Tech Talk: Microwave-Capacity Evolution

Microwave links are the freeways of the modern mobile-broadband network. Over the past 10 years spectral efficiency has increased from about 1 bps/Hz to 35 bps/Hz demonstrating up to 1 Gbps in a single 28 MHz channel. This has made it possible for operators to roll out next-generation radio-access networks using available-frequency bands, without the need to invest in fiber infrastructure.

So how will microwave backhaul handle the demands for increased capacity?

The first GSM networks in the mid-1990s only needed to handle a few Mbps of traffic. Today’s LTE networks typically need 100-150 Mbps from a single site. With the current demand for capacity, we can expect a need for bitrates measured in gigabits-per-second within five to 10 years. Wireless backhaul will be able to cope with this.

Under Ericsson’s leadership microwave technology has undergone a tremendous evolution over the last ten years. It is reliable, provides high capacity and ensures a quick and cost effective rollout.

Ericsson has led this technology evolution and will continue to do so.