Terrestrial Microwave

TK2133
A103418 Lee Hau Sem
A103411 Lai Horng Meau
What is Terrestrial Microwave ?
transmission systems consisting of at least two
radio transmitter/receivers (transceivers) connected to
high gain antennas (directional antennas
which concentrate electromagnetic or radio wave
energy in narrow beams) focused in pairs on each other.
The operation is point-to-point-communications are
established between two and
only two antennas with line-of-sight visibility.
This can be contrasted to point-to-
multipoint systems like broadcast radio or television.
 How Terrestrial Microwave
Transfer and Receive Data
Terrestrial microwave communication employs Earth-based
transmitters and receivers to transfer and receive data.
The frequencies used are in the low-gigahertz range, which
limits all communications to line-of-sight.
Example of terrestrial microwave equipment -telephone relay
towers, which are placed every few miles to relay telephone
signals cross country.
 Antenna That Use to Transfer
Data
Microwave transmissions typically use a parabolic
antenna that produces a narrow, highly directional
signal.
A similar antenna at the receiving site is sensitive
to signals only within a narrow focus.
Because the transmitter and receiver are highly
focused, they must be adjusted carefully so that
the transmitted signal is aligned with the receiver.
An Antenna is :

An effective interface between the radio and free

space:
Free
space
Radio
Antenna

For Terrestrial Communications, antennas

a must be
directional:

Radio
Formula Parabolic Antenna
Directive Gain
Ga (dBi) = 10 log10 [ 4Aa /

Where:
Ga = Antenna Directive Gain (Catalog spec)
= Aperture Efficiency (50-55%)
Aa = Antenna Aperture Area

= Wavelength (speed of light / frequency)

 Typical Parabolic
Antenna Gain in dBi
Antenna Diameter
2 ft 4 ft 6 ft 8 ft 1 0 ft 1 2 ft 1 5 ft
(0 .6 m ) (1 .2 m ) (1 .8 m ) (2 .4 m ) (3 .0 m ) (3 .7 m ) (4 .5 m )
2 GHz 1 9 .5 2 5 .5 2 9 .1 3 1 .6 3 3 .5 3 5 .1 37
4 GHz 2 5 .5 3 1 .6 3 5 .1 3 7 .6 3 9 .5 4 1 .1 4 3 .1
Frequency

6 GHz 2 9 .1 3 5 .1 3 8 .6 4 1 .1 4 3 .1 4 4 .6 4 6 .6
8 GHz 3 1 .6 3 7 .6 4 1 .1 4 3 .6 4 5 .5 4 7 .1 4 9 .1
11 G Hz 3 4 .3 4 0 .4 4 3 .9 4 6 .4 4 8 .3 4 9 .9 5 1 .8
15 G Hz 37 4 3 .1 4 6 .6 4 9 .1 51 5 2 .6 NA
18 G Hz 3 8 .6 4 4 .6 4 8 .2 5 0 .7 NA NA NA
22 G Hz 4 0 .4 4 6 .4 4 9 .9 NA NA NA NA
38 G Hz 4 5 .1 5 1 .1 NA NA NA NA NA
Standard Parabolic Antenna

Basic Antenna
Comprised of
Reflector
Feed Assembly
Mount
Terrestrial Microwave Antennas for
Point-To-Point Communication
Terrestrial microwave antennas generate a beam of RF
signal to communicate between two locations.
Point-To-Point communication depends upon a clear
line of sight between two microwave antennas.
Obstructions, such as buildings, trees or terrain
interfere with the signal.
Depending upon the location, usage and frequency,
different types can be utilized.
We will address the basic characteristics of these
various types
 The Use of Microwave Link
A microwave link frequently is used to transmit
signals in instances in which it would be
impractical to run cables.
If you need to connect two networks separated by a
public road,
for example, you might find that regulations restrict
you from running cables above or below the road.
In such a case, a microwave link is an ideal
solution.
 Ability To Connect With Other
Devices
Some LANs operate at microwave frequencies at
low power and use unidirectional transmitters and
receivers.
Network hubs can be placed strategically
throughout an organization, and workstations can
be mobile or fixed.
This approach is one way to enable mobile
workstations in an office setting.
 Frequencies That Use By
Terrestrial Microwave
In many cases, terrestrial microwave uses
licensed frequencies.
A license must be obtained from the FCC,
and equipment must be installed and
maintained by licensed technicians.
 Frequencies That Use By
Terrestrial Microwave
Terrestrial microwave systems operate in the low-gigahertz
range, typically at 4-6 GHz and 21-23 GHz, and costs are
highly variable depending on requirements.
Long-distance microwave systems can be quite expensive
but might be less costly than alternatives. (A leased telephone
circuit, for example, represents a costly monthly expense.)
When line-of-sight transmission is possible, a microwave
link is a one-time expense that can offer greater bandwidth
than a leased circuit.
 Advantages of Terrestrial
Microwave over Satellite
Lower cost
Avoid exorbitant costs of leasing satellites (unless
satellites are already owned by the customer)
Reduced latency
Video is delivered with minimal delay. Satellite signals
must travel significantly further with an average delay
of 250 milliseconds for signals to travel to a geo-
satellite and return to earth (this excludes video
processing delay).
 Advantages of Terrestrial
Microwave over Satellite
Increased Flexibility
BMS terrestrial systems are easily reconfigurable for
different power levels and frequencies.
BMS terrestrial systems are mobile and easily deployed
wherever coverage is needed. Multiple satellites may
need to be utilized for all the required coverage areas.
Video can be captured using light weight, mobile
equipment in difficult-to-reach areas. Video can also be
captured by moving aircraft, ships, and vehicles.
Aircraft with BMS digital microwave for line-of-sight
(LOS) communications can also be equipped with a
satellite tracking antenna for beyond-line-of-sight
(BLOS) satellite communications when needed.
 Advantages of Terrestrial
Microwave over Satellite
Reduced Size & Weight
The RF link operates over a shorter distance and
requires less power than a satellite equivalent. Lower
power means less weight, smaller size and reduced
power consumption.
Ground-based systems can use a tracking antenna for
higher gain. Higher antenna gain results in lower
transmit power requirements. This is less practical for
satellite mounted antennas.