June 7, 2017
There’s no one-size-fits-all in microwave. Each radio architecture comes with tradeoffs, so you need to weigh the choices in each segment of the network to get the right product mix for your business. To determine your best solution, first establish your requirements from a capacity, reliability, operational, and cost perspective. Then choose the right product. Microwave’s major technologies include the following.
In this configuration, the transmit RFU and data connection interfaces are housed in an equipment room or shelter. The antenna is usually connected via an elliptical waveguide. This configuration has the highest upfront cost, but the lowest cost of ownership. All indoor radios do not have the same weight and size limitations that externally mounted RFUs have, so they can be run at higher transmission power levels. Aviat’s transmit power is typically high enough to overcome waveguide and insertion losses and deliver more power at the antenna port than external units.
In a split-mount configuration, data connection interfaces are located inside the room, shelter, or cabinet at the base of the tower. With no waveguide connection, it’s the most-used configuration for frequencies greater than 11 GHz. Prefer this solution where there is little or no space indoors to deploy your equipment. Eliminating the waveguide often reduces installation cost and time, and this configuration has a lower mean time to repair, since IF electronics are housed indoors.
All-outdoor radios are versatile, since they can be deployed in many traditional microwave bands. Equipment requirements are much lower, so they offer reduced CAPEX and installation costs. These radios can achieve high capacity by using single/dual modem-transceiver and multiple channels. Data can be carried over an electrical or fiber optic cable.
Here are some general guidelines to help you determine where each radio works best.
As an operator, your choices are based on your business, your technical requirements, and your service offerings. Critical parameters include:
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