New mobile bearer solution to allow operators to build end-to-end 5G networks including any type of backhaul connection
Huawei said its new X-Haul product supports flexible backhaul access to the core network through IP, microwave and optical transport network (OTN) technologies, regardless of the requirements of the base station.
X-Haul features a cloud-based architecture that enables agile operations on 5G bearer networks. The management and control plane implements centralized orchestration through the network cloud engine for various network media such as IP, optical and microwave, Huawei said.
The new offering also uses Flexible ethernet (FlexE) technology to implement end-to-end network slicing and help operators accelerate new service innovation.
The network cloud engine provides support for flexible slice creation, on-demand bandwidth adjustment, on-demand service-level agreement assurance and rapid fault location for each network slice, the vendor added.
In addition, the backhaul can evolve from 4G to 5G bearer networks by introducing 50 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) technology at the access layer, which Huawei said allows a smooth upgrade to 100GE in the future. At the aggregation and core layers, the IP layer supports 200GE/400GE interfaces while the optical layer allows one-hop transmission of wavelengths.
Huawei also said that the three major 5G application scenarios defined by 3GPP – enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine type communication and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication – all imposed high requirements on the likes of bearer network bandwidth, latency and connections.
“The 5G era is approaching, and the shape that service modes will take is not yet certain. The Huawei X-Haul solution fully supports 4G/5G bearing, so as to effectively support operators’ new service development and expand the business blueprint,” Jeffrey Gao, president of Huawei router & carrier ethernet product line, said.
Study forecasts 1.4 billion 5G connections by 2025
In related news, Juniper Research forecasted a total of 1.4 billion 5G connections by 2025, an increase from just 1 million in 2019, representing an average annual growth of 232%.
The research forecasts that China, the U.S and Japan will have the highest number of 5G connections by 2025. Together these 3 countries will have 55% of all 5G connections by 2025.
Additionally, it found that the U.S alone will account for over 30% of global 5G IoT connections by 2025, with the highest number of 5G connections for fixed wireless broadband and automotive services.
