Testing Wireless Networks Featured Article

Ixia, a provider of converged IP network test solutions, has unveiled a new comprehensive end-to-end testing solution for converged mobile backhaul networks.  

The company now offers test solutions for determining the precision and performance of devices and networks used for mobile backhaul, including IEEE (News - Alert) 1588v2 and ITU-T Sync-E-based time synchronization standards.

Time-division multiplexing circuits that connect base stations to the regional network controllers handle mobile data traffic, but the explosive growth of mobile subscribers that arose due to the advent of smartphones has increased the demand for bandwidth. This has put a dent on the TDM circuits which are now unable to keep up with the uptick in wireless traffic growth.

So in order to accommodate increased bandwidth loads mobile service providers are opting for wireless backhaul services over Carrier Ethernet and MPLS using IP as a cost-effective solution.

This backhaul network can carry the mobile data traffic more affordably and with greater scalability. Many operators still prefer to send their 3G/4G voice traffic on TDM circuits in the backhaul network but if they merge voice with data on a consolidated IP/Ethernet platform they can reduce backhaul costs.

TDM circuits provide ultra-high reliability, superior voice quality of service (QoS), and acutely accurate timing. Replacing TDM circuits with Ethernet technology requires attention to accurate timing - on the order of parts per million (ppm). Two standards - IEEE 1588v2 and ITU Synch-E (Synchronous Ethernet) - enable such synch and Ixia's (News - Alert) new solution is said to be integrated with the support for these standards.

According to Ixia, the new solution brings together their XM2 orXM12 test chasis, IxYukon load module, and IxNetwork test software and is a bit tweaked for mobile backhaul.

Bob Mandeville, president and founder of Iometrix (News - Alert) has commented that the hurdle facing most mobile backhaul network operators is reproducing the stability and reliability of TDM on Ethernet-based services. Full end-to-end compliance testing of timing protocols such as 1588v2 - demonstrating reliability on par with TDM - is key for equipment manufacturers helping carriers to make the transition.

"With the increase in data, video, and voice traffic from mobile devices and skyrocketing numbers of mobile broadband subscribers, mobile network operators are choosing IP and Ethernet to stay ahead of bandwidth demands," said Joe Zeto, Ixia senior marketing manager. "This effectively is unifying the wired and wireless services over a common technology infrastructure. Ixia's converged IP platform and test solution allows their customers to completely validate their deployments and upgrades before going live, guaranteeing that their networks are properly provisioned and ready for prime-time.