RFFiber vs. Microwave: Key Differences in Backhaul Connectivity
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The rise of mobile technologies and devices has led to a surge in data traffic worldwide. This increased demand for internet and voice services needs reliable backhaul connectivity for wireless and cellular networks like 2G, 3G, and 4G. Traditionally, copper lines, fiber optics, and microwave technologies have served this purpose.
Copper lines, while initially used, are becoming less common due to their higher cost and limited capacity. Optical fiber is increasingly replacing copper in wired connections. Microwave technology plays a significant role as well, accounting for approximately 50% of backhaul network deployments globally.
Optical Fiber: High-Capacity Wired Connectivity
Optical fiber is a popular choice for wired connections due to its relatively low material cost and high data-carrying capacity (bandwidth of around 11THz). A basic fiber communication system consists of a transmitter (LED or laser) and a receiver (photodiode).
Example of a fiber optic cable.
Examples of fiber-based systems include CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing).
Microwave: Wireless Point-to-Point Communication
Microwave technology provides wireless point-to-point communication. It involves transmitting electromagnetic waves between two locations that have a clear Line of Sight (LOS) with each other.
Example of a microwave tower.
Microwave point-to-point links used for backhaul connectivity operate across various frequency ranges, including 2 GHz, 6 GHz, 11 GHz, 18 GHz, 23 GHz, and 80 GHz.
Examples of microwave systems are PDH (T1, E1), SONET/SDH, and Ethernet microwave.
Fiber vs. Microwave: A Detailed Comparison
The following table highlights the key differences between optical fiber and microwave technologies:
| Specifications | Optical Fiber Line | Microwave |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Unlimited in Gb/sec | Limited compared to Fiber, but sufficient for many backhaul applications. |
| Cost | Costs per foot or meter; incremental based on distance | Cost per link; independent of small distance variations. |
| Deployment Time | Increases with distance and varies linearly | Fast deployment. |
| Terrain | More costly in difficult terrain regions | Suitable for any terrain region, but requires Line of Sight (LOS) between the transmitter and receiver. |
| Re-use | Difficult to relocate once deployed | Equipment can be removed and relocated if needed. |
| Climate Effect | Normally not influenced, except in flood conditions | Influenced by climate; Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) is used as a solution in changing channel environments. |
| Regulation | Needs right-of-ways and proper infrastructure | Requires spectrum regulation. |
