Ericsson has been named the leading microwave backhaul vendor followed by NEC and Ceragon. Alcatel-Lucent has been named the leading Carrier Ethernet vendor followed by Tellabs and Cisco. These findings are part of ABI Research’s latest Mobile Backhaul Competitive Assessment.

For the innovation criteria of the vendor matrix, diverse portfolios and superior roadmaps drove the top scores. In microwave mobile backhaul Ericsson, NEC, and Ceragon were ranked the best based on their comprehensive portfolios covering the full spectrum of applications including outdoor, all-IP, hybrid, TDM, and short-haul with the flexibility to scale for multiple scenarios.

For innovation in the Carrier Ethernet space, Alcatel-Lucent, Tellabs, and Huawei ranked 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd respectively, due to their wide range of backhaul network strategies ranging from hybrid data offload to all IP-RAN and supporting multiple backhaul alternatives including Ethernet, IP/MPLS, packet optical, packet microwave, digital subscriber line (DSL), and gigabit passive optical network (GPON) with full Ethernet, ATM, and TDM pseudowire support.

Implementation rankings were driven by leading market shares and geographical reach. In the microwave mobile backhaul segment Ericsson, NEC, and Alcatel-Lucent took the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd positions respectively, with solid scores. Ericsson is the market leader with an estimated 2011 share of 21.5%, closely followed by NEC with 20.2%, and Huawei with 19.5%. For implementation in the Carrier Ethernet vendor matrix Alcatel-Lucent, Tellabs, and Cisco took the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd spots thanks to their market share. Alcatel-Lucent dominates this market with an estimated 23.4% share in 2011, followed by Tellabs at 19.6%, and Cisco at 18.1%

“Although Ericsson is #1 in microwave backhaul we believe that NEC, our number 2 choice, is rapidly growing to challenge Ericsson with a growing backhaul portfolio and revenue stream,” says Nick Marshall principal analyst at ABI Research. The companies included in this Competitive Assessment are Ericsson, NEC, Ceragon, Alcatel-Lucent, DragonWave, Aviat, Huawei, and ZTE.

“Alcatel-Lucent’s flexible portfolio supporting multiple and diverse backhaul network strategies was the key to the company’s high score for Carrier Ethernet,” continues Marshall. The companies included in this Competitive Assessment are Alcatel-Lucent, Tellabs, Cisco, Huawei, RAD, Adtran, Juniper, Ericsson, Ciena, and Overture.

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Mobile Backhaul (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/service/mobile-backhaul/) Research Service, which provides coverage of backhaul using microwave, DSL, fiber, CATV, copper technologies, and Carrier Ethernet.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.