http://www.ericsson.com/real-performance/opportunity-just-around-the-corner High performing NLOS solutions enable operators to deploy sites in a more optimal place from radio plan­ning point of view, at the same time enabling 4-6 times more capacity in backhaul compared to traditional NLOS solutions.

1. Rethink
Non-Line-of-Sight
Real-performing networks require real-performing backhaul.
Ericsson has proven that MINI-LINK in traditional frequency
band outperforms traditional NLOS solutions.
New backhaul challenge
The evolution to denser radio-access networks with
small cells in cluttered urban environments has
introduced new challenges for microwave backhaul.
A direct line of sight does not always exist between
nodes, and this creates a need for near- and non-lineof-sight (NLOS) microwave backhaul.
Break the myth
The traditional belief in the telecom industry is that
sub-6 GHz frequencies are required to ensure
performance in locations where NLOS conditions exist.
One problem is that the available spectrum below 6
GHz is very limited and would be insufficient for
small-cell backhaul.
Ericsson Research has performed a study comparing a
MINI-LINK system working at 28 GHz and a traditional
NLOS system working at 5.8 GHz, looking at how the
systems perform in different NLOS situations.
High performing NLOS solutions
enable operators to deploy sites in a
more optimal place from radio planning point of view, at the same time
enabling 4-6 times more capacity
in backhaul compared to traditional
NLOS solutions.

2. Two interesting test cases were reflection and
diffraction. In the reflection case, a link with 100 meters
hop length was set up with a reflection in the wall of a
building. A stable throughput of 400 Mbps was
measured with the 28 GHz system, while the 5.8 GHz
system showed a degradation to 70 Mbps due to
multipath fading.
In the diffraction case, a link was set up with a 150
meters hop length, diffracting the signal on the edge of
a building and down to street level. The 28 GHz system
had a maximum throughput of 400 Mbps even with a
30 degree diffraction angle, while the 5.8 GHz system
showed more than 50 percent reduction in throughput
in the same diffraction angle.
Realize it
The MINI-LINK is designed for hops over several
kilometers and this with a superior system gain in a
very narrow beam. By using these capabilities in very
short hops and by using the environment in a smart
way, diffraction and reflections can be used to
overcome obstructions between the macro (often on
top of a high building) and small cells (street level).
The throughput will be very high and stable, which is
very important for mobile backhaul.
With all of this in place, you can create a network that
performs the way your customers expect it to – we call
it Real Performance.
With this study Ericsson has proven that MINI-LINK in
traditional frequency bands, above 20 GHz,
outperforms traditional NLOS solutions. The myth is
crushed and there is a need to rethink NLOS.
Real performance
Backhaul is a key element creating real performance
for networks. User experience could be limited by
capacity in the backhaul independently of investments
in the radio access. Backhaul availability determines
the feasible placements of cells, impacts installation
costs, as well as time needed for site acquisition and
installation.
High performing NLOS solutions enable operators to
deploy sites in a more optimal place from a radio
planning point of view, at the same time enabling four
to six times more capacity in backhaul compared to
traditional NLOS solutions.
Learn more
Video:
Dispelling the NLOS myths
Ericsson Business Review: Non-line-of-site microwave
backhaul for small cells
Campaign site:
Real Performance
Four ways to bypass obstacles
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