Cambridge Broadband Networks Changes Backhaul Forever with Zero-Footprint Multipoint Backhaul Platform

VectaStar Gigabit gives network designers new options for microwave backhaul

Cambridge, UK, 12th January 2011: Cambridge Broadband Networks Limited today announced the launch of VectaStar Gigabit, the world’s first microwave backhaul product that enables network designers to create point-to-multipoint (PMP) networks and individual links using a single platform. VectaStar Gigabit, which provides 150Mb/s Ethernet link capacity, is a ‘zero-footprint’ design which eliminates the need for external cabinets or indoor units, dramatically reducing deployment time and design complexity in the construction and upgrade of mobile broadband networks.

VectaStar Gigabit gives network designers unrivalled flexibility in the design and build of microwave backhaul networks. The elimination of the requirement for any indoor equipment to support the multipoint functionality means that it can be deployed for individual links, stand-alone sectors or as a PMP hub. Designers can select VectaStar when they first start planning their network – laying down individual links and then expanding them to multipoint sectors or hubs as their network grows. Whereas other multipoint systems require a hub ‘rack’ containing control and interface equipment, VectaStar Gigabit has integrated all operation and control functions into a ‘power over Ethernet’, zero-footprint access point. Furthermore, VectaStar Gigabit incorporates gigabit Ethernet optical and copper interfaces throughout, to ensure that the full resources of the system are available to all devices in the network.

John Naylon, Head of Development at Cambridge Broadband Networks, commented: “Microwave technologies are a crucial element in the creation of mobile backhaul and access networks but the demand for data services has dramatically changed the traffic profile. VectaStar Gigabit gives network designers the ability to manage data traffic using the inherently more efficient point-to-multipoint architecture but provides the flexibility to incorporate point-to-point links where appropriate. Recent measurements from a live network showed that VectaStar was saving over 63% of backhaul bandwidth compared to the provisioning that would have been required for alternative microwave technologies.”

Mobile networks are now carrying significantly more data than voice traffic and the need to improve data network performance is forcing operators to make their networks ever more dense to meet demand. VectaStar Gigabit is a flexible, rapid-response microwave backhaul solution that incorporates the same, spectrum sharing, point-to-multipoint topology found in the radio access network. This fundamentally more efficient traffic management approach ultimately delivers savings in both capital and operational resources.

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About Cambridge Broadband Networks Limited

Cambridge Broadband Networks Limited provides telecommunications operators with carrier-class wireless point-to-multipoint transmission equipment. The company’s unique approach to backhaul means that its technology provides operators with a highly compelling business case, reducing backhaul costs by up to 60%.

To date, Cambridge Broadband Networks products have been commercially deployed and technically proven in more than 30 countries, and the company continues to expand into new geographical markets as wireless networks become more widespread throughout the world. Privately-held, Cambridge Broadband Networks has headquarters in Cambridge, UK, with offices in Malaysia, Nigeria and South Africa and manufacturing facilities in China.

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