Mobile & Wireless

Fujitsu takes the pain out of wireless backhaul

Offers simultaneous support for TDM and IP/Ethernet

by Sean Buckley

When the wireless network's main application was voice, a traditional T1 circuit in the backhaul network was sufficient.

Click here for the Audiocast of this interview

However, the bursty nature of data-centric applications that will run over the CDMA and future LTE paths will require a flexible such as IP/Ethernet. Executive Editor Sean Buckley speaks to Jim Orr, principal network architect in the wireless market development group at Fujitsu.

In this Audiocast, Jim Orr answers the following questions:

• When it comes to wireless backhaul, the two dominant forms have been either E1/T1 and TDM-based microwave solutions, but now we’re hearing more about carriers adopting or considering using IP/Ethernet for wireless backhaul. What’s driving the migration from TDM to IP/Ethernet for wireless backhaul and what measurable benefits to the deployment of Ethernet-based solutions for backhaul applications?

• To help ease the migration pain for a wireless operator using Ethernet for backhaul, there’s been talk about maintaining TDM for voice and then Ethernet for data. Are you seeing a similar trend?

• One issue that’s gaining momentum is dealing with clock synchronization when using Ethernet for wireless backhaul. How is Fujitsu addressing that issue?

• As service providers — such as Verizon and AT&T with their FiOS and U- Verse last-mile strategies — pull fiber closer to residents, it’s likely that that same fiber could potentially be pulled into cell sites, which often run along similar paths. Do you believe that service providers will also leverage their fiber investments to the home and bring them to cell sites?

• Ultimately, fiber will be the dominant form for backhaul, but during last year’s CTIA show, one trend to come out of discussions was centered around Ethernet over Copper solutions for wireless backhaul. Are you seeing growing demand for such platforms?

Click here to listen to the Audiocast

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