Choosing a vendor - and the right solution

Many challenges face mobile operator professionals responsible for selecting and designing network architecture and choosing a vendor that can deliver. Selecting independent vendors offers a more competitive solution and potentially lower operating costs.

Leased lines (copper or microwave) or own network mainly implemented by microwave is selected based on business case evaluation and return on investment considerations. An estimated 60% of the world's Base Transceiver Stations today are connected by microwave radio links, and there is a clear shift from leased lines to own networks in order to reduce operation cost.

Network factors to consider include:

• Subscriber growth that requires backbone expansion and the need for
  expanding the microwave radio with more carriers
• RF spectrum efficiency critical for Long Haul microwave radio
  systems
• Co-channel XPIC technology to double transport capacity in an available spectrum

Emerging multi-service provisioning platforms (MSPPs) are expected to support standardised Ethernet mapping as well as other features geared for carrying traffic for mixed services. The use of MSPP multiplexers, makes it easy to evolve the network towards the future data-centric network.

The adoption of 3G telephony also poses technical upgrade challenges that Nera has prepared to meet.