03 Jul 2023 Siklu Solutions: BackHaul Networks
Siklu Solutions: BackHaul Networks
INTRODUCTION
Like the transition from 3G to 4G, 4G to 5G will represent a sea change in mobile network (and Wi-Fi) network operations. As a result, the need for backhaul connectivity at Gigabit capacities is going to go through the roof – and Siklu’s multi-Gigabit product line will be there to keep traffic running smoothly.
Siklu’s advanced EtherHaul™ series works alone or in tandem with fibre-based backhaul technology to support small cells (4G, 5G or Wi-Fi) and macrocell base stations with a range of capacities and features. Siklu can go the distance – taking 10Gbps Full Duplex as far as 3 miles (5.5 km). When used in conjunction with our ExtendMM™ software and hardware solution, the Siklu Kilo series radios can achieve links as far as 6 or 7 miles (11 – 13 km).
As for reliability and resiliency, Siklu radios have MTBFs measured for decades. Further, in the 60/70/80Ghz bands, the spectrum is virtually limitless, and interference is not even remotely a concern. For instance, the 5GHz band has a high noise floor after years of deployments, and this same issue will be moving to the 6GHz band as well – as illustrated by certain regulatory agencies authorising the use of spectrum in that band for Wi-Fi 6E applications. Deployment options include cascade, ring, or any high-resilience topology. Lastly, their alignment toolkit and “zero-touch activation” makes set-up easy – no engineering degree required!
Small Cell and Mobile BackHaul
mmWave and fibre optics complement each other in several sectors and in several ways – and nowhere is that more evident when it comes to backhaul connectivity for small cells and macro cell-based mobile network services. The ongoing rollout of 5G will add more than 3 million macro cell sites (including new LTE) and the number of small cells, which can be deployed indoors and outdoors and in femto-, micro- and picocell sizes, will grow globally to more than 4 million in the coming years. Add to this the proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Access Points with Gigabit speeds and the need for Gigabit backhaul becomes critical.
In a dense metro environment with a lot of new small cells, some will be connected with fibre and others will be connected with wireless where fibre is not available. It is well established that backhaul links using Siklu V-Band or E-Band radios perform well in supporting 5G due to their 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps Full Duplex data throughput capabilities. They also have a cost advantage as they do not use valuable licensed spectrum acquired through an auction.
Siklu’s advanced EtherHaul™ series works alone or in tandem with fibre-based backhaul to support small cells (4G, 5G or Wi-Fi) and macro cell base stations with a range of capacities and features. Siklu deployment options include cascade, ring or any high resilience topology with a built-in Gigabit switch and extra ports, standards-based networking, and synchronisation — all in a discreet and unobtrusive outdoor box.
In suburban and other less dense areas, Siklu mmWave can be set up quickly, as compared to connecting to dark fibre or trenching new fibre optic lines. And the greater connection distances in such areas are no issue, as Siklu can take 10Gbps Full Duplex as far as 3 miles (5.5 km). When used in conjunction with our patented “ExtendMM” software, the Siklu Kilo series radios can achieve links as far as 6 or 7 miles (11 – 13 km).
Siklu’s interference-free connectivity and legendary, “five 9s and above” reliability complete Siklu’s industry-leading portfolio for all your backhaul requirements.
Enterprise BackHaul
Businesses with multiple buildings in a downtown district or office park often contract private wireless networks for flexibility in broadband needs. Even high-rise buildings use Gigabit-speed wireless connections for network redundancy. By 2025, over 20% of businesses in finance and manufacturing will use LTE, 5G and mmWave for their wireless networks. mmWave wireless works well for small, college-like campus settings, allowing for rapid installation and accommodating public Wi-Fi hotspots. It may be the only option for Gigabit speed connections, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
For instance, despite great progress with fibre deployments in the U.S., according to an industry study, there were more than 4 million commercial buildings without a fibre connection as of the end of 2019. Roughly two-thirds of buildings with 20 or more employees had a direct fibre connection, but only one in eight buildings with less than 20 employees had fibre. And Siklu is here to answer the call.
The Siklu EtherHaul™ Kilo series is designed for rooftop deployments and offers capacities from 1 Gbps up to 10 Gbps Full Duplex. Siklu also can go the distance – taking 10Gbps Full Duplex as far as 3 miles (5.5 km). When used in conjunction with our patented “ExtendMM” software, the Siklu Kilo series radios can achieve links as far as 6 or 7 miles (11 – 13 km).
In addition, because Siklu radios operate in the 60/70/80Ghz bands, the spectrum is virtually limitless. And interference is not even remotely a concern — even in dense urban areas, where 5GHz links can suffer from high noise floors. All together, using license-free or lightly-licensed mmWave spectrum — as opposed to contracting for leased lines or wireless spectrum that has been acquired through auction from a carrier – is in most cases the most cost-effective option for your business.
Public Wi-Fi Networks and mmWave
Fast Internet access is now considered a public necessity, similar to water or sewer services. Public Wi-Fi networks have become prevalent in cities, providing an amenity to residents and visitors in places like parks and transit hubs. For some underserved urban areas, it may be the only Internet connection available.
Municipalities are increasing access points (APs) and “end user” capacity to fulfil the need for “broadband everywhere.” However, backhauling traffic from the latest Wi-Fi standard, “11ac,” is becoming difficult due to legacy 5GHz wireless networks lacking the bandwidth and spectrum to support both APs and backhaul.
The US FCC’s decision to allocate 1200 MHz of spectrum in the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 will result in faster Wi-Fi Access Point speeds, benefiting congested areas and low-latency applications like VR/AR and mobile gaming. Siklu gigabit wireless solutions operate in the license-exempt 60GHz and lightly licensed 70/80GHz bands, providing backhaul connections from 1 to 10 Gbps.
Building Connectivity
Businesses, especially banks, use private networks to protect against cyber threats like hacking and ransomware. These networks connect offices, storage facilities, and data centres hosting cloud services, and can also provide redundancy in case of a fibre cut or natural disaster. mmWave networks in the 60, 70/80GHz bands are ideal for establishing high-speed connections ranging from 1 to 10 Gbps, even in dense urban areas. These networks are particularly useful in addressing “digital desert” areas in cities where internet access is limited. mmWave also has the capacity to accommodate all the Wi-Fi networks operating inside a building and can even provide backhaul to a cellular network 5G small cell installed inside a building.
The Siklu EtherHaul™ Kilo series offers point-to-point rooftop deployments with capacities from 1 Gbps up to 10 Gbps Full Duplex and can go as far as 3 miles (5.5 km) with the ability to achieve links as far as 6 or 7 miles (11 – 13 km) when used with the patented “ExtendMM” software. The mmWave network also provides high security with narrow beam angles that prevent jamming or tapping, encryption capabilities of 128 or 256 AES and secure user access via SSH.
If you’re interested in any of the products or services mentioned above, please get in contact:
+44 (0)1488 647 647