Ericsson and Ooredoo Oman demonstrate multi-gigabit capacity with microwave backhaul

• Joint trial successfully delivers 5.7Gbps over one carrier
• Demonstration uses new Ericsson MINI-LINK 6352 – the world’s highest-capacity E-band radio
• Microwave is Ooredoo Oman’s primary backhaul solution to address traffic increases in fixed and mobile networks

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Ooredoo Oman have joined forces to demonstrate the viability of microwave backhaul to provide multi-gigabit capacity for fixed and mobile networks.

Ooredoo Oman and Ericsson trialed a range of solutions that can deliver gigabit backhaul capacity, supported by the availability of new radio access spectrum. E-band (70/80GHz) spectrum is the key to supporting microwave and meeting increased capacity requirements for both backhaul and fronthaul.

The world’s highest-capacity E-band radio, the new Ericsson MINI-LINK 6352 was successfully trialed, providing 5.7Gbps over one carrier. Four carriers in traditional frequency bands and narrower channels were bonded together to provide 1.6Gbps. The success of the trial proves the capability of microwave to address growing data traffic demands and support operators in offering superior mobile broadband experiences to their customers.

Wolfgang Wemhoff, Chief Technology Officer, Ooredoo Oman, says: “Ooredoo is constantly working toward responding to changes in customer needs and providing them with the products, services and offers they want, through both mobile and fixed offerings.

“Our partnership with Ericsson allows us to inspire and innovate new methods to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers and businesses in all sectors across the Sultanate of Oman.”

Rafiah Ibrahim, Head of Region Middle East and East Africa, Ericsson, says: “Microwave backhaul will represent up to 20 percent of new deployments in 2020, with traditional bands accounting for 70 percent.

“Our collaboration with Ooredoo Oman showcases the benefits of microwave backhaul for operators around the region. It also empowers Ooredoo Oman to pave the way for innovative traffic management solutions.”

Network demands and maturity vary around the world, and differences exist even within individual countries. Regardless of the situation, operators want to achieve the same goal – to provide the best possible performance and quality of experience in the most cost-efficient way. Microwave is an important backhaul solution to address an increase in traffic for both mobile and fixed networks for Ooredoo Oman.