Etisalat will leverage the MXK platforms it currently uses to supply GPON-based FTTH services in the United Arab Emirates to support mobile backhaul of its LTE mobile network according to Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZHNE), makers of the MXK.

Zhone says Etisalat will use both the MXK and the Zhone FiberCell family as part of its efforts to enable a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) link to each LTE mobile radio base station (RBS). Use of the MXK platforms will help enable Etisalat to transition its existing circuit-based backhaul to fiber-based backhaul with minimal infrastructure overlay, Zhone adds.

“Zhone's FTTx solution gives us unprecedented flexibility, scalability, robust network control and the ability to offer more bandwidth to customers with greater efficiency,” said Esmaeel Al-Hammadi, vice president of fixed access and radio networks, Etisalat. “Now, we are able to efficiently offload LTE services and provide efficient mobile backhaul utilizing our existing nationwide FTTH network. By utilizing our existing FTTH infrastructure for mobile backhaul, Zhone was able to help us quickly and cost-effectively launch LTE services at full bandwidth capacity and maximum Gigabit Ethernet line speed nationwide.”

Etisalat will use the MXK's ability to support Active Ethernet and GPON simultaneously to run mobile backhaul and FTTH services simultaneously through the system. Meanwhile, the Zhone FiberCell offering will provide network reliability.