Digitel deploys all-IP 3G backhaul network with Ceragon's FibeAir IP-MAX2

Details: Category: Wireless Networks; 14 January 2009; 10880 views

Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc (DMPI) is one of the three major wireless carriers in the Philippines. Operating under the brand-name Sun Cellular, DMPI offers GSM technology, including voice services, messaging services, outbound and inbound international roaming, and value-added services. In early 2008, Digitel began deploying a new network designed to carry 3G (HSPA) services. The operator chose Ceragon's FibeAir IP-MAX2 wireless Ethernet solution to construct an all-IP backhaul network...

DMPI launched its cellular services in 2003, evolving its 2G network into most of the Philippines' main urban centres. This network relies on E1s to carry TDM traffic to aggregation sites using PDH microwave. From there, a wireless SDH ring designed in a variety of nxSTM1 configurations is used for backhauling high-volumes of traffic to the operator's core.

In 2008, Digitel began to deploy a new 3G network in order to enhance its service offering and provide a range of data and multimedia applications on top of its voice-centric package. In support of the new deployment, the operator chose to migrate the aggregation segment of its backhaul network to IP. Ceragon Networks, already a vendor of wireless SDH solutions to Digitel, was selected to provide its high-capacity FibeAir IP-MAX2 wireless backhaul solution to this project.

The challenge was the cost-effective delivery of data services, what with 3G data services generating much more traffic over the network than voice services, but producing far less revenue per transported bit. When designing the new backhaul network, Digitel was faced with the challenge of supporting the growing amount of data traffic in a cost effective manner. One option was to continue to use its existing SDH network, but SDH does not offer the best utilisation of the network's capacity.

The second, which was eventually selected, was to construct a new all-IP Ethernet backhaul network and take advantage of the technology's flexibility, and scalability features.

In brief, requirements for the backhaul network centred on a high-capacity, IP backhaul solution for smooth migration. Digitel's approach to IP migration makes use of its existing wireless SDH backhaul network (based on Ceragon's FibeAir 1500 systems) for carrying voice, while diverting data traffic to a new all-IP network based on Ceragon's FibeAir IP-MAX2. In doing so, the operator offloads best-effort HSPA traffic over Ethernet, while continuing to transmit voice and premium data over E1s. This brings huge benefits in terms of network utilisation and cost savings through statistical multiplexing.

Ceragon's FibeAir IP-MAX2 platform is designed to provide a fast and reliable Ethernet transmission solution for mobile, WiMAX, private and metro area networks. Supporting the entire licensed spectrum, from 6GHz - 38GHz, the solution incorporates comprehensive Ethernet networking capabilities including advanced QoS for differentiated services, flow control and sophisticated traffic balancing. Utilising full range dynamic adaptive modulation, Ceragon's IP solutions help maximise capacity over all available frequency channel bandwidths - from 7MHz up to 56MHz.

* DMPI is the wireless subsidiary of Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc (Digitel), which, in turn, is 47%-owned by JG Summit Holdings. Sun Cellular is the country's third and newest mobile phone service provider. It offers the latest in GSM technology, providing voice services, messaging services, outbound and inbound international roaming, and value-added services.