Andy Sutton

This paper reviews the design and deployment of the EE 5G network. EE owned by BT, launched the UKs first 5G network on the 30th May 2019, initially focused on enhanced mobile broadband use cases. This paper provides an overview of the radio access network and backhaul connectivity that has been deployed along with exploring the initial performance of 5G in EN-DC mode of operation. Particular focus is given to the optical and wireless backhaul solutions which connect the 5G RAN to the mobile… Show more

This paper reviews the design and deployment of the EE 5G network. EE owned by BT, launched the UKs first 5G network on the 30th May 2019, initially focused on enhanced mobile broadband use cases. This paper provides an overview of the radio access network and backhaul connectivity that has been deployed along with exploring the initial performance of 5G in EN-DC mode of operation. Particular focus is given to the optical and wireless backhaul solutions which connect the 5G RAN to the mobile core network. The paper goes on to consider what's next as 5G evolves to support massive machine type connectivity and ultra reliable and low latency networks Show less

Antenna systems are critical components of any radio system operating at any frequency. The antenna and associated system comprising coaxial transmission line (commonly known as feeder cable) and any power amplifiers, RF combiners, duplex filters and so on significantly impacts on radio performance if not correctly specified, installed and operated. This paper explores the evolution of cellular antenna systems from GSM through UMTS and LTE to 5G.

This paper explores the 3GPP 5G network architecture from release 15 phase 1 and how this will evolve with the introduction of next generation core (NGC) network. The paper starts with a discussion about interworking between LTE and 5G then explores spectrum topics before presenting a detailed view of the end to end 5G network architecture, including the functional decomposition of the radio access network (RAN). Paper originally appeared in Volume 12, Part 1 of The ITP (Institute of… Show more

This paper explores the 3GPP 5G network architecture from release 15 phase 1 and how this will evolve with the introduction of next generation core (NGC) network. The paper starts with a discussion about interworking between LTE and 5G then explores spectrum topics before presenting a detailed view of the end to end 5G network architecture, including the functional decomposition of the radio access network (RAN). Paper originally appeared in Volume 12, Part 1 of The ITP (Institute of Telecommunications Professionals) Journal. Show less

In 1985, the seeds of a revolution were sown in the UK when people were first able to communicate using one of the most remarkable items of personal technology to have been developed – the mobile phone. The authors, both acknowledged experts in this field, explore the origins of the mobile phone in the UK and its evolution over the following thirty years. Throughout the book they analyse the background developments, such as the licensing of new networks, the emergence of new data services and… Show more

In 1985, the seeds of a revolution were sown in the UK when people were first able to communicate using one of the most remarkable items of personal technology to have been developed – the mobile phone. The authors, both acknowledged experts in this field, explore the origins of the mobile phone in the UK and its evolution over the following thirty years. Throughout the book they analyse the background developments, such as the licensing of new networks, the emergence of new data services and the technical evolution through TACS, GSM, UMTS and LTE as well as the development of text messaging and the integration of the mobile with the web. Alongside this, the authors explore the design and technical changes to the handsets, including the integration of cameras, the emergence of apps and the trend-setting influence of the iPhone. Ranging from 1G through to the current 4G networks, this book tells you everything you need to know about the development of the mobile phone in the UK. Show less

Modern digital microwave radio systems provide very high throughput with low latency and high availability making them ideal for a wide range of connectivity requirements, including: CCTV backhaul, mobile cell -site backhaul, high-frequency trading, corporate connectivity, Internet access and more can all be addressed with wireless solutions. This paper reviews the state of the art in digital microwave and millimetre wave radio systems and first appeared in The Institute of Telecommunications… Show more

Modern digital microwave radio systems provide very high throughput with low latency and high availability making them ideal for a wide range of connectivity requirements, including: CCTV backhaul, mobile cell -site backhaul, high-frequency trading, corporate connectivity, Internet access and more can all be addressed with wireless solutions. This paper reviews the state of the art in digital microwave and millimetre wave radio systems and first appeared in The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals Journal - Volume 9, Part 2, 2015 Show less

Mobile network operators (MNOs) are seeking efficient ways to increase the overall capacity coverage of their networks. NGMN took the lead in the definition of new RAN architectures and in the different options to improve the overall efficiency of the RAN evolution process. Concepts such as C-RAN, CoMP Carrier Aggregation and Multi-RAN address improved spectrum and resource utilizations for various scenarios. The discussion on RAN evolution also needs to address the surge in expected transport… Show more

Mobile network operators (MNOs) are seeking efficient ways to increase the overall capacity coverage of their networks. NGMN took the lead in the definition of new RAN architectures and in the different options to improve the overall efficiency of the RAN evolution process. Concepts such as C-RAN, CoMP Carrier Aggregation and Multi-RAN address improved spectrum and resource utilizations for various scenarios. The discussion on RAN evolution also needs to address the surge in expected transport capacity, whether it is for the backhaul or the fronthaul. This paper discusses the different transport options and the relationship with traditional and emerging RAN topologies Show less

5G takes mobile communications way beyond mobile phones and tablets through to an ever-growing and diverse range of devices and things. This paper examines what 5G could be and how the research will deliver this next generation technology - The ITP Journal, Volume 9 Part 1

Mobile networks and devices have evolved at an incredible pace since the first mobile phone call was made by Dr Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973. This article tells the story of mobile communications from the early days of analogue telephony through GSM (2G), UMTS (3G) and on to today's high-tech smartphones and LTE (4G) networks - The Road to 4G - (The ITP Journal volume 8, part 1, 2014)

ThinkSmallCell Interview with Andy Sutton, Principal Network Architect at EE UK on their future small cell plans

Getting HetNets off the ground, starting with the macro layer. A conversation with Andy Sutton, Principal Network Architect, EE

It is not generally recognised that the mobile networks of today are underpinned by a substantial network of fixed transmission links – namely the Backhaul Network. The importance of this vital infrastructure is explained in his article - Mobile backhaul – from analogue to LTE. (The ITP Journal volume 7, part 3, 2013)

A personal perspective on the evolution of point to point digital microwave radio systems over the last 25 years. This article is based on my own experiences and traces the development of these radio systems from large indoor PDH systems operating between 2 and 140Mbps to split mount and even all outdoor SDH and Carrier Ethernet radios operating at 100's and even 1000's of Mbps.

Presentation delivered as Opening kynote speech at PGNet 2012, hosted by Liverpool John Moores University. This presentation starts with a review of GSM and UMTS network technologies followed by an overview of LTE and some example use cases from pre-launch trials.

Business and technical overview of Mobile Backhaul requirements for Small Cell deployments.

The rise of smartphones is testing the radio capacity of mobile networks. But what about the connections from the basestation to the core network? This article provides an overview of mobile backhaul network evolution from early days of cellular through to current high speed 4G LTE mobile broadband networks.