Cost containment is a must for all well-run businesses. In a mobile broadband network backhauling presents a real opportunity for OPEX savings.

Historically considered a fifth wheel, recent realization of backhauling savings opportunities are making it more of a driver. But, with the launch of mobile broadband services, new capacity and cost savings related benefits from backhauling have emerged.

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Today's Multi-service Transport Capabilities
The most common way to backhaul traffic from base stations to the core network is to use leased lines based on TDM technology. Regardless if the mobile operator owns the backhauling infrastructure or is leasing the lines, this approach is very attractive as new generation transmission products have real multi-service capabilities.

Furthermore, since up to 75% of the backhauling costs are spent on transport, the main issue for a mobile operator is to adapt or grow their network according to the development of mobile services while keeping investment and operational costs at minimum. Sound economics and a clear business development strategy should guide the decision-making criteria.

What About Tomorrow?
New generation transmission systems can help mobile operators build a platform that will evolve with their business towards 2.5G/3G networks while increasing operational efficiencies.

Integrated "data-aware" features distributed along the backhaul path of current or future mobile networks enable cost-optimized and future proof platforms. With multi-service capabilities mobile operators can save either their own network costs or by leasing less lines from another carrier. And the multi-service network can transport, in addition to the mobile traffic, traditional fixed services (circuit-based) as well as new data services (packet/cell-based) on a common platform, managed end-to-end.

Control Infrastructure Costs
With an ISA-ATM-Matrix integrated into Alcatel's Optical Multi-Service Nodes, you can better aggregate your traffic with refined dimensioning and improved network resource allocation. ISA plug-ins can be adapted into new or previously installed Alcatel OMSN as an add-on - where and when needed - to optimize bandwidth management and reduce both transport infrastructure costs and time-to-market for the introduction of new data services in the network.

This solution is complemented by Alcatel's Point-to-Point (PTP) microwave links, which are extensively used in 2G/3G mobile networks, as a fast-to-deploy and economical alternative to leased lines or where no fixed lines are available such as rural areas. Because they are fully integrated into the transmission network management platform, operators get a single state-of-the-art platform for wireline or wireless backhauling.