Next-generation microwave packet radio: characteristics and evolution areas to support new scenarios in wireless backhauling

The current generation of packet microwave was introduced to support the transport of HSPA+/LTE services in an all packet-based backhaul network. LTE-A moves backhaul requirements even further, demanding more capacity and better performance. Scope of this paper is to discuss the main evolution areas of the next-generation packet microwave radios to support such new requirements. The discussion will touch RF capabilities necessary to increase radio capacity (e.g. high-order QAM, frequency reuse techniques, LOS-MIMO), improve energy efficiency (new RF technologies, smart metering methods), and decrease the form factor through mechanical arrangement. Packet functionalities of a packet microwave leverage RF capabilities and provide a decisive step to support 10 Gbit/s capacity and an increase of availability. A key role is played by radio-LAG, coupled with the exploitation of Adaptive Modulation, to provide methods suitable to maximize capacity and availability and bringing to a decrease of the overall solution cost.