Wireless microwave technology comes into the spotlight as continuously available, high-speed, all-IP networks take the stage
The market for wireless communications is feeling the pinch of a number of challenges: the overall growth of wireless subscribers, the number of 3G and potential 4G subscribers, data device use, exploding capacity requirements and subscribers’ requests for more functionality, like voice, video, data and mobility. Wireless microwave technology is poised to be a major player; it can enable cheap, reliable wireless access to replace aging copper or leased T1 lines for backhaul and last-mile situations.
Microwave point-to-point links are cheaper than optical fiber for connections, and offer great ease of use. They don’t need much maintenance, either, which has won fans. Rather than using solely microwave wireless tools, though, the industry seems to be embracing a hybrid setup to get to an all-IP network and enable networks like 4G and challenges like bandwidth-intensive and rich media transactions. Reliability and availability continue to be paramount, and WiMax (the wireless microwave-enabled industry standard) will be a key technology used to get to widespread 4G access.
Best-in-Class Wireless Microwave Features:
- Offers microwave radio in split configuration, rather than standard all-indoor configuration, for fewer losses
- Drops low priority traffic if the link suffers degradation
- Works easily with other technologies or as a hybrid mix to enable 4G, continuous availability and low latency
Top Considerations before Buying Wireless Microwave Products:
Wireless microwave technology can beat older technologies like optical fiber and copper on cost, ease of use and installation. As its popularity grows, it may be invaluable in meeting increasing availability and quality requirements. Wireless microwave technology should work toward the evolution of wireless networks to 4G and 1Gbps speeds, with rich media, bandwidth-intensive capabilities, less delay for real-time services, and excellent reliability. Organizations may look to avoid complexity by outsourcing wireless microwave equipment handling and network planning. Millimeter-wave radios will offer additional help in connecting point-to-point microwave systems, and wireless microwave will help build new kinds of networks such as metropolitan area networks (MANs).
Key Products
1. AvaLAN develops and manufactures long-range industrial wireless radio technology. Their focus is on delivering reliable connections to devices at the network’s edge, and in demanding environments like high-interference indoor applications and long-distance outdoor applications. Products include integrated wireless dome housing, integrated wireless tube housing, wireless Ethernet bridges, Ethernet panels, connectors, lightning arrestors and outdoor radios
2. Proxim Wireless Corporation is a provider of end-to-end broadband wireless systems that deliver voice, video, data and mobility. Proxim’s systems enable a variety of wireless applications including point-to-point wireless backhaul, security and surveillance, VoIP, last mile access and enterprise LAN connectivity. Their products connect government agencies and enable in-field mobile data access for public safety officers and other mobile field workers.
3.DragonWave provides high-capacity packet microwave solutions that drive next-generation IP networks. DragonWave’s carrier-grade point-to-point packet microwave systems transmit broadband voice, video and data. The principal application of DragonWave’s products is wireless network backhaul. Additional solutions include leased line replacement, last mile fiber extension and enterprise networks. Their Horizon Quantum solution delivers 2 to 4 Gbps per link throughput, and the Horizon Compact solution delivers a high capacity native Ethernet microwave system.
4. EDX Wireless offers engineering products for designing wireless communications networks, including wireless broadband, LTE, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, public safety, and other mobile wireless systems. The mission of the company, founded 25 years ago, is to provide cost effective and technologically advanced wireless network planning, design and management software tools for both outdoor and indoor settings, across all frequency bands, and in support of advanced air interface standards. Their SIGNAL and SignalPro products are wireless network engineering tools.
5. Focus Microwaves Inc. designs and manufactures automatic noise and load pull systems. Their tuners work from below 20MHz to 110GHz, and they also make manual probe stations, coaxial and microstrip test fixtures, TRL VNA calkits and integration accessories. Their Focus Device Characterization Suite comprises a set of modules including tuner calibration, full system automation, noise parameter extraction and harmonic load pull.
Wireless Microwave
Definition: Wireless Microwave refers to the technology of using microwaves to transmit information without the use of wires. Wireless microwave technology allows for WiMAX to provide fixed and fully mobile internet access.
