Broadband Forum has
announced its new technical specification for MPLS in mobile backhaul networks.

Technical
specification for MPLS in mobile backhaul networks (TR-221) is set to become a
key enabler for mobile operators as they migrate from traditional TDM networks
to packet-based transport technologies and from 2G/3G to 4G and LTE services.

TR-221 provides a key
resource to the industry as it gears up for growth in IP traffic driven by new
and enhanced devices on the mobile market, from tablets and smartphones to
multifunction gaming consoles.

TR-221 is a critical
part of establishing multi-vendor interoperability in converged MPLS based
backhaul networks. As mobile operators look to preserve their investment in
traditional TDM and ATM networks whilst developing their 4G/LTE architectures,
TR-221 will enable them to integrate new packet-based MPLS technologies into
their established networks,” said Robin Mersh, CEO of the Broadband Forum.

Operators will be
able to evolve their networks to be faster and more efficient to meet the
increasing multimedia needs of the mobile user, whilst preserving a lower cost
per bit in the backhaul network.

TR-221 focuses on the
applications of MPLS technology in a range of services that may be used to
transport wireless traffic in the access and aggregation networks, including
IP, TDM, ATM and Ethernet. It defines the global requirements of MPLS
technology in these networks in respect of encapsulation, signalling and
routing, QoS, OAM, resiliency, security and synchronization.

It covers expected
services over the backhaul network that include voice, multimedia services,
data traffic, and multicast traffic such as multimedia broadcast and multicast
services (MBMS).  Adherence to these requirements will create global
standards for MPLS oriented equipment, establishing more network
interoperability, speeding deployments and lowering the overall costs of the
backhaul network.

TR-221 is a
significant step forward for the industry. In the face of growing demand for
bandwidth and quality of service from our users, we have been a keen
participant in the development of the Broadband Forum’s new technical
specifications. We hope to closely engage with members and partners regarding
TR-221 to achieve a scalable, easy-to-manage and cost-effective mobile backhaul
architecture that delivers services rapidly, economically and with quality to
our mobile customers,” said Ihab Tarazi, vice president of global IP and
transport planning and technology for Verizon.

By Telecomlead.com
Team
[email protected]