Microwave Engineering Europe - September 2008 - (Page 16)

16 WIMAX/LTE FOCUS WiMAX and LTE need to address issues of backhaul, cost and efﬁciency for successful deployment Edited by Jean-Pierre Joosting A s next generation wireless systems based on standards such as WiMAX and LTE prepare to roll out, the strain on the network due to high data rates and subscriber demand will require new thinking. A key parameter of such networks is the highlevel of backhaul required, putting strain on both capacity and costs. Fortunately there are workable solutions to backhaul for WiMAX and LTE networks. Size, cost and efﬁciency are also major challenges to commercial ‘4G’. Four advances in WiMAX/LTE are presented below: 1) Microwave will ease ‘4G’ backhaul strain The relentless march of next-generation wireless data services is beginning to strain backhaul infrastructure, as high data throughputs — and subscriber demand — consume network capacity. According to wireless technology leader, Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), high-capacity microwave links could provide the global backhaul panacea, as operators rush to meet subscriber uptake. “Regardless of how the battle for technical supremacy in third- and fourth-generation mobile data pans out, backhaul capacity will fast become a bottleneck unless the network is quickly upgraded,” said RFS Global Product Manager Radio Link Networks, Daniel Wojtkowiak. “Market studies predict network operators will need 100 Mbps for full mobility and 1 Gbps at wireless hotspots. Current backhaul capacities are clearly insufﬁcient for such data-rich services.” Traditionally, network operators have chosen between copper E1/T1 lines, optical ﬁbre and microwave radio technologies to support the backhaul network. According to Wojtkowiak, the copper option is no longer viable in this new era — it simply cannot handle the higher capacities. Above 2 Gbit/s, ﬁbre is often selected, provided there are no impediments to installation. Where such capacities are not required, however, microwave has a number of advantages. In the ﬁrst place, said Wojtkowiak, microwave networks are less costly and far quicker to install. This will be a prime consideration for operators as they move fast to overcome the backhaul strain and protect their 4G investments. The Power Of CreativityTM Possibilities, This is what we see. TRU has been creating pioneering solutions for RF and microwave applications for over 50 years. Complex demanding solutions for the aerospace, military, semiconductor, medical instrumentation and commercial industries. Interconnect systems, assemblies and components. Sophisticated solutions that perform across a spectrum of environments, from clean rooms to space. Solutions that harness the power of creativityTM. Visit us at trucorporation.com ® Companies of Ceralta Technologies 016-017-018-019_MWEE.indd 16 5/09/08 15:30:48 http://www.trucorporation.com http://www.trucorporation.com

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Microwave Engineering Europe - September 2008 News Contents Comment Cover Feature: Uncovering Test and Measurement’s Role in Advancing LTE and Mobile WiMAX WiMax: WiMax and LTE Need to Address Issues of Backhaul, Cost and Efficiency for Successful Deployment WiMax: Manufacturing Communications Technology Products in India Test and Measurement Mobile Platforms Evolve to Meet Future Demands Products Calendar

Microwave Engineering Europe - September 2008

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