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Abstract
This paper presents a brief overview of todays mobile backhaul market, outlines the unique challenges facing mobile operators and backhaul transport providers, and suggests strategies for improving network performance and coverage. Key emphasis is on the OAM, resiliency, Quality of Service (QoS) and timing technologies required for cost-efficient backhaul of 2G/3G/4G/LTE and small cells traffic.
Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................2 Mobile Backhaul Trends .................................................................................................4
2.1 2.2 2.3 Widespread Adoption of Cloud-Based Services ............................................................. 4 TDM to Carrier Ethernet Migration .................................................................................. 4 Carrier Ethernet to MEF CE 2.0 Mobile Backhaul ............................................................ 5
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2.4 SONET/SDH to Carrier Ethernet Migration, Including GbE/10GbE Rings Based on G.8032v2........................................................................................................................................ 6 2.5 Synchronization Requirements Becoming More Stringent to Support LTE-Advanced 6
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5.4 Hosted vNID Supporting Mobile Operator and Wholesale Backhaul Provider Simultaneously ............................................................................................................................ 15 5.5 Business Services over Backhaul Infrastructure ........................................................... 16 5.6 Comprehensive SAA Solution Including GbE/10G Rings, TDM & Timing for Macro & Small Cells .................................................................................................................................... 17
Summary ....................................................................................................................... 28
1 Introduction
Exponential growth in data traffic, coupled with flat revenues, has driven mobile backhaul from traditional T1/E1 to Ethernet for scalable bandwidth and improved cost structure. Users with smart phones, tablets, laptops, M2M devices, etc. are accessing their applications and content directly from the cloud, and in turn, mobile operators have essentially become providers of fast pipes. These mobile operators try to differentiate themselves by: Improving network performance (faster speeds, lower latency, less packet loss) Expanding network coverage (fewer dead spots, extending 3G/4G to rural areas, small cells) Offering advanced LTE features such as network Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) and Location Based Service (LBS)
RADs mobile backhaul solution helps maximize network performance and coverage. It is ideal for mobile operators and wholesale providers looking to build a Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE 2.0)-certified access/aggregation transport network that supports all mobile generations, including 4G/LTE and small cells. It features: Powerful service management system, portal and hardware-based OAM tools that reduce support costs with per-EVC.CoS circuit validation, fault management and accurate network performance monitoring Multi-CoS and H-QoS support that reduces CAPEX by more efficiently utilizing bandwidth and avoiding over-provisioning Packet and network synchronization tools such as Sync-E and 1588 PTP Grandmaster/slave for advanced LTE services, in addition to one-way delay measurements Integrated TDM over Ethernet and Ethernet over TDM/SONET/xDSL interface options for simpler 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE migration Comprehensive access/aggregation transport with resiliency capabilities, such as support for G.8032v2 with sub-50ms failover to reduce SLA risks This paper presents an overview of todays mobile backhaul market, illustrates the unique challenges facing mobile operators and backhaul transport providers, and describes strategies for commercially viable transport of multi-generation mobile technologies. In particular, it stresses the performance criteria that mobile operators expect if they are to trust their backhaul network to third parties focusing on the business and technical challenges that transport providers face as their networks evolve to Carrier Ethernet 2.0-certified Ethernet in support of traffic from mobile operators.
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The widespread adoption of, and dependence on, cloud-based services such as iCloud, YouTube and Dropbox has pushed users to expect access to highspeed data anywhere and anytime. Such reliance on the cloud, combined with the faster speeds enabled by the rollout of LTE technology, has resulted in soaring demand for bandwidth and decline in revenue-per-bit. Wireless operators have requested Ethernet backhaul services to scale their networks and strengthen their margins. Wholesale backhaul providers have responded by migrating from TDM to Carrier Ethernet to offer scalable networks with the reliability of SONET/SDH but at the cost of Ethernet.
Source: Infonetics Research, Macrocell Mobile Backhaul Equipment and Services Report, 2012
2.4 SONET/SDH to Carrier Ethernet Migration, Including GbE/10GbE Rings Based on G.8032v2
Traditional wholesale backhaul networks were built using SONET/SDH rings. These networks supported both TDM and stringent Ethernet over SONET (EoS) requirements. However, SONET/SDH does not scale efficiently and does not provide sufficient bandwidth, especially as individual 3G operators' access speeds increase from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps per site, and eventually up to 300 Mbps with 4G/LTE. Carrier Ethernet equipment supporting GbE/10GbE rings using the G.8032v2 standard is fast eliminating the need to install and maintain legacy SONET/SDH networks. The G.8032v2 standard supports up to 16 rings with 32 nodes per ring and sub-50ms failover. Not only are Carrier Ethernet networks at least four times more cost efficient than SONET/SDH in terms of CapEx, but they also provide excellent bandwidth scalability, flow service management and investment protection. The combination of G.8032v2 with pseudowire/circuit emulation capabilities has now become the best long-term solution, especially as SONET/SDH products reach End-Of-Life (EOL) without replacement as a result of discontinued components and retired R&D teams.
4G/LTE-advanced, in particular, requires even stricter clock distribution accuracy to all base stations to ensure support for new features like network MIMO and location based services (LBS). This includes frequency as well as TOD synchronization, not only for time-division duplex (TDD) networks, but also for those utilizing frequency-division duplex (FDD). Required TOD accuracy for such applications is in the order of a few hundred nanoseconds! Synchronization requirements for LTE-Advanced are still under study by 3GPP, but the trend is towards the following two LTE time distribution strategies: GPS installation at every tower with Sync-E backup Distributed BC/GM with GPS/PTP-GM installation at intermediate network POPs with Sync-E backup
The wholesaler must provide high availability, low latency E-Line service Service constructed of end-to-end EVCs from the cell sites to MTSO where it is aggregated to GbE/10GbE
EVCs ordered for 4G deployments should be able to scale up to GE Service Level Agreement (SLA) must include:
Latency from NID to NID = max of 5 ms (one-way delay) Jitter = max of +/- 1 ms Frame Error Rate (FER) = 1 x 10-6 (one frame error per million) No more than two sites per unprotected lateral Availability = 99.995% uptime Response time = 15 minutes
Circuit validation using RFC-2544/Y.1564 to complete service ordered Performance monitoring and reporting for services ordered Maintenance and troubleshooting
Demarcation device must include +24 VDC or -48 VDC with redundant field replaceable power supplies
Service must be transparent (VLAN IDs, priorities, MC/BC, L3 protocols) Large CBS to accommodate LTE microbursts (scale to at least 313KB)
2. Pseudowire (Legacy 2G/3G Circuit Emulation) RADs Carrier Ethernet devices support TDM circuit emulation, facilitating a smooth transition from 2G/3G mobile networks to new packet switched networks, while preserving equipment and infrastructure investments for as long as it is economically feasible. 3. Timing (Distributed PTP-GMs) Most backhaul networks cannot support the stringent frequency and time/phase accuracy requirements of LTE-TDD and LTEAdvanced. This problem is becoming more acute as mobile networks increase capacity and coverage by adding more small cells. GPS is the only practical, ubiquitous time dissemination technology available today, but deploying it at every macro and small cell is an expensive solution. Plus, GPS is relatively susceptible to interference (unintentional) and jamming (intentional), and may not be possible when sky view is restricted. RAD addresses this challenge by incorporating Sync-E and IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol Grandmaster (PTP-GM) capabilities directly into the low cost ETX demarcation devices that are located at the last aggregation point (network edge / hub sites). This Distributed Grandmasters approach eliminates backhaul network timing issues caused by access / wholesale networks with high packet delay variation or asymmetry.
1. Multiple Classes of Service (Multi-CoS) Multi-CoS leverages traffic management tools like policing, shaping and prioritizing to ensure better Quality of Service (QoS) and performance, yielding more efficient bandwidth utilization over a single pipe. This feature is becoming critical for mobile operators and their wholesale providers in order to support exponential mobile traffic growth without expensive network infrastructure over-build.
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2. Interconnect Interconnect helps integrating autonomous Carrier Ethernet networks by accelerating the delivery of off-net UNI-to-ENNI services. This enables the introduction of E-Access, a whole new service that will stimulate business between wholesalers and service providers. 3. Service Manageability Manageability institutes end-to-end service and performance monitoring, circuit validation and fault isolation, and reduces OpEx by minimizing the need for specially-trained field technicians to be available on a 24/7 basis. RADs ETX-5300A Ethernet Service Aggregation Platform, ETX-205A Advanced Carrier Ethernet/Mobile Demarcation Device and ETX-203AX Carrier Ethernet Demarcation Device are all among the first devices in the industry to earn CE 2.0 certification and support all four CE 2.0 service types: E-Line, E-Tree, E-LAN and E-Access.
Advanced traffic management tools that support Multi-CoS and LTE microbursts to maximize profit by avoiding costly network over-builds.
Hardware-based OAM that supports service manageability features such as accurate circuit validation and fault and performance management to reduce service costs and defend SLAs.
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E-NNI support according to MEF 26/28 that allows the wholesaler to offer standardized EAccess interconnect service to the mobile or regional carrier and to ensure coordinated service handoff, QoS, OAM connectivity and redundancy.
Notes: 1. Due to space/power constraints at small cells, RAD offers a Miniature NID (MiNID) in the form of a SFP sleeve that can plug into either the small cell SFP network port or the UNI port of the communication equipment (e.g. microwave radio). 2. Wholesale backhaul is typically the catalyst for service providers offering best-effort Ethernet services to enhance their service mix with Carrier Ethernet services for retail carriers and enterprise customers. While these solutions focus on wholesale mobile backhaul, they can easily be adapted to cover the requirements of other wholesale and retail markets that also mandate stringent QoS, powerful OAM, SLA assurance, circuit validation, and diagnostics critical for Carrier Ethernet service delivery.
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Solution 1: Dedicated PTP-GM (not in-line) with Complementary SLA Assurance Tools for Network PM Segmentation and Fault Isolation:
Solution 2: In-Line ETX with PTP-GM and Complementary SLA Assurance Tools for Network PM Segmentation and Fault Isolation:
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5.4 Hosted vNID Supporting Mobile Operator and Wholesale Backhaul Provider Simultaneously
Mobile operators rely on wholesale service providers to reach their out-of-franchise cell sites. The contracts with the wholesale providers require that strict SLA guarantees are met. Wholesalers utilize NIDs at the demarcation point to manage the service including traffic policing, circuit validation and performance monitoring to ensure they have the tools to defend their SLA guarantees. Mobile operators also require some form of demarcation at the cell sites. Some mobile operators will deploy their own separate NIDS, while others will test to their cell site routers (CSR). Separate L2 NIDS are typically required for accurate monitoring and circuit validation since CSRs are typically L3 devices that are not optimized for L2 monitoring. The challenge for the mobile operator is how to deploy and maintain NIDs out-of-franchise where the service provider has no facilities or technical personnel. The MEF has been working on a solution called the vNID or Hybrid NID, where a single device will provide dual logical demarcation points for both the wholesaler and the mobile operator. The demarcation functions include Service OAM for SLA assurance, but there are significant challenges associated with two providers collaborating to deliver an Ethernet service. RAD offers another alternative which is a miniature NID (MiNID) in a SFP sleeve format that the wholesaler can insert into the UNI port delivering service to the mobile operator. The MiNID makes it possible for the mobile operator to independently monitor and test the backhaul service, only without the power, space and operational costs associated with maintaining a separate NID. The wholesaler can offer this added value service in the form of a hosted vNID solution, as shown in the diagram below:
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5.6 Comprehensive SAA Solution Including GbE/10G Rings, TDM & Timing for Macro & Small Cells
This solution demonstrates the breadth of the RAD backhaul offering from an SFP-based NID (MiNID) to scalable 10GbE access/aggregation with 200G switch fabric. Service providers benefit from quicker time-to-market, certification and OSS/BSS integration. The solution components work well together with important capabilities such as hardware OAM, advanced traffic management and standard G.8032v2 ring topology with sub-50ms failover. The CE 2.0-certified ETX-205A is an award winning mobile demarcation device (MDD) that is ideal for macro cell sites that require pure Ethernet or Ethernet and TDM backhaul. It also has a built-in 1588 PTP grandmaster option, ideal for providing small cells with master of backup timing. The MiNID (Miniature NID) is an Ethernet demarcation device in an SFP form factor that is an excellent complement for hosted NID services and small cell circuit validation and performance monitoring. The CE 2.0-certified ETX-5300A Ethernet service aggregation platform is ideal for EVC and access aggregation since it slashes port costs while also supporting advanced features such as 1588v2 Grandmaster, TDM circuit emulation and rings.
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Designed as MEF machines to deliver standardized E-Line, E-LAN and E-Tree services per MEF9 and MEF-14 specifications, as well as MEF-22-based mobile backhaul applications and E-NNI support per MEF-26 for carrier to carrier connectivity. Conforms to emerging CE 2.0 specifications.
The most sophisticated traffic management capabilities available, including multi-level hierarchical scheduling with policers and shapers per UNI, EVC and EVC.CoS to optimize bandwidth utilization while providing differentiated QoS to meet committed SLAs and predictable performance for multi-priority traffic.
Comprehensive set of hardware-based Ethernet OAM, fault management and performance monitoring tools per IEEE 802.3-2005, 802.1ag and ITU-T Y.1731. Built-in RFC-2544 / ITU-Y 1564 tester capabilities and L2/L3 diagnostic loopbacks.
Full suite of standards-based timing and synchronization over packet attributes. Extensive TDM pseudowire support: CESoPSN, SAToP, CESoETH; MEF-8 or UDP/ IP encapsulation.
Carrier-grade service resiliency with LAG, Ethernet Linear and Ring Protection Switching: ITU-T G.8031, G.8032.
Miniature NID (MiNID) for small cells and hosted vNID applications
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Hierarchical traffic management: Up to 1MB CBS to accommodate LTE microbursts (e.g. 313KB for 500M CIR) Multi-CoS for more efficient, predictable QoS for mobile backhaul (MEF 22.1 MBH)
Carrier grade availability and reliability: Link aggregation per 802.3 clause 43 ITU-T G.8032v2 ring protection with sub-50ms failover
Environmentally hardened with redundant -48/24 VDC (field replaceable) Full service management including performance portal and SLA reports Full timing support including Grandmaster and one-way delay Pseudowire / circuit emulation to support TDM 2G/3G services
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6.2 Building Blocks ETX-205A: Ideal Mobile Demarcation Device for Cell Sites
Six combo Ethernet ports each capable of hardware-based OAM and per EVC.COS RFC-2544 Policer CBS up to 1MB, e.g., for LTE microbursts requiring 313KB for 500M CIR 4/8 x T1/E1 ports for circuit emulation of legacy 2G/3G traffic ITU-T G.8031 path and G.8032v2 ring protection with sub-50ms failover Sync-E and PTP (Grandmaster, Slave or Transparent Clock) for timing services, and one-way delay Environmentally hardened with redundant, field replaceable power supplies
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MiNID: Fully Functional NID in an SFP Sleeve Form Factor (FE/GbE ordering options)
Carrier Ethernet Service Demarcation Per-port/per-flow configuration, classification, VLAN manipulation, L2CP tunneling, S-VLAN tagging, etc. Performance Monitoring and Diagnostics IEEE 802.3-2005; IEEE-802.1ag (CFM); ITU-T Y.1731 Wire-speed 2544/Y.1564 responder & L2/L3 loopbacks
Modular Design* SFP sleeve accommodates generic or code-locked SFPs Supports existing optics for improved inventory
Management Zero-touch provisioning based on DHCP VLAN-based in-band or via I2C out-of-band channel Secure CLI (SSH) or web-based GUI (SSL)
Target Applications
Small cells with space, cabling and power restrictions Wholesale backhaul end-to-end service monitoring Network upgrades boosts legacy switches and routers to carrier-grade Ethernet
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Mobile Network
RNC/aGW MSPP
T1/T3/OC3
SONET
ETH
eNB
Symmetric bandwidth (unlike VDSL) Eliminates need to replace copper with fiber
RNC/aGW
PSN
Router
GE
Multi-standard network encapsulation Advanced TDM synchronization I2C management integration into ETX family
PSN
BSC
BTS
T1/T3
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SLA Assurance over PSN MiNID NID in an SFP form factor Wire-speed LB response Can measure/verify the SLA
E2E SLA Assurance RNC/aGW
GE
PSN
ETH
eNB
Named finalist for 2012 Leading Lights Awards: Best Telecom Product
7 Summary
Mobile operators are kicking into overdrive as they try to keep up with the insatiable demand for bandwidth and widespread adoption of cloud-based services that exists among todays device-driven society. Critical to them as fast pipe providers is their ability to differentiate, which is best done by improving network performance, expanding network coverage, and/or offering advanced LTE features. Mobile Backhaul is evolving swiftly, as carriers migrate from TDM and SONET/SDH to Carrier Ethernet, and then further on to MEF CE 2.0 for better scalability and cost structures. At the same time, synchronization requirements are becoming more stringent to support LTE-Advanced, making timing a crucial element. RADs Mobile Backhaul solution helps mobile operators and their wholesale backhaul providers improve network performance and expand network coverage. It includes a complete Carrier Ethernet ecosystem of mobile demarcation devices, an aggregation platform, and a new miniature SFP-based NID all unified under our robust service management system featuring a performance management portal and SLA reporting. Solution highlights include hardware-based OAM, SLA assurance, circuit validation tools, hierarchical traffic management and full timing support including Grandmaster and one-way delay.
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Several of RADs backhaul solutions, such as the CE 2.0-certified ETX-5300A Service Aggregation Platform and ETX-205A Mobile Demarcation Device, have already been recognized by the industry as best-in-breed (see below). In addition, the ETX-5300A was a finalist for LTE North Americas 2012 Best Backhauling Solution, and the MiNID SFP-Based Ethernet Demarcation Device was a finalist for Light Readings Leading Lights 2012 Best New Product in the Telecom category.
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www.rad.com
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North America Headquarters RAD Data Communications Inc. 900 Corporate Drive Mahwah, NJ 07430 USA Tel: (201) 529-1100 Toll free: 1-800-444-7234 Fax: (201) 529-5777 E-mail: market@radusa.com www.radusa.com
The RAD name and logo is a registered trademark of RAD Data Communications Ltd. 2013 RAD Data Communications Ltd. All rights reserved. Subject to change without notice. Version 5/2013 Catalog no. 802592