Optimization of SDH Rings for

3G Backhauling

Using Celtro’s Optimal Network Convergence solution to enable rollout of

3G services over existing SDH infrastructure

A leading Russian mobile operator was able to migrate to 3G using Celtro's DynaMate mobile
backhaul switching solution, without having to upgrade the operator's current SDH infrastructure.
Using Celtro’s unique Network Convergence Solution, the operator improved the efficiency of
their backhaul access network by ~200%, eliminating the need to upgrade existing SDH (STM-1)
rings. The operator drastically reduced the level of capital expenditures required to provide the
additional capacity for the deployment of 3G services, at the same time preserving the availability
and resiliency benefits of the existing SDH infrastructure. The all-in-one-box DynaMate multi-service
switch demonstrated that it efficiently supports the convergence of 2G and 3G backhaul networks, as
well as their underlying technologies (ATM or IP), and provides a future-ready solution for tomorrow’s
backhauling challenges.

The Challenge The Solution

One of Russia’s largest mobile operators wanted to roll out a new
3G network with rich data services. The additional subscriber
traffic generated by the new Node-Bs required the availability
of more capacity in the backhaul network.
In the access network (low RAN), extra capacity was gained by
a simple upgrade of the existing microwave infrastructure, or by
utilization of available bandwidth in the existing microwave links.
At the aggregation points (medium RAN) on the SDH (STM-1) rings,
the new services' constantly increasing traffic loads underscored
the need for significant and costly upgrades.
While SDH rings offer excellent resilience, they are inherently
non-scalable, and expensive to upgrade. The carrier was therefore
faced with the prospect of either upgrading the SDH ring from
STM-1 to STM-4 – a heavy CAPEX investment, or introducing
new, Ethernet-based infrastructure – together with its inherent
technological challenges.
Rather than face a costly and painful upgrade of the SDH network,
or a migration to a new technology, the carrier looked for a way to
increase capacity and ensure 3G service delivery, while maintaining
a highly stable, reliable, and familiar SDH infrastructure.
The Russian mobile operator selected Celtro’s DynaMate DMT4000
to maximize investment in the existing SDH network. The operator
deployed the DMT4000 with the E1 tributaries of the ADMs
(Add/Drop Multiplexers) located at the aggregation sites with the
heaviest traffic load. An additional DMT4000 was deployed at
the BSC/RNC site, performing traffic separation – delivering 2G
(TDM) to the BSC, and 3G (ATM/IP) to the RNC. Using Celtro’s
unique Optimal Network Convergence solution, the operator
significantly reduced the 2G/3G traffic load, optimizing traffic
by using highly efficient statistical multiplexing algorithms, and
implementing dynamic sharing of backhaul resources between
converged 2G and 3G services.
Using Celtro’s industry leading STM-1 optimization solution,
the redundant and idle elements in each traffic stream were
eliminated. The 2G and 3G traffic flows were converged into a
single virtual pipe, in which the flows dynamically share available
bandwidth resources, based on QoS prioritization.
Improving the efficiency of the access (low RAN) and aggregation
(medium RAN) backhaul networks by approximately 200%, the
mobile operator was able to maximize his investment in the
existing SDH network infrastructure, avoiding expensive and
time-consuming upgrades.

S TAY O N E S T E P A H E A D
Solution Merits
• Increased Capacity: Optimal Network Convergence allows SDH Optimization (before)
carriers to increase backhaul capacity, enabling the rollout of
new, data-intensive mobile broadband services – using existing
aggregation infrastructure.

• Cost Savings: Celtro’s optimization techniques eliminate the

need for massive network upgrades, providing huge CAPEX
savings. These techniques, which are transparent to the SDH
layer, eliminate the need for any re-configuration of network
ADMs, thus effectively capping operating expenses.

• Efficient Scalability: Carriers deploy DynaMate only at ADM

sites bearing the heaviest traffic loads, enabling a “pay-as-
you-grow” scale up.

• Network Reliability: Deployment of Celtro’s solution in the SDH Optimization (after)

backhaul access network helps preserve the benefits of SDH’s
inherent resilience, while the DynaMate platform effectively
handles bandwidth availability.

• Flexibility: Celtro’s all-in-one-box solution integrates all

technologies: ATM, SDH, Ethernet, IP, and TDM – into a single
converged architecture. Carriers can provide new services
without expensive aggregation (high RAN) network upgrades
or duplication of aggregation infrastructure.

To summarize: Celtro’s Optimal Network Convergence technologies enable mobile operators

to transition to 3G without having to upgrade or replace their current SDH infrastructure.
Celtro’s innovative optimization and convergence techniques reduce the load on legacy SDH
(STM-1) rings, eliminating the need for expensive ADM or network infrastructure upgrades.
Mobile operators can provide data-rich 3G services, deploying DynaMate to reduce network
load, while the SDH network continues to provide resiliency benefits. The flexibility of the
DynaMate switching platform, with its ability to converge multiple service flows and their
underlying technologies, makes it an ideal solution for deployment in a wide variety of
mobile backhaul networks.

Celtro Ltd.
Azorim Business Park
94 Em Hamoshavot Road Tel: +972-3-9206500 info@celtro.com
Petah Tikva 49527, Israel Fax: +972-3-9206555 www.celtro.com

© Copyright 2010 Celtro. All rights reserved. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. CL978962010510