Sign in Subscribe

sBH Self BackHauling

Last updated on 

sBH, or Self BackHauling, is a concept used in wireless communication networks, particularly in the context of small cell deployments. It refers to the practice of using the same wireless links that connect small cells to the macro network to also transmit the backhaul traffic from the small cells to the core network. In other words, the small cells serve a dual purpose of providing both access and backhaul functionality.

To understand sBH better, let's break down the key components and processes involved:

  1. Small Cells: Small cells are low-power, short-range wireless access points that are deployed in close proximity to users to enhance network capacity and coverage. They are typically used in densely populated areas or locations with high data traffic demand. Small cells can be deployed in various forms, such as microcells, picocells, and femtocells.
  2. Backhaul: Backhaul refers to the transmission of data traffic from the access network (small cells) to the core network. In traditional deployments, small cells are connected to the core network through dedicated backhaul links, which can be wired (e.g., fiber-optic cables) or wireless (e.g., microwave links). These links carry the data traffic from the small cells to the network's core, where it is further processed and routed.
  3. Macro Network: The macro network refers to the traditional cellular network infrastructure consisting of macrocells, which are larger base stations that provide wide-area coverage. Macrocells are usually connected to the core network through dedicated backhaul links.

Now, let's discuss how sBH works:

  1. Dual-Function Small Cells: In an sBH deployment, small cells are equipped with the capability to simultaneously serve as both access points and backhaul nodes. They establish wireless links with user devices, providing access to the network, and at the same time, utilize these links to transmit backhaul traffic to the core network.
  2. Wireless Link Sharing: With sBH, the same wireless links that are used for access connectivity between small cells and user devices are reused for transmitting backhaul traffic. This eliminates the need for separate backhaul links, reducing the overall infrastructure requirements and costs.
  3. Integration and Coordination: The implementation of sBH requires tight integration and coordination between the access and backhaul functions within the small cells. Advanced wireless communication techniques, such as multi-antenna technologies (e.g., MIMO) and beamforming, are employed to efficiently utilize the available spectrum and improve the overall performance of the network.
  4. Traffic Aggregation: To ensure efficient backhaul transmission, sBH often involves aggregating the traffic from multiple small cells before sending it over the wireless links. This aggregation can be done at various levels, such as at the physical layer (combining data streams) or at the network layer (merging IP packets).

Benefits of sBH:

  1. Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for separate backhaul links, sBH reduces the infrastructure costs associated with deploying and maintaining small cell networks. It avoids the expenses of deploying additional backhaul equipment and leasing dedicated backhaul lines.
  2. Simplified Deployment: sBH streamlines the deployment process by eliminating the need to plan and provision dedicated backhaul links for each small cell. This simplification can lead to faster deployment times and increased scalability.
  3. Flexibility and Scalability: With sBH, the backhaul capacity is automatically tied to the access capacity, allowing for dynamic scaling based on the traffic demands. As more small cells are added to the network, the backhaul capacity increases proportionally without requiring additional backhaul provisioning.
  4. Improved Performance: The use of advanced wireless communication techniques, coupled with optimized coordination between access and backhaul functions, can enhance the network performance and user experience. sBH reduces latency and improves throughput, resulting in faster data speeds and better overall network quality.

In summary, sBH is a concept that combines access and backhaul functions in small cells, allowing them to use the same wireless links for both purposes. This approach offers cost savings, simplified deployment, scalability, and improved network performance in wireless communication networks, especially in dense urban environments.