5G Backhaul

Accelerating the 5G rollout

At 3+ gigabits per second per link, our dual link ORAN compatible mmWave 5G backhaul product provides a compelling solution for small cell networks using the license exempt 57-71 GHz band. These high levels of speed are essential in supporting the denser networks and higher bandwidth needed for 5G deployments.

The high performance, scalability, and flexibility of mmWave equipment can future proof the broadband industry in the face of rising multi-device connectivity, ensuring an outstanding experience for customers and a high return on investment for operators.

Read more in our FWA Whitepaper

mmWave for Backhaul: Undeniable advantages

With 5G network deployments picking up speed, a robust wireless solution is the effective choice for backhaul. Previous bands that used spectrum up to 42 GHz worked well for 4G, but in the long term they will not be able to meet the significantly higher data rates and increased capacity of 5G. Using mmWave solutions by moving higher up the spectrum, and tapping into the 14 GHz available between 57 GHz and 71 GHz, on the other hand will bypass traditional backhaul challenges, and offers undeniable advantages to operators:

• Ease of deployment: mmWave equipment is easier, faster and more cost effectively deployed because no trenches for fibre optic cables are needed. Instead, mmWave small cells and access points can be easily mounted on existing infrastructure.
• Ultra-fast data transmission: Blu Wireless’s high-speed, high throughput and low latency mmWave nodes easily meet and can improve the quality of service operators are used to from fibre networks, providing extremely high backhaul link speed.
• Security: Low latency wireless backhaul technology and secure encryption of mmWave equipment means wireless transmission can be more secure and reliable than fibre. Additionally, it cannot accidentally be damaged by construction works or extreme weather events.
• Reach: mmWave small cells can connect over long distances. Thanks to their robust connection speeds and flexibility they can be deployed over much greater areas, and in rural environments where connection points have greater distances in between them.
• Network density: Connecting a high density of devices in urban or indoor environments requires an equivalent dense deployment of small cells and thus backhaul. mmWave backhaul has the capacity to remove risk of network congestion in this scenario without having to compromise on the most effective network design.
• Scalability: To achieve the coverage expected from 5G networks, small cell base stations can be mounted throughout an urban environment on lamp posts, in buildings or on public transport. Having less limits during deployment, wireless nodes can be placed at the best locations and with smart network planning the coverage and throughput can quickly be scaled to meet the needs of the network and its various applications.

A backhaul solution for operators

In order for operators to maximise their return on investments in both spectrum and network infrastructure, it is economically sensible to separate the backhaul network from the customer network.

When using mmWave spectrum for backhaul, costly licenced spectrum can be retained exclusively for customer access, ensuring high returns and a network performance that will not be compromised by having to share valuable spectrum resource. The unlicensed mmWave spectrum is ideally suited for 5G backhaul: it does not require any additional licensing fees and technologically the equipment will deliver higher bandwidth, greater speed and lower latency. mmWave wireless technology delivers the best solution to meet the growing demands for 5G and next-generation communications.

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