Microwave Communication Packet
WHITE P AP E R
WHAT IS PACKET MICROWAVE?
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This white paper provides a definition of Packet Microwave radio systems and demonstrates how these systems along with Hybrid radio systems are providing an ideal solution for wireless backhaul for next generation mobile broadband networks. Packet Microwave platforms offer highly scalable solution that leverages new technology features to enable higher throughputs to keep pace with expected growth in demand. Hybrid microwave solutions can also support all required Packet Microwave features but add crucial support for native TDM for ongoing legacy traffic needs, giving operators the best of all possible network migration solutions in a single platform.
WHITE P AP E R WHAT IS PACKET MICROWAVE?
INTRODUCTION
The growth in mobile broadband services is driving a sea change in the technologies employed to build and operate mobile networks. In particular, the introduction of all-IP transport promises to replace traditional time division multiplexed (TDM) networks to provide network scalability and lower operational costs. To support this network evolution, a new class of licensed microwave backhaul solutions has been introduced to the market, known variously as Packet All-IP or Next Generation radios. What characterizes these new products, and how do they differ from the Hybrid radios that are already on the market? Are they really different or in some way more suitable for 4G/LTE/WiMAX backhaul networks, as has been suggested?
NEXT GENERATION MICROWAVE RADIO FEATURES
So-called Next Generation radios are designed—not surprisingly—to support Next Generation broadband networks and have evolved a set of features that take advantage of the packetized nature of Ethernet/IP traffic to make maximum use of the available licensed spectrum. Next Generation microwave features generally include all or a combination of the following: • • • • • • • Software scalable high capacity, with throughputs of 1 Gbit/s or
WHAT IS PACKET MICROWAVE?
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This white paper provides a definition of Packet Microwave radio systems and demonstrates how these systems along with Hybrid radio systems are providing an ideal solution for wireless backhaul for next generation mobile broadband networks. Packet Microwave platforms offer highly scalable solution that leverages new technology features to enable higher throughputs to keep pace with expected growth in demand. Hybrid microwave solutions can also support all required Packet Microwave features but add crucial support for native TDM for ongoing legacy traffic needs, giving operators the best of all possible network migration solutions in a single platform.
WHITE P AP E R WHAT IS PACKET MICROWAVE?
INTRODUCTION
The growth in mobile broadband services is driving a sea change in the technologies employed to build and operate mobile networks. In particular, the introduction of all-IP transport promises to replace traditional time division multiplexed (TDM) networks to provide network scalability and lower operational costs. To support this network evolution, a new class of licensed microwave backhaul solutions has been introduced to the market, known variously as Packet All-IP or Next Generation radios. What characterizes these new products, and how do they differ from the Hybrid radios that are already on the market? Are they really different or in some way more suitable for 4G/LTE/WiMAX backhaul networks, as has been suggested?
NEXT GENERATION MICROWAVE RADIO FEATURES
So-called Next Generation radios are designed—not surprisingly—to support Next Generation broadband networks and have evolved a set of features that take advantage of the packetized nature of Ethernet/IP traffic to make maximum use of the available licensed spectrum. Next Generation microwave features generally include all or a combination of the following: • • • • • • • Software scalable high capacity, with throughputs of 1 Gbit/s or