RAD Introduces Unique Cell Site Gateway for 2G and 3G Backhaul over DSL

5th September, 2007: RAD Data Communications, the industry leader in developing innovative and cost-effective backhaul solutions for mobile networks, has released the LA-130, the market's first gateway capable of aggregating 2G, 3G and HSDPA traffic from the cell site and efficiently transporting it over existing, cost-effective DSL infrastructure.

"Backhaul has typically accounted for up to 30% of the operational expenses involved in running a mobile network," states Asaf Wachtel, Product Line Manager at RAD Data Communications. "Since backhaul traffic is going to rise exponentially as new, bandwidth hungry technologies, such as HSDPA, are introduced, mobile service providers are desperate for innovative solutions that will lower costs," Wachtel continues. "Given the huge installed base of DSLAMs, cellular backhaul over DSL has attracted widespread interest as a promising alternative for reducing both Opex and Capex," he notes. "The LA-130 has already been deployed by several major European carriers for that very reason."

"With its flexible combination of four E1 ports, software configurable as TDM for 2G traffic and ATM UNI or IMA for 3G traffic, together with bonded SHDSL or ADSL2+ network links, the LA-130 is the ideal solution for cellular backhaul over cost-effective DSL infrastructure," explains Wachtel. "Moreover, the LA-130 is the only cellular backhauling device on the market that combines ATM, pseudowire and DSL all in one box, providing a versatile transport solution for the use of either ATM or IP DSLAMs," he adds. "Given its experience and expertise with each of these technologies, only RAD is capable of introducing a backhaul solution with this level of versatility."

Cellular networks require a high degree of synchronisation to maintain service quality. This is achieved by distribution of a common clock to serve as a point of reference among the numerous base stations spanning the network. To ensure that backhaul over DSL is an accurate and dependable solution, RAD has developed and incorporated into the LA-130 advanced clock recovery mechanisms. RAD's clock recovery algorithms reconstruct TDM timing and achieve the desired timing accuracy in the presence of packet delay variation and packet loss.

Measuring just 1U high and taking up just half of a 19" rack, the compact LA-130 cell site gateway is also designed to occupy a minimum of valuable shelf space.