November 21, 2019

Did you know?…Multi-Band is ideal for 1-10km links

Multi-Band backhaul links consist of running multiple channels at different frequency bands, typically 70/80 GHz + 6-23 GHz on a single link, to improve capacity and reliability. These links essentially operate as an extended ACM solution – giving more reliability than E-Band and more capacity than the lower frequency channels operating independently.

The benefit of Multi-Band can be seen when operators design links with the same mindset as ACM – different classes of traffic at different capacity levels, each with their targeted reliability. The operators make this decision to take advantage of the better reliability and capacity levels offered by a Multi-Band solution.

For instance, from 0-1kms E-Band is typically sufficient to meet reliability requirements for high priority traffic. For distances longer than 10kms, E-Band in many cases doesn’t work, so you need to deploy traditional microwave (6-42 GHz). But what about that sweet spot between 1-10kms? It is within this range that Multi-Band makes sense to deploy.

That being said, this range can change based on traffic reliability requirements, rain zones, and antenna sizes – so you really need to check your link with a specific design ( expert hint: Aviat Design is a unique path planning tool that supports ability to do integrated Multi-Band link designs). Multi-Band may be useful for some applications, especially where cost of 70/80 GHz spectrum is inexpensive.