What is Wireless Backhaul ?

Wireless communication requirements are increasing the demand on backhaul networks. Wireless networking had quickly evolved form voice-only communication to fully multimedia experienced leveraging intelligent handheld device. The delivery of residential internet access using wireless technology with speed comparable to DSL is growing trend.

Backhaul services provide define key requirement for their next generation backhaul network:

• Increase the capacity and leveraging existing physical fiber network.
• Supply  future verification design to address IP over Ethernet proposal for 4G wireless
  
  
  

Wireless Backhaul solution:

Third generation (3G) mobile system support more bandwidth intensive wireless user capabilities, such as mobile email, text messaging, image sharing and web surfing. Network roadmaps are depicting a move to all-Ethernet over optical backhaul strategies that deliver simplified, service-oriented connectivity and enhanced, high capacity infrastructure. Integrating both functions in a common platform brings significant operational value.

Implications of Technology Evolution on Wireless Backhaul Requirements

Wireless networks are becoming increasingly complex

• GSM/EDGE overlaid with WCDMA
• TDMA overlaid with GSM/EDGE
• TDMA overlaid with CDMA2000
• GSM overlaid with CDMA2000 (e.g. China Unicom)
  
  

Wireless network capacity requirements are increasing
Networks are becoming increasingly extensive to include macro, micro and Pico-cells

Service Provider Business Evolution

Service providers have focused on rapid deployment and CAPEX minimization, with insufficient regard for OPEX

• Transmission network design and optimization has been neglected
•  Minimization of CAPEX has resulted inefficient designs from an OPEX perspective
  
  

  Service providers in mature markets are becoming increasingly focused on OPEX

  For network overlays (e.g. WCDMA) OPEX management becomes more challenging

 Service providers are paying a great deal of attention to the design and optimization of their transmission networks

Leased Line versus Microwave Transmission

• Some operators use microwave transmission to reduce leased line expenses
• Microwave typically used by pure-play mobile operators in Europe
• Microwave used more extensively in emerging markets
• Limited availability of robust landline infrastructure
• Leases are often particularly expensive
  
  

Wireless Service Provider Business Analysis

• Greater focus towards minimizing both CAPEX and OPEX
• Benefit of green field (or near green-field) implementations
• Significant subscriber growth and deployment occurring
• Challenged by lack of supporting infrastructure
• Less “tradition” and greater receptivity to alternative network architectures.

Wireless Backhaul Today

• Large number of geographically-dispersed cell sites
• One or more E1/T1s per cell site — inefficiently utilized
• New technology deployments require additional, separate, 1/T1 facilities
  
  

Early Backhaul Optimization

• Simple approach
• No statistical multiplexing
• No help for Abis inefficiencies
  
  

Backhaul Optimizations

Eliminate traffic from

• Call inactivity
• Voice silence periods
• Other TRAU idle frames
• GPRS & EDGE idle PCU frames

Multiplex signaling channels

Recover stranded timeslots

Handle other cell site traffic



• Location measurement unit
• IP links for other remote third-party equipment