One of the key areas of focus for mobile operators in this transition time is the radio access network (RAN). Mobile operators must dramatically reduce the cost per bit in their current backhaul solutions while providing transport for third-generation (3G) technologies and legacy technologies.
Cisco has engineered the Cisco Mobile Transport over Packet (MToP) solution for mobile backhaul aggregation that allows for an incremental, cost-efficient transition to a single converged Carrier Ethernet infrastructure without service disruption. The Cisco MToP solution uses Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology to extend the packet-based core already deployed by many mobile service providers out to the edge of the network. MToP employs pseudowires, which are MPLS virtual circuit “tunnels,” aggregate and transport time-division multiplexing (TDM), IP, Ethernet, and ATM traffic, as well as clock synchronization, from the RAN to the network core. Refer to the interactive diagram for a visualization of the Cisco MtoP solution.
The solution:
- Significantly increases bandwidth available for backhaul and other services at a tenth of the cost per bit on T1 and E1 service
- Is fast and easy to deploy
- Uses the existing MPLS infrastructure for highest-level traffic grooming and network management, quality of service (QoS), and ability to assign classes of service
Benefits
Cisco’s next-generation network (NGN) adds intelligence and control to the IP-Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) core, and the benefits increase when this capability is extended to radio access networks (RANs).
Many mobile operators are looking into solutions to ease the cost of eventually evolving to an all-IP RAN and transforming the mobile experience.
The benefits of Cisco's next-generation radio access networks portfolio include:
- Collapse of backhaul technologies onto a single IP-MPLS network
- Reduced operating costs
- Scalability: Independently certified to easily support one million triple play subscribers plus 2700 mobile base stations
- Rapid provision of bandwidth to support new services and service growth
- Transparent support of second-, third-, and fourth-generation radio technology
- Ability to take advantage of alternative transport media (such as Ethernet and DSL) for additional cost savings
- Carrier-class IP security
- Extension of Cisco’s carrier-class network management system to RANs
