Data Sheet

Cisco Universal Small Cell 3331

The Cisco® Universal Small Cell (USC) 3331 is part of the Cisco Small Cell Solution,
an end-to-end platform that integrates third-generation (3G), Long Term Evolution
(LTE), and carrier-grade Wi-Fi with self-organizing network (SON) technologies and
backhaul for an efficient and secure heterogeneous network (HetNet). The Cisco USC
Series provides the right access point for every environment, from the home to the
enterprise to high-density urban environments such as venues (Figure 1). This
product is designed to operate in the home and small office environment.
Figure 1. Cisco Universal Small Cell Series

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 Product Overview
The Cisco USC 3331 (Figure 2) takes advantage of the latest generation of small cell technologies, advanced
industrial design, and the end-to-end Cisco Small Cell Solution to deliver a highly compact small cell product. The
Cisco USC 3331 offers mobile operators a quick-to-deploy licensed radio network element for the home or the
small office and home office (SOHO) market, creating a platform for mobile broadband services.

The Cisco USC 3331 is standalone customer premises equipment (CPE) and contains a dedicated 3G small cell
base station that can efficiently deliver mobile services indoors while offloading traffic from the outdoor macro
network. This provides a better mobile user experience, and it also reduces costs by eliminating the need for
additional macro base station sites and reducing the backhaul infrastructure required to support small cell
deployments, by using existing home or small office broadband services.

Figure 2. Cisco USC 3331: A Standalone 3G Small Cell for Homes, Small Offices, and Home Offices

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 Cisco USC 3331 Benefits
Three main challenges face mobile operators interested in deploying licensed small cells: where to place them,
how to power them, and how to backhaul the traffic. Cisco solves these problems with innovation. Building on a
heritage of commercially proven, robust, award-winning 3G access point design, the Cisco USC 3331 is a fully
integrated, high-performance, low-cost 3G small cell. The benefits of the Cisco design include:

● Reduced network costs and operations: The intelligence within the solution means the product only
requires end users to connect the device to their broadband connection and power source. After that, the
device will automatically configure itself and enter into service.
● Carrier-grade 3G base station technology: The Cisco USC 3331 provides the technology equivalent to
macro cellular service within the home. It is fully managed by the mobile operator and provides a 3G signal
inside the building for voice, data, and messaging services. The Cisco USC 3331 supports up to four or,
optionally, eight simultaneous users within a coverage area of approximately 1000 square feet (100 square
meters) with no interference to customers not using the device.
● Secure Solution: The device is secure on both the air interface from the access point to the users’ device
and on the broadband Internet link. The device uses software signatures and encryption to protect against
tampering. In the unlikely event that the device is compromised, it will automatically recover to a known
secure state.
● Standards-based technology: The Cisco USC 3331 operates as a Home Node B (HNB) in the standard
3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) architecture for small cells and is connected to the network using
the specified Iuh interface. This architecture provides a rapid deployment model for the operator reusing an
existing HNB network infrastructure.
● Superior indoor signal strength: The Cisco USC 3331 provides coverage signal throughout the home or
SOHO, resulting in excellent voice quality.
● High data speeds for an enhanced multimedia experience: By providing local 3G connectivity, operators
can support data throughput speeds on mobile devices that outpace what is available from the macro
network in the poor signal conditions typically found indoors.
● Simplicity and convenience: Subscribers can use their existing mobile phones and applications, and
standards-based, zero-touch provisioning allows end users to install the platform quickly and easily.

Features and Benefits

Table 1 lists specific features and the accompanying benefits of the Cisco USC 3331.

Table 1. Cisco USC 3331 Features and Benefits

Feature Benefit
Base Station Features

3GPP Release 8 support for Wideband Code
Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and
Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA
and HSPA+)
R99 voice support
Support for 3GPP standard 3G/WCDMA handsets and dongles: This includes a wide range of
global smartphone handsets, including Apple iPhones, Android devices, Blackberry, Microsoft
Windows Phone, and handsets and dongles from a wide range of global suppliers, including
HTC, Samsung, Apple, RIM, Nokia, and Motorola
High-quality voice call on mobile devices using global mobile standards: The device can
support up to 4 and, optionally, 8 voice calls (dependent on installed licenses)

HSPA and HSDPA+ Packet data support for high-speed Internet and intranet communications using packet data
upload and download
Adaptive power output Matched to the coverage needs inside the home
Mobility Support for user moving between the small cell to the macro network

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 Feature Benefit
Timing support High-stability oscillator and network timing interface that allows the Cisco USC 3331 to
successfully interwork with local macro networks
Network listen Automatic radio environment monitoring of the licensed spectrum bands: The network listen
features run at module start-up and continuously during operation to provide real-time
monitoring of the surrounding 2G and 3G networks and allow the Cisco USC 3331 to
automatically adapt to changes in the environment
Autoconfiguration Zero-touch mechanism, allowing the device to automatically install the correct software
versions and then be configured with the parameter set from network management system:
Based on the configuration, the device will intelligently configure itself to provide optimal
service
Standards-based network interface Support for the Iuh standard interface, using a TR-069 management interface
Standalone Design
Form factor The product is designed as a small form-factor device acceptable to consumers, which can be
located easily within the home along with a broadband/Wi-Fi router. There is a single easily
visible LED to show the status of the device, which helps with troubleshooting. The antennas
are all internal. Power is supplied through an external power block provided with the device
Controls There is an on/off switch and a recessed reset button. The reset button is only used to recover
the unit to an operating state in case of major software failure or configuration error

Rapid installation The device is designed to be installed by end users without any specialist skills. The zero-touch
capability means that it can be installed in less than 10 minutes with a connection to the home
Internet router using a standard Ethernet cable

Remote management The device is managed by the operator’s management system, which can resolve issues
remotely. In case of major failure, the device supports a factory recovery capability where it can
automatically recover through the Cisco Universal Small Cell CloudBase™ solution

Product Specifications
Table 2 lists the detailed product specifications and part numbers for the Cisco USC 3331.

Table 2. Cisco USC 3331 Product Specifications

Feature Description

Product variants Product ID USC3331-AJ-K9

● 3G Band 1 (2100 MHz BS TX)
● 3G Band 8 (900 MHz BS TX)
● 2G GSM 900 and GSM 1800
Product ID USC3331-BJ-K9 Band 2/5 support will be provided at a later date
Software The device operates with Cisco Small Cell release R 3.4 or later
Small cell gateway compatibility The device supports Iuh and can operate with standards-based Iuh gateways
Antenna type 1x1 SISO Internal
Bands supported Product ID USC3331-AJ-K9
Operational 3GPP Band 1
BS Receive 1920-1980 MHz
BS Transmit 2110-2170 MHz
Listening bands
● 3G Band 1 (2100 MHz BS TX)
● 3G Band 8 (900 MHz BS TX)
● 2G GSM 900 and GSM 1800

UARFCN supported 3GPP Band 1

Uplink (UL) 9612 to 9888 and Downlink (DL) 10562 to 10838

Bandwidth supported 5 MHz per 3GPP Standards for WCDMA Release 8

User count 8 in a variety of combinations including circuit-switched voice (R99) or packet-switched data
3GPP standards 3GPP Release 8
3GPP standard interfaces Iuh per 3GPP TS 25.467 Release 8

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 Feature Description
Radio access bearers (RABs) Signaling radio bearer (SRB)
supported ● Standard 3.4 kbps
R99 Circuit-Switched Channel
● 8 Dedicated Channel (DCH) with adaptive multirate (AMR) 12.2 kbps codec
● 8 DCH plus 8 users in Fast Access Channel (FACH)
● 7 DCH with circuit-switched video
Packet-switched data: R99 circuit-switched packet mode
● Up to 8 DCH
● Upload/download
◦ 64/64 kbps
◦ 64/128 kbps
◦ 64/384 kbps
◦ 128/64 kbps
◦ 128/128 kbps
◦ 128/384 kbps
◦ 384/384 kbps
Packet-switched data: R99 circuit-switched uplink plus High-Speed Downlink Packet Access
(HSDPA)
● Up to 8 DCH plus High-Speed Dedicated Channel (HS-DCH)
● HSDPA support up to 14.4-Mbps peak rates supported
● Upload/download
◦ 64 kbps/HSDPA
◦ 128 kbps/HSDPA
◦ 384 kbps/HSDPA
Packet-switched data: HSPA
● Up to 8 active, scheduled high-speed users
● Up to 14.4-Mbps HSDPA peak rates supported
● 5.76-Mbps High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) peak rates supported
Packet-switched data: HSDPA+
● Up to 8 active, scheduled high-speed users
◦ Up to 15-Mbps HSDPA+ peak rates supported
◦ 14 codes supported
● 5.76-Mbps HSUPA peak rates supported
Multiple RAB (mRAB) combinations supported
● Up to 8 MRAB users (3GPP code tree dependencies)
● One HSPA/HSDPA+ channel and one R99 AMR channel active
● Dual HSPA/HSDPA+ channels active
● Dual HSPA/HSDPA+ channels and one R99 channel active
Realistic data rates: Cisco notes that the rates above for HSPA and HSDPA+ are peak, theoretical
rates.
Bandwidth supported 5 MHz per 3GPP Standards for WCDMA Release 8
User count Up to 4 and, optionally, 8 simultaneous circuit-switched calls and packet-switched data services. The
number of users supported will vary based on the traffic loading and user capacity license installed.
Data model Broadband Forum TR-069 Amendment 2 with TR-196v1
Network connectivity IP Security (IPSec) and optionally Transport Layer Security (TLS)
Data model extensions Certain extensions are available to simplify operation and address missing features from the TR-
196v1 data model (for example, timers and thresholds for improved operation)
Data model provisioning TR-069 through IPsec link is supported
Access method Support for open- and closed-mode deployments
Software upgrade Available
3G airlink cipher 3GPP UEA1 and UIA1 (also known as Kasumi cipher)

Backhaul IPsec Tunnel Mode and TLS for TR-069 remote management
Backhaul tunnel management Internet Key Exchange (IKE) v2

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 Feature Description
Security model Secure boot and signed software image
Periodic network listen, also known as 3G and GSM
downlink monitor mode (DLMM)
Continuous service network listen 3G
RF power level (dBm/mW) 13 dBm/20 mW, measured at the antenna port
3G RF noise figure 8 dB
Compliance Safety per EN IEC60950-1 and UL/CSA 60950
EMC Exposure per EN62311
Meets 3GPP 25.141
RF Regulations
CE Mark
Green Initiative Compliant to RoHS
Regulatory approval Band 1 : CE Approval
Band 2/5 UL Approval
Operating conditions Temperature: 32 to 104ºF (0 to 40º C)
Humidity: 5 to 90% non-condensing
Power consumption <6W
Weight Approximately 300 g

Size 5 x 5 x 1.4 in. (12.7 x 12.7 x 3.6 cm)

Ordering Information
The Cisco USC 3331 is available for sale to service providers that have WCDMA, HSPA, and HSPA+ technologies,
as well as current spectrum assets in the 3G Band 1 (2100 MHz) or Band 2/5 (1900 or 850 MHz) at a later date.
Tables 3 and 4 provide hardware and software ordering information. For detailed ordering information, see the
product ordering guide.

Table 3. Cisco USC 3331 Hardware Ordering Information

Product Name Description Order Code

Cisco Universal Small Cell 3G Standalone Band 1; 20mw, 1x1 SISO; Closed mode ready, HSDPA+ ready, High USC3331-AJ-K9
USC 3331 (Band 1) Data Mobility ready.

Cisco Universal Small Cell This product will be supported at a later date. 3G Standalone Band 2/5; 20mw, 1x1 USC3331-BJ-K9
USC 3331 (Band 2/5 Version) SISO, Closed and Open Access ready, HSDPA+ ready, High Data Mobility ready,
options.

Table 4. Cisco USC 3331 Software Ordering Information

Product Name Description Order Code

WCDMA Base Load USC3000 Base load for 3G 4 users, Iuh, closed access, 3GPP R8 in EULA/SULA R-USC33-BL04C-K9
WCDMA 8 user upgrade Upgrade from 4 to 8 users L-USC33UB48
WCDMA 4 User Open Access Open access for 4 users L-USC33-OM04
WCDMA 8 User Open Access Open access upgrade from 4 to 8 users L-USC33-OM08
WCDMA HSDPA+ HSDPA+ support L-USC33-HSPP
WCDMA Cell Broadcast PWS Cell Broadcast L-USC33-CBRC
WCDMA SW Provisioning USC CloudBase 3331 Provisioning L-USC33-ACTV

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 System Requirements
Table 5 lists the system requirements needed for successful deployment of the Cisco USC 3331 in a Cisco
solution.

Table 5. Cisco USC 3331 System Requirements

Software release Cisco Universal Small Cell Software R3.4 or later

Cisco Small Cell System (SCS) R3.0 or later
WCDMA network The Cisco USC 3331 requires a standards-based Iuh HNB gateway (HNB-GW), usually using a security
gateway to terminate IPSec, for communication with existing 3G core network using Iu interfaces. This HNB-
GW can be separately provided by Cisco as functionality available on the Cisco ASR 5000 Series.
Management system The Cisco USC 3331 requires a TR-069-compliant management system to manage the hardware and WCDMA
capabilities of the product.
Power supply The Cisco USC 3331 comes with a power block to convert from AC power to DC. It therefore requires 240 or
110 VAC mains power supply.

Internet backhaul The Cisco USC 3331 requires suitable Internet-based backhaul to handle WCDMA HSPA traffic.

Warranty
The Cisco USC 3331 includes a one-year limited hardware warranty with 30-day return for repair. More detailed
warranty information is available on Cisco.com at the Product Warranties page.

Cisco Small Cell Services

The Cisco Small Cell Solution is delivered by Cisco Services, an organization with unparalleled experience and
expertise implementing large commercial small cell deployments, as well as providing world-class systems and
service integration. With specialized tools, knowledge, methodologies, best practices, and a collaborative delivery
model that combines Cisco expertise with our partners' and customers' capabilities, Cisco Services achieves
superior results. We help service providers to mitigate risk, accelerate time to market for new revenue-generating
services, lower total cost of ownership, increase the value of investments, and improve the customer experience
through service assurance.

The Cisco Services team delivers comprehensive support, encompassing the service provider's entire network
lifecycle. Through a lifecycle approach to services, Cisco has developed consistent and proven methodologies to
help service providers successfully design and deliver new service offerings. These services are customized to
operator needs and are delivered through an extensive global support infrastructure, which includes the award-
winning Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC), Cisco Services resources, Centers of Excellence, small cell
interoperability testing (IOT) and system verification test (SVT) labs, and ecosystem partners.

For More Information

For more information about the Cisco USC 3331, visit http://www.cisco.com/go/smallcell or contact your local
account representative.

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Printed in USA C78-730972-00 03/14

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