Saad Z. Asif

An Evaluation of Future Mobile Networks Backhaul Options

Mobile networks and services have grown dramatically since digital networks were introduced in the early nineties. Now operators want to provide broadband services over the Internet to mobile and wireless users. The pressure on the transport network will increase dramatically, and more cost effective solutions for the backhaul are urgently needed. This includes both physical layer and higher protocol levels of the network. This paper addresses backhaul transport layer issues from an operators view. It addresses the most promising solutions, looks at emerging technology aspects, and provides cost estimates. The work has been performed within the Telenor Group’s COmmoN TEchnology and STrategy (CONTEST) program.

Hybrid microwave radios assessment

The emergence of 3G and LTE has again made mobile backhaul a key area of investigation for service providers. Many operators carry a huge bag of legacy circuit-switched backhaul that is not capable of carrying todays data hungry applications. This article examines hybrid microwave radios as one of the technologies to address this challenge and summarizes some of the associated testing aspects. Unlike its predecessor, it supports both circuit- and packetswitched services. In this article we have discussed the technology and analyzed the products to understand its implications for operators like Telenor. We conducted more than 100 field tests starting from basic bit error rate testing all the way to product interoperability, adaptive modulation, carrier Ethernet, ring protection, and synchronization. The focus of this article is on such key tests, and basic microwave radio testing is briefly described only for illustrative purposes. Although the ride was not very bumpy, we did face challenges in terms of product maturity and interoperability. Moreover, we provide possible solutions to address these challenges.

License-free microwave systems evaluation

This paper explores the use of ISM band microwave radio systems in GSM networks. We primarily tested this solution to address the shortage of traditional frequencies used for setting up microwave radio links and to minimize the use of VSAT systems. The trial of multiple products of multiple vendors showed that these systems are productive and can be used in some parts of the networks to address above mentioned challenges. During the trials we also witnessed the unavailability of such links during heavy rainfall. Primarily, these systems can be used in villages, remote areas and extending cellular coverage at city boundaries. We also have presented the cost benefit analysis for such systems that indicated considerable cost savings.

Broadband Technology Management and Evaluation

This paper focuses on technology managements strategic integration practice for the broadband service sector. It evaluates the broadband market and in particular the wireless broadband (WBB) market of Pakistan. The paper discusses why Pakistan needs WBB more than fixed broadband (DSL, Cable). It identifies the TM (technology management) concerns (3G license cost, technology selection, WBB penetration rate, and value creation) of the service providers in establishing a strong WBB market. We present new techniques and directions for addressing these concerns. We present strategies and a mathematical formula that can be used to reduce the cost of 3G license. We also provide both business and technical justifications why both WiMAX and 3G-HSPA are necessary for wireless broadband. We will also present our forecast which shows that beyond 2011 there will be more wireless broadband users than fixed ones; far more than estimated by government forecasts. The forecast also reveals that HSPA will take major share of the WBB market but at the same time importance of WiMAX cannot be ignored. Finally, an added value due to broadband for all the stakeholders is that it lays the foundation of a knowledge based economy.