This course consider the different mobile backhaul systems as well as the next generation technologies deployed to support data-hungry mobile networks. The various technological options that exist at Layer 1, Layer 2 and Layer 3 of the backhaul protocol stack are examined, including discussions of GPON, Gigabit Microwave, Carrier Ethernet and MPLS, and IP, NTPv4, IEEE 1588v2 and Sync-E.

EXPECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Describe the layout of a backhaul network including the access, aggregation and core sections
• Outline some of the generic backhaul architecture options
• Describe the types and capacities of optical fibre
• Describe the functionality of Packet-based microwave systems that employ protocols such as Gigabit Ethernet
• Describe Carrier Ethernet and outline the set of services it offers
• Describe the functionality of MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Service)
• Describe the generic requirements related to IP RANs
• Outline the need for robust synchronization in a backhaul network and describe some of the packet-based synchronization options that exist
• Outline the options for redundancy and service resilience in backhaul networks 
• Describe QoS options that exist for packet-based backhaul
• Describe the use and configuration of VLANs in IP-based backhaul networks
• Outline the backhaul options that have been developed by the NGMN (Next Generation Mobile Network) Alliance
• Engineering and technical management staff who are involved in the design, deployment or operation of mobile backhaul networks.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Managers, Engineers, and Technicians involved in the planning, deployment and maintenance of mobile networks

COURSE DETAILS

Mobile Backhaul Requirements

• Access Network Backhaul
• Traditional Backhaul Requirements
• Radio Network Evolution and IP Convergence
• Evolved Network Backhaul Requirements
• Motivation for Packet Transport
• 4G LTE Protocol Stacks
• 4G RAN Example
• Small Cell Backhaul Examples
• 3GPP Transport Network Definitions
• Transport Network Layered Architecture
• HSPA/LTE Cell Throughput Expectations
• Industry Initiatives and Forums

Layer 1 Options

• Evolving Backhaul Transmission Options
• Backhaul Architectures
• Broadband-based Backhaul
• Optical Fibre
• Types of Optical Fibre
• Capacities and Distance Limitations
• GPON
• Microwave
• Types of Modulation
• Dual Ethernet/TDM Radio
• Gigabit Ethernet Microwave
• NLOS Wireless Backhaul

Layer 2 Options

• Generic Layer 2 Options
• Ethernet (1)
• Ethernet (2)
• Ethernet Physical Layer Family
• Ethernet Frame Structure
• VLANs and 802.1q
• Q-in-Q VLAN Stacking
• VLAN Stacking Implementations
• VLANs for Radio Access Networks
• Ethernet Line Services – EVPL
• Ethernet Label Switching (ELS)
• Carrier Ethernet Summary
• The MPLS Architecture
• MPLS Shim Header
• MPLS Packet Forwarding
• Architecture of MPLS-based IP-VPNs
• VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service)

Layer 3 Options

• Access Networks and the eNB (E-UTRAN Node B)
• S1 Interface
• X2 Interface
• X2 Deployment and Routing
• Switching vs Routing
• LTE S1/X2 Interface Options
• IP RAN Backhaul Requirements
• Synchronisation Options
• Legacy TDM Synchronisation
• Packet Network-based Synchronisation
• NTPv4
• IEEE 1588v2/PTP
• Sync-E
• Redundancy and Protection
• RSTP/MSTP
• G.8031/G.8032 Protection
• RAN QoS Requirements
• DiffServ
• Carrier Ethernet CoS
• RAN Security Requirements
• IPsec Modes and Services
• IPsec Access Architecture
• SeGW (Security Gateway)

Typical Backhaul Solutions

• Access Network VLANs
• Single-Operator, Single-RAT VLANs
• Single Operator, Multi-RAT VLANs
• NGMN Backhaul Models
• NGMN Backhaul Scenarios
• NGMN Scenario 1: Carrier Ethernet Backhaul
• Scenario 1 Protocol Stack – End-End Carrier Ethernet
• NGMN Scenario 2: Carrier Ethernet + L2/L3 VP
• Scenario 2a Protocol Stack – L2 VP
• Scenario 2b Protocol Stack – L3 VP
• Backhaul Example – Virgin Media
• Protocol Stack – via operator-owned microwave
• Protocol Stack – via VM-supplied GigE Tail Circuit
• Sync Distribution