Microwave Link Configuration Explained
Microwave link configuration is the process of setting up the parameters of a microwave radio system to transmit and receive data over a specific distance and frequency band. This includes configuring the following:
Frequency: The frequency band that the microwave link will use. This frequency must be licensed in the country where the link is being deployed.
Polarization: The polarization of the microwave signal. This can be horizontal, vertical, or circular.
Modulation: The modulation scheme that will be used to encode the data onto the microwave signal. Common modulation schemes for microwave links include QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM.
Transmit power: The transmit power of the microwave signal. This must be high enough to overcome the path loss between the two ends of the link, but not so high that it interferes with other microwave links in the area.
Receiver sensitivity: The sensitivity of the microwave receiver. This must be low enough to receive the microwave signal even after it has been attenuated by the path loss.
Link budget: The link budget is a calculation that determines the minimum transmit power required at the transmitting end to achieve a certain signal quality at the receiving end.
In addition to the above parameters, microwave link configuration may also involve setting up other features such as encryption, QoS, and monitoring.
Microwave Link Configuration Steps
The following are the general steps involved in configuring a microwave link:
Plan the link. This involves determining the following:
The distance between the two ends of the link.
The terrain and obstacles between the two ends of the link.
The frequency band that will be used.
The required data throughput.
Select the microwave equipment. This includes selecting the following:
The microwave outdoor units (ODUs).
The microwave antennas.
The microwave indoor units (IDUs).
Install the microwave equipment. This involves installing the ODUs on rooftops or towers and aligning them with each other. The IDUs are typically installed in equipment rooms at the two ends of the link.
Configure the microwave equipment. This involves setting up the parameters mentioned above, such as frequency, polarization, modulation, transmit power and receiver sensitivity.
Test the microwave link. This involves verifying that the link is up and running and that it is meeting the required data throughput and quality of service (QoS) requirements.
Microwave link configurations
Microwave links can be configured in a variety of ways, depending on the specific requirements of the application. Some common microwave link configurations include:
1+0: This is the simplest configuration, with a single ODU and antenna at each end of the link. This configuration is not redundant, so if there is a failure of any of the equipment, the link will go down.
1+1: This configuration consists of two ODUs and antennas at each end of the link, with one pair active and the other pair in standby mode. If there is a failure of the active pair, the standby pair will automatically take over, ensuring that the link remains up and running.
2+0: This configuration consists of two ODUs and antennas at each end of the link, both of which are active. This configuration provides increased capacity, but it is not redundant.
Conclusion
Microwave link configuration is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It is important to understand the various parameters that can be configured and the trade-offs between different configurations. By carefully configuring the microwave link, it is possible to achieve reliable and high-performance data transmission over long distances.
