Small Cell Backhaul Application Brief

From increased connectivity for smart phones and wireless devices, to machine-to-machine communications, the amount of data being transferred over wireless networks is growing exponentially. As mobile operators scale to meet demand, they are turning to small cell technology. Small cells are scaled down wireless access points that enable operators to easily increase capacity and coverage, and cost-effectively service remote and rural areas.

Traditionally, mobile operators have deployed large macrocells to cover rural areas, but this can be expensive based on site acquisition, zoning/planning permits, costly equipment and power requirements.

Small cells, on the other hand, change the cost dynamics and deployment methodology for connecting remote and rural areas. Mobile operators require a less intensive set up as the main variables are site, power and backhaul. Smaller physical size allows a small cell to be mounted on the side of a building or local store, and the power requirements are much less enabling alternative power like solar to be used if necessary. This just leaves the question of how to backhaul the traffic to the core network.

In areas where population supports it, fiber or microwave are the top choice, but when you move to rural areas those technologies are cost prohibitive. Satellite and iDirect SatHaul™ change the equation, enabling cost effective coverage and advanced data services for 3G and 4G networks.

iDirect

13861 Sunrise Valley Drive Herndon, VA 20171

+1 703.648.8000 +1 866.345.0983www.idirect.net

Advancing a Connected World

Small cells and satellite also enable connectivity for specialized environments

• Aviation: Delivering voice and data services for passenger devices, while enabling improved operational capabilities for pilots and flight crew.

• Maritime: Providing Internet services to passengers on cruise ships, while enabling commercial shipping vessels with fleet tracking, container monitoring and crew welfare applications.

• Defense: Rapidly deploy secure 3G or 4G networks for tactical deployments or in mobile command units to improve field operations.

• Emergency Response: Quickly deploy communications when other technologies are down. Support search and rescue personnel and enable advanced video capabilities for situational awareness

iDirect SatHaul

iDirect is a leading developer of ground-based equipment for next generation high-throughput satellite solutions. iDirect SatHaul is at the forefront of this development to enable small cell connectivity.

• TDMA-based solution - Allows bandwidth to be shared between sites dynamically based on the real time requirements of each location. This is ideal for small cells that tend to have peaky traffic.

• Specifically designed remotes – The X1 Outdoor is a low-cost remote that is IP67 rated to handle the toughest weather conditions and has DC power options for alternate power like solar or wind. The X7 remote is perfect for mobility environments providing high throughput for mobile communications.

• Carrier-class quality – Unlike consumer grade equipment, iDirect’s award-winning Group Quality of Service system allows an operator to achieve defined service levels without degradation due to poor weather or congestion.

• Advanced Optimization Capabilities – Features like TCP Acceleration, header and payload compression and caching provide the most efficient satellite backhaul solution on the market

iDirect SatHaul quickly and easily scales, supporting networks up to tens of thousands of sites. Adding capacity is easy since all bandwidth is shared between sites dynamically from a central pool. Furthermore, iDirect’s technology has been tested and validated with the leading small cell products to guarantee that they work well together.

Small Cells + Satellite = Connectivity