Backhaul for mobile networks is a critical piece of network operations to ensure capacity and speed, as it relates to the transport of data from distributed network sites to the network core. RCR Wireless News has assembled a variety of resources on aspects of telecommunications backhaul networks, to increase understanding and examine trends and challenges in the market – particularly in light of network needs as operators transition to Long Term Evolution.
Our mobile backhaul resource incorporates information for both those who are new to backhaul concepts, as well as advanced details for those familiar with telecom networks. We take a holistic view of backhaul, including the ongoing needs of legacy networks, future movement toward LTE-Advanced, and considerations of Heterogeneous Networks including small cells and the continuing evolution of Wi-Fi’s role in cellular networks. As radio access networks evolve to higher speeds and capacity, so must the backhaul component — and RCR Wireless provides the necessary insight for understanding the complexity of these network investments. (more…)
This collection of five MPLS tutorials cover both basic concepts and advanced details of how Multi-Protocol Label Switching works in telecom networks. From MPLS in mobile backhaul networks, to an in-depth analysis of MPLS overall, the technology is laid out and explained in these MPLS tutorial pdfs. (more…)
As wireless operators deploy packet-based networks including LTE technology, considerations for the network layout, or topology, are changing. LTE has its own topology changes, but another point of debate within networks are whether to go with a Carrier Ethernet architecture or an MPLS topology.
Long Term Evolution is expected to step up wireless networks’ ability to handle increased demand for capacity and make networks more efficient. But once releases reach LTE-Advanced, the possibilities for smarter traffic increase, and LTE topology promises to change how carriers design their networks by adding new network elements and capabilities. (more…)
This hour-long webinar from IP test company Ixia focuses on MPLS-TP (Transport Protocol) and in the process, gives a good IP MPLS tutorial highlighting the differences from MPLS-TP. Product Manager Peter Atanasovski also spends the last 15 minutes answering questions from audience members. (more…)
As mobile networks have evolved over time to an all-IP architecture, Carrier Ethernet has become an important standard for data transport and interfaces. (more…)
As wireless network capacity demands skyrocket, carriers are using WLAN (wireless local area network) or Wi-Fi technology to offload traffic. As those networks evolve toward more extensive LTE deployments, Wi-Fi is trying to keep pace by moving to next-generation services in order to provide what might be considered the next-generation or LTE WLAN. (more…)
Look through multiple summaries of the use and topology of Carrier Ethernet, in these graphics from CE provider RAD Data Communications. Learn more here about details on the ways Carrier Ethernet can be used for wholesale backhaul, small cell backhaul, and Ethernet over TDM.
In comparing IP VPN vs MPLS, there are significant differences are in service qualities and the question of who manages and has visibility into the network for remote locations or wireless backhaul. (more…)
Wireless carriers need to maintain legacy networks even as they move toward more broadly deploying LTE. Ethernet over TDM is a conversion technology that allows them to provide 2G and 3G services, and analysts expect it to gradually shrink – but still expect it to be around for years to come. (more…)
In making a business case for choosing VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) or MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) for connectivity between remote locations, there are multiple factors to consider. We look at the top three.
Time is an essential element of networking that is usually ignored or given low importance. Some of the uses in the network range from time-stamping information, marking logging services (to detect network anomalies, to monitor user access, and network management events), access control (disable wireless AP’s or logging privileges after-hours), billing of course, and many more uses. For these types of applications, a time resolution of hours, minutes and seconds would suffice. (more…)
Expectations are high for the needs of LTE backhaul: high capacity, high speed, and high quality of service. Providers are building out their new LTE networks at a fast pace, necessitating investments in LTE backhaul as those networks are turned on across the country. (more…)
The use of microwave for mobile backhaul has so far been limited in North America, although it is popular in Europe and other international markets. Microwave is expected to play a larger role as LTE backhaul technology, as next-generation networks continue to evolve and carriers begin deploying large numbers of small cells to form heterogeneous networks (HetNets).
Stuart Little, director of product marketing for microwave backhaul provider Aviat Networks, spoke with RCR Wireless about the company’s perspective on trends in microwave link design. (more…)
This collection of MPLS pdf papers cover a wide range of topics. From the basic functions and uses of MPLS to highly technical analysis of MPLS within the open Internet, these MPLS pdfs come from a variety of industry and academic sources. (more…)
Backhaul is often spoken of as critical to telecom networks – but what is it? Which part of the mobile network is considered the “backhaul” network, and what does it do? We asked network experts to give us their backhaul network definitions. (more…)
In microwave link design for mobile backhaul, a variety of factors must be considered. Eirik Nesse, vice president of product strategy for microwave backhaul provider Ceragon, gave RCR Wireless his perspective on the top five factors in microwave link design planning.
Multi-Protocol Label Switching promises a number of new efficiencies and control features for service providers. The benefits of MPLS have certainly been noticed, as the technology is widely adopted within telecom networks. So what are some of those MPLS benefits? (more…)
Multi-Protocol Label Switching is a traffic routing mechanism within telecom networks. It allows each customer’s data to be kept separate from other data streams through the use of specific labels that direct packets along pre-determined paths through the network. But is MPLS secure? (more…)
This round-up of five MPLS tutorial videos showcases different understandings of MPLS. From a cartoonish look at how networks handle data packets, to an in-depth university lecture, these videos provide a pathway to understanding MPLS, or Multi-Protocol Label Switching. (more…)
The MPLS PE (Provider Edge) router or network element plays a key role in MPLS infrastructure. The PE router is both the interface between the customer-facing network and the MPLS core, and the point where customer data is given an MPLS label and/or the label is removed. Data enters the MPLS network through the PE router, traverses the network, and then exits through another PE router.
In establishing connectivity between remote offices or network elements, enterprises have multiple options to consider. The basic conundrum is the question of whether to use a leased line, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or an MPLS architecture. Although all three establish connectivity, the technologies are not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison. Leased lines are physical entities. VPNs can be provided over different network layers (Layer 2 or Layer 3). MPLS is a network traffic routing mechanism considered a layer 2.5 technology, and can also be used to provide VPN services. (more…)
MPLS L2 VPNs (Layer Two Virtual Private Networks) have some unique characteristics and are driving the use of MPLS, or Multi-Protocol Label Switching. This MPLS L2 VPN tutorial explains the basics of the network layers and the key differences of MPLS L2 VPNs. (more…)
What is MPLS? It is a mechanism for routing traffic within a telecommunications network, as data travels from one network node to the next. MPLS can provide applications including VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), traffic engineering (TE) and Quality of Service (QoS). (more…)
This view of MPLS from Altera could apply to any network, but is relevant to telecom. Data enters the system through an Edge Label Switching Router. This is where packets are classified and receive their labels. The crossed arrows represent points at which packet labels are switched (hence Multi-Protocol Label Switching) to continue along the LSP (Label Switched Path). Routing labels are switched as the packet moves from router to router, with label being swapped at each hop in order to properly direct them to the next forwarding point. Labels have local significance only. MPLS labels are stripped when the packets exit the MPLS portion of the network. (more…)
Wireless operators are rapidly expanding their LTE networks to take advantage of additional efficiency, lower latency and the ability to handle ever-increasing data traffic. RCR Wireless presents a collection of LTE architecture diagrams. (more…)
