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August 2009 | Volume 12 / Number 8
The Zippy Files

Harris Stratex Networks’ Next-Gen Backhaul for Next-Gen Mobile

One of the more interesting topics covered in this issue, 4G wireless, has some network operators worried – not whether WiMAX or LTE (News - Alert) will dominate, but rather if backhaul pipes can be built quickly that are capable of handling the increased broadband traffic these new technologies will bring about.

Fortunately, Harris Stratex Networks (News - Alert) (www.harrisstratex.com) has devised a new 4G wireless backhaul innovation tailored for North American network operators: an enhanced version of their Eclipse Packet Node solution.

The enhanced Eclipse Packet Node includes Harris Stratex’ (News - Alert) new IRU600 all-indoor radio unit, capable of reducing backhaul traffic bottlenecks and speeding operators’ migration/evolution to high-speed IP backhaul.

The new Eclipse Packet Node makes its appearance just as network operators have come to realize that the traditional T1 and E1 copper leased lines normally used to connect base stations to each other and thence to the core cannot possibly handle backhaul traffic demands if operators and users enthusiastically adopt such bandwidth-gobbling technologies as 4G/LTE.

Optical fiber connections can offer great bandwidth but are quite expensive and take time to construct. Harris Stratex’ microwave backhaul approach, however, will enable operators to lower network operations costs as they quickly increase network capacity and efficiency.

The IRU600 radio unit allows for easy access to the radio equipment for maintenance and upgrades, and occupies only a fraction of the rack space required for previous-generation equipment. The highly compact IRU600 offers increased system performance for longer reach, and yet it sports low power consumption compared to other radios in its class.




Ready and waiting for the coming 4G networks, the IRU600 supports pure native Ethernet/IP traffic up to a maximum throughput of 400 Mbps in a single radio channel and enables native mixed-mode operation to provide continued support for older technology-based TDM traffic, enabling gradual and controlled backhaul network migration to all-IP networks, thus reducing investment risks.

The IRU600’s great reach and minimal power consumption should make it a favorite among smaller carriers wanting to bring high bandwidth wireless IP broadband access and transport offerings to rural, unserved and underserved locales.

Although this particular platform is designed for the North American market, point-to-point microwave (and wireless communications in general) is very popular in third-world countries, since such architectures cost less realize in physical form, as opposed to wireline construction. (Besides, people tend to steal copper wiring.) Even in North America, if 4G mobile broadband becomes as popular as quickly as, say, the iPhone (News - Alert), a tremendous amount of backhaul capacity will be needed in a very short time, something that only microwave technology can deliver.

As it happens, Harris Stratex Networks has a number of other interesting wireless tricks up its sleeve. For example, EADS (News - Alert) Defense and Security (DS), a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide, has selected Harris Stratex to supply them with secure wireless broadband microwave transmission equipment and network service assurance solutions for use in the defense and security industries. This will include Harris Stratex Eclipse platform, NetBoss network management solutions and associated support services.

Now if somebody could just invent a decent microwave oven, that would really be something. IT

Richard “Zippy” Grigonis is executive editor of TMC’s (News - Alert) IP Communications Group.

» Internet Telephony Magazine Table of Contents



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