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Mar. 29, 2009

Verizon Wireless is getting ready to make its network backhaul-compliant for LTE technology, and it is using Ethernet-based fiber optic technology to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Verizon says the fiber links are available to other mobile carriers as well if they decide to partner with the wireless giant.

Verizon’s fiber-optic Ethernet LTE-ready backhaul capabilities will be a key part of Verizon Wireless’ overall 4G/LTE rollout, the company says.

Getting adequate backhaul in place was one of the challenges Sprint Nextel faced when it was preparing for its Xohm Wi-MAX service launch in October.

Verizon’s fiber backhaul solutions include a Switched Ethernet Service, an all-Ethernet option and an Ethernet over synchronous optical network (SONET) choice.

Data from the cell site is converted to packetized data for transport to wireless phone switching offices for immediate distribution over the networks.

Verizon said fiber doesn’t suffer the same impact of weather or electromagnetic interference that can plague microwave and copper-based links. Thousands of Verizon Wireless’ mobile sites and cell phone switching offices across the U.S. are among the first being developed using the fiber optic technology.

As can be expected, Verizon Partner Solutions doesn’t care if a mobile carrier is using LTE technology or Wi-MAX – both are welcome.

“In an increasingly wireless-dependent society, cellular carriers like Verizon Wireless are engineering their networks to meet both the exploding voice and data traffic demands of today and the capacity requirements that next-generation wireless technologies like LTE and WiMAX will place on their facilities,” said Quintin Lew, senior v.p. of marketing for Verizon Partner Solutions.

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Source: Verizon Wireless.