Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/20486-siklu-joins-cisco-small-cell-wireless-backhaul-ecosystem

Siklu joins Cisco Small Cell Wireless Backhaul Ecosystem

September 3, 2013

Siklu Communication Ltd., a leading provider of millimeter wave systems, announced the addition of its small cell wireless backhaul solutions to the Cisco® Small Cell Wireless Backhaul Ecosystem.

Siklu’s Gigabit capacity small form factor millimeter wave radios provide a solution for both the small cell backhaul and small cell offload to the macro cell backhaul network. This is an area which also requires a capacity boost. The EtherHaul-600T is a palm-sized all-outdoor small cell backhaul product operating in the 57-66 GHz V-Band that enables rapid deployment anywhere, from street lamps to rooftops. The EtherHaul-1200 is a very small form factor radio operating in the 70/80 GHz, E-Band spectrum.

Using an integrated all-silicon approach, Siklu brings down costs to a fraction of those of other millimeter wave solutions. It also lowers the number of components, reducing system size to the smallest in the industry, while increasing reliability.

Cisco has created an ecosystem of wireless solutions that provide end-to-end connectivity for mobile operators, from a small cell site all the way back to their mobile core network. Ecosystem partners provide technologies in their own areas, which are incorporated into the overall Cisco best-in-class mobile backhaul solution, the unified MPLS for mobile transport (UMMT) solution.

With proven interoperability, the Siklu and Cisco combined wireless backhaul solution meets service providers' requirements for end-to-end activation of quality of service, synchronization, service level agreements and resiliency. This is accomplished in a small form factor designed for all-outdoor street level deployment or in the last mile.

Importantly, the combined solution addresses the need for quick and simple installation as well as “zero-touch” provisioning and commissioning. All this and more is done at a low total cost of ownership (TCO), paving the way for the mass deployments of small cells.

"A variety of backhaul technologies will be used for small-cell connectivity; hence the importance and value of the Cisco Small Cell Wireless Backhaul Ecosystem initiative to mobile operators implementing small-cell infrastructure," said Ed Chang, vice president of product management, Cisco. "By collaborating with Siklu, we are furthering our commitment to delivering an end-to-end solution for small cell backhaul and are well-positioned to deliver proven E-band and V-band for mobile operators."

“Siklu is extremely focused on stepping up to the small cell backhaul challenges. Using Siklu’s unique all-silicon millimeter-wave technology allows us to design an 'invisible' backhaul system at a  low price point optimized for street level and last-mile deployments,” said Izik Kirshenbaum, Siklu’s Co-Founder, Chairman and President.

Kirshenbaum pointed out that through the  Cisco small cell ecosystem, a key concern for operators is addressed – end-to-end interoperability of the backhaul network. As backhaul plays a more substantial part in operators’ small cell network TCO, initiatives like Cisco’s are significant in easing operator costs and enabling mass deployment of small cells.

"Being part of the Cisco Small Cell Wireless Backhaul Ecosystem validates our leadership position in the millimeter wave category and provides operators with an enhanced, field-proven solution,” Kirshenbaum said.