Introducing Ceragon MAST

Mobile Architecture for Service Transport End-to-End LTE-Ready Backhaul Solutions

TM

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Solutions and Ecosystem for LTE-Ready Backhaul

As mobile networks evolve, moving from pure voice to converged voice and data today and all-data in the future, operators must address new network challenges. Customer demand for more bandwidth-hungry services leads to an unprecedented increase in mobile data traffic - but at the same time, average revenue per user (ARPU) remains flat. To compensate for that, and to maintain and increase profitability, mobile operators now need to optimize their networks and significantly reduce cost-per-bit. The rapid consumption of network resources has its affect on the Service, Network and Transport layers: Service: Different services requirements from evolving mobile networks (2G, 3/3.5G, LTE) Network: Different network concepts and technologies - pure SDH, Hybrid, Pure IP Transport: Different access technologies transmitted over different types of physical media

Ceragon MASTTM Concept

This change requires a holistic, end-to-end approach that provides a comprehensive set of solutions on a network-wide rather than a segment-by-segment basis. Answering the need for an advanced approach to mobile backhaul architecture, Ceragon Networks has developed MAST. The Mobile Architecture for Service Transport (MAST) evolves around Ceragons leading edge FibeAir family of wireless backhaul products. The architecture further includes an interoperable ecosystem, enabling operators to profitably evolve mobile networks by using complementary backhaul and networking alternatives. As such, MAST also involves partners multi-functional network solutions that complement Ceragons offering according to operators specific requirements.

MAST Highlights
Modular Mobile Network Transformation enabling operators to migrate their networks at their own pace Synergy Between Best of Breed Solutions combines the advantages of Ceragon leading wireless systems and advanced communication solutions from leading partner vendors Comprehensive Network Optimization allows operators to deal with backhaul on a network-wide basis rather than segment by segment Smooth service hand-over between physical media (wire/wireless) through comprehensive management support, ensures high QoS

Key Benefits
Powers operators with a comprehensive set of solutions for LTE-ready backhaul networks Delivers a set of service-aware network solutions for scalable and cost-optimized network build out Provides full support for legacy and next-generation technologies - TDM/PDH, ATM, SDH/SONET, Ethernet, IP/MPLS - to enable a smooth transition process Offers enhanced, end-to-end QoS and QA&M support for all mobile services Simplifies network architecture and slashes deployment time for lower CAPEX/OPEX and faster ROI Fully supported by a world-class, comprehensive portfolio of complementary wired and wireless solutions

True, end-to-end network transition in three main layers: Transport, Network, Service
From simple connectivity to an end-to-end network concept
The MAST concept goes beyond simple connectivity and pure transport to enable a true, end-to-end network transition in three main layers: Transport, Network, Service. On the transport layer, MAST supports a range of alternatives for both access and aggregation backhauling. On the network side, the solution supports diverse networking technologies including NG-SDH/ SONET, Hybrid native TDM and native IP (Native2), Pseudowire, CarrierGrade Ethernet and pure IP. In addition, MAST offers a comprehensive set of service tools to ensure end-to-end QoS and OA&M that help to further increase network efficiency and optimization.

Build LTE-ready backhaul networks

Ceragon MAST allows operators to maximize the potential of existing networks, while benefiting from a clear and cost efficient transition path towards LTE-ready backhaul networks. Higher capacities and lower latencies are a must for LTE backhaul. So is the ability to support IP traffic and flat all-IP architectures. Since LTE networks will be used mostly to deliver data rather than voice, and since todays backhaul networks are still dominated by TDM - be it T1/E1 lines or high-capacity SDH/SONET - one main consideration operators are faced with today is how to support their existing installed base through the migration process. Through MAST, operators benefit from a complete solutions portfolio for designing LTE-ready backhaul networks. This will enable them to achieve faster time-to-market and ensure faster ROI as they evolve to 3G and LTE, while continuing to gain revenue from existing networks and services.

MAST Transport Layer

Mobile operators require an end-to-end architecture that supports diverse evolution alternatives and provides a clear path towards all-IP. MAST Transport layer offers a highly integrated set of solutions based on Ceragons wireless leadership. MAST greatly reduces OPEX while increasing scalability and availability to enable service delivery over any type of wired and wireless physical media. Wireless: High and mid capacity point to point microwave radio; cost effective license exempt radios and point-to-multipoint radios for effective coverage coupled with high capacity backhaul Wired (copper, Fiber): the MAST Eco-system provides joint transport solutions that offer a clear service hand-over between different medias preserving QoS and manageability

MAST Service Layer

The challenge for service providers is to deliver all services at a competitive price and at profitable operating margins. At the same time, service providers must provide the high quality user-experience that customers expect from advanced voice and multimedia services. To do so, they need to leverage existing network infrastructure where possible, while simultaneously transforming their networks to support packet-based traffic. Ceragon MAST offers a comprehensive set of service tools to ensure end-to-end QoS and OA&M that help to further improve efficiency and network optimization. MAST allows operators to make a profitable transition to a more cost-effective network infrastructure that supports all voice, video and new multimedia services and applications. Through MAST, operators can successfully support massive subscriber growth and future service enhancements.

This comprehensive approach addresses infrastructure diversity via flexible backhaul alternatives. Each alternative provides an evolution to all-IP, allowing mobile service providers to cost-effectively transform their mobile transport infrastructure from circuit traffic to packet over copper, fiber or wireless.

MAST Network Layer

As demand for mobile multimedia services increases and average revenue per user (ARPU) declines, mobile service providers must transform their networks to profitably support advanced packetbased services on top of legacy voice. The network layer is one of the key considerations for mobile service providers planning network transition. To make the network layer efficient, Ceragon has designed MAST to give operators complete control over their transition process. MAST can be adapted to meet diverse backhaul network evolution requirements, including native TDM, hybrid (Native2) and all-IP approaches. Ceragon MAST solution is based on building blocks that can meet a variety of operator strategies. It is designed to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and simplify network design as much as possible, while preparing the transition towards LTE. Network evolution strategies include: Optimizing the existing backhaul network to drive out the cost of leased-lines Building new carrier-grade IP backhaul networks that support both circuit and packet traffic Implementing a hybrid approach - offloading non-real time data traffic onto an Ethernet backhaul network while keeping voice services on the existing backhaul network Native2 (hybrid approach) implemented by carrying both TDM and Ethernet natively and simultaneously over a single network

MAST Management
End-to-end management capabilities are essential for supporting existing and next-generation mobile services over both legacy and IP networks. MAST provides a number of joint management solutions in collaboration with Ceragons partners. The joint management solutions offered with MAST serve to greatly reduce the complexity and risk associated with provisioning high-end converged services. As such, they provide comprehensive support for fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security features and applications. MAST management can be tailored and integrated into diverse management platforms to provide a rich set of EMS (configuration, performance monitoring, remote diagnostics, alarm reports, etc.) and NMS functionalities.

Complete Backhaul Networks Solutions Backhaul Network Convergence - Multiple Services & Access Technologies
Operators frequently maintain multiple networks based on the services offered to individual end-users. Through the highly integrated Ceragon FibeAir IP-10 solution, operators can design a network that collapses multiple overlay networks into a single, high-speed, scalable infrastructure. This converged backhaul solution also features advanced QoS awareness to support the consolidation of multiple services over a single network. The result is a converged backhaul solution that maintains service flexibility and carrier-class reliability, allowing operators to differentiate service offerings, guarantee SLAs, reduce costs and maximize revenues.

Native2 - Is a hybrid concept implemented by carrying both TDM and Ethernet Natively and simultaneously over a single microwave link

End to End Backhaul Solution - IP/MPLS

An ideal solution for IP/MPLS networks combines Ceragon's high-capacity microwave with advaned solutions from Ceragon's strategic partners. On the Access side, Ceragon's Native Ethernet or Native2 (native both in TDM and in Ethernet concurrently) microwave solutions carry traffic from the base station to the nearest aggregation site. An IP/MPLS edge router at the aggregation site acts as the gateway between the Native2 and IP/MPLS based networks on which both Ethernet and E1/T1 services are mapped over MPLS using pseudo-wires. High-capacity MPLS-aware Ethernet microwave radios are also used as part of the MPLS network cloud where fiber connections are either unavailable or are too costly to deploy.

Native2 - Is a hybrid concept implemented by carrying both TDM and Ethernet Natively and simultaneously over a single microwave link

End to End Backhaul Solution NG-SDH/SONET

Ceragons Native2 approach carries both TDM and Ethernet natively and simultaneously over a single microwave link replacing the PDH links in the access backhaul segment (from the base-station to the aggregation site). At the access/metro-aggregation Ceragon applies Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) thus enabling better spectral utilization and much lower cost per bit. At the aggregation site, TDM is mapped natively over the SDH/SONET ring while the Ethernet traffic is handled using Integrated Ethernet switching functionality at the NS-SDH/SONET MSPPs (Multi Service Provisioning Platform). By using high-capacity SDH/SONET microwave, operators benefit from statistically multiplexing Ethernet traffic based on service classes over existing or enhanced SDH/SONET rings, while preserving all TDM requirements.

Native2 - Is a hybrid concept implemented by carrying both TDM and Ethernet Natively and simultaneously over a single microwave link

Long-haul IP Trunk Radio - An Economical Alternative to Fiber

A solution combining Ceragon long haul Ethernet microwave technology with Link Aggregation enables sophisticated load balancing and redundancy. Allowing operators to scale bandwidth up to multiple Gigabit Ethernet wireless links, the solution features full QoS awareness over a wireless IP trunk radio. Ceragons long-haul IP trunk solution is an economical alternative to fiber optic lines. Easy to deploy and maintain, the solution offers a highly reliable, ultra-long point-to-point transmission, enhanced with load sharing of traffic among all available wireless links.

Ceragon MASTTM
Mobile Architecture for Service Transport

Corporate Headquarters Ceragon Networks Ltd. Tel Aviv, Israel Tel: +972-3-645-5733 Fax: +972-3-645-5499 Europe Ceragon Networks (UK) Limited Redditch, UK Tel: +44-(0)-1527-591900 Fax: +44-(0)-1527-591903 Asia Pacific Ceragon Networks APAC (Spore) Ltd. Singapore Tel: +65-6339-3110 Fax: +65-6339-1310 North America Ceragon Networks, Inc. New Jersey, USA Tel: +1-201-845-6955 Fax: +1-201-845-5665 Toll free: 1-877-FIBEAIR CALA Ceragon Networks, S.A. de C.V Mexico D.F, Mexico Tel: +52-55-5663-2914 Fax: +52-55-5663-2841 MEA Ceragon Networks, Johannesburg South Africa Tel: +27-01-1452-2777 Fax: +27-01-1452-2777

About Ceragon
Ceragon Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: CRNT) is a leading provider of high-capacity LTE-ready wireless backhaul solutions for cellular and fixed wireless operators, enterprises and government organizations. Ceragons FibeAir product family offers scalable solutions for wireless transport of broadband services. Operating across multiple frequencies for IP and SONET/SDH protocols, FibeAir systems support the emerging needs of next-generation networks that are evolving to allIP based services. Ceragon leads the market in IP backhaul, offering a unique, native IP solution that provides the efficient, robust connectivity required for LTE, WiMAX and converged networks. Ceragons solutions are deployed by more than 150 service providers of all sizes, as well as in hundreds of private networks, in nearly 100 countries. More information is available at www.ceragon.com

The Ceragon logo and FibeAir are registered trademarks of Ceragon Networks Ltd. This brochure is being provided for informational purposes only. The details contained in this document, including product and feature specifications, are subject to change without notice. This brochure shall not bind Ceragon to provide to anyone a specific product or set of features related thereto.

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