Optimizing PTN for LTE

A packet transport network (PTN) has uniform interfaces and makes efficient use of bandwidth. For this reason, it has replaced multiservice transport platform (MSTP) as the main bearer network for mobile backhaul. Although PTNs are developing quickly, they are still prone to resource bottlenecks and security risks. Moreover, dynamic traffic channels and high network self-management requirements have made it difficult to guarantee bandwidth and maintenance the network.

ZTE UniCare is a solution for optimizing PTNs so that they are reliable, easy-to-maintain, and provide sufficient bandwidth. ZTE UniCare uses quantitative network indicators to thoroughly assess network resource bottlenecks, security issues, and future LTE bearer needs.

Leveraging Existing PTN Resources for Fast LTE Deployment

More bearer devices are needed to support an LTE network. LTE base stations provide less coverage than 3G base stations yet require 10 times the bandwidth. As more operators look to deploy LTE, PTN planning needs to become more rational and efficient so that an operator’s existing PTN capacity is fully exploited. This helps improve return on investment. ZTE uses professional network optimization tools to comprehensively assess a PTN and leverage existing network resources so that an LTE network can be deployed quickly.

ZTE exploits existing PTN resources in the following ways:

●    L3 VPNs of devices at the core convergence layer are upgraded for large-scale LTE service bearing and flexible traffic scheduling.

●    The access ring is split and optimized to meet the bandwidth requirements of an LTE network.

●    The links in hotspots are upgraded to meet access needs of a large volume of traffic.

QoS for Optimized Network Operation

An LTE network is more demanding in terms of reduced packet loss, delay, and jitter and increased bandwidth. However, satisfying these demands does not necessarily increase ARPU.

A high-yielding network is characterized by a large user base, high profit margin, and strictly controlled costs. In the LTE era, operators focus on reducing delay, packet loss, and jitter and guaranteeing bandwidth because this is fundamentally what increases the user base.

ZTE’s QoS optimization solution is designed to protect an operator’s initial investment in their PTN. Priority scheduling, congestion control, and speed limitation are used to optimize bandwidth utilization, meet different user needs for bandwidth, and ensure that SLAs are honored. Operators can optimize the way their network operates in a high-bandwidth LTE environment.

A Highly Reliable Network for Smooth Evolution to LTE

As competition heats up, user experience is key to retaining existing subscribers and attracting new ones. It is also key to maintaining the brand image of an operator. One of the answers to improving user experience is network reliability.

ZTE’s PTN security-optimization service provides umbrella protection, from core to aggregation and access layers. ZTE uses a comprehensive security index system encompassing topology, node devices, and services in order to provide LAG protection, MSP protection, TPS protection, chain-to-ring transformation, dual-node transformation, active and standby bridge points, and pseudo-wire dual homing.

Efficient OAM for Improved Competitiveness

A large-scale LTE network based on PTN is difficult to maintain. Operators are therefore concerned about making OAM more efficient, reducing the need for manpower, and lowering maintenance costs. A PTN is highly flexible and self-manageable. Maintaining such a dynamic network is much more difficult than maintaining a previous-generation MSTP network.

ZTE’s PTN OAM solution has automatic, intelligent tools for fixing faulty services, optimizing configuration procedures, enhancing network performance, and optimizing upgrade and control procedures. It improves labor efficiency and ensures reliability. It also helps operators make PTN traffic visible and manageable. 

Conclusion