E-Band Overview
The 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands (widely known as "e-band") are permitted worldwide for ultra high capacity point-to-point communications. The 10 GHz of spectrum available represents by far the most ever allocated at any one time, enabling fiber-like gigabit per second (“Gbps”) and greater data rates that cannot be achieved at the bandwidth-limited lower microwave frequency bands. E-band propagation characteristics are comparable to those at the widely used microwave bands, and with well characterized weather characteristics allowing rain fade to be understood, link distances of several miles can confidently be realized.
E-band wireless systems offer the most compelling alternative to buried fiber with the following advantages over competing high capacity wireless technologies:
-
Highest data rates – E-band offers the highest data rates of any wireless technology, with systems available that offer 1 Gbps and above full-duplex throughput.
-
Guaranteed data rates – Unlike WiFi, WiMAX and other broad-coverage technologies whose system performance depends heavily on the radio and user environment, e-band systems offer guaranteed data throughput performance, even under deteriorated transmission conditions.
-
Long distance transmissions – E-band wireless offers the longest transmission distances of the higher capacity wireless systems. Under any environmental condition, a 1 Gbps e-band system can transmit many times further than similar data rate 60 GHz or free space optic systems.
-
Robust weather resilience – Conventional path planning techniques, using established and proven precipitation models, enable system designers to implement robust wireless networks that meet their system availability requirements. E-band is not subject to fog, dust, air turbulence or any other atmospheric impairment that can disable optical links for hours.
-
Guaranteed interference protection – Since e-band is a licensed technology, all links are granted full interference protection from other nearby wireless sources. In the unlikely event of interference, the full weight of the wireless regulator is available to identify and remove the interference source.
Low cost, rapid license availability – Links are licensed under a "light license" process, whereby licenses can be obtained quickly and cheaply. Such licenses provide the full benefits of traditional link licenses, but at a fraction of the cost and application time. - Cost effective, fiber-like wireless solution – High capacity e-band wireless systems are available at a fraction of the cost of buried fiber alternatives. Installed wireless systems have payback periods of months when compared to the costs of trenching new fiber. Installing dedicated wireless technology can often be more economic than leasing fiber-provided high capacity services.
Features and Benefits
GigE all the time |
- 1.25 Gbps full duplex Gigabit Ethernet transport gives significant capacity increase over copper wireline and lower frequency microwave alternatives
|
|
|
Industry leading performance |
- The highest link budget in the market allows for longer transmission distances and the most robust link performances than competitive alternatives
|
|
|
Cost-effective high data rate solution |
- Wireless capex is a fraction of the cost of trenching fiber
- Rapid deployment avoids construction and fiber-leasing delays
- Ownership of infrastructure eliminates recurring leased-line charges
|
|
|
Interference-free secure data communications |
- Licensed frequency band protection
- Narrow transmission beams give interference immunity
- Secure network management
|
|
|
Scalable future-proof connectivity |
- Built-in capacity for future applications
- Radio supports multiple network architectures including point-to-point, repeater and mesh
|
|
|
Rapid deployment |
- Single all-outdoor architecture, simple to install and maintain using PC or PDA
- Simple and fast "light" radio licensing scheme
|
|
|
Long distance wireless transmissions |
- High power transmitter and advanced receiver techniques yield typical link distances in excess of 2 miles (3 km) for 99.99% weather availability
|
Technology Comparisons
GRFX Here
E-band wireless systems offer a compelling alternative to these broadband technologies. A summary of how the most important system parameters and network characteristics compare are detailed below.
|
WiFi |
3G/4G |
Microwave |
60 GHz |
FSO |
Fiber |
E-Band |
| |
Data Rates |
Variable, typically 1 Mbps |
Variable, typically 10 Mbps |
2 to 311 Mbps |
100 Mbps to 1 Gbps |
100 Mbps to 1 Gbps |
To 100s of Gbps |
100 Mbps to 3 Gbps today; to 10 Gbps in the future |
| |
Typical distances for carrier class performance |
20 Yards |
2 miles |
5 miles |
500 Yards |
200 Yards |
20-60 km |
1-3 miles |
| |
Spectrum availability and licensing |
Freely available for unlicensed use |
Spectrum very scarce. Owned and fiercely protected by select incumbents |
Usually available for area licensing from country regulators |
Varies country by country. Available for unlicensed use in USA |
Spectrum freely available as technology not regulated |
N/A |
Available worldwide, usually as a low cost rapidly obtained "light license" |
| |
Guaranteed interference and regulatory protection |
No |
Usually |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| |
Relative cost of ownership |
Low |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
Medium |
| |
Install and commissioning time |
Hours |
Months/Years |
Weeks / Months |
Hours/Days |
Hours/Days |
Months/Years |
Hours/Days |
» Products » Technology » Applications » White Papers
|
Domain Registration 