Millimeter wave radio equipment from Siklu is now integrated in the Alcatel-Lucent microwave small cells backhaul portfolio. Operating in the 60 and 80 GHz bands, Siklu’s radios now supplement Alcatel-Lucent’s 9500 MPR family by introducing the support of millimeter waves and providing a solution for short-range, high-capacity small cell backhaul in very dense environments.
With their compact form factor and integrated antenna, low power consumption, support of unlicensed/lightly licensed bands and ease of installation, they are ideally suited for fast outdoor small cells deployments.
Through the relationship, Alcatel-Lucent and Siklu will be delivering industry-leading and flexible solutions for full outdoor wireless small cell backhaul that seamlessly connect into Alcatel-Lucent's 9500 MPR wireless macro cell backhaul and long haul applications through end-to-end management by Alcatel-Lucent's 5620 SAM management platform. The 9500 MPR product family is part of the broader multi-technology Mobile Backhaul solution from Alcatel-Lucent.
The growing demand for mobile data everywhere is driving the need for operators to deploy high-capacity, heterogeneous LTE networks. Macro cell sites provide higher throughput and coverage and are augmented by small cells, placed in capacity hotspots and coverage black spots. These smaller radios are located on lampposts, streetlights, wall facades, and other areas where backhaul connectivity is a challenge.
Because 60 and 80 GHz millimeter wave frequencies are less susceptible to interference and congestion, reliable connectivity can be delivered even in dense urban areas. A very small form factor is also a key requirement to support deployment on street furniture and to remain immune to pole sway, twist and tilt conditions. Spectrum acquisition in these frequencies is simple and fast, accelerating deployment timetables. Siklu’s EtherHaul millimeter-wave radios provide gigabit throughput, giving operators the enhanced backhaul capacity they need for their small cell sites.
François Allain, general manager of Alcatel-Lucent’s Wireless Transmission business, noted that, “By extending our packet microwave portfolio and industry-leading mobile backhaul solution with Siklu’s high capacity, small form factor millimeter-wave radios, we can meet the needs of many more customers in more deployment scenarios.”
Siklu’s CEO, Itzik Ben-Bassat, added, “Alcatel-Lucent is providing operators’ next-generation mobile networks and we are now a key part of their end-to-end solution. With the addition of Siklu’s EtherHaul to their portfolio, Alcatel-Lucent can better extend their high-capacity backhaul offering to dense urban areas and other spectrum-congested areas.”