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April 26, 2019

RFS launches 5G-Ready Dual Band Microwave Antennas as a proven alternative to fiber backhaul

RFS announces first commercially available dual-band antenna for microwave backhaul

TAGS : 5G, WIRELESS CELL SITE

Munich, Germany, April 25, 2019 – Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), a global designer and manufacturer of total-package solutions for wireless and broadcast infrastructure, announces it is first to market with its family of innovative dual-band microwave antennas.

By combining the E-band antenna which give capacity but has distance limitations, with an additional frequency, the dual-band antenna proves itself capable of delivering higher capacity over longer distances. RFS’ dual-band antennas, have already been deployed by a major OEM in Eastern Europe, proving that microwave works as a viable alternative to fiber for 5G backhauling requirements in urban areas.

Although fiber is generally considered to be the standard solution for 5G backhauling due to its high throughput, the capabilities demonstrated in a real-world deployment by RFS’ dual-band microwave antennas highlight the possibilities of microwave backhaul for 5G.

RFS’ dual-band microwave antennas support high-capacity, low-latency 80 GHz E band transmissions as well as higher availability 15 GHz, 18 GHz or 23 GHz transmissions that can travel longer distances. With this combination, the medium-frequency band can supplement the E band with additional capacity and longer reach. As a result, mobile operators can backhaul higher volumes of 5G traffic over longer distances than they can with single-band microwave antennas and with lower latency than fiber connections.

The dual-band approach also brings with it an array of additional benefits for operators when compared to using two single-band antennas that support carrier aggregation. The visual impact is reduced as a result of consolidating into a single antenna. Operators have a lower cost of ownership due to reduction in transportation, installation, and tower leasing costs. They also benefit from easier upgrades; when operators come to replacing 2 ft single band link to a Dual Band antenna link, the identical form factor minimizes the challenges of introducing new equipment. Additionally, deployment is simplified as the initial alignment is done with Microwave frequency which means only fine-tuning alignment is required for the E band.

As mobile operators plan their evolution to 5G, many are asking whether microwave transport technology is advanced enough to handle the demands of a 5G radio access network,” says Benoit Bled, product line manager for microwave antennas at RFS.
Our answer is an enthusiastic yes. By supplementing traditional E band transmissions with 15, 18 or 23 GHz transmissions, we’ve unleashed the full power of E band and made 5G microwave backhaul a reality. Our dual-band microwave antennas have already been used in a European deployment that proves it.

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Trademarks: RFS® is a trademark of Radio Frequency Systems. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About RFS
Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure. 
RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure. 

For more information, visit www.rfsworld.com, or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RFSworld

RFS Press Contact
Paula Mennone-Preisner
Marketing and Communications Specialist
E-mail: paula.mennone@rfsworld.com
Phone: + 1 203 630 3311
Cell: + 1 203 715 1595

For media briefings
Anna McCrory
XYZ Communications for RFS 
E-mail: RFS@xyzcomms.com
Phone: +44 1908 464120