Coriant is introducing an IP-Optical solution for mobile backhaul evolution in LTE and LTE-A networks.
Specifically, Coriant is combining its 8600 Smart Router Series, which is widely deployed in Tier 1 mobile networks, with optical layer capabilities to deliver an enhanced multi-layer solution with SDN programmability features.
The company said tighter coupling between the IP and optical domains will enable mobile operators to address key challenges as LTE/LTE-A networks evolve over time to support the stringent performance requirements of 5G. These challenges include an approximately 20-fold increase in end-user data rates (up to 10Gpbs) compared to LTE/LTE-A, ultra-low latency of 1msec round trip, and ultra-dense deployments that will set unprecedented requirements for synchronization of cells sites as small and overlapping cell sites proliferate.
Some highlights of the Coriant multi-layer solution include:
- Synchronization – optimized for ultra-dense small cell architectures and CoMP/MIMO transmission environments, Coriant’s suite of integrated synchronization capabilities (frequency, time-of-day, phase) supports the stringent end-to-end synchronization demands of LTE-TDD, LTE-A, and 5G-ready networks.
- Enhanced IP-Optical Layer Optimization – to support cost-efficient scalability in evolving backhaul networks, Coriant is extending the reach and cost/performance benefits of optical layer transmission with the introduction of colored interfaces on its 8600 Smart Routers. In addition, the 8600 Series is designed to support interworking with Coriant’s newly introduced Pluggable Optical Layer.
- LTE-A/5G-optimized Scalability – from cell site access at 10G to multi-terabit switching and transport in aggregation and metro core applications, the Coriant IP-Optical Solution delivers optimal capacity-, space-, and power-efficient scalability across the mobile backhaul network. By extending optical layer connectivity closer to the mobile edge and maximizing lowest cost-per-bit optical transport, the Coriant multi-layer solution can help network operators cost-efficiently address current LTE-A capacity and performance demands, while creating the scalable foundation for the massive scalability requirements of future 5G services and a world of highly distributed Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
- Multi-layer SDN Automation – powered by the Coriant Transcend SDN Solution, which includes a recently introduced SDN packet controller, the Coriant IP-Optical Solution enables multi-layer and multi-domain SDN automation and control for optimal utilization of network resources, improved reliability, and simplified end-to-end provisioning.
“Recent industry research has reinforced the critical challenge that mobile backhaul networks face as they brace for the new scalability, latency, and synchronization requirements of 5G,” said Mikko Hannula, Director of Product Management, Coriant. “Optimizing the value of both the IP and optical layers with purpose-built solutions and ensuring world-class synchronization will enable network operators to scale cost-efficiently as they transform mobile backhaul networks to support a new era of mobile broadband and cloud connectivity.”