Mobile backhaul

Ciena Insights

Operators are rushing to deploy fiber connections and packet-based services to cell sites, replacing legacy copper-based TDM services that can no longer supply sufficient capacity in a data-centric world. Additionally, ongoing network upgrades to 4G LTE, LTE-Advanced, and eventually LTE-Advanced Pro give mobile users access to more bandwidth than ever before. While a 1GbE connection to a major market cell site is now commonplace, the aforementioned trends are paving the way for 10GbE connectivity—or more—to soon become the 'new normal'. Projections for 5G performances will mean even higher connections to macro cells.

Network operators that offer wholesale mobile backhaul services are quickly recognizing that a new approach, blending high-capacity connectivity with lower cost, will be required if they want to profitably sustain these endeavors. The mobile backhaul market has enjoyed a long run of strong growth, propelled by a steady rise in mobile users, smartphones, and a new generation of bandwidth-hungry applications. In turn, this combination has fueled a frenzy of network upgrades by mobile operators to increase capacity and transmission speeds so users can take advantage of these new applications.

Of the nearly four million macro-cell sites in service around the world, roughly 900K are now equipped with new 4G LTE technology.

“Small cells, indoor and outdoor, are a key part of the emerging HetNet that allows Mobile Network Operators to maintain pace with surging demands for mobile bandwidth and improved coverage,” said Brian Lavallée, Senior Director of Portfolio Solutions.