Abstract
This report addresses technologies, applications and markets for microwave
radio. The report classifies microwave radios as SONET/SDH, Microwave Packet
Radio and mm-wave radio. Though used often in different applications and
markets, these types of microwave radios allow sustaining high-speed reliable
communications, and can be used as alternative to fiber optics transmission.
Despite early predictions, SONET/SDH still prevails in fiber optics
transmission as a major standard. Microwave radio that is able to carry
SONET/SDH signals format is the logical extension of fiber optic
communications in cases when:
- Terrain and other factors preclude fiber placement
- Economics of the project dictate use of microwave technologies instead of
fiber optics systems.
The SONET/SDH microwave radio market is active and became stable if compared
with the telecom market after depression of 2000-2003. Stability of the
utility industry and tighter requirements on network characteristics in the
financial world contribute to the fact that this market not only survived, but
also is growing.
Microwave Packet Radio is establishing itself as an advanced technology in the
packet-centric world. Existing developments allow using this radio in many
applications; prevailing among them is mobile backhaul. The report analyzes
details of such an application and shows that the microwave radio future
depends in great degree on its ability to adopt to the IP technology.
mm-Wave radios experience the “second life” due to their specifics
and government regulations that opened relatively large windows of spectrum
for commercial use; and the progress in the chips design that made it
possible to produce high-frequency IC with relatively low cost.
The report analyzes properties of 60 GHz and E-band radio technologies and
researches their market segments, applications and the industry.
Research Methodology
Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various
Web sites was studied and analyzed. Evaluation of publicly available marketing
and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and
interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives.
In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were
used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including
industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.
The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and
relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the
information content.
Target Audience
This report audience includes a wide variety of technical, managerial and
sales staff of IT departments working to support corporation communications
networks. Equipment vendors can find in the report the survey of competing
portfolios. For networks designers, this report explains microwave radio
applications, benefits and issues.
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