Building a future-proof IP/Ethernet-based RAN
Friends, family members and even total strangers communicate with each other with an ever-increasing variety of social media and VoIP services. People exchange music, photos and YouTube videos that they want to stream quickly and easily over networks with smartphones, tablets or other mobile devices.
These popular new methods of communicating present new challenges for service providers and their networks.
As the increase in traffic puts more pressure on the networks, service providers must address growing congestion and inefficiency. At the same time, fierce competition in the market is driving service revenue down. 
It‘s imperative for service providers to build or migrate to a cost- efficient and future-proof transport network. This type of network will enable service providers to improve customer satisfaction while creating new services. As a result, service providers will attract new customers and generate new revenue streams.
Getting the most out of the RAN network
Service providers often only optimize their current Radio Access Network (RAN) backhaul networks for 2G and 3G technologies. This only improves service bandwidth.
LTE technology brings a new set of requirements for increased network scalability, technology and flexible connectivity in the access network. Service providers consider Ethernet a very attractive and cost efficient way to build networks and minimize the cost per bit. However, focusing on the cost per bit and scalability capabilities only solves 2 parts of the overall challenge.
Service providers should also consider the following areas:
- capability to simultaneously carry LTE, HSPA, 3G, 2G and fixed services
- efficient network management
- flexibility to mix various transport media and protocols
- accurate synchronization mechanisms
These four aspects are described in more detailed manner in the new application note, “Building Future-Proof IP/Ethernet-based RAN”. Take a look at the application note and let me know what you think.
Is your RAN backhaul designed to overcome these obstacles?
