PMC-Sierra announces WinPath4 processor optimized for 4G LTE

The proliferation of smart mobile devices and growing demand for higher data rates are driving carrier migration to LTE technology. As LTE backhaul networks are deployed, carriers are eliminating the radio node controllers used in 3G deployments and distributing the controller function across base stations. This requires migration from a Layer 2 centralized hub network to a Layer 3 mesh IP topology with intelligence at each base station. WinPath4’s unique, programmable Carrier Ethernet Router-on-Chip architecture allows system vendors to provide new platforms that enable this transition.



“China Mobile has aggressive plans to deploy LTE technology in order to provide higher speed mobile data services and maintain best-in-class subscriber experience,” said Li Han, Deputy Director of the Network Department of China Mobile Research Institute. “To meet the challenges of LTE, we need solutions from the ecosystem that will allow us to scale to 40G capacity and transition to Layer 3 PTN in mobile backhaul aggregation networks.”





LTE backhaul with WinPath4



Operators have to manage new 4G LTE deployments co-located with existing 2G and 3G installations, which requires both a Layer 2 PTN switch and a Layer 3 router at each cell site. WinPath4’s Carrier Ethernet Router-on-Chip architecture combines switch and router functionality in a single platform, enabling OEMs to offer a new class of LTE backhaul equipment that enhances functionality and eliminates the need for two platforms. With this addition to the WinPath family, OEMs can also standardize on common hardware and software solutions across their portfolio of small cell, microwave, PTN pizza box and CESR backhaul platforms, to achieve the lowest cost of ownership and fastest time to market.



“With WinPath4, our WinPath franchise now spans 4G to 40G, providing one common hardware and software architecture to meet the needs of an all-IP backhaul,” said Babak Samimi, vice president of marketing and applications for PMC's Communications Business Unit. “The flexibility and programmability of our WinPath processors allows our customers to respond to new features as the mobile network evolves.”





WinPath family - 4G to 40G



Purpose-built Mobile Backhaul Processor for LTE:



-Transition from Layer 2 switching to Layer 3 PTN routing networks for 4G LTE



-Extends range of single chip capacity up to 40G PTN backhaul



-Scales PMC’s Metro Ethernet Forum certified and field-proven Carrier Ethernet software suite to LTE:

-Supports MEF Backhaul services, QoS, service management and reliability

-Programmable Ethernet & MPLS OAM, packet-timing & traffic management

-Supports up to two million MPLS-TP and IPv6/IPv4 routes in a single chip



-Carrier Ethernet Router-on-Chip architecture, which allows OEMs to:

-Drive product differentiation in mobile backhaul

-Standardize across small cell, microwave, PTN and CESR platforms

-Proactively respond to new evolving requirements in PTN backhaul