Wireless carriers need to maintain legacy networks even as they move toward more broadly deploying LTE. Ethernet over TDM is a conversion technology that allows them to provide 2G and 3G services, and analysts expect it to gradually shrink – but still expect it...
In making a business case for choosing VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) or MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) for connectivity between remote locations, there are multiple factors to consider. We look at the top three.
VPLS vs MPLS: Capabilities
Both VPLS and MPLS provide enterprises and wireless...
Time is an essential element of networking that is usually ignored or given low importance. Some of the uses in the network range from time-stamping information, marking logging services (to detect network anomalies, to monitor user access, and network management events), access control (disable...
Expectations are high for the needs of LTE backhaul: high capacity, high speed, and high quality of service. Providers are building out their new LTE networks at a fast pace, necessitating investments in LTE backhaul as those networks are turned on across the country.
LTE...
The use of microwave for mobile backhaul has so far been limited in North America, although it is popular in Europe and other international markets. Microwave is expected to play a larger role as LTE backhaul technology, as next-generation networks continue to evolve and...
This collection of MPLS pdf papers cover a wide range of topics. From the basic functions and uses of MPLS to highly technical analysis of MPLS within the open Internet, these MPLS pdfs come from a variety of industry and academic sources.
Demystifying MPLS by...
Backhaul is often spoken of as critical to telecom networks – but what is it? Which part of the mobile network is considered the “backhaul” network, and what does it do? We asked network experts to give us their backhaul network definitions.
Glen Hunt, principal...
In microwave link design for mobile backhaul, a variety of factors must be considered. Eirik Nesse, vice president of product strategy for microwave backhaul provider Ceragon, gave RCR Wireless his perspective on the top five factors in microwave link design planning.
Frequency planning and spectrum...
Multi-Protocol Label Switching promises a number of new efficiencies and control features for service providers. The benefits of MPLS have certainly been noticed, as the technology is widely adopted within telecom networks. So what are some of those MPLS benefits?
Lower Cost
MPLS is a layer 2.5...
Multi-Protocol Label Switching is a traffic routing mechanism within telecom networks. It allows each customer’s data to be kept separate from other data streams through the use of specific labels that direct packets along pre-determined paths through the network. But is MPLS secure?
The generally...
This round-up of five MPLS tutorial videos showcases different understandings of MPLS. From a cartoonish look at how networks handle data packets, to an in-depth university lecture, these videos provide a pathway to understanding MPLS, or Multi-Protocol Label Switching.
MPLS tutorial for business
Network expert Michael...
The MPLS PE (Provider Edge) router or network element plays a key role in MPLS infrastructure. The PE router is both the interface between the customer-facing network and the MPLS core, and the point where customer data is given an MPLS label and/or the...
In establishing connectivity between remote offices or network elements, enterprises have multiple options to consider. The basic conundrum is the question of whether to use a leased line, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or an MPLS architecture. Although all three establish connectivity, the technologies...
Understanding MPLS L2VPNs
MPLS L2 VPNs (Layer Two Virtual Private Networks) have some unique characteristics and are driving the use of MPLS, or Multi-Protocol Label Switching. This MPLS L2 VPN tutorial explains the basics of the network layers and the key differences of MPLS L2...
What does MPLS stand for? MPLS stands for Multi-Protocol Label Switching.
What is MPLS? It is a mechanism for routing traffic within a telecommunications network, as data travels from one network node to the next. MPLS can provide applications including VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), traffic...
This view of MPLS from Altera could apply to any network, but is relevant to telecom. Data enters the system through an Edge Label Switching Router. This is where packets are classified and receive their labels. The crossed arrows represent points at which packet...
Many of the wireless technologies that are integral to the way we use our phones are based on patents developed by InterDigital Communications. The company's patent portfolio covers packet data, seamless handover, bandwidth on demand, and several other key wireless technologies. The same research...
Ever wonder how wireless signal gets to a specific area? Connections and networks live and breathe by antennas. If an antenna goes down, the wireless network would be in trouble. Thus, it's extremely important to test antennas! Antenna measurement techniques refers to the testing of antennas...
Conformance testing is designed to determine if implementation meets the requirements of a standard or specification. There are many types of testing including testing for performance, robustness, behavior, functions and interoperability. Although conformance testing may include some of these kinds of tests, it has...
Long term evolution (LTE) is the standard for today's wireless networks, and replaces third generation (3G) technology. LTE technology is a based on a 3GPP standard that provides for a downlink speed of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps) and an uplink speed of up...
Why T1 testing necessary? Let's take a closer look at how carriers test their T1 networks and more important, what T1 test equipment they use.
T1 or DS1, as a standard, has been around since the 1960’s and has evolved from a way to carry multiple voice...
Once a wireless phenomenon, Bluetooth is part of our everyday lives. Whether you utilize it to talk on the phone in your car or you've mistakenly thought someone was addressing you at the grocery store only to see that little device in their ear,...
In today's test and measurement world, many different devices and methods are necessary. For connection testing, this includes cable and antenna analyzers. Cable analyzers verify the electrical connections in a cable or other wired assembly. Cable analyzers typically consist of a source of electric current, a...
The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third generation mobile cellular system for networks based on the GSM standard. Because of this systems prominence, and because of wireless users' network demand, UMTS testing is necessary. UMTS uses wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) radio access technology...
