BridgeWave Communications is getting into the microwave game.
The company recently released the first microwave radio capable of transmitting full-rate gigabit Ethernet in one compact, all-outdoor unit. The FlexPort µWave, or FlexPort Microwave, was designed specifically for network operators looking to migrate from their existing networks to next generation 4G networks and for service providers developing new WiMAX or LTE networks from the ground up, according to BridgeWave.
With FlexPort µWave, mobile operators, service providers, and other users will never have to worry about having to add on a second radio or climb a tower to achieve full-rate gigabit transmissions in the lower frequency spectrum, between 11 – 38 GHz.
Specifically, FlexPort µWave helps network operators overcome backhaul bottleneck problems that are not uncommon in existing 3G networks, according to Joe Schraml, vice president of marketing at BridgeWave Communications. It also offers a cost effective migration path from initial low capacity transport, to full-rate gigabit access and backhaul connections, he said.
“As operators need a cost effective way to migrate to next generation networks without breaking the bank, BridgeWave’s FlexPort µWave was designed to allow operators the lowest total cost of ownership for high-capacity backhaul,” Schraml said.
Richard Webb, directing analyst at Infonetics Research, said increased data demands on mobile networks is causing carriers to focus on mobile backhaul equipment, specifically microwave/millimeter wave point-to-point radios. With FlexPort µWave, BridgeWave is well positioned to meet the new demand.
“Until FlexPort µWave, transporting full-rate gigabit speeds at the microwave frequencies meant multiple sets of indoor and outdoor hardware, Webb said. “BridgeWave is the first to address carriers’ need for a [gigabit Ethernet] all-outdoor solution.”
Quick Specs
- FlexPort µWave provides full-rate gigabit throughput with extremely low latency for high capacity backhaul connections.
- It can reach distances of up to 10 miles.
- FlexPort µWave offers throughput equivalent to that offered by fiber-based connectivity.
- The product is built upon BridgeWave’s Ethernet switching, digital modem and signal processing technologies.
Editor’s Take
FlexPort µWave is truly the first of its kind microwave radio, giving mobile network operators a clear path to upgrade to 4G networks. It contains carrier-grade features, including a 5-port gigabit Ethernet switch with QoS, and delivers throughput equal to fiber-based network connectivity.
