AP Carrier Mode:
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.
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.
The Create Access Point page is displayed.
To edit an existing AP, in the Action column, click the corresponding â‹® (options) icon, then click Edit.
The Edit Access Point <AP name> page is displayed.
In the Access Point tab, configure the AP details, then click Configure RAN.
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
Dual Carrier Mode
Carrier Aggregation Mode
In the CSG Configuration tab, configure the CSG parameters.
To save the AP, in the upper-right corner of the page, click Save Access Point.
AP LCI Configuration
The carrier mode configurations required in the AP equipment are managed by GXC. For queries, please contact GXC Technical Support.
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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