Abstract
This report researches technologies and markets for SONET/SDH and
high-frequency (60 GHz and E-band) microwave radio. It concentrates on
subjects related to these radios benefits, technical details, markets and
applications. Though utilized often in different applications and markets,
these microwave radios allow sustaining high-speed reliable communications,
and are used as alternative to fiber optics.
Despite early predictions, SONET/SDH still prevails in fiber optics
transmission as a major standard. Microwave radio that is able to carry
SONET/SDH signals format is the logical extension or substitution of fiber
optic communications in cases when:
Terrain and other factors preclude fiber placement Economics of a project
dictate use of microwave technologies instead of fiber optics systems.
The SONET/SDH microwave radio market is active and became stable if compared
with the telecom market after depression of 2000-2003. Stability of the
utility industry and tighter requirements on network characteristics in the
financial world contribute to the fact that this market not only survived, but
also continue to grow. The report analyzes technology specifics and market
properties of these radios as well as portfolios of major manufacturers.
mm-Wave radios experience the “second life” due to their benefits
and regulations that have recently opened relatively large windows of spectrum
for their use.
There are several motives for wanting to use millimeter-wave radio links:
- The radio spectrum at very high frequencies is still rather undeveloped,
and therefore more radio spectrum with wider bandwidths is available at these
frequencies;
- The system capacity is higher at very high frequencies because the range
of radio signals is limited, resulting in smaller cells. Therefore the same
frequency can be reused at shorter distances;
- The inherent security and privacy is better at very high frequencies
because of the limited range and the relatively narrow beam widths that can be
achieved;
- The spatial resolution is better at very high frequencies;
- It is easy to realize Gb/s transmission;
The physical size of antennas at very high frequencies is small and it becomes
practical to build complex antenna arrays and/or further integrate them.
The interest in these technologies was also sparked by decisions of regulatory
agencies around the globe to release and regulate vast volumes of spectrum;
and the progress in the chips design that made it possible to produce
high-frequency IC with relatively low cost.
60 GHz radio and E-band radio, though belong to the same class of
millimeter-wave devices, have different properties; these properties are
determining applications. Two main applications for 60 GHz radio were
emphasized: a) Fixed Wireless, and b) WPAN. The technology improvements and
demand for wireless applications (particular, with increased use of HDTV),
work of standard organizations (such as IEEE and ETSI) as well as
contributions from such companies like IBM and Motorola are helping with this
radio commercialization. For E-band radio, the authors analyzed commercial
applications, technology specifics and market specifics as well as the
standards development activity.
Research Methodology
Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various
Web sites was studied and analyzed. Evaluation of publicly available marketing
and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and
interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives.
In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were
used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including
industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.
The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and
relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the
information content.
Target Audience
This report is useful for technical staff of IT departments in various
industries, such as financial, education, health care and other. It helps them
to better understand the specifics of microwave transmission and benefits that
microwave technology can bring to their communications needs. For vendors of
microwave radio, the report analyzes the competitive landscape of microwave
radio developments.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 Microwave and Fiber Optics
- 1.2 Why Microwave?
- 1.3 SONET/SDH
- 1.4 mm-Wave Radio
- 1.5 Scope and Goals
- 1.6 Research Methodology
- 1.7 Target Audience9
2.0 SONET/SDH Radio Technology
- 2.1 General
- 2.2 Spectrum
- 2.3 SONET/SDH
- 2.4 Structure
- 2.5 Standards
- 2.6 Microwave Radio vs. Leased Line
3.0 SONET/SDH Radio Market
- 3.1 Applications
- 3.1.1 Mobile Networks
- 3.1.2 Last-Mile Access
- 3.1.3 Private Networks
- 3.1.4 Disaster Recovery
- 3.1.5 The Digital Divide
- 3.1.6 Developing Nations
- 3.1.7 Utilities Networks
- 3.1.8 Emergency Radio
- 3.2 Market Projections
- 3.2.1 Model Assumptions
- 3.2.2 Forecasts
4.0 Security
- 4.1 General
- 4.1.1 Types of Attacks
- 4.1.1.1 Passive Attacks
- 4.1.1.2 Active Attacks
- 4.1.1.3 Methods of Protection against Active Attacks
5.0 SONET/SDH Microwave Radio Vendors
- ABB
- Agilis
- Airlinx
- Alcatel-Lucent
- Allgon Microwave
- Axxcelera
- Ceragon
- Crypto
- Ericsson
- Fujitsu
- Harris Stratex
- Microwave Data Systems
- Microwave Networks
- NEC
- Nera
- OnSite Systems
- Proxim
- P-Com
- SAF
- Nokia Siemens Networks
- SIAE (SIAE MICROELETTRONICA LTD.)
- Thales
- Wave1
- Westica
- WNI GLOBAL, Inc.
6.0 mm-Wave Radio-Introduction
- 6.1 General
- 6.2 Factors: 60 GHz Radio
- 6.3 E-band
- 6.4 Goals
7.0 60 GHz Radio Technology
- 7.1 General
- 7.2 Spectrum Specifics
- 7.3 Antenna
- 7.4 Radiation Limiting at 60 GHz
- 7.5 Combined Effect
- 7.6 Progress in the Chip Technology for mm-Wave
- 7.6.1 Modulation
- 7.6.2 Specifics
- 7.7 Wi-Fi and 60 GHz Radio
- 7.8 Summary
8.0 60 GHz Fixed Wireless-Last Mile
- 8.1 Details-Characteristics
- 8.2 Place
- 8.3 60 GHz Radio- Addressable Market
- 8.3.1 General
- 8.3.2 Drivers
- 8.3.3 Forecast
- 8.3.4 Industry
- BridgeWave
- Comotech
- Endwave
- Proxim
- Rayawave
- Vubiq
9.0 60 GHz Radio-IEEE 802.15.3c and Competition
- 9.1 General
- 9.2 Demand
- 9.3 Specifics
- 9.4 Benefits for WPAN
- 9.5 Applications
- 9.6 Challenges
- 9.7 Standardization and Development: WirelessHD, IEEE 802.15.3c and Other
- 9.7.1 WirelessHD
- 9.7.1.1 Details: WirelessHD Technology
- 9.7.1.2 Completion
- 9.7.1.3 Amimon
- 9.7.1.4 Issues and Progress
- 9.8 IEEE 802.15.3c
- 9.8.1 Current Status
- 9.8.2 Benefits
- 9.9 Very High Throughput Group
- 9.10 Diversity
- 9.11 ECMA
- 9.12 Market
- 9.12.1 General: Applications
- 9.12.2 Market Obstacles: Specifics
- 9.12.3 Forecast
- 9.13 Players and Projects
- IBM
- SiBeam
- Phiar-Motorola
- Phiar
- NEC
- 9.14 Comparison
- 9.15 60 GHz WPAN: Example
- 9.16 Advantages and Challenges
10.0 E-band Radio
- 10.1 General
- 10.2 Benefits
- 10.3 Regulations
- 10.3.1 Frequency Plan
- 10.3.2 Additional Characteristics
- 10.4 Major Applications
- 10.5 Market Prospective
- 10.5.1 Last Mile
- 10.5.2 Estimate
- 10.6 Vendors
- ADC
- Airlinx
- Asyrmatos
- Bridgewave
- Comotech
- E-band Communications
- ElvaLink
- Endwave
- G4 Networks
- GigaBeam
- Fujitsu
- Loea Corporation
- Proxim
- Rayawave
- Sophia Wireless
11.0 Conclusions
References
FIGURES:
- Figure 1: Spectrum Assignment
- Figure 2: SONET Frame (OC-1)
- Figure 3: SSMR Structure
- Figure 4: Worldwide SONET/SDH Radio Sale Forecast ($B)
- Figure 5: Worldwide SONET/SDH Radio Sale Forecast (Unit 000)
- Figure 6: Rate of Transmission: Sale Distribution
- Figure 7: Frequency Bands: Sale Distribution
- Figure 8: Geographical Segmentation of SONET/SDH Radio Market
- Figure 9: Segmentation by Method of Protection: SONET/SDH Radio Market
- Figure 10: Passive Attack
- Figure 11: Unlicensed Bands
- Figure 12: 60 GHz Connections
- Figure 13: 60 GHz: Allocations
- Figure 14: 60 GHz: Spectrum Details
- Figure 15: Attenuation in 60 GHz Band
- Figure 16: 60 GHz: Absorption Details
- Figure 17: Bands Features Comparison
- Figure 18: Addressable Market Estimate: 60 GHz Radio - Fixed Wireless ($M)
- Figure 19: Addressable Market Estimate: 60 GHz Radio-Fixed Wireless (Units)
- Figure 20: 60 GHz “Open” Spectrum
- Figure 21: IEEE Group Structure: 802.15
- Figure 22: Market Estimate- WPAN 60 GHz Radio ($M US)
- Figure 23: 60 GHz WPAN Example
- Figure 24: Frequency Allocation
- Figure 25: Addressable Market-E-band radio-Last Mile Access ($M)
TABLES:
- Table 1: Microwave Frequencies Bands
- Table 2: SONET/SDH Rates
- Table 3: Licensed and Unlicensed SONET/SDH Radio Proportion
- Table 4: Differentiation by Path Length: SONET/SDH Radio
- Table 5: Antenna Directivity
- Table 6: 60 GHz Links Characteristics
- Table 7: Characteristics Details
- Table 8: Attenuation
- Table 9: Properties
- Table 10: Required Speed
- Table 11: Competition
- Table 12: WPAN Technologies Characteristics
- Table 13: FCC Regulations
