Efficient small cell backhaul is self-organizing, invisible

ENGLAND: A self-organizing and "invisible" wireless backhaul network is key to enabling service providers to deploy small cells efficiently, the president of Siklu Communication told attendees at the Small Cells World Summit.

Small cells are most likely to be deployed at the street-level, on street lights, building sides, and similar locations. With that in mind, Izik Kirshenbaum told attendees that backhaul systems not only need to be small in size and blend into the cityscape unobtrusively, but they absolutely must be able to be installed quickly to minimize technicians' time, reduce traffic disturbance, and hold down costs.

Moreover, once installed, the systems need to be self-organizing, to smoothly integrate with the rest of the network elements, he emphasized.

"Zero-touch provisioning and commissioning based on SON (self-organizing network) principles is a critical enabler for mass deployment of small cell backhaul," Kirshenbaum said. "Self-configuration and auto-alignment automate the process of adding backhaul nodes to the network, shorten the installation process, and increase reliability."

Siklu, the industry leader in the E-band millimeter wave market, has its small cell backhaul system, the EtherHaul-600T, in advanced trials with a number of mobile operators. It is an ultra-small, all-outdoor system operating in the unlicensed 57-66 GHz V-band spectrum. Its compact and efficient design enables rapid deployment anywhere from street lamps to rooftops.

"Another essential element," Kirshenbaum told attendees, "is reliable performance, especially when backhaul systems are mounted on street lamps, which sway in the wind. Backhaul systems must be able to overcome this effect without fail if they are to deliver service dependably."