Introduction 

Introduction

Contents
1 Point to point MW Radio Link system Overview 3
1.1 Split and Fully Indoor Microwave Equipment 4
2 Main configurations in a Microwave Radio System 11
2.1 Introduction 12
3 FlexiHybrid Microwave Radio Overview 17
3.1 Overview 18

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
1
 Introduction

FT42793EN02GLA2
2 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

1 Point to point MW Radio Link system

Overview

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
3
 Introduction

1.1 Split and Fully Indoor Microwave Equipment

The fully indoor solution (Fully Indoor) combines all the components in an indoor rack
except Waveguide and antenna. This requires long connection to the antenna with
high attenuation between radio system and antenna.

Fig. 1 shows, as example, the SRT1F system composition.

Fig. 2 shows the indoor connections and auxiliary equipments in a fully indoor
system.
In Fig. 3 the antenna connection in a fully indoor system is reported.

The fully indoor solution is for Long Haul Links or backbone Networks.
It gives a high quality improvement and it guarantees the link functionality for the
majority of propagation troubles.
The maintenance is easy because all active units are inside an Indoor Room.
Installation and commissioning is complex and requires a high skill level to operate in
filed.

The indoor - outdoor solution (Split system) is a newer generation system.

The indoor equipment (IDU) is in a "protected room”, while the outdoor equipment
(ODU) is behind or near to the antenna in order to minimize the RF attenuation).
.
Generally the IDU contains the tributary, modem(s), alarm/controller unit and some
optional auxiliary service units.
The ODU contains the RF-part and, sometimes, also the Modem.
The connection between IDU and ODU is assured by a Coax Cable (called also IF
cable).
The cable length may be till about 200 m. (it depends on the Cable type and
Equipment).

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 give some details about a split microwave equipment.

FT42793EN02GLA2
4 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

Branching Elliptical Waveguide

Filters / Circulators

T/R
Transmitter / Receiver Waveguide Ladder / Support

M/D
Modulator / Demodulator

BB
Base Band

Branching
Filters / Circulators Flex Waveguide

T/R
Transmitter / Receiver

M/D
Modulator / Demodulator

BB
Base Band

Fig. 1 SRT 1F System composition

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
5
 Introduction

Wall/Roof Feed-through

Pressure Windows
Waveguide connectors

Elliptical Waveguide

Flex Waveguide

Waveguide Ladder / Support

Pressurization devices

Fig. 2 Indoor Connection and Aux equipments in a Fully Indoor System

FT42793EN02GLA2
6 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

Waveguide connector
Parabolic Antenna

Elliptical Waveguide

Grounding Kit

Hanger / Clamps

Fig. 3 Fully Indoor Microwave Equipment:: Outdoor Section

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
7
 Introduction

ODU
Outdoor Unit

IDU-ODU Connectors
(i.e. N type 90°) Antenna

IDU-ODU Cable
(i.e. Braided)
IDU-ODU Connectors
(i.e.SMA type 90° or N Type)

Hanger / Clamps
(i.e. Ties)
IDU
Indoor Unit

Rack

Grounding Kit

Fig. 4 Split Microwave Equipment: i.e. for one Terminal)

FT42793EN02GLA2
8 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

ODU
Outdoor Unit

Antenna

IDU
Indoor Unit

i.e. SRA 4 System IDU-ODU Cable

Fig. 5 Split Microwave Equipment example

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
9
 Introduction

1.1.1 Nokia Siemens Networks Microwave Networks Licensed

RF Bands Product Catalogue
Fig. 6 shows the NSN Microwave Radios Catalogue.

The equipments are classified as:

• Access Radios
• Trunk Radios
• Point to Multipoint Radios

Point to Point Point to

MultiPoint
Access Trunk

SRAL XD FlexiHopper SRA 4 SRT 1F MultiHopper

SRA HC
FlexiHub
PowerHopper Vario*

* OEM, only for special cases - do not offer w/o consulting IPT Sales Director

Fig. 6 Microwave Radios Catalogue

WARNING
SRA4 HC was the former "FlexiHybrid" name.
SRA 4 was the former "FlexiMetro" name

FT42793EN02GLA2
10 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

2 Main configurations in a Microwave Radio

System

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
11
 Introduction

2.1 Introduction
As the propagation conditions for the transmission of radio relay channels are
dependent on external factors such as rain, temperature of atmospheric layers etc.,
protection switching techniques are often used to increase availability.

An additional effect of protection switching is protection from equipment failures. The

following section details the basic protection configurations (system types). Note that
some diagrams only show one transmission direction.

Not all the Radio configurations reported in this chapter are supported by the
FLEXYHYBRID.

2.1.1 1+1 Hot Standby Principle

The digital input signal is branched and fed to two transmitters which work on the
same frequency (and same polarization). By means of a switch (on transmitter side),
only one of the two transmitters is connected to the antenna. If a transmitter should
fail, transmission will be switched to the other transmitter.

On the receiver side, the RF signal is branched to the two receivers. The RX switch
selects at its output the signal coming from one of the two receivers. Here, too, if one
receiver should fail, a switch on the other one will be performed.

f1 f1

f1 f1

Fig. 7 Hot Standby concept with one antenna (only one direction)

FT42793EN02GLA2
12 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

2.1.2 1+1 Frequency Diversity Principle

In frequency diversity, the digital signal is transmitted and received on two different
frequencies. As propagation impairments usually affects differently the 2 frequencies,
this method respect to the Hot Standby, includes additional protection for the
transmission paths.

On the receiver side, the RF signal is received from two receivers. The baseband RX
switch selects the best signal according to switching criteria based on hardware
failures and quality detection.

In Fully Indoor systems, the Tx/Rx circulators are part of the Branching System.
In Split systems, the circulators are external components connected with the two
ODUs and integrated inside the Mounting Kit.

f1 f1
Circulators
BB BB

Circulators

f3 f3
Load Load

Fig. 8 Frequency Diversity concept with one antenna (only one direction)

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
13
 Introduction

2.1.3 N+1 Frequency Diversity Principle (not planned with

FlexiHybrid radio)
In the N+1 frequency diversity configuration, N+1 radio relay channels are available
for N baseband signals. If one of the N operating channels should fail, its baseband is
switched to the protection channel. This requires return information to inform the
transmitter side about which channel must be switched to the protection channel. The
frequency diversity configurations can be extended to several radio hops, i.e.
between the terminals stations with switches there are several repeater stations.

f1 – f3 – f5 - f7

f1 f1
BB 1 BB 1

f3 Operational f3
BB 2 channels BB 2
f5 f5
BB 3 BB 3

f7 Protection f7
channel

Return message about switching channel

Fig. 9 N+1 Frequency Diversity concept (only one direction)

FT42793EN02GLA2
14 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

2.1.4 Space Diversity Principle

As commonly known, multi-path fading is the most frequent reason of OUTAGE of
digital systems. Fading is caused by destructive interference between rays arriving at
the receiving antenna with different paths. That is, the Bit Error Rate of High Capacity
Digital Radio system is influenced not only by the attenuation of the signal, but even
by the distortion of the spectrum.
As a countermeasure, a SPACE DIVERSITY system is usually proposed. This
process, which utilizes two receiving antennas and a combiner, reduces the average
error rate in noisy fading channels
Concept is that if the antenna height is varied, then the path length difference and the
phase shift between the Direct (D) and the Reflected (R) signal change. As a result,
the Rx signal level is a function of the Antenna Height.
The exact antennas position, corresponding to the maximum and minimum Rx level,
changes with propagation condition.

D + R
RX

ΔS
D
Height

RX signal level

Fig. 10 Space Diversity concept

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
15
 Introduction

2.1.5 Co-Channel Principle (not available with the current

FlexiHybrid SVR)
This particular configuration was introduced in order to double the efficiency of High
Capacity Digital Radio Links used in Trunk Networks.
Two RF signals generated by two transmitters working on the same RF frequency
are transmitted at the same time using two different polarizations: Horizontal and
Vertical.
In RX, each receiver will receive the signal on its proper polarization.
To counteract the Cross Polar decoupling (XPD) degradation caused by the multi-
path activity, a special circuit, named XPIC (Cross Polarization Interference
Canceller), was developed and introduced into the RX equipment.
XPIC is an equalizer able to recover partially the XPD degradation.
The XPIC application requires a particular interconnection between the receiver units
(RF and Modem level).

V V

f1
BB 1 f1 H H BB 1
f1 V – f1 H Receiver

f1
BB 2 OL XPIC

BB 2
Receiver

f1

F1 V Frequency

F1 H

Fig. 11 Co-Channel Principle and relative spectrum (one direction)

FT42793EN02GLA2
16 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

3 FlexiHybrid Microwave Radio Overview

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
17
 Introduction

3.1 Overview
The “FlexiHybrid" microwave radio provides high capacity transmission, flexibility, a
lot of features and convenience for wireless digital communications networks.
It represents a new microwave architecture that is designed to address universal
applications for both PDH and SDH platforms. This advanced technology platform is
designed to provide the flexibility to customers for their current and future network
needs. The “FlexiHybrid” is based upon a common platform to support a wide range
of network interfaces and configurations. It supports:
• 63xE1,
• 2x10/100BaseTX Ethernet,
• 4x10/100/1000 Base-TX Ethernet,
• 1x1000 Base SX/LX and
• 1xSTM-1.

The “FlexiHybrid” is spectrum and data rate scalable, enabling service providers or
organizations to trade-off system gain with spectral efficiency and channel availability
for optimal network connectivity.
The “FlexiHybrid” enables network operators (mobile and private), government and
access service provides to offer a portfolio of secure, scalable wireless applications
for data, video, and Voice over IP (VoIP). A microwave terminal is composed of an
Indoor Unit (IDU) and one or two Outdoor Units (ODU).
The IDU has been designed to be frequency independent, and the ODU has been
designed to be capacity independent. The “FlexiHybrid” allows selection for multiple
capacity options, modulation types, radio frequency channels and transmit output
power levels to accommodate and adhere to worldwide regulatory and spectral
efficiency requirements. The ODU, mounted outdoor, can support frequency bands
from 6 to 38 GHz.
The “FlexiHybrid” supports 1+0, 1+1 protection and ring architectures in a single 1
RU chassis. The modem and power supply functions are supported using easily
replaceable plug-in modules. An additional feature of the equipment is provision for a
second plug-in modem/IF module to provide repeater or east/west network
configurations.
The “FlexiHybrid” includes integrated Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and
Provisioning (OAM&P) functionality and design features enabling simple
commissioning when the radio network is initially set up in field at the customer’s
premises. Furthermore, a highlight of “FlexiHybrid” is scalability and the capability to
support a ring -type architecture. This ring or consecutive point radio architecture is
self-healing in the event of an outage in the link and automatically re-routes data
traffic, thereby ensuring that service to the end user is not interrupted. The overall
split mount architecture consists of a single 1RU rack mount Indoor Unit (IDU)
connected via coaxial cable to an Outdoor Unit (ODU) and an external antenna.
Fig. 12 shows the Microwave Split Mount Architecture.

FT42793EN02GLA2
18 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
Introduction 

Fig. 12 FlexiHybrid Split Architecture

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FT42793EN02GLA2
© 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks
19
 Introduction

FT42793EN02GLA2
20 © 2010 Nokia Siemens Networks