Recently Facebook has designed and tested wireless access platform. Access platform is open source platform having aim to provide cost-effective, improved connectivity features in the remote area across the globe. An open source wireless access platform will support wide range of communication option from 2G to LTE (High Speed Wireless communication media for mobile). Facebook has planned to work withTelecom Infra Project (TIP) member.
TIP will help to build and deploy the new generation network and do the testing for functional, technical and operational w.r.t. to platform. Facebook is also focusing on open source design (e.g. Hardware design, software management system, baseband, amplifier, filter, mounting device, and antennas) to enable telecom operators, entrepreneurs, OEMs, and researchers to build, deploy and operate the wireless infrastructure based on this platform.
People are using mobile phone past 20 years, but still 4 billion people are not connected to internet across the globe. Cellular network is very limited in the ecosystem due to high cost so it's very difficult for operator to deploy the network everywhere. Facebook open access wireless platform will help to solve this kind of problem by providing improved connectivity, verity of wireless network with low budget deployment. Open Source wireless access platform will help to reduce the civil cost and will provide wide range of connectivity with extends network access in both rural and urban areas.
Design Architecture
Facebook access platform can be customised as per requirement in urban & rural areas. It provides on-board computing and storage capacity option which can be configured in a box or cellular access point.
Some principle are used in design modal-
- Modular Design- It will support existing or upcoming cellular or wireless technologies
- Scalable solution for all areas- It will covers rural as well as urban areas
- Low CAPEX and OPEX - enabling a broader range of business models
- Simple Installation and support- Minimise the support cost
- Minimize the civil cost
Hardware Element
Access platform will help to minimize the hardware element cost, power efficient which is consist of two subsystem-
- General-baseband computing (GBC): It uses microcontroller, microprocessor, timing model, sensor and control system. It support various power sources like DC, eternal batteries etc.
- Radio with integrated front-end: Radio subsystem will multiple option like- software-defined radio (SDR) or system on chip (SoC) which support various cellular stack.
Industrial and Mechanical Design
Help to maximize the deployment across the globe with mounting solution which will handle high winds, temperatures etc.
Software element
OpenCellular contains many software element which will monitor function of the system. It will help to reduce the cost while running in remote areas. It will generate alarm in case of any assistance needed where the technical person is not available.
Testing OpenCellular
Facebook is testing for underdeveloped open-source design in their Headquarters to make available across the globe. Facebook has joined with TIP member to get particular trial location for testing of technical, functional and operational validation w.r.t. hardware. Continuous work is going on to provide enhanced features by reducing the cost and improve efficiency in the worldwide.
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