Extreme Networks, Inc., (Nasdaq: EXTR) has unveiled the E4G family of mobile backhaul routers, designed to help operators transition from 2G/3G capabilities to 4G. Among other aspects, the routers will support MPLS-TP, marking a change from Extreme Networks’ previous support of PBB/TE.
The E4G routers, which include the E4G-200 Cell Site Router and E4G-400 Cell Site Aggregation Router, are designed to support an evolution towards all IP/Ethernet mobile backhaul networks. Features of the routers include:
- scalability from Gigabit Ethernet to 10-Gigabit Ethernet
- integrated Synchronous Ethernet ITU-G.8262
- support for IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol
- carrier-class resiliency via support of Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS) and ITU-G.8032 resilient packet rings.
The E4G-200 Cell Site Router will come in a 1RU form factor, and features extended operating temperature and carrier OAM capabilities. The E4G-400 cell site aggregation router will support 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and an optional 10G uplink, also in a 1RU package. The PWM-16 T1/E1 module will add support for T1/E1 backhaul to the E4G-400 for applications where a mix of 2G/3G and 4G must be accommodated.
In addition to working with wireline infrastructures, the platforms can help bring redundancy to meshed microwave backhaul networks, Senior Director of Service Provider Marketing Mark Showalter told Lightwave. In fact, Motorola Solutions has added the E4G routers to its microwave backhaul offering.
"Motorola Solutions looks to advance the capabilities of microwave backhaul with Extreme Networks next-generation mobile backhaul routers," said Phil Bolt, vice president and general manager, Wireless Network Solutions, Motorola Solutions via an Extreme Networks press release. "The significant capacity and performance upgrades planned with its new mobile backhaul portfolio offer an opportunity for us to work with Extreme Networks to provide our customers with a flexible, resilient migration from circuit-based to IP networks."
The routers will begin carrier trials in the second quarter of this year, Showalter says. General availability is planned for the fourth quarter this year.
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