All-Outdoor Radios Part II: Three Ways to Choose the Right ODR

Photo credit: mrbill / Foter.com / CC BY

Photo credit: mrbill / Foter.com / CC BY

A quick Google-glance around the Internet will reveal a panoply of all-outdoor radios (ODRs) in both microwave and millimeter-wave bands. ODRs do not conform to a universal norm in terms of networking features, power consumption, bandwidth scalability (i.e., capacity) or outright radio horsepower (i.e., system gain).

So if you find yourself asking the questions, “Which ODR is the best fit for my network?” or “How do I narrow the ODR field?” it is good to start with the basics.

The right product choice can be quickly resolved—or at least the candidates can be short-listed—by focusing on three ODR product attributes that most heavily influence the value-for-the-money (i.e., total cost of ownership or TCO) equation:

  • Packet throughput capacity, which dictates the usable life of the ODR
  • Power consumption, which affects the energy bill
  • RF performance, which impacts antenna size—more system gain equates to smaller antennas

For many microwave backhaul networks, the growth in underlying traffic is such that products which cannot scale to 500 Mbps/1 Gbps per channel will run out of momentum too early and precipitate the dreaded “forklift upgrade” (also known as the “CFO’s nightmare”).

These same CFOs are also suffering sleepless nights due to rising energy costs—which in some countries can double year-over-year. Therefore, it behooves the operator to seek and prioritize the use of über energy-efficient products, such as the Aviat WTM 3200, which—and this is important—do not compromise on RF performance.

That brings me to my last point: System gain (RF performance) remains a core TCO factor insofar as it can drive smaller antenna usage with the concomitant capex savings. Still, there might be little to differentiate ODRs in terms of RF performance—in which case the spotlight will fall on these other attributes to sway the decision.

Having worked on the operator side and wrestled with TCO analysis on many occasions, my experience tells me that you can narrow your ODR choice quickly by reflecting on these three attributes and the TCO gains they can deliver.

Jarlath Lally
Product Marketing Manager
Aviat Networks

Microwave Backhaul Helps Save Lives in Aviation

English: Auckland International Airport as see...

Auckland International Airport serves a vital role in the aviation industry, and Airways New Zealand and Aviat Networks upgraded its communications network to help maintain it. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Few could disagree that aviation remains one of the most vital global industries, due to its capability for transporting goods, people and even ideas thousands of miles in a span of a few hours. Fewer still could argue that aviation is also one of the industries most fraught with danger from equipment failure and human error. Safety is paramount, and clear, continuous communications between airplanes and ground control personnel is at the top of the list for maintaining safety.

What follows is a case study of how an airport traffic solutions provider, Airways New Zealand, expanded airport communications at Auckland International Airport to increase safety with help from Aviat Networks. Together, they implemented five-nines availability microwave radio solutions and futureproof element management system software that will meet the airport’s communications needs for at least the next 10 to 15 years. And all while implementing the network, no disruptions occurred to ongoing airport operations. Overall, the mission-critical communications system of the airport has been enhanced to a failsafe level of readiness. Continue reading