Microwave evolution

High- and mid-band deployments, but especially the latter, will drive backhaul needs. As capacity requirements in mobile networks become more diverse, so will demands on backhaul transport networks as seen in this year´s report. Modernized microwave planning and even more efficient spectrum use will play a significant role in achieving higher capacities. It involves new key performance indicators (KPIs) and more balanced dimensioning.

Coexistence with other radio services in parts of the 6–15 GHz range is another hot topic in backhaul spectrum as long-range microwave backhaul is essential in these bands. Security in microwave networks is for the first time covered in Microwave Outlook. Microwave nodes are frequently located in remote, unsupervised locations which can be susceptible for threats.