Backhaul Bandwidth Calculator
Dimension cell-site backhaul from peak cell rates, statistical multiplexing gain, growth and protection overhead.
Inputs
Share of the summed peak that the aggregate actually reaches.
Backhaul Capacity to Order
5.69Gbps
Aggregate Load Today
2.16Gbps
Aggregate Load at End of Horizon
4.75Gbps
Sum of Unmultiplexed Peaks
4.80Gbps
Step by step
Values used
Cell sites aggregated onto the link = 8 sites; Peak throughput per site = 600 Mbps; Statistical multiplexing factor = 45 %; Annual traffic growth = 30 %; Planning horizon = 3 years; Protection and overhead allowance = 20 %
Backhaul Bandwidth
design = Σ peak × multiplexing factor × (1 + growth)^years × (1 + protection allowance).
Backhaul Capacity to Order
= 5.69 Gbps
Aggregate Load Today
= 2.16 Gbps
Aggregate Load at End of Horizon
= 4.75 Gbps
Sum of Unmultiplexed Peaks
= 4.80 Gbps
How it works
Cell sites do not all peak at the same instant, so an aggregation link carries far less than the arithmetic sum of site peaks. Applying the multiplexing factor first, then compounding traffic growth over the planning horizon, and finally adding a protection allowance gives a circuit size that stays valid for the life of the contract. Backhaul is usually leased on multi-year terms, so the number you order has to survive several years of growth without paying for capacity that idles from day one.
Formula
Backhaul Bandwidth
design = Σ peak × multiplexing factor × (1 + growth)^years × (1 + protection allowance).
- multiplexing factor
- Aggregate peak as a fraction of the sum of individual peaks
- years
- Planning horizon before the next upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Backhaul Bandwidth calculated?
design = Σ peak × multiplexing factor × (1 + growth)^years × (1 + protection allowance). Cell sites do not all peak at the same instant, so an aggregation link carries far less than the arithmetic sum of site peaks. Applying the multiplexing factor first, then compounding traffic growth over the planning horizon, and finally adding a protection allowance gives a circuit size that stays valid for the life of the contract.
Why does Backhaul Bandwidth matter?
Backhaul is usually leased on multi-year terms, so the number you order has to survive several years of growth without paying for capacity that idles from day one.
What values do I need to enter?
This calculator takes 6 inputs: Cell sites aggregated onto the link, Peak throughput per site, Statistical multiplexing factor, Annual traffic growth, Planning horizon, Protection and overhead allowance. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.