The transition to packet-based mobile backhaul and all-IP radio access networks enables
operators and transport providers to curb their OpEx and better accommodate the
onslaught of mobile broadband traffic. However, high-volume “pipes” are not enough to
meet operators' demand for tight SLAs with guaranteed reliability and service quality.
Backhaul providers are expected to meet performance commitments for packet loss, delay,
jitter, and availability to ensure the hard QoS required for mobile services. The only way for
them to control service KPIs (key performance indicators) and guarantee end-to-end SLAs
over PSNs is by deploying a mobile demarcation device (MDD) at each point connecting
their network to the operator's, such as at cell-sites, hub sites, etc.
Among others, MDDs provide end-to-end visibility across the entire service path. Such
functionality is crucial for backhaul providers, who currently invest a substantial part of
their OpEx in identifying and locating service-affecting faults. MDDs that include SLA
management, performance monitoring and OAM diagnostic capabilities can therefore help
providers segment their backhaul network to localize the problem and determine its origin
– without requiring expensive truck rolls or service shut-downs to do so.
Transport providers offering Ethernet-based backhaul services must be prepared to support
multiple operators, each with their own customized SLA. They must also guarantee service
resiliency with sub-50ms failover and enable highly accurate clock transfer to ensure each
operator receives timing data from their own clock source. Needless to say, such
capabilities should be consistent over the myriad of access technologies and physical
media today's heterogeneous RANs include. This is a tall order, which is complicated even
further by the need to drive down CapEx to maintain profitability.
RAD's mobile demarcation devices are the first in the market to be deployed by Tier-1
backhaul providers to meet all these requirements efficiently and cost effectively. Installed
at operator tower and controller sites, they feature sophisticated traffic management and
service assurance capabilities. Furthermore, statistics analysis allows backhaul wholesalers
to execute effective capacity planning to overcome the “peak to mean” gap, such that
bandwidth is added only when needed based on actual usage trends. As an all-in one
device, RAD's MDDs cut down provider costs by minimizing equipment needed for timing
and demarcation.
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Features
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Benefits
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MEF-defined Ethernet service features with GbE access rates from the cell-site
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Standards-based service performance over Ethernet backhaul
Support mobile broadband throughput
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L2/L3 classification and high EVC/flow count; shaping and CIR/EIR policing functionalities
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Hierarchical QoS per flow/service
Support service differentiation without increasing port density
Intelligent traffic management
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Color-sensitive P-bit re-marking
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Ensure metering continuity in color-blind networks and in color-aware networks with no “discard eligible” support
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Complete set of Ethernet OAM standards, including hardware-based connectivity verification, fault management, service monitoring, and L1-L3 in-service and outof- service loopbacks
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End-to-end service performance monitoring across backhaul network
Lower MTTR (mean time to repair) with remote fault identification and troubleshooting
Minimize service disruptions with real-time performance monitoring based on live traffic
Fast and reliable diagnostics with hardware-based OAM
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SyncToP platform of accurate clock transfer mechanisms, including 1588v2, Synchronous Ethernet, adaptive clock, and NTR
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SDH/SONET-level service quality for mobile voice and data
No need for costly dedicated hardware
Bridge different timing and synchronization technologies
Support IP NodeBs with no built-in NTR capabilities
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Uplink redundancy for high service resiliency
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Five Nines availability
Sub-50ms convergence for carrier-grade service continuity
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Ethernet and TDM pseudowire capabilities
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Multi-generation support for 2G, 3G, 3.5G and LTE
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