User Manual

Understanding backhaul links
IP-RN 8000 Installation & Commissioning Guide 75
Understanding backhaul links
The backhaul connects the IP-RN 8000 to the IP-RNC 8500 and carries user traffic (access terminal to
Internet) and management traffic (AirVista to IP-RN 8000). See Understanding the backhaul punch block
and switch on page 32.
Backhaul deployment/installation options are as follows:
• One to four T1/E1 leased lines
The combined total bandwidth of the T1/E1 leased lines is available for backhaul traffic.
The backhaul switch makes the total T1/E1 backhaul bandwidth available to whichever BIO/SC is
currently active. (In non-redundant systems, there is only one BIO/SC, typically in slot 3).
• Or, one or two 10/100 Mbit/sec Ethernet links
The bandwidth of a single Ethernet is available at a time for backhaul traffic because the Ethernets are
not switched between the BIO/SCs like T1/E1s Instead the Ethernet link(s) pass directly through the
backhaul switch and are directly connected to each BIO/SC module(s).
If you are using Ethernet backhauls on a redundant system with two Digital Module Kits, you must
install two Ethernet backhauls.
Non-redundant digital module kits require only a single Ethernet backhaul.
Backhaul cable specifications are as follows:
• T1 — 100 ohm twisted pair cable complying with ANSI/EIA/TIA 568
• E1 — 120 ohm twisted pair cable
• Ethernet— Cat5 cable or better. Ensure the cable can withstand the temperature range inside the
cabinet.
NOTE
The backhaul cable(s) installed should have connectors on the far
end that are appropriate for the application. For example, if
Ethernet backhauls are used, the far end of the cables should have
Ethernet connectors that are appropriate for the Ethernet switch,
patch panel, router, or other device that the cables will connect to
(typically RJ-45 modular jacks).
CAUTION
Make sure that temperature specification of the Ethernet cable
you provide is within the expected operational temperature limits
of the inside of the cabinet. See Table 27
on page 192.