Mobile operators around the world are upgrading legacy mobile backhaul networks designed for TDM traffic in order to handle high-speed Ethernet data for 3G and 4G mobile technologies. No two cases are the same, and operators are forced to carefully balance the introduction of new technologies, expenditures, and maintenance of existing services lest they lose customers.
Safaricom is working on maintaining its legacy E1 capacity for voice calls while also adding Ethernet/IP bandwidth for relatively-new but rapidly-growing 3G and WiMAX data traffic.
The Safaricom network is a typical mobile network built up over time with the additional complication of Safaricom's status as the leading mobile operator in Kenya and one of the largest African mobile operators. Many parts of its vast network still use legacy 2G TDM technology with Ethernet-to-E1 converters, .
More and more 3G subscribers have been signing up to Safaricom in recent years. These subscribers are using ever-increasing amounts of data bandwidth, which Safaricom’s TDM-based mobile backhaul is barely able to satisfy.
Safaricom responded to this gap by drawing on the expertise and technology of solution provider Aviat Networks. Aviat deployed its hybrid radio solution, the market-leading modular Eclipse microwave networking platform, which allows Safaricom to add IP data capacity for the unique needs of 3G subscribers while ensuring sufficient E1 capacity for voice calls.
In addition to solving its immediate issue, Eclipse will allow Safaricom to migrate to all-IP, 3G/4G-compatible mobile backhaul.
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