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Today's cellular networks carry voice, video and data services over a variety of backhaul transport technologies. Convergence of all types of traffic and cellular technologies onto a unified, packet-based backhaul network improves backhaul performance and lowers network operating expenses.
The benefits of a unified, converged network include:
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Reduced OpEx resulting from operating a single network rather than several parallel networks; |
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Improved statistical gain from statistically multiplexing all backhaul traffic onto one network; |
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Maximum network flexibility to handle real time traffic demand changes, as well as long term traffic mixture changes, by dynamically sharing converged network resources across all mobile services. |
Separating backhaul traffic onto multiple networks may be used in cases where a very low cost 'best effort' network is available and enough 'best effort' backhaul traffic exists to justify foregoing the benefits of convergence.
The cellular backhaul network was originally based on a high-QoS, high-cost TDM network carrying 2G voice and data services. With the introduction of 3G, the ATM-based backhaul network provides a cost effective and efficient solution for converging 3G voice, video and data services. The ATM backhaul network can be further extended to cost effectively converge all 2G and 3G services.
With the introduction and proliferation of HSPA technologies for 'best effort' service, backhaul separation has become a valid alternative to convergence. In separation scenarios, HSPA 'best effort' services are carried by low cost IP/Ethernet network based on xDSL infrastructure, Metro Ethernet Services and Ethernet microwave technology. However, down the road, backhaul traffic will be re-converged over IP network with the introduction of IP RAN.
Traffic aggregation solutions for the cellular backhaul network should facilitate both backhaul convergence and separation – enabling the operator the choice between convergence and separation of the backhaul network based on infrastructure availability, traffic mix and business environment.
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