Fundamentals of Cellular Networks

Context:

On June 6, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) approved a wireless network architecture developed at IIT Bombay, designed to provide affordable broadband access in rural areas.

Relevance:

GS III: Infrastructure

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Fundamentals of Cellular Networks
2. IEEE 2061-2024 Standard: Wireless Network Architecture for Rural Broadband Access
3. Challenges of Mobile Connectivity in Rural India
4. BharatNet Project: Transforming Rural Broadband Connectivity in India
5. Phases of Implementation
6. Budget Allocation
7. Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans of the BharatNet Project

Fundamentals of Cellular Networks

Cellular Network Basics

• Components:
  • Access Network (AN): Base stations providing wireless coverage within defined areas.
  • Core Network (CN): Central network interconnecting AN with external networks like the Internet.
• AN Description:
  • Role: Provides wireless connectivity via base stations deployed throughout regions.
  • Deployment: Towers with antennae, established by network operators across coverage areas.
• CN Description:
  • Function: Connects AN to external networks.
  • Infrastructure: Centrally located, connected to AN via optical fiber backhaul.
• Mobility Support: Essential feature ensuring seamless user mobility across cellular networks.

IEEE 2061-2024 Standard: Wireless Network Architecture for Rural Broadband Access

Overview of IEEE 2061-2024 Standard

• Definition: Specifies a wireless network architecture tailored for affordable broadband access in rural areas.
• Approval: Approved by IEEE on June 6, 2024.
• Network Components:
  • Access Network (AN): Includes heterogeneous base stations allowing for coexistence of different types.
  • Core Network (CN): Similar to cellular networks, facilitates connectivity beyond the AN.

Contrasting with Cellular Networks

• AN Differences:
  • IEEE 2061-AN: Heterogeneous base stations with varied coverage.
  • 5G-AN: Homogeneous base stations with consistent coverage, smaller in area.
• Middle Mile Network:
  • Function: Uses multi-hop wireless middle-mile networks to extend connectivity where optical-fiber links are impractical.
  • Advantages: Cost-effective over long distances, provides direct Internet access bypassing CN, suitable for stationary rural users.
• Direct User Communication:
  • Capability: Facilitates direct communication between nearby users within AN, enhancing efficiency akin to direct travel between towns without central detour.

Challenges of Mobile Connectivity in Rural India

Rural Connectivity Issues

• Disparity:
  • Tele-density: Urban areas exceed 127%, while rural areas are at 58%, highlighting digital divide challenges.
• Factors Affecting Connectivity:
  • Economic Barriers: High costs deter rural adoption of mobile services.
  • Geographical Challenges: Low population density, remote locations complicate infrastructure deployment.
  • Infrastructure Limitations: Cost and complexity hinder fiber optic expansion to remote villages.
• Development Focus:
  • Urban Bias: R&D emphasis on high-speed, low-latency needs of urban 5G networks neglects rural connectivity requirements.
  • Outcome: Rural areas lag significantly in mobile network coverage and service quality.

BharatNet Project: Transforming Rural Broadband Connectivity in India

• BharatNet is the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity initiative, focusing on optical fiber-based internet access.
• It is managed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a special purpose organization under the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications.
• Aligned with the Digital India program, it aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance rural internet access.

Features & Benefits:

• Leveraging optical fiber technology, the project aims to connect over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats across India with broadband internet.
• The goal is to provide a minimum of 100 Mbps bandwidth to each Gram Panchayat, facilitating access to e-services like e-governance, e-learning, e-commerce, and more.
• Wi-Fi hotspots are being established in all gram panchayats, ensuring last-mile connectivity.
• The project is expected to boost direct and indirect employment opportunities and increase income generation in rural areas.
• Home broadband packages are available, starting from Rs 399 per month, offering 30 Mbps unlimited data and bundled OTT services.

Phases of Implementation:

• The project is being implemented in three phases, as approved by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2016.

Phase-I:

• Aiming to cover 1,00,000 Gram Panchayats (GPs).
• Execution carried out by three Central Public Sector Units (CPSUs): BSNL, RailTel, and PGCIL.
• Targeted completion by March 2017.

Phase-II:

• Encompasses the remaining GPs using a mix of underground/aerial optical fiber cables (OFC), radio, and satellite technologies.
• Involves three CPSUs and State Governments, often through their Discoms (Distribution Companies) or other agencies.
• Targeted completion by December 2018.

Phase-III:

• Envisions a futuristic network with a ring topology connecting districts, blocks, and Gram Panchayats.
• Targeted completion by 2023.
• The BharatNet project’s multi-phased approach aims to achieve comprehensive broadband connectivity in rural areas, leveraging a combination of technologies and partnerships for nationwide impact.

Budget Allocation:

• The BharatNet project has been allocated a total budget of Rs. 61,000 crore.
• Funds are allocated in a consolidated manner, not specific to individual states or Union Territories.
• The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) disburses a lump sum amount to Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) for project execution.
• USOF collects levies from telecom companies to support communication service development in rural and underserved areas.

Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans of the BharatNet Project

Achievements So Far:

• Initial goal: Connecting 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with optical fiber by August 2021.
• Current status: Approximately 1.94 lakh villages connected; remaining villages expected to be connected within the next 2.5 years.
• Delays caused by COVID-related lockdowns and movement restrictions.
• Government extended the project deadline to 2025 in the Union Budget 2022-23.

Challenges Faced:

Slow Implementation:

• Implementation progress has been relatively slow.
• About 194,000 gram panchayats have been made service-ready as of March this year.
• Around 6,000 gram panchayats were added from November 2022 to March.

PPP Mode Challenges:

• Initial attempt to involve private companies through a public-private partnership (PPP) model faced challenges.
• First request for proposal (RFP) in July 2021 received no response from private players.
• Concerns over onerous terms and conditions and unfavorable revenue sharing model.

Future Plans:

• Government to introduce a revised PPP model for the BharatNet project in the coming months.
• The updated model aims to address challenges faced by private companies and attract their participation.
• The focus remains on expanding optical fiber-based broadband connectivity to rural areas across India.

-Source: The Hindu