Mini Link E

Ericsson can provide one common radio unit for the complete MINI-LINK point-to-point portfolio that supports all capacity and modulation needs. To increase the flexibility, MINI-LINK TN supports a variety of optional features, enabled by Soft Keys. For an installed node, new features or functions can be added by software, locally or remote, without any hardware change. This will reduce cost and supports a true "invest-as-you grow" strategy.

Key features
o Nodes designed for networks
o Any frequency, capacity and modulation
o Flexible Ethernet transport
o Soft Keys to increase flexibility
o Advanced traffic handling and protection
o Efficient management systems

Nodes designed for networks
MINI-LINK TN provides an end-to-end range of nodes that are scalable in capacity and size, suitable for all site types - from the edges of the network to large aggregation nodes. With the different magazines, plug-in-units and optional features available, a tailor made solution for each network site can be configured, starting from a single radio link to a fully-fledged radio hub.

An Edge Node, is located at the edge of the transmission network where all incoming traffic is terminated. In MINI-LINK TN, an Edge Node consists of one radio unit and a stand-alone indoor unit (ATU), for un-protected configurations, that includes modem and traffic interfaces. The unit is self-contained, requiring no magazine, and fits directly into a 19" rack. It provides full flexibility in capacity allocation between Ethernet and PDH traffic.

A microwave Aggregation Node main function is to collect traffic from several sites and to aggregate it into a higher capacity transmission link. MINI-LINK TN provides a powerful high-speed bus architecture that allows traffic to be cross-connected between plug-in units. Both package and circuit switched traffic can be aggregated, without any external equipment.

The minimized use of cables and site equipment results in few site visits, fast installation and provisioning, easy capacity expansion and improved network quality. Typically the node concept reduces rack space requirements by up to 70 % and it will at the same time lower CAPEX and OPEX.

Any frequency, capacity and modulation
MINI-LINK TN provides microwave transmission from 2x2 to 64x2 Mbit/s in PDH and 155 Mbit/s in SDH. With High Capacity PDH, a smooth capacity-migration can be performed in existing microwave networks. It operates within the 6 to 38 GHz frequency bands, utilizing C-QPSK, 16, 64 and 128 QAM modulation schemes.

The advanced microwave technology deployed in MINI-LINK TN includes capacity and modulation agile radio terminals. It means that capacity and modulation scheme can be changed via software by using Soft Keys, with no hardware changes. This flexibility together with the powerful bus architecture and traffic routing of MINI-LINK TN makes it easy to re-configure networks from a remote location.

Flexible Ethernet transport
All type of nodes in MINI-LINK TN handles Ethernet traffic. The possibility to mix Ethernet and PDH traffic reduces the need of cabling as well as external equipment, and it results in a very compact building practice. The total amount of capacity in a node is software configurable, and can easily be allocated and changed in small steps, between PDH and Ethernet.

 
 

MiniLink Traffic Node
 
MINI-LINK TN provides a platform for flexible, scalable and cost-effective wireless transmission. With microwave nodes optimized for networks, it targets transmission networks for 2G and 3G as well as fixed and broadband applications. MINI-LINK TN offers advantages on all sites with features that allow a flexible network design, fast implementation and carrier class networks.

The system provides scalable nodes with integrated traffic routing, PDH and SDH multiplexing and protection mechanisms on both node and network level. Configurations ranges from small edge nodes with one single radio terminal to large aggregation nodes where all the traffic from a number of southbound links are aggregated into one link, microwave, cupper or optical, in the northbound direction.

The software configurable traffic routing minimizes the use of cables, improves network quality and facilitates control from a remote location. MINI-LINK TN also offers a TCP/IP and SNMP based management concept. The use of open interfaces ensures inter-operability between different parts and services in the network.

Key benefits
o High reliability and low cost of ownership
o Fast network roll-out, easy-to-install and configure
o Efficient usage of spectrum


System overview
The system comprises an indoor unit (IDU) and an outdoor unit (ODU). The units are connected by a single coaxial cable carrying traffic and DC supply. The IDU holds traffic, modem, service and switching functions while the ODU, which comprises a radio unit and antenna, transmits and receives radio signals.

A wide range of antennas allows optimal efficiency for each link, combining high performance with minimum outdoor visibility. Terminals can be configured as unprotected (1+0) or protected (1+1), employing space and frequency diversity. The integrated power splitter for protected configurations makes it possible to install two radio units directly to one antenna, without using separate wave guides.

Ericsson can provide one common radio unit for the complete MINI-LINK point-to-point portfolio that supports all capacity and modulation needs.

High spectrum utilization
For optimal utilization of available resources, MINI-LINK E radio terminals are available with two different modulation schemes, C-QPSK and 16 QAM. This flexibility makes it possible to use spectrum and power efficiently throughout the network.

All outdoor solutions
The Ericsson all outdoor solutions are compact, easy-to-install and have low visual impact. Unlike traditional all-outdoor solutions, they use the same radio and modem units as other MINI-LINK E products. The extensive range of frequencies and capacities and the efficient logistics become attractive from an operators perspective. MINI-LINK E All outdoor solutions are available for end sites as well as hub site configurations.

Data communication networks (DCN)
The use of IP as a standardized, scalable and easy-to-use protocol has set a new standard for how data communication networks should be built to allow low operational costs today and in the future. All MINI-LINK products provide IP DCN functionality, also MINI-LINK E. The Service Access Unit IP (SAU IP) unit fits in an existing indoor magazine and enables legacy networks to be upgraded to modern IP infrastructure.

Network management
MINI-LINK Manager is a powerful network element manager for centralized operation and maintenance of all microwave radio equipment supplied by Ericsson. It can be used as a stand-alone system, or integrated in a higher level network management environment using standard protocols.