MiniLink E
Ericsson's point-to-point
microwave solution, MINI-LINK E,
fits any application where
flexible, reliable and rapidly
installed transmission is
required, for instance fixed and
mobile telecom networks. Other
applications in need for
cost-efficient wireless
connections are first and second
mile broadband access as well as
private communication networks
for example oil and energy
companies and municipalities.
 
Key benefits
o High reliability and low cost
of ownership
o Fast network roll-out,
easy-to-install and configure
o Efficient usage of spectrum
System overview
The system comprises an indoor
unit (IDU) and an outdoor unit (ODU).
The units are connected by a
single coaxial cable carrying
traffic and DC supply. The IDU
holds traffic, modem, service
and switching functions while
the ODU, which comprises a radio
unit and antenna, transmits and
receives radio signals.
A wide range of antennas allows
optimal efficiency for each
link, combining high performance
with minimum outdoor visibility.
Terminals can be configured as
unprotected (1+0) or protected
(1+1), employing space and
frequency diversity. The
integrated power splitter for
protected configurations makes
it possible to install two radio
units directly to one antenna,
without using separate wave
guides.
Ericsson can provide one common
radio unit for the complete
MINI-LINK point-to-point
portfolio that supports all
capacity and modulation needs.
High spectrum utilization
For optimal utilization of
available resources, MINI-LINK E
radio terminals are available
with two different modulation
schemes, C-QPSK and 16 QAM. This
flexibility makes it possible to
use spectrum and power
efficiently throughout the
network.
All outdoor solutions
The Ericsson all outdoor
solutions are compact,
easy-to-install and have low
visual impact. Unlike
traditional all-outdoor
solutions, they use the same
radio and modem units as other
MINI-LINK E products. The
extensive range of frequencies
and capacities and the efficient
logistics become attractive from
an operators perspective.
MINI-LINK E All outdoor
solutions are available for end
sites as well as hub site
configurations.
Data communication networks (DCN)
The use of IP as a standardized,
scalable and easy-to-use
protocol has set a new standard
for how data communication
networks should be built to
allow low operational costs
today and in the future. All
MINI-LINK products provide IP
DCN functionality, also
MINI-LINK E. The Service Access
Unit IP (SAU IP) unit fits in an
existing indoor magazine and
enables legacy networks to be
upgraded to modern IP
infrastructure.
Network management
MINI-LINK Manager is a powerful
network element manager for
centralized operation and
maintenance of all microwave
radio equipment supplied by
Ericsson. It can be used as a
stand-alone system, or
integrated in a higher level
network management environment
using standard protocols.

MiniLink Traffic Node
MINI-LINK TN provides a platform
for flexible, scalable and
cost-effective wireless
transmission. With microwave
nodes optimized for networks, it
targets transmission networks
for 2G and 3G as well as fixed
and broadband applications.
MINI-LINK TN offers advantages
on all sites with features that
allow a flexible network design,
fast implementation and carrier
class networks.
The system provides scalable
nodes with integrated traffic
routing, PDH and SDH
multiplexing and protection
mechanisms on both node and
network level. Configurations
ranges from small edge nodes
with one single radio terminal
to large aggregation nodes where
all the traffic from a number of
southbound links are aggregated
into one link, microwave, cupper
or optical, in the northbound
direction.
The software configurable
traffic routing minimizes the
use of cables, improves network
quality and facilitates control
from a remote location.
MINI-LINK TN also offers a
TCP/IP and SNMP based management
concept. The use of open
interfaces ensures
inter-operability between
different parts and services in
the network.
  
Ericsson can provide one common
radio unit for the complete
MINI-LINK point-to-point
portfolio that supports all
capacity and modulation needs.
To increase the flexibility,
MINI-LINK TN supports a variety
of optional features, enabled by
Soft Keys. For an installed
node, new features or functions
can be added by software,
locally or remote, without any
hardware change. This will
reduce cost and supports a true
"invest-as-you grow" strategy.
Key features
o Nodes designed for networks
o Any frequency, capacity and
modulation
o Flexible Ethernet transport
o Soft Keys to increase
flexibility
o Advanced traffic handling and
protection
o Efficient management systems
Nodes designed for networks
MINI-LINK TN provides an
end-to-end range of nodes that
are scalable in capacity and
size, suitable for all site
types - from the edges of the
network to large aggregation
nodes. With the different
magazines, plug-in-units and
optional features available, a
tailor made solution for each
network site can be configured,
starting from a single radio
link to a fully-fledged radio
hub.
An Edge Node, is located at the
edge of the transmission network
where all incoming traffic is
terminated. In MINI-LINK TN, an
Edge Node consists of one radio
unit and a stand-alone indoor
unit (ATU), for un-protected
configurations, that includes
modem and traffic interfaces.
The unit is self-contained,
requiring no magazine, and fits
directly into a 19" rack. It
provides full flexibility in
capacity allocation between
Ethernet and PDH traffic.
A microwave Aggregation Node
main function is to collect
traffic from several sites and
to aggregate it into a higher
capacity transmission link.
MINI-LINK TN provides a powerful
high-speed bus architecture that
allows traffic to be
cross-connected between plug-in
units. Both package and circuit
switched traffic can be
aggregated, without any external
equipment.
The minimized use of cables and
site equipment results in few
site visits, fast installation
and provisioning, easy capacity
expansion and improved network
quality. Typically the node
concept reduces rack space
requirements by up to 70 % and
it will at the same time lower
CAPEX and OPEX.
Any frequency, capacity and
modulation
MINI-LINK TN provides
microwave transmission from 2x2
to 64x2 Mbit/s in PDH and 155
Mbit/s in SDH. With High
Capacity PDH, a smooth
capacity-migration can be
performed in existing microwave
networks. It operates within the
6 to 38 GHz frequency bands,
utilizing C-QPSK, 16, 64 and 128
QAM modulation schemes.
The advanced microwave
technology deployed in MINI-LINK
TN includes capacity and
modulation agile radio
terminals. It means that
capacity and modulation scheme
can be changed via software by
using Soft Keys, with no
hardware changes. This
flexibility together with the
powerful bus architecture and
traffic routing of MINI-LINK TN
makes it easy to re-configure
networks from a remote location.
Flexible Ethernet transport
All type of nodes in
MINI-LINK TN handles Ethernet
traffic. The possibility to mix
Ethernet and PDH traffic reduces
the need of cabling as well as
external equipment, and it
results in a very compact
building practice. The total
amount of capacity in a node is
software configurable, and can
easily be allocated and changed
in small steps, between PDH and
Ethernet.
Soft Keys to increase
flexibility
The traffic in the
transmission networks will
change in the future, both in
capacity and type of traffic. To
be prepared for these changes,
MINI-LINK TN supports several
optional features, enabled by
Soft Keys. For an installed
node, new features or functions
can be added by software,
locally or remote, without any
hardware change. For example:
higher capacity, higher
modulation schemes can very
quickly and easily be introduced
when and where it is needed,
supporting a true
"invest-as-you-grow" strategy.
Advanced traffic handling and
protection
MINI-LINK TN supports
reliable ring and mesh
structures with capacities up to
155 Mbit/s. The network
protection mechanism works on E1
level and is media independent,
meaning that a combination of
microwave, fibre and cupper can
be used.
The traffic handling function in
the nodes have no single point
of failure. The separation of
traffic and control makes the
system very robust and enables,
for example, hot-swap of plug-in
boards.
In each node the software
configurable traffic routing
function can cross-connect the
traffic on an E1 level. This can
be done on site or from a remote
location.
In MINI-LINK TN, ATM aggregation
functionality can easily be
added. With the introduction of
HSDPA in the mobile networks,
ATM aggregation can be used when
the data services increase, in
order to better utilize
transmission resources.
Efficient management systems
MINI-LINK ServiceOn
Microwave is a powerful network
element manager for centralized
operation and maintenance of all
microwave radio equipment
supplied by Ericsson. It can be
used as a standalone system, or
integrated in a higher level
network management environment
using standard protocols. The
network control and flexibility
provided by the MINI-LINK
ServiceOn Microwave translate
into low operating costs, quick
return on investment and a
long-term contribution to
profitability.
MINI-LINK TN has an integrated
IP router in each node for
handling of the DCN traffic. The
IP DCN can also be used as
transport channel for other
equipment O&M data. A number of
different alternatives to
connect and transport DCN
traffic are supported.
Circuits can be routed end-to
end through a MINI-LINK TN
network. This fully utilizes the
remote traffic routing
capability of MINI-LINK TN.
Continuous re-configurations and
upgrades to the transmission
networks are a big part of
operating costs, making the cost
savings from an end-to-end
management system significant.

Marconi Long Haul
The
Marconi LH (Long Haul) microwave
system offers rapid roll-out of
high transmission capacity with
SDH compatibility and integrated
network management. Based on
long experience in Trunk Radio,
this modern long-haul radio
system is a more cost efficient
solution than fibre in many
applications such as fast
modification of network
topologies, and the rapid
roll-out of backbone and feeder
networks.
High integration, lowest cost of
ownership
Marconi LH can also be used as a
redundancy to fibre or when long
hop-lengths are needed under
difficult conditions. The
modern, scalable and highly
integrated design provides
lowest cost of ownership in all
parts of the products life
cycle: deployment, expansion and
operation
Key features/benefits
• STM-1 transmission,
upgradeable to transparent STM-4
• Rapid roll-out
• Frequencies from 3.6 to 13 GHz
• Optimum spectrum efficiency
through 64 MLQAM, 128 MLQAM and
XPIC (Cross Polarization
Interference Canceller)
• Full software downloads
capability
• Outstanding compact building
practice and low power
consumption
• Highly robust system
architecture providing high MTBF
(Mean Time Between Failure)
• Multiple protection schemes
• The modern design provides
lowest cost of ownership
• Plug and Play for Spare Part
Handling
Greater frequency band
utilization
Up to ten RF channels can be
used, depending on the frequency
pattern. Using XPIC, each RF
channel can be used on two
polarizations, thus doubling the
transmission capacity. This
means that up to twenty STM-1 or
five STM-4 signals can be
transmitted via a single
antenna.
XPIC equalizes cross-polar
channels so that the required
transmission quality is
achieved. The system is operated
with 64 MLQAM or 128 MLQAM,
depending on channel spacing.
ATPC (Automatic Transmit Power
Control) and RTPC (Remote
Transmit Power Control) allow
repeated reuse of the same
frequencies in different
directions, in the network node.
It also reduces the effects of
co-channel and adjacent channel
interference in networks with
high traffic density. When
possible, the transmit power is
reduced by up to 20dB below its
maximum value. The highly
flexible, software-controlled
ATPC and RTPC allow the
correction of up- and
down-fading and can easily be
adapted to local conditions.
Marconi LH is designed to make
optimum use of available
frequency bands, with co-channel
operation using dual
polarization.
Increased quality through
radio protection switching
The system uses protection
switching functions, such as
frequency diversity or hot
standby, to increase the
availability and quality of the
transmission links. These
functions are independent of SDH
network protection switching,
and are implemented as
Regenerator Section Protection,
without affecting any existing
Multiplex Section Protection or
Ring Protection. The control
channels required for microwave
radio protection switching are
transported in the Regenerator
Section Overhead.
The n+1 protection switching
option can be expanded
step-by-step up to a 2x(9+1)
configuration. Subsequent
extensions can be implemented
without interruption.
Optionally, the protection
channels can be released for the
transmission of lower-priority
data.
Space or angle diversity can be
used to guarantee the required
transmission quality even with
radio hop lengths of more than
30 to 40 km, or where
propagation conditions are
difficult.
Compact 10-in-one system
architecture
The system components are
all housed indoors in ETSI
cabinets. Up to 10 STM-1
channels, including the
protection switching function as
well as redundant power feed,
can be accommodated in a single
rack. The system design is
highly modular, simplifying
installation, expansion and
operation.
Each system consists of three
sub-functions:
• RF branching
• Transceiver unit (TRX)
• Baseband unit (BBU)
Only the RF branching and the
Transceiver unit are
frequency-dependent.
RF branching
Channel filters connecting
the transceiver units to the
antenna system permit
low-attenuation connection of
all RF channels of one
polarization to one antenna.
Diplex filters are available for
larger structures, minimizing
the attenuation of the channel
filter chain.
Transceiver unit (TRX)
The transceiver units have
broadband capacity for a
complete frequency band, with
the corresponding RF channels
being defined by a synthesized
oscillator. The associated
settings in the transceiver are
affected electronically and
independently, enabling an
on-site channel changeover.
Baseband unit
The baseband unit performs
all SDH processing and radio
protection switching functions.
It also provides optical or
electrical baseband interfaces,
as well as the interface for up
to five transceiver units (STM-1
signals).
Optionally a 1+1 Multiplex
Section Protection together with
a full equipment protection are
provided for the baseband
interfaces.
Ethernet/TDM solution
Ethernet interfaces
(10/100/1000BASE-T) and TDM
interfaces (E1) are provided by
combining the radio system with
the powerful Ericsson
multi-service portfolio.
Verified scalable solutions
using Marconi LH in combination
with an OMS multiplexer are
available – OMS 8xx for low
capacities; OMS 12xx or OMS 16xx
for higher capacities.
All OMS multiplexers perform a
highly efficient
cross-connection of Ethernet
and/or TDM traffic. The OMS
multiplexers and the Marconi LH
radio system are supported by
the same network management
system providing an integrated,
easy and effective control.
Protected STM-4 transmission
The DPU STM-4 system
component, which is connected
upstream of the STM-1 microwave
radio units, permits the
transport of a STM-4 data stream
consisting of a concatenated
VC-4c via a Regenerator Section
in the SDH network. This
application meets all the
criteria for use within STM-4
trunk and ring networks. All
logic and operational functions
are implemented in a single
integrated chip.
Optimum antenna systems
Ericsson develops and
manufactures its own complete
modular antenna range for a wide
variety of applications. The
range offers optimum
dimensioning and design of the
microwave transmission path.
The convenience of local
monitoring
A monitoring circuit is
integrated in each module to
check the condition of the
transmission link. All alarms,
configuration data, measured
values and performance data can
then be retrieved locally,
either via an F interface or
centrally via the management
interface. Each module can be
addressed and controlled
separately. The operator PC uses
a graphical interface so that
several functions can be clearly
displayed at the same time.
Commissioning and configuration
can be carried out
electronically, with no need for
equipment settings. Software can
be downloaded locally or via the
management interface.
All the software, together with
the configuration for a complete
terminal is stored in an on-site
memory card, allowing for
plug-and-play functionality in
case of module replacement.
Managing the system
Simple connections are made
via the STM-1 Section Overhead (DCCr
or DCCm), the QD2 interface or
the LAN interfaces Q3p and SNMP
to Ericsson’s integrated network
management systems, such as
ServiceOn Access; ServiceOn
Optical; ServiceOn Microwave or
MINI-LINK Manager.
The radio system will
automatically search for and
establish the shortest path and
the necessary redundancy to
maintain reliability under fault
conditions. The open OSI Q3p
protocol stack and the
integrated multi-protocol stack
(QD2, OSI and TCP/IP) allow
adaptation on any SDH
multiplexer or integration of
any SNMP-managed equipment. This
provides the radio with a simple
plug-and-play management
solution.

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Ericsson
EDA
In 2004, IP DSLAMs with Ethernet
uplink have established them
selves as the new way of
building multi service access
networks. More than 50 % of the
installations in 2005 will be
based on IP DSLAMs. Another
clear trend in 2005 is the
request for being able to
deliver differentiated services
and higher bandwidth, the key
driver is video services over
the ADSL network. A large number
of operators are at the end of
2004 planing trials with triple
play scenarios.
The battle between ATM and
IP/Ethernet is over, but only to
be replaced by the battle
between IP and Ethernet, L2 vs.
L3. With EDA 2.2 we are
prepared, and able to offer both
solutions.
With EDA 2.2 Ericsson is showing
a clear leadership in the ADSL
market being the front-runner
for ADSL2+ and line bonding
services delivered on an
Ethernet based uplink network,
and being able to deliver triple
play to the home with
differentiated services. Being
able to deliver different
qualities to the different
application in the home is one
of the strength with the EDA
solution.
With EDA 2.2 we are ready to
enter the North American market,
With an ANSI version of EDA and
a US approved and adapted
portfolio including subrack
solutions, Ethernet Controller
Node and GR-487 compliant
outdoor enclosure.
Benefits
-
Unique scalability of
12-7000 subscribers per IP
DSLAM
-
Cost-effective ADSL, ADSL2,
ADSL2+ and line bonding
incl. Annex M for support of
symmetrical services and
Annex L for support of
Extended Reach deployment
-
Triple play - EDA supports
the full range of voice,
data and video services,
e.g. IP-TV
-
Quality of Service Engine -
QoS features for triple play
and IP-TV. The QoS Engine
optimises performance with a
feature set of advanced
mechanisms like CoS queuing
(QoS on a single PVC based
on Ethernet p-bits), as well
as ADSL and Ethernet
Overload Protection. The QoS
Engine also includes several
new mapping principles, e.g.
Ethertype mapping according
to WT-101. The QoS Engine
feature set is the first
steps towards tomorrows
Public Ethernet
architectures with reference
to WT-101.
-
Multi-service Access
(Bandwidth on Demand and IP
multicast using IGMP
snooping)
-
Single Ended Line Test (SELT)
a Built-in algorithm in the
IP DSLAM, used for measuring
the line quality before the
line is activated for ADSL
-
Ethernet as transmission
technology, hereby reducing
the number of layers needed
to manage and activate the
network
-
EDA Management Proxy (EMP),
secures easy operation and
management of all EDA
building blocks
-
A Local Craft Tool (LCT) is
available in order to verify
the EDA installation on site
before access to the Public
Ethernet Manager is obtained
-
The EDA system allows each
individual PVC to be
configured to use one of the
listed access methods: DHCP,
PPPoE, PPPoA, Static IP
address, Transparent LAN or
IpoA
-
Virtual MAC addressing for
enhanced traceability
-
EDA includes mechanisms to
handle any type of attack on
the system. The IP DSLAM is
able to perform filtering,
forced forwarding and other
functions that ensures
security and privacy,
restricting the types of
frames/packets forwarded by
the IP DSLAM
-
Product portfolio for the
North American market
comprising 96- and 144-line
subracks with EDN312xa, NEBS
protection and Telco
connectors, as well as a
GR-487 compliant outdoor
enclosure. Ethernet
Controller Node ECN330,
Ethernet switch ESN108 and
TL1 northbound interface for
management integration. The
recommended CPE equipment is
designed for
self-installation with the
possibility of updating from
Public Ethernet Manager
system
-
Future-oriented technology
with open standards
-
No bottlenecks in
aggregation network
-
Telecom grade solution with
99.999% availability
-
Service selection with
service separation via VLAN
-
DHCP relay agent information
option (option 82) for
authentication of DHCP
requests
-
Environmentally friendly
product

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