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" There are several ways that CSPs can exploit these developing trends and circumvent the challenges associated with major CapEx deployments in the backhaul "
There are several ways that CSPs can exploit these developing trends and circumvent the challenges associated with major CapEx deployments in the backhaul . One such method is to explore a phased adoption program that enables 3G / 4G / LTE ( A ) backhaul migration , and by extension , helps CSPs to prepare for the 5G era . Sooner rather than later , mobile networks will need to transition towards more distributed and virtualised architectures to meet the requirements of 5G services , and this is the first step . From there , operators should also consider the following steps as part of their strategy for 4G / LTE ( A ) to 5G migration :
CSPs , along with Original Equipment Manufacturers ( OEMs ), are playing their part in this disruptive world by making innovation the key theme . Of course , infrastructure upgrades and associated technological developments require largescale capital expenditure . The scale of investment made in innovation here – such as in small cell densification – will have a significant impact on mobile backhaul network data demands .
So what exactly are mobile backhaul networks ? They connect the network ’ s ‘ edge ’ – typically the base station or cell site in a cellular network – to the operator ’ s core or backbone network . The types of backhaul technologies are broadly categorised into wired ( fibre , copper or leased line ) and wireless ( point-to-point or point-to-multipoint microwave ), with operators often choosing their desired backhaul deployment technology based on several factors , including capacity , cost , distance and geography . Significantly , the backhaul network needs to manage the high volumes of data traffic generated by our increasingly connected world .
With that in mind , CSPs are working to develop common strategies for networking services to meet the everincreasing demand for mobile data capacity . However , although service providers plan to increase small cell penetration to improve coverage and capacity , this can be difficult in the face of flat or narrowing CapEx budgets .
Furthermore , the emergence of operator fixed-mobile convergence has increased interaction between fixed and mobile networks which , coupled with the advent of 5G , is driving the need for seamless fixed-wireless connectivity to support bundled services . In doing so , it is forcing CSPs to make strategic decisions on how IoT and M2M services will support the needs of an evolving connected society for smart cities , health , vehicles , utilities and mission critical services . These developments will invariably lead to an exponential growth in data traffic .
Implement a crosshaul strategy Crosshaul ( or x-Haul ) can enable operators to support the future high data traffic requirements of 5G . Such an architecture combines the existing fronthaul and backhaul networks to create a unified IP network . This approach provides support for enhanced latency , frequency and phase management , as well as significant improvements in network scalability .
Unify , virtualise & synchronise services A unified backhaul and fronthaul network , combined with virtualisation and SDN deployments , can provide operators with the required flexibility needed to support evolving service needs , reduce deployment costs and enhance operational efficiencies . By deploying NFV service chaining techniques in combination with SDN controller orchestration , networks can support automated and seamless backhaul connectivity , which enhances the customer experience by dynamically managing increased traffic demands and provisioning new services .
Provisioning additional capacity in the mobile backhaul often involves complex processes due to the presence of multiple software tools , network management platforms and operations teams . Though these processes and systems can be automated , the real challenge lies in their effective management and integration to support improved network planning , troubleshooting , monitoring and traffic engineering functions .
Service providers have the choice of developing these capabilities internally or employing third party solutions from suppliers who have experience in the end-to-end network deployment life cycle . Either way , it ’ s vital that service providers manage mobile backhaul transformation and enhance network capacity economically to support the continuously changing demands of our connected world . Meeting this challenge is absolutely critical to their future success – as well as their continued existence given the disruptive nature of the communications market . n
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