Mobile Backhaul

Migration to LTE Ethernet Backhaul

The proliferation of mobile devices is driving a seemingly insatiable need for mobile backhaul bandwidth. Fiber is the only media capable of supporting virtually limitless growth, so Carriers are currently driving fiber to the edges of the network. Unfortunately, bandwidth is only part of the problem. Mobile technology is in the midst of a migration from third generation (3G) to fourth generation (4G/LTE). This means that Carriers providing backhaul must be able to satisfy growing demands for TDM services while preparing for a seamless migration to an all Ethernet network in the future. While many options are available, Carriers must be able to support the migration in a scalable and cost-effective manner.

Omnitron Ethernet Network Interface Devices, T1/E1 multiplexers, CWDM Multiplexers and media converters provide transport of both TDM and Ethernet services in this migration from TDM to LTE backhaul. In addition, they support the ability to connect multiple carriers to the cell tower for wholesale mobile backhaul.

There are essentially three phases in the migration from legacy 3G to LTE mobile backhaul. Omnitron fiber connectivity products can support backhaul of services at each phase.

1. Legacy mobile backhaul networks are based on TDM
2. Current migration adds Carrier Ethernet to TDM network (Hybrid Mobile Backhaul)
3. The future requires Long Term Evolution (LTE) Carrier Ethernet and fiber infrastructure

iConverter Fiber Connectivity Solutions Enable this Migration

1) Legacy TDM mobile backhaul networks

iConverter T1/E1 Multiplexers transport up to sixteen T1 circuits over fiber for Legacy TDM backhaul

• Local and Remote Loop-back for troubleshooting and installation verification
• Supports AIS (Alarm Indication Signal) generation on each T1/E1
• Available with redundant 24 and 48VDC Power
• Temperature Hardened
• Management via local serial port, Telnet or SNMP

View a TDM mobile backhaul application example

2) Carrier Ethernet and TDM (Multi-Service Mobile Backhaul)

iConverter T1/E1 Multiplexers transport 10/100/1000 Ethernet with the T1s for hybrid mobile backhaul

• Same form factor and functions, and adds 10/100/1000 Ethernet multiplexed with the T1s
• Enables hybrid Ethernet/TDM mobile backhaul

View a Hybrid TDM and Ethernet mobile backhaul application example

3) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Carrier Ethernet and fiber infrastructure

iConverter Network Interface Devices support Service OAM to enable Carrier Ethernet / LTE backhaul

• Supports 802.1ag Connectivity Fault Detection and ITU Y.1731 Performance Monitoring
• Service multiplexing and traffic shaping
• Remote management through TELNET, SNMPv1/2c/3

Learn more about Carrier Ethernet Demarcation and Service OAM

Backhaul of Multiple Wireless Carriers to a Cell Tower

Read the Mobile Backhaul Case Study: Multiple Operators at the Tower

Fiber Rich Wholesale Mobile Backhaul

iConverter T1 Multiplexers and GM3 NIDs provide connectivity for multiple Wireless Carriers to the cell tower over different strands of fiber. The iConverter Multi-Service Platform enables the transport of different generations of backhaul services, with equipment located in cabinets, wall mounts or rack configurations.

View a fiber-rich cell tower backhaul application example illustrating how three Wireless Carriers connect diverse services to a cell tower.

Fiber Exhaust Wholesale Mobile Backhaul

iConverter CWDM Multiplexers provide connectivity for multiple Wireless Carriers to the cell tower over a single strand of fiber.

• Up to 16 different wavelengths over the backhaul link
• Each wavelength is a independent service or circuit with a capacity of up to 10 Gigabits
• One wavelengths can transport multiple T1s (T1/E1s multiplexed via an Ethernet circuit)
• Connect to multiple Carriers’ equipment in different cabinet, wall mount or rack configurations

View a CWDM mobile backhaul application example illustrating how three Wireless Carriers connect different services to a cell tower with a CWDM fiber backhaul link.