Over the past decade microwave links have proven a popular solution for the telecommunication industry. The relative ease and economy of installation has been them deployed in an increasing number of point-to-point applications – from communications backbones (blue), to branch links (white) and distribution networks (light blue), not to mention applications in the broadcast industry and private enterprises.
With the rise of new cellular operators and technologies, overall microwave network density is undeniably escalating. Backbone systems are built country wide in a majority of case using a ring structure. In the very seldom case that a link is down the service will remain full operational. The frequencies in use are below 10 GHz allowing link distances up to 50 km with antennas up to 4.5m diameter.
Branch links are connected to the backbone towers providing the signal to main areas and towns. The frequencies in use are up to 20 GHz providing links up to 20 km with medium size antennas. Distribution links using frequencies above 22 GHz with small antennas are completing the network.
Yet this intensification of microwave communications brings added challenge. The greater the number of point-to-point links in a given area, the greater the potential for these to interact with one another and cause interference. Since any distortion of the signal reduces the quality of service, controlling interferences is now the mandate of any radio network operator and national authority. The key issue for consideration is the design and location of the source of the signal – the antenna.
Radio Link Applications In the field of telecommunications, recent years have been marked by the rapid construction of radio link networks for different applications. Radio Link Backbone Systems Backbone or back haul systems have been built for mobile operators who want to be independent from Telcos and fixed wire operators. It saves cost for leasing a fixed line and allows a simple upgrade of the network if higher capacity is required.
In addition traditional and new telcom's, utilities as well as broadcast organizations are upgrading their networks to offer higher capacities to clients or to upgrade their system from analogue to digital service. Backbone systems usually use large size antennas in frequency bands below 10 GHz. Due to the distance from the antenna to the radio a flexible elliptical waveguide is used for connection. RFS antennas plus FLEXWELL® Elliptical waveguides match perfectly the needs.
Radio link systems for base station connectivity Mobile operators use microwave in about 70% of cases for the connection of base station to base station and base station to switching centers. A very quick and cost effective deployment is mandatory to be successful in a rapidly growing market. This construction process is still a long way from completion. The central issues are higher and more secure network coverage as well as expansion of capacity.
Radio link stations can be erected in a large variety of locations, and these all have specific structural and electrical requirements which must be fulfilled by the antenna/waveguide system. It is now common practice to install new base stations on existing radio link towers for backhaul applications to share the cost of a site.