Network evolution towards packet based networks

Telecom networks are evolving very quickly, in particular towards converged networks to enable
voice, data and video services. The demand is migrating from fixed line telephony services,
enabled by circuit switched voice networks, towards triple play services, enabled by xDSL,
Wifi, 3G and WiMAX access networks.

In order to support these new services, the fixed line transport networks are using packet based
technologies to carry information. The network switches are subsequently progressively being
changed over by routers and softswitches.

Optimizing Wireless Backhaul's CAPEX and OPEX

In the years to come, mobile operators will be faced with two antagonisit issues, requiring
new ways of thinking their backhaul network.
- On one side, the overall transport bandwidth and network quality of service will require more
powerful and more intelligent equipment gear to cope with access technologies such as HSDPA
and WiMAX
- On the other side, the backhaul network between access sites and the core network stays as a
major cost center, representing up to 30% of the network OPEX (the other costs being site lease,
operations and maintenance).

Network operators are therefore urged to move into upgrading their backhaul network towards more
intelligent and optimised transport solutions to stay efficient in a more and more competitive market.

New network engineering

The mobile operator transport network is generally made, for two third of it, of microwave links.
These microwave links are quickly rolled out, cost efficient versus cable layout and therefore the
preferred solution in areas where there is not much of fixed infrastructure (for instance in emerging
countries);they are also required by mobile operators to stay independent from historical operators.

Most mobile operators currently have co-existence of several networks, each one being designed
to fit a dedicated requirement. For instance, we can see side by side, a network to carry
GSM/GPRS traffic based on TDM technology and a 3G network to carry traffic based on ATM technology.
The figure below shows the complexity of such overlaid networks.

3Roam is simplyfying network engineering by proposing an optimised solution to easily
migrate from TDM and ATM to a full IP network.

 Before 3Roam                                                                   Enabled by 3Roam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on 3Roam products, please contact us at info@3roam.com