SOLUTIONS

Mobile Backhaul

As mobile operators start to deploy HSxPA data services in their networks, the demand for backhaul bandwidth to mobile sites grows at a pace never experienced before, with many operators experiencing growth rates in excess of 20% per month. Mobile operators are experiencing a distinct decoupling of revenue from bandwidth, which is putting immense pressure on OPEX reduction in their networks. Market forces are also driving the switch from TDM-based networks to packet-based networks as traditional T1/E1-based capacity becomes too expensive to support the new bandwidth-hungry applications and services. However, the requirement to support legacy services is not going away, thus creating an access conundrum.

With the need to migrate to a converged packet network and the requirement to support legacy TDM services, there are significant obstacles that must be overcome. One of the primary drawbacks of current packet-based networks is its inability to deliver "high quality" clock to the cell sites. The Actelis ML600 series of Ethernet Access Devices (EADs) provide the solution that mobile operators are looking for: a cost-effective solution that provides efficient transport of both data and circuit traffic while maintaining the accurate synchronization required in cellular networks.

Actelis' mobile backhauling solution provides a combination of Ethernet and T1/E1 ports for 2G, 3G and 3.5G base stations, and can provide up to 100 Mbps* connectivity based on Actelis' award-winning EFMplus™ technology. Actelis' solution allows operators to evolve their networks at their own pace without taking unnecessary risks. Actelis' mobile backhaul solution enables integrated delivery of high-speed carrier Ethernet, MEF 18-certified PWE3 CESoETH (MEF 8) and synchronization services over the existing copper infrastructure, at up to 100 Mbps* symmetrically.

The Actelis ML650 EAD family provides T1/E1 circuits and Ethernet ports delivered over the copper infrastructure from the 2G (MSC) or 3G (RNC) switching centers to the co-located 2G (BTS) or 3G (Node-B) base stations. The device provides a strict timing reference delivered either from a synchronized T1/E1 port or identical BITS* ports maintaining a highly accurate frequency stability over the copper plant.

The Actelis ML658 EAD is the first product that can truly be used to support a comprehensive migration strategy for mobile backhaul. Actelis’ solution has enabled mobile backhaul to finally utilize CES pseudo wires to complement and, ultimately, replace traditional T1/E1s by implementing a clock solution with timing accuracy that satisfied the strict requirements in cellular networks. Finally, a solution mobile network operators can count on.

Benefits

• Provides the most cost-effective solution to bandwidth challenges triggered by the exponential growth in 3G traffic volumes and HSxPA service deployments.
• Integrated delivery of MEF 18-certified T1/E1s PWE3 (MEF 8 CESoETH) and high-speed carrier Ethernet services supporting multi-generation cell site collocation.
• Supports a comprehensive and seamless migration strategy for mobile backhaul.
• Rapid service deployment by leveraging the existing copper plant.
• Zero touch provisioning of new circuits utilizing CO side deployment profiles.
• Advanced bandwidth control and traffic management features, fully compliant with the MEF 9 and 14 specifications.
• Flexible service provisioning using Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) and QOS capabilities that maximize the efficiency of access bandwidth.
• Strict enforcement of Service Level Agreements for each subscriber and class of service.

NOTE: * Planned for future release