Better Backhaul

Much work is still in progress on the definition and use of Ethernet and Carrier Ethernet in an all-packet mobile backhaul world. But operators are in the midst of a mobile data explosion find themselves in dire straits: They need an efficient means of delivering bandwidth to the cell site. So, many of them are taking advantage of carrier-class Ethernet technologies anyway, along with existing copper and fiber facilities, to bolster backhaul capacity.

Today, the backhaul landscape is actively changing to keep up with user demand for data. Mobile networks that were originally built for voice communications are now being optimized for data applications, leading to an ever-growing strain on the backhaul network. The backhaul portion of the network can use any number of high-speed connections. Examples of backhaul connections are microwave, fiber, DSL or any of a number of other connection technologies.

The fact is, Ethernet is appealing, and is a better backhaul technology, not only because it can be supported by a number of infrastructures, but also because it is more cost effective than other alternatives. Using Ethernet along with copper and fiber is one way to achieve the highest traffic-carrying capacity utilization of carriers’ embedded investment and provide a network migration path toward an all-packet network.

Cutting Costs

That efficiency is critical because for mobile carriers, the largest network expense is backhaul. Now, more than ever, operators are looking for ways to reduce transport costs in the backhaul network by more efficiently utilizing bandwidth and optimizing their network for support of multiple technologies. As the cost of backhauling traffic continues to rise, the need to drive down costs continues to be the central focus of operators. The conversion to an Ethernet-based IP-enabled network architecture is inevitable. This will occur not only to handle an increase in new applications and mobile users, but to drive down the rapidly rising cost of backhaul.

Wireless Access Network Architecture

The current evolution to 4G is also driving the need for an all-packet-based network. IP base stations supporting 3G/4G, WiMAX and LTE are requiring operators to select equipment today that will meet both their current and future needs. Providing support for existing services while augmenting the network or fully transitioning base-stations to IP in the next few years means purchasing equipment for sites today that could realistically have a short life, unless vendor equipment is designed to accommodate the conversion to a fully packet-based network.