SCF members are committed to driving network densification worldwide.
SCF is accelerating small cell deployments, removing commercial & technical barriers, working with regulators and municipalities, partnering enterprise, forging new business cases.
How we work
We gather requirements globally from service providers and enterprises.
Directed by our Board, these inputs shape our work items:
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5G-FAPI Specification
5G-FAPI is an open specification between the PHY & MAC layers in a 5G-gNB/5G-SC. Specifically, SCF is developing 3 specific interfaces (P4, P5,P7,P19).
5G-Small Cell Definition
Develop a working definition of a 5G-SC based on Operator Requirements, taking into account eMBB, UR-LLC & mIOT support; Working definition to consider technical as well as physical parameters (such as Antennas, Bands, Bandwidths, Power levels, physical attributes etc.)
Work items
[224] 5G FAPI P19 RF Frontend API
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5G-nFAPI (Option 6) Specification
Referred to as “Split Option-6” in the 3GPP Split RAN Architecture terminology, extends the above interfaces for a networked operation. This work is being done in collaboration with O-RAN & OAI.
Split Option 2-6-7 Comparison
3GPP, SCF & ORAN are developing specifications for dis-aggregated small cell architectures based on Split Options 2-6-7. However, the market is not yet clear on the suitability of different split options for different deployment scenarios. This WI intends to shed light and clarity on this topic, from technical and business considerations.
Work items
[225] 5G nFAPI API
[226] Split Option 2,6,7 comparison
[239] NETCONF/YANG for Option-6 SCsLogos
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SON & Orchestration Roadmap for the 5G-Era
Documents the current trends and identifies gaps and enhancements needed by the industry.
Precision Planning for the 5G-Era
Application of AI/ML in Planning of Small Cell siting (Joint with 5GAmericas);
SC Management for the 5G-Era
NETCONF/YANG Management of Split Option-6 (5G-nFAPI) SCNs (with O-RAN); SC Management for the 5G-NR Small Cells
Work items
SCF230 Precision planning with AI/ML
[241] Machine Learning applications in 5G Small cells
[233] Small Cell SON and Orchestration from 4G to 5G
[240] Small Cell management for 5G Era
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SCF aims to support the industry in countering negative press by collating and drawing attention to well-founded research by national and international health organisations, to which our members and audiences can refer.
Work items
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Options for Indoor Cellular Networks
Addressing barriers to growth including helping MNOs understand their options of partnering with infrastructure deployers as well as raising market awareness of the different commercial and technical options for indoor cellular.
Work items
[231] Options for Indoor Cellular
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Private LTE/5G Small Cell Networks
Private LTE/5G networks are attracting much attention, due to their need for Enterprise, Industry and Smart City applications. Such networks may be strictly for private users or for a mix of private and public (i.e. MNO) users.
This WI focusses on the business case and technical considerations of building, deploying and operating such networks. Particular focus is given to the spectrum aspects, including licensed, unlicensed (MulteFire) and shared (CBRS) spectrums. The white paper will address these challenges and opportunities in a global context, covering various regions of the world.
Work items
[235] Private LTE/5G & Small Cells
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WI: Edge Computing & Small Cells
Clarifying the lead commercial use cases & monetization for Edge compute for both MNO and private networks, and addressing gaps in standards for Edge computing based on 3GPP-CUPS architectures & Multi-Access Edge Computing.
Work items
[234] Edge Computing and Small Cell Networks
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How to join
Small Cell Forum membership is open to any legally established corporation, individual firm, partnership, governmental body or international organization supporting the promotion and worldwide deployment of small cell technologies.
Full membership
£9,500
Board membership
£17,750
Membership may also be available to some academic institutions. Contact us for more details Prices shown above are the annual membership subscription (2019/20) and are subject to VAT.