Page 3 of 4Many mobile carriers have adopted IP/MPLS in their core network, as it is a familiar and field-proven technology that can be easily extended to the cell site. The transition to IP in the backhaul network is already taking place and will track with the accelerating growth of data-based services.
Many equipment vendors offer MPLS features within their products; however the lack of commonly agreed framework, architectures and deployment scenarios often results in additional avoidable costs in deploying MPLS services. To address this, the Broadband Forum also offers a certification program for vendors that enables service providers to choose standards-based, deployment-ready products for their backhaul solutions, which empowers them to deploy backhaul solutions quicker.
Evolving the backhaul network from 2G/3G to 4G (LTE)
Broadband Forum is defining two architecture frameworks, one for 2G/3G and other for 4G/LTE, corresponding to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) work. In 2G/3G RAN, base transceiver stations (BTS) or simply base stations handle the radio interface with the mobile station and the base station controller (BSC) manages one or more base stations to provide control functions such as radio-channel setup, handovers etc. A hub-and-spoke topology enables communication from base station to controller and controller to base station. The topology in 2G/3G RAN is also known as centralized topology. In this architecture, T1/E1 connections (TDM for 2G and ATM for 3G) between BTS and the BSC are carried over IP/MPLS based packet backhaul using pseudo-wire technologies.
In LTE RAN, the base station itself consists of controller functionality and communicates with another base station directly via any-to-any topology. LTE base station communicates with access gateway (aGW) via a star topology.
Most Read
SES to acquire Intelsat in compelling transaction focused on the future. (Image source: SES)
In the MENA region, cybersecurity is crucial amidst rising digitalisation and state-sponsored cyber threats, met by BBS Technology's comprehensive solutions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Sparkle and Arqit’s quantum-safe VPN PoC heralds a new era in secure global communication. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
(L-R): Dr Diane Karusisi, CEO, Bank of Kigali and Dr Reda Helal, group managing director – processing, Africa and co-head group processing, Network International. (Image source: Network International)
Avanti and Q-KON partner to launch LEO satellite services in South Africa, enhancing connectivity and business resilience. (Image source: Avant Communications)
AMN activates first base station with Starlink LEO backhaul, expanding rural connectivity in Nigeria and beyond. (Image source: AMN)
World Bank’s analysis reveals Djibouti’s digital economy potential and challenges, urging multi-sectoral collaboration for growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Paratus Group pioneers fastest fiber express route linking Johannesburg to Europe, revolutionising telecommunications with low latency and high-speed connectivity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Vertiv launches Vertiv 360AI in EMEA, offering high-density power and cooling solutions to meet the demands of AI, from edge to data centers. (Image source: Vertiv)
Latest news
MTN Group hosted Nigeria's NIPSS delegation in Johannesburg, fostering collaboration on digital technology, youth empowerment, and job creation. (Image source: MTN Group)
Airtel Networks Zambia Plc and Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank partner to provide SMEs with 4G and 5G Internet devices, boosting efficiency and market access. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The Hubs will provide small businesses with e-commerce training materials and resources, as well as in-person coaching and training sessions, so they can overcome challenges to selling online. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
True hybrid networks integrate diverse connections into a seamless, unified network regardless of infrastructure. (Image source: Livewire Digital)
enza will leverage TerraPay’s extensive connectivity to over 2.1 billion mobile wallets globally. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
BII announces a U$20m loan to TerraPay to enhance low-cost, high-speed remittance transfers to Africa, promoting financial inclusion and economic opportunities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Redington partners with Vertiv to empower African channel partners, leveraging Vertiv's critical infrastructure technology & Redington's extensive market reach. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Hotspot Network Limited and NIGCOMSAT partner to deploy cutting-edge satellite technology, bridging the digital divide in Nigeria's rural areas. (Image source: NIGCOMSAT)
Mastercard Ghana Fintech Forum advocates cybersecurity and contactless payments to drive fintech growth. (Image source: Mastercard)
Bayobab’s new license enhances digital transformation with improved connectivity through fibre, satellite, and radio technologies. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Kaspersky enhances incident response with digital forensics. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Orange inaugurates the Orange Digital Center in Guinea-Bissau, fostering digital skills and entrepreneurship for a sustainable future. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Huawei expands its LEAP initiative to train 150,000 talents in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2027, surpassing initial goals, promoting digital skills. (Image source: Huawei)
PAIX Data Centres expands Accra facility to 1.2 MW with a US$30M investment from Africa50, boosting connectivity and economic growth in Ghana. (Image source: Africa50)
Transforming Africa's digital economy: Data Centres powering growth, innovation, and sustainability in the digital era. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
More Articles
MTN Group hosted Nigeria's NIPSS delegation in Johannesburg, fostering collaboration on digital technology, youth empowerment, and job creation. (Image source: MTN Group)
Airtel Networks Zambia Plc and Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank partner to provide SMEs with 4G and 5G Internet devices, boosting efficiency and market access. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The Hubs will provide small businesses with e-commerce training materials and resources, as well as in-person coaching and training sessions, so they can overcome challenges to selling online. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
True hybrid networks integrate diverse connections into a seamless, unified network regardless of infrastructure. (Image source: Livewire Digital)
enza will leverage TerraPay’s extensive connectivity to over 2.1 billion mobile wallets globally. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
BII announces a U$20m loan to TerraPay to enhance low-cost, high-speed remittance transfers to Africa, promoting financial inclusion and economic opportunities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Redington partners with Vertiv to empower African channel partners, leveraging Vertiv's critical infrastructure technology & Redington's extensive market reach. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Hotspot Network Limited and NIGCOMSAT partner to deploy cutting-edge satellite technology, bridging the digital divide in Nigeria's rural areas. (Image source: NIGCOMSAT)
Mastercard Ghana Fintech Forum advocates cybersecurity and contactless payments to drive fintech growth. (Image source: Mastercard)
Bayobab’s new license enhances digital transformation with improved connectivity through fibre, satellite, and radio technologies. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Kaspersky enhances incident response with digital forensics. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Orange inaugurates the Orange Digital Center in Guinea-Bissau, fostering digital skills and entrepreneurship for a sustainable future. (Image source: Adobe Stock)