What did you receive over the holidays? Too much video bandwidth? Too many parallel networks to maintain and upgrade at the same time?

Yup -- I was gifted some things I wish I could return as well. Unfortunately, you don’t have the same option. You’re stuck with escalating video demands that are worse than a bad holiday sweater. And you must optimize the performance of that bursty network without returning your gift for a more manageable size.

Is it any wonder you want to drown yourself in eggnog? Just a short time ago, the cell sites you owned were about 5 miles apart. Today, the distance between cells is about 5 meters. Even worse, a fair number of the 300K cell sites in the U.S. are now being shared. Believe it or not, there are 2.7 tenants per cell site, so you now get to be a landlord and hand off those kazillions (a non-official measurement) of packets to other MNOs.

Feel like you need a vacation from what you received during vacation? Wish your new 2012 budget would allow you to purchase exactly what you need to manage that bandwidth and invest in evolving your network? (I’m guessing that’s not in the cards. Still, don’t fret.)

Because whether it’s wireless backhaul, copper to fiber migration, and/or the marriage between fixed and mobile broadband networks, OSP^® magazine can help you find cost-effective solutions for your most pressing challenges. AND this little tool, in its print/digital/web forms, can help you learn HOW to move forward -- not just get by.

So, go ahead. Keep wishing you could return your gift for something that fits better. Just don’t wish it in vain. First, read each and every page of this month’s OSP. You may find the perfect solution that will make your hefty video bandwidth gift more appealing.

Sources: www.itu.int; www.te.com; www.yankeegroup.com

In celebration of OSP magazine’s 30th Anniversary, we’re celebrating with some lighter… er, fun… facts that surround “30”. Look for this icon and read on throughout the year!