How Microwave Radio Works
- Microwave radios transmit digital signals between two locations in a straight line using radio transmitters, receivers, and directional antennas. This equipment forms a fixed data connection between the two points.
- Multiple links can be joined to create networks that span more than two sites or to transmit data across long distances (hundreds or thousands of kilometres).
- Using dedicated microwave radio equipment, organisations often significantly reduce the cost of their data networks. The technology is an affordable alternative to installing fixed cable or fibre optic links, which can be expensive to install or upgrade.
- Broadband Speed
- Data is transmitted at broadband speed; with individual links capable of achieving >400Mbps.
- The radio systems operate within the microwave frequency range, between 1GHz and 60 GHz in Australia.
- Spectrum Licensing
- Licensed links use channels that are specifically allocated to only one user in any particular location by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
- Class licensed links use public channels, which are open to use by anyone. There can be some limitations when using class-licensed microwave channels but these can be overcome using licensed microwave band equipment.