1. 6-13 GHz Since low frequencies are less sensitive to rain, these bands will continue to be used for long hop distances and are essential in geographical areas with higher probabilities of rain. Capacity limitations exist due to their typically narrow channels, unless multiple channels are aggregated. Of the lower bands, the 7 GHz band is very popular in most parts of the world, but also 6 and 8 GHz are quite commonly used. Of the higher bands, 13 GHz is popular in most parts of the world, while 11 GHz is especially popular in North America. The 10 GHz band is used much less globally but used to some extent in the Middle East.
2. 15-23 GHz These are the most widely used bands globally and will continue to stay very important in the coming years. The introduction of wider channels has started, which, together with new spectrum-efficient technologies, will further boost capacity.
E band spectrum in 70 / 80 GHz is forecast for rapid growth and will represent up to 20 % of new deployments in 2020. Also, experts foresee a paradigm shift in microwave planning with the introduction of multiband use, i. e. combining new E band with traditional microwave bands. With this multi band use, its estimated that the resulting capacity will be increased up to seven times.
Thus, with 5G coming up, in 2020’ s microwave will continue to be the dominant backhaul technology going forward in your future.
Charith Jayathilake Third Year
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
3. 26-42 GHz In this range, both underutilised and highly utilised bands exist. Currently, only 38 GHz band is highly utilised, especially in Europe, and it will remain a core band in the future. The 26 GHz band is also popular while the use of the 28 GHz and 32 GHz band is still limited, but on the rise. The new bands can provide wider channels, such as 56 MHz and 112 MHz, and thus Gigabit capacities, which is often difficult in the popular bands.
4. 60 GHz The v-band is ideal for small cell backhaul, with high capacity from wide channels and interference reduction from the oxygen attenuation. So far, the outdoor small cell market has not taken off in high volumes, and consequently, the 60 GHz band has not been used extensively. This band has been deployed in several countries but its status is still unknown in many parts of the world. A harmonised regulation of the band will globally be important so that different services can coexist without interfering each other.
5. 70 / 80 GHz Until a few years ago, E-band was not used. However, the market is now growing fast and the microwave footprint is solid. The advantages of E-band are its wide spectrum and channels that enable very high capacities. Many countries also use a light licensing regime and / or low spectrum fees to encourage the use of this band. Even though it is used for relatively short hop lengths of a couple of kilometres, this is long enough for inter-site distanc es in urban environments. E-band has already been opened in many countries and additional countries are rapidly being added.
References 1. Microwave towards 2020( Ericsson Report)( 2015)
Gauge Magazine University of Peradeniya
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