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According to the NV schedule, 3G is not live yet at any of the Network Vision sites in the Atlanta/Athens market. Only LTE so far. Same with Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Kansas markets. In most other NV markets, it is the other way around. 3G is live, but 4G is not yet.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

I typically get 9-10Mbps stationary at the Santa Fe WiMax Protection Site, and 6-7Mbps at the same location moving 65 mph.

Robert - Posted from my E4GT with ICS using Forum Runner

I work in construction management and LO-e glass (and worse is LO-e Squared glass) are horrible for RF transferrence. However, these are only used in high end commercial buildings and estate homes.

Here in New Mexico, we have a lot of adobe homes. Adobe homes are RF absorbing clay brick that's covered in "chicken wire" under a stucco base coat and finish coat. If the clay and Portland cement weren't enough, then the Faraday cages created by the lath wire does it in. I have been in adobes 500' from a tower and get no signal indoors.

Robert - Posted from my E4GT with ICS using Forum Runner

Sprint LTE speeds are highly dependent on signal strength. Strong signal on a normal burdened carrier will get you 20Mbps speeds on average. Sometimes even the high 20's. Moderate signals will get you in the 8 to 12Mbps range. Weak signals will still get 3 to 5Mbps. Not too shabby.

Sprint is planning to advertise their LTE as 5 to 8Mbps to allow for normal traffic loads and varying signal strengths.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

there was a comment in the LG Viper article page that mentioned in Boston... only those phones using eHRDP would be connected to the new backhaul.

 

so is this something only being enforced now.. since everythings so new? or was the info not correct?

There are some isolated issues with EVDO backhaul connection. If the enhanced backhaul is in place at the site and ready to go when the site is converted to NV, the EVDO gets connected to the new backhaul. If the new backhaul is not ready at that time, then they temporarily connect it to legacy backhaul. They will then connect it to the new backhaul on the next truck roll. Most likely when LTE is brought live at the site.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

Don't get me wrong, I like the guys at goodandevo. They are just reporting what their sources are telling them. And since the chorus is singing May 18th, why would they doubt a source that says the 18th?

When I received my first tip of the 18th a few weeks ago, I asked the source for documents or a photo or something to corroborate. He wouldn't provide any. Just his word. So I chose not to report the 18th.

Then, within a few days, it hits the tech media all over about the 18th, all without referencing documents. I assume it's the same source who approached me. So this is another reason I am skeptical.

We only report on official documents. Since I have seen docs dated 4/20 that say 6/10 launch, I personally trust this more than heresay about the 18th. I am sure that since S4GRU only reports on documents, we may miss a legitimate verbal scoop here and there, but it saves us from a lot of credibility issues and having to issue retractions.

But back to goodandevo, they were approached with legitimate pics from a source who verbally says the 18th. Why would they doubt that source? I don't blame them for running it. It only makes sense to doubt it when seen in context with what I have seen, which they have not.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

I started on a reply right away, but ate breakfast with my family and answered a phone call. So it took me over 30 minutes to finish the reply.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

With backhaul upgrades being a major component of Network Vision' date=' I want to ask a few questions.

 

1. Prior to the upgrades Sprint is using T1/bundled T1. T1 can transmit 1.5Mb/s, so how many T1 lines does a typical tower have? If a tower has 10 T1's, that's about 15Mb/s. It doesn't take that many EVDO users to use up that capacity since EVDO rev A can transmit 3.1Mb/s.

 

2. With Network Vision switching to fiber, microwave, or aav for backhaul, how much of an improvement is Sprint expecting to implement? With the bundled T1 example above, an improvement 10 times that amount would be 150Mb/s.

 

3. Will only the new LTE phones see the enhanced backhaul? I'm not clear on eHRPD/EVDO, but it seems like the new LTE phones will use eHRPD when not in a 4g LTE area. Will that be separate from the existing EVDO network? It seems like all of Verizon's 4g outages are always blames on their eHRPD network.

 

4. What type of backhaul is/was Clear using for WiMAX?

 

I'm in Houston, so I'm hoping to see backhaul relieve the 3G issues sooner rather than later.[/quote']

 

1. Sprint uses a lot fewer T1's than most people realize at legacy sites. Some have as few as one in remote sites. The most I can recall ever seeing is like 7 or 8. I don't think I have ever seen 10. The amount of T1's is extremely variable from site to site. I would say on average they use 3 to 4 at most sites.

 

However, in the case of multiple T1's, it doesn't offer faster than 1.5Mbps throughput speeds. It's still limited to the T1's maximum speed of 1.5Mbps. Most sites with T1 backhaul that are not over capacity deliver speeds between 1.0 - 1.4Mbps. So even though between the device and the tower the data may be moving around 3Mbps, it is being slowed down when it hits the T1 backhaul, which is slower. At the sites where 2Mbps+ 3G speeds occur, it's because they have AAV backhaul and not T1's.

 

2. How much? Not sure. There are minimum performance standards outlined with their backhaul vendors that they must meet per contract. However, it will be wildly variable from site to site, but at least meeting the contract minimums. And even the contract minimums should be so much greater than even the site with the most T1's. And most AAV back haul is scalable and more can be added upon request.

 

Since Sprint worked out its backhaul requirements when it thought it was carrying LightSquared traffic too, I have a feeling it is way beyond their needs for a long time.

 

3. Data cannot handoff between LTE and EVDO "naturally", but LTE can handoff to eHRPD. It's my understanding the eHRPD acts as a handoff technology in the middle between LTE and EVDO to provide a more seamless data experience. Verizon and Sprint are both deploying eHRPD. Although eHRPD is problematic and leads to issues, it's my understanding that Verizon LTE outtage issues are caused in their 4G cores. However, perhaps eHRPD is a contributing factor.

 

All devices will see the benefit of new backhaul. Sprint is working on a decommissioning plan for it's T1's to save money. There will be a day when there will be no T1's left anywhere in the Sprint network. Oh, glorious day!

 

4. Clearwire uses mostly microwave backhaul.

 

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

The lab report I reported from was dated April 21st. As of the 21st, it was scheduled for June 10th and it mentioned lab issues with LTE connectivity. I guess it's possible they worked out the issues this week and can get it out by May 18th.

However, I'm skeptical. The device was never scheduled to even leave Sprint labs until May 7th, even before connectivity issues arrived last week. If the device exits labs on the 7th and starts to be delivered to stores on the 10th, it will be the fastest any Sprint device has ever left labs and found its way into customer hands. It usually takes 3 to 5 weeks from lab exit until launch.

The GNex left labs on March 25th, they tried for April15th launch and couldn't hit that even and had to settle on the 22nd. You can see why I'm skeptical with the 18th.

I should get a lab update in the next week or so. And when I do, they will definitely reflect an accelerated launch date, if there is one. Has anyone seen a launch date with any of these store marketing materials, yet? I haven't seen one yet. I've seen several pics, with only verbal references to a date. With the GNex, the pics included dates in some instances.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

Im amazed at those speeds given such a weak signal (-107dBm). If this is what we have to look forward to' date=' it will be epic.[/quote']

 

It looks like that -107dBm is showing two bars. So I'm guessing that the dBm is actually -93dBm. Just like on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, you need to remove -14dBm from the reading to compare signal strength with 3G devices.

 

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

Now these are believable screen shots because the upload speeds are realistic. Some of the speedtests out there of Sprint LTE have upload speeds that exceed even the best lab/FIT speeds, which make them suspect. Thanks DanielHolt for the info. Very exciting.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

inner most

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

long trial

Robert - Posted from my E4GT with ICS using Forum Runner

I definitely saw Chicago being one of the first TD-LTE markets. It's a spectrum constrained market for Sprint. I bet Sprint made it clear it wanted Chicago first.

Chicago is forecasted to be one of the first markets maxing out its new 5x5 LTE 1900 carriers. And it doesnt have much for options for additional LTE carriers in 1900. Sprint is counting on Clearwire in Chicago for the long term.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

S4GRU is an unregistered not for profit site. It would be easier for us to become a commercial site than to register as a non-profit organization. It's not worth the bureaucratic red tape. Also, as a non-profit, some of our required filings would show source names. And I could never do that.

Since S4GRU is not a business with a profit incentive, and I'm just a guy, we will not be making this thing much more elaborate than it is now. I just don't have the resources.

But I thank you all who have contributed and would like to contribute. PayPal donations are what pays our costs and keeps the site live.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

You would think a city wide WiFi system like this would cause a lot of interference issues for other WiFi systems and would render the channels being broadcast virtually useless to any other WiFi router in the city.

That would probably be fine, if it was limited to only one company in one market in one 20MHz channel. However, if more than one were to ever set up, or go with a 40MHz WiFi setup, it could be complete chaos. Cable cos better be respectful of this unlicensed spectrum, or it may cause the FCC to crack down on 2.4GHz spectrum usage.

Just thinking out loud. I do really like the idea. Just hope it's really thought through to be a good neighbor.

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

 

Stupid question-

 

How does AAV work? Depending on the site' date=' does the vendor run fiber to a box (aka switch) that basically supplies any company that wants access to their hookup? So say, comcast runs fiber to the tower, they offer ethernet hookups to their fiber connection for x a month and that would be called "ethernet based backahul"? Then, in the case of direct fiber connection does fiber run straight to a new sprint basestation?

 

What sort of backhaul is being piped into basestations? You mentioned that Chicago is getting DS3's via centurylink (single or multiple DS3's per basestation?). I guess I am wondering if Sprint is going to run into backhaul issues again in the future. It's hard to imagine going from bundled T1's to a DS3... but 45mbit may cut it for now but won't cut it once they add another 5x5 carrier.[/quote']

 

I'm not certain how the service is terminated for use at sites. However, when it comes to AAV Contracts, they are under master backhaul agreements. Sprint put out to bid their backhaul needs, and they included minimum throughput standards. So even AAV bidders still have to meet those standards, the same as microwave and fiber vendors have. AAV can be scalable by just adding another headend unit at the base station, should capacity issues arise or more carriers are added. However, in the instance of cable companies, the type of commercial grade backhaul they end up providing to Sprint is much better and faster than home service cable. Many cable companies are using fiber backbone now and can extend that fiber to the site in some instances. But this would still be considered AAV because how the service would be terminated at the site.

 

The great thing about AAV is it creates a competitive outlet for the whole process, lowering prices on all types of ethernet backhaul. And allows carriers to get less dependent on one type or only a few companies. In Network Vision, Sprint is using dozens of backhaul vendors. I may create a list. Thinking about it.

 

I don't have any more details about the CL DS3's now than I did then.

 

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

basket case

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

 

Robert' date='

 

Have you found or posted the was easiest way to become sponsor while mobile? Tapatalk or mobile Web....

 

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2[/quote']

 

Every link I have tried to post will not work because the link generated is session dependent. I have an email into PayPal asking them to provide me a link.

 

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

AAV is industry code for cable operator provided backhaul' date=' correct?[/quote']

 

It can be cable, and often is. It's basically a catch all. AAV (Alternative Access Vendors) typically means all ethernet based backhaul solutions that are not microwave or direct fiber connection. However, even sometimes I have even seen fiber marked AAV when provided from a third party.

 

Robert via NOVO7PALADIN Tablet using Forum Runner

Eric is a sponsor.

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book worm

I wish you'd explain this to my Ericsson area network manager. This is exactly what's been happening in our market. I'm sure not all of the blame can be placed on Ericsson, though. It's reactive upgrading and not proactive like NV.

The Ericsson contract wouldn't give them the ability to upgrade T1 service to AAV for Sprint on their own, just based on performance. Ericsson can make the recommendation to Sprint and prepare a change order request to do the work. But most likely Sprint would reject that since Network Vision work is forthcoming.

Robert

Wow! A year lead time for a T1 is incredibly long. I call shenanigans and think that the local carriers are playing games. I certainly wouldn't put it past Verizon and AT&T to slow down the process to hamper a competitor. We install T1s all across the country and start kicking and screaming if the install interval passes 60 days. We're normally in the neighborhood of 30-45. The new backhaul will definitely alleviate the issues by cutting the ILECs completely out of the picture and making a more cost effective network. In my experience, the tipping point with T1s is generally 4. Once you need the 5th, it's time to look at other solutions such as fiber or microwave.

You know...the one area where I saw the one year lead time was CenturyLink in the Central Illinois market!!!

Robert

How the heck do I upload attachments in a post? I don't know how to upload files into my library.

Only Premier Sponsors, S4GRU Writers, Moderators and Administrators can save files/pics to our servers. We are limited in the amount of server space we have, so we are chintzy in who gets to save files. You can use third party places to save attachments. Even Tapatalk and Forum Runner will allow you to save files to their servers to feature on S4GRU. Heck, I even sometimes will use Facebook and Google+ to host them, harvest the URL, and post here.

Robert