GL Communications debuts newest GSM wireless backhaul testing solutions

GL Communications recently introduced the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM,) the latest versions of its testing solutions for wireless backhaul networks.

The recent, rapid rise of mobile communications triggered greater penetration of the mobile market by data and video applications. This increased the importance of wireless backhaul such as IP and Ethernet backhaul over fiber, microwave, and various flavors of TDM. To keep expenses down, operators have turned to alternative backhaul solutions.

According to GL Communications, traditional T1 E1 networks can no longer ensure reliable transmissions over an expanding number of cellular sites. Network operators now require the right tools to monitor and fix a wide variety of backhaul options

To that end, GL test gear allow operators to monitor and test backhaul networks no matter the media used. The Company's products come in portable, handheld, and PC-based variants, and are used on a global scale to keep an eye on deployed networks.

Hardware and software designer GL Communications offers a complete line of solutions that provides flexible test solutions to cellular operators in compliance with the needs of various network traffic. Its products can test cellular backhaul, cellular IP backhaul, carrier Ethernet backhaul, and point-to-point and multipoint circuits. It can also conveniently simulate backhaul systems within a laboratory.

UNSi finishes expanding Midwestern Carrier Ethernet networks, looks to future

Now that it's finished upgrading its Dallas and Denver POPs into full border gateway interconnects (BGI) -not to mention adding a new POP BGI in St. Louis, MO- United Network Services, Inc. is looking to the future of Carrier Ethernet in the Midwestern United States.

UNSi has been expanding all summer. Back in June, in order to strengthen its position in the enterprise and carrier markets, UNSi acquired IPNetZone Communications. That acquisition gives UNSi a total of 18 POPs in the United States, along with more than 150 NNIs and partnerships with almost 2,000 network providers.

UNSi is optimistic about the markets for MPLS and Ethernet services. According to Allan Schwartz, UNSi senior vice president of strategic planning and business development, the company sensed significant opportunity in establishing connection locations throughout the Midwest.

Cell site backhaul has been determined to be a growth market for Carrier Ethernet. Customers have realized how flexible and affordable Ethernet services are, and they're  now demanding Ethernet services starting at 50 Mbps. Most operators are actively rolling out 4G/LTE as fast as they can to keep up with demand.

Mr. Schwartz explained that UNSI's network was built with Carrier Ethernet in mind. Instead of rebuilding TDM networks from scratch, UNSI chose to augment existing networks with next-generation Ethernet and VPLS capabilities.

James Karimi, SVP and CTO, cited future challenges that UNSi would encounter as its networks grew. One of them is simplifying the implementation of OAM (Operations, Administrations, and Maintenance.) The complicated process can be a bother for monitoring services that need to cross carrier networks. And when you're a company like UNSi, who has partnerships with thousands of network operators...

To that end, SVP Karimi was of the opinion that Carrier Ethernet equipment manufacturers should perform RFC 2544 testing all types of switches, be they core switches or premise switches.