By Terry Ross, PLM Director

When considering a Multi-Band solution, users are usually interested in accessing the multi-gigabit high capacities available at the millimetre-wave frequency bands at 80 GHz, supported by the robust operation of microwave radio. A tightly integrated radio solution that provides a seamless single transport interface for users makes Multi-Band a no-brainer for Mobile Service Providers, WISPs and Private Network operators.

Using the Aviat WTM 4100 or the WTM 4800 Multi-band with A2C+ and two 112 MHz channels achieves link capacity as high as a single 224 MHz channel, but with better performance, more uptime, and greater flexibility.

5G and rural broadband networks are on track to quickly outgrow the capabilities of microwave-only backhaul solutions. Taking a different, more flexible approach to backhaul planning and availability targets will be key to keep pace with capacity demands and control costs.

It’s pretty simple – network operators need to build more capacity to support active or future planned deployments of 5G. Even operators who don’t see 5G on the horizon yet are facing new capacity demands, whether they have 4G/LTE networks or are delivering rural broadband services using fixed wireless access.

In this highly digitized broadband world, the demand for network capacity is always rising. Wireless internet service providers and mobile operators are all finding their customers demanding more bandwidth. Even utilities and local governments use more network bandwidth as they deploy surveillance cameras and other high-demand applications. Long-haul microwave links play a key role in delivering network capacity, and 6 GHz and 11 GHz frequencies are popular choices.

With the current landscape of network economics and challenges associated with capacity and spectrum, having multiple tools for link deployments, capacity growth, and future-proofing are necessary. In this blog, we’ll discuss the concept of Microwave Multi-Band, or the use of two different microwave frequency bands over one link, and specifically the combination of 6 GHz and 11 GHz.

In today’s increasingly connected world, speed is king. Companies that can react, adapt, plan, and execute quickly maximize the opportunities presented by change. However, speed in procurement is difficult to gain without a strong, reliable partner who recognizes the value of time and efficient order processing. A perfect example of this is with the partnership between ISPs and Aviat, quickly and efficiently meeting the growing needs of high-speed broadband in rural and underserved areas across the globe using the Aviat Store, a fast and efficient platform to buy microwave radios, antennas, licenses, and accessories online — completely self-serve.

Demand for broadband services to unserved or underserved rural communities has been a topic among governments worldwide for more than two decades. While there has been some government funding directed toward rural connectivity in prior years, the global COVID-19 pandemic has increased the urgency to close the digital divide.

Is traditional microwave dead? With the advent of Multi-Band, it could be. Why accept an old solution when you can have so much more by combining E-Band and traditional microwave into a single-box unit. Governments are taking action across the world to connect homes and businesses in rural areas to the rest of the world. From the 7-year action plan devised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) $9.2 billion newly implemented Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, there is a worldwide focus on the connectedness of rural areas. As capacity demands increase rapidly for rural broadband networks, a better solution than traditional microwave is needed.

When it comes to delivering the best in wireless backhaul solutions, Aviat sets the bar high, and now we have been selected as one of the “best-positioned suppliers” for the OpenSoftHaul (OSH) global RFI sponsored by Telecom Infra Project’s Wireless Backhaul Project Group (WBH PG).