As we already know, a Microwave Link uses microwaves to send information from one point to another. It turns out that there are types of Microwave Link depending on the usage needs.
The microwave frequency range of the Microwave Link can be used from several meters to several kilometers depending on the type of Microwave Link used.
Apart from having different types, Microwave Link also consists of components and channels that support its application.
In this article, we will review the types of Microwave Link, the components that support them, and the channels they use.
Types of Microwave Link
Several types of microwave links are commonly used, depending on the needs and desired application. The following are some examples:
1. Point-to-point
This type of microwave link connects two points directly. This is the simplest type and is commonly used in telecommunications, broadcast radio, and surveillance applications.
2. Point-to-multipoint
This type connects one point with several other points in a network. Examples of use include cellular communications systems and wireless internet networks.
3. Mesh
This type forms a network that connects several points in the system, with each point connected to several other points. This network is more complex and can increase system reliability by providing alternative paths if one of the paths experiences problems.
4. Satellite
This type of microwave link involves the use of satellites orbiting the Earth to connect points on the surface. Satellites act as a link between points that are far away and difficult to reach by land communications systems.
Components
In a microwave link, there are several components; the following are the main components of a microwave link:
- Indoor Unit (IDU): functions as a signal modulator-demodulator. Apart from that, it also functions as Forward Error Correction (FEC). Indoor units are usually placed in buildings.
- Outdoor Unit (ODU): functions to convert modulated digital signals that have frequencies from low to high frequencies. Outdoor Unit power is supplied from the Indoor Unit via coaxial cable.
- Antenna: An antenna is useful for transferring electromagnetic energy from free space to transmission lines and vice versa.
- Waveguide: Useful for minimizing attenuation (loss), which is one of the keys to microwave links.
- Tower: Used to support the Microwave Antenna, the calculation of the number of antennas and total load must be correct so as not to exceed the maximum load capacity of the tower.
Channels
The following are several channels on Microwave Link; microwave channels can be divided into 3 categories, namely:
Long haul
Long Haul has a working frequency of 2-10GHz, and under normal climate and frequency conditions, it can cover a range of 45km – 80km. The frequencies used are 2, 7, and 10 GHz.
Medium haul
Medium Haul has a working frequency of 11-20GHz and a hop length between 40km and 20km. The frequencies used are 13, 15, and 18 GHz.
Short haul
Short Haul covers the shortest distances and works in the high-frequency range (23-58 GHz). The frequencies used are 23, 26, 27, 38, 55 and 58 GHz.
Comparison
Here’s a summary of the three channel categories to make it easier to compare at a glance:
| Category | Frequency Range | Typical Range | Common Frequencies Used |
| Long haul | 2–10 GHz | 45–80 km | 2, 7, 10 GHz |
| Medium haul | 11–20 GHz | 20–40 km | 13, 15, 18 GHz |
| Short haul | 23–58 GHz | Shortest distances | 23, 26, 27, 38, 55, 58 GHz |
As a general rule, the higher the frequency, the shorter the achievable range, but higher frequencies also tend to offer greater available bandwidth. This is why long haul links are typically chosen for connecting distant sites, while short haul links are more common in dense urban deployments where distances are shorter but capacity needs are high.
Those are the types of microwave links, the components that support them, and the channels used. By understanding what a microwave link is, you can make a more informed choice when selecting the right communication technology for your needs.
Beyond that, it’s important to know that microwave links require type approval certification before the equipment can be marketed and used in a country. This is because the equipment operates on licensed radio frequency bands, such as IDUs, ODUs, and antennas.
Equipment testing and certification are conducted to ensure that the devices function within the designated frequency allocations. Additionally, the equipment must not cause interference with other devices. This ensures that the equipment is legally compliant and safe to use.
