As microwave networks evolve to meet rising capacity demands, operators are increasingly burdened by three persistent challenges: limited spectrum, escalating infrastructure costs, and interference from emerging technologies like Wi-Fi 6E. Aviat’s IRU 600 Ultra High Power (UHP) radio is purpose-built to address these issues by delivering more power, greater flexibility, and significant cost savings.

Why Power Matters in Microwave Networks

In the 6 GHz and 11 GHz bands, transmit power directly impacts network performance. The IRU 600 UHP delivers a guaranteed 38 dBm at the antenna port, enabling:

• Higher system gain

• Longer link distances

• Smaller antennas

• Higher modulation and wider channels

This level of performance allows operators to double capacity, extend link distances by up to 30 percent, or reduce antenna size by as much as 33 percent without compromising link reliability.

Capacity: More Bits, Smarter Bits

Operators can increase capacity through a combination of technical enhancements:

• Modulation upgrades (for example, 256 QAM to 1024 QAM) can boost throughput by up to 30 percent

• Wider channels (for example, 40 MHz to 80 MHz) can double available capacity

• Multi-channel configurations (for example, 1+0 to 2+0) provide linear capacity scaling

The additional power provided by UHP makes these upgrades more feasible, even without increasing antenna size or reducing link availability.

Cutting Tower Costs with Smaller Antennas

Tower-related expenses can represent up to 25 percent of total network costs. With its high transmit power, the IRU 600 UHP allows operators to use smaller antennas, which can:

• Reduce wind loading by 42 percent

• Decrease antenna weight by 32 percent

• Lower lease costs by up to 40 percent

• Minimize capital and installation expenditures

Smaller antennas also provide greater stability in adverse weather due to their wider beamwidths.

Defending Against Wi-Fi 6E Interference

Outdoor deployments of Wi-Fi 6E present an increasing risk of interference, particularly to 6 GHz microwave links. While FCC coordination systems like AFC and CBP offer some protection, interference from rogue or misconfigured devices remains a concern.

Aviat’s three-step defense strategy includes:

• Detection: Use Frequency Assurance Software (FAS) to continuously monitor and baseline link performance

• Diagnosis: Leverage Aviat’s Interference Diagnostic Service to collect evidence and engage with the FCC

• Mitigation: Transition to the 11 GHz band or deploy multiband (6 + 11 GHz) configurations for added capacity and redundancy

All-Indoor Architecture for Mission-Critical Reliability

Unlike split-mount or all-outdoor radios, the IRU 600 UHP features a fully indoor design that supports:

• Lower failure rates

• Faster repair times, often up to 12 hours quicker

• No need for tower climbs

• Improved resilience in remote or harsh environments

This makes the IRU 600 UHP an ideal choice for utilities, public safety, and private networks where continuous operation is essential.

Flexible, Future-Proof Design

The IRU 600 UHP was built with long-term scalability in mind. Its modular architecture offers:

• Support for 4096 QAM and 80 MHz channels

• Easy RF module swaps to accommodate future power upgrades

• Seamless integration with multiband antennas

Real-World Impact

In the field, the IRU 600 UHP has already proven its value. One U.S. utility migrated all 6 GHz links to 11 GHz using UHP without increasing antenna size or facing expensive tower modifications. In another deployment, the UHP enabled a 100 percent increase in capacity and 30 percent longer link distances compared to previous-generation radios.