Expanding horizons with microwave 18 GHz technology
As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, more than 50 percent of cell sites are now connected via microwave technology. Despite the rapid advancements in 5G, coverage is not yet universal, and the demand for efficient backhauling has significantly increased, resulting in a growing need for high-frequency microwave solutions. Many enterprises, public safety entities and utilities often rely on lower microwave frequencies, such as 6GHz and 11GHz, to cover longer distances. However, these frequencies are becoming increasingly congested, necessitating a shift in microwave transport to higher frequencies. While higher frequencies offer a solution to congestion, they present their own set of challenges, particularly with signal attenuation. Nokia’s advanced, high-power microwave radios not only mitigate attenuation but also allow for the use of smaller antennas for short hop lengths, offering a practical solution for modern backhaul needs.
What is new in Nokia’s microwave portfolio?
Building on our exploration of microwave connectivity, Nokia's high-power microwave radio portfolio, UBT-T XP, supports frequencies ranging from 6GHz to 18GHz. Recently, Nokia introduced an industry-leading 18GHz product with high +31dBm output power, further enhancing its microwave radio portfolio. This new radio variant is ideal for various use cases, including mobile backhauling, enterprise connectivity, private wireless networks, utilities, public safety, long-distance backbones, and connectivity in challenging terrains.
The new 18GHz radio offers significant benefits to operators, such as reduced antenna size to optimize expenses. For example, at 18GHz, the 7dB improvement provided by UBT-T XP translates to a significant reduction in antenna size and tower load. This not only lowers operational costs but also simplifies site permissions and reduces wind load constraints. Furthermore, all UBT-T XP radios can be installed fully outdoors if needed, further reducing the amount of equipment, such as switches or waveguides, required.
How do advanced capabilities and configurations enhance performance?
The scarcity of spectrum at lower frequencies presents significant challenges for operators, but multiband configurations offer a viable solution. Nokia's 18 GHz XP radio, with its exceptionally high-power output, can replace one of the channels traditionally allocated at lower frequencies. This innovation not only addresses spectrum scarcity but also enhances network performance and capacity. By leveraging the 18 GHz XP in multiband configurations, operators can optimize their use of available spectrum, ensuring reliable and high-capacity connectivity while mitigating the congestion often associated with lower frequency bands.
Nokia's 18GHz radio supports 2+0 configurations in a single radio, meaning it can operate with two channels transmitting simultaneously. Additionally, the UBT-T XP supports a dual-band variant to support 2+0 in 6+11GHz. The multi-band configurations can be extended to high 6+0 or ultra-high 12+0 capacities by incorporating additional frequencies to match traffic needs. The higher power output allows for smaller antenna sizes, reducing overall wind load and easing site permissions.
At Mobile World Congress 2024, Nokia showcased its new tri-band antenna, which supports large configurations like 11+13+18GHz with a single antenna form factor. This innovation in multi-band antenna significantly reduces the overall number of warehouse assets required, streamlining inventory and deployment processes. Dual-band antennas supporting 11+18GHz and 18+80GHz (E-band) are available to address typical configurations in North America, further enhancing flexibility and performance.
How can performance and efficiency be maximized?
Microwave transmission connects point A to point B, referred to as a hop, with the distance depending on the transmitted power (or system gain) of the radios. It should be noted that the UBT-T XP 18 GHz product represents the highest output power and system gain in the market extending the link length by 25 percent. This allows the use of the 18 GHz band instead of 11 GHz for long-distance links when 11 GHz is unavailable.
If distance isn't the main concern but operational cost is, the UBT-T XP can reduce antenna size by up to 75 percent as well as reduce tower load by over 70 kg, significantly lowering operational costs. A three-foot antenna costs around 67 percent less than a six-foot antenna, with tower lease costs for a three-foot antenna being about 50 percent less. Additionally, logistical costs are much lower; a container can hold 80 three-foot antennas compared to just 25 of the six-foot size. The new tri-band antenna, launched at MWC 2024, simplifies setups by reducing the need to just one antenna, eliminating costly and complex configurations.
What makes Nokia an optimal partner for microwave deployment?
Nokia’s advanced microwave radio solutions are designed to meet the growing traffic demands and shifting frequencies, providing our customers with the necessary tools to maintain and expand their network capabilities effectively. Our portfolio, including the industry-leading 18GHz radio variant ensures energy-efficient and highly reliable performance. Nokia has consistently been at the forefront of microwave technology. Our solutions, such as the UBT-T XP platform, support frequencies from 6GHz to 18GHz, showcasing our versatility and commitment to addressing diverse customer needs.
Our microwave radio portfolio underscores our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient telecommunications advancements, enabling operators to achieve superior network performance, significant cost savings, and enhanced energy efficiency.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to our subject matter experts or visit our microwave webpage for more information!
