Broadband Forum releases Broadbandsuite 6.0

The Broadband Forum has launched Broadbandsuite 6.0 - LTE ready mobile backhaul that provides service providers with the necessary tools to evolve their networks towards LTE networks. With the burgeoning demand for high speed mobile services combined with the growth in IP traffic and services, service providers can introduce LTE networks simultaneously while migrating from existing legacy 2G and 3G mobile backhaul networks to a converged network architecture based on IP/MPLS technology. BroadbandSuite 6.0 addresses network migration requirements with practical resources, specifications, test plans, and best practice documentation, including technical specifications like TR-221: 'MPLS in Mobile Backhaul Networks', IP/MPLS Forum 20.0.0: 'MPLS in Mobile Backhaul Networks Framework and Requirements'. BroadbandSuite 6.0 also addresses certification test plan including TR-248: "Abstract Test Suite for TDM Services over MPLS" (basis of the BBF.248 TDMoMPLS certification). BroadbandSuite 6.0 is a resource that addresses the demand for mobile backhaul services. Operators must be able to handle the increase in the number and sophistication of devices coming online, including smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles. Broadband Forum has a number of additional technical reports and test plans in development addressing areas such as MPLS over Aggregated Interfaces, MPLS in Carrier Ethernet Networks, Abstract Test Suite for ATM Services over MPLS, Certification for Ethernet Services over MPLS and Energy Efficiency in Core and Access Aggregation. BroadbandSuite 6.0 provides the tools that give operators the ability to architect a standards-based network design. The test plans and BBF certification allows them to select the right product and vendor in the knowledge that they conform to global specifications. Service providers now have the ability to build a converged, MPLS-based mobile backhaul network using their existing legacy wireless technologies and evolving into the all-IP infrastructure.