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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 η [ 4 π Aa / λ 2
]

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

λ = Wavelength (speed of light /


frequency)
Typical Parabolic
Antenna Gain in dBi
Antenna Diameter
2 f t 4 f t 6 f t 8 f t 1 0 f t1 2 f t1 5 f t
( 0 . 6 m( 1 ) . 2 m( 1 ) . 8 m( 2 ) . 4 m( 3 ) . 0 m( 3 ). 7 m( 4 ). 5 m )
2 G H 1z 9 . 5 2 5 . 5 2 9 . 1 3 1 . 6 3 3 . 5 3 5 . 1 3 7
4 G H 2z 5 . 5 3 1 . 6 3 5 . 1 3 7 . 6 3 9 . 5 4 1 . 1 4 3 . 1
Frequency

6 G H 2z 9 . 1 3 5 . 1 3 8 . 6 4 1 . 1 4 3 . 1 4 4 . 6 4 6 . 6
8 G H 3z 1 . 6 3 7 . 6 4 1 . 1 4 3 . 6 4 5 . 5 4 7 . 1 4 9 . 1
1 1 G 3H 4z . 3 4 0 . 4 4 3 . 9 4 6 . 4 4 8 . 3 4 9 . 9 5 1 . 8
1 5 G H3 z7 4 3 . 1 4 6 . 6 4 9 . 1 5 1 5 2 . 6 N A
1 8 G 3H 8z . 6 4 4 . 6 4 8 . 2 5 0 . 7 N A N A N A
2 2 G 4H 0z . 4 4 6 . 4 4 9 . 9 N A N A N A N A
3 8 G 4H 5z . 1 5 1 . 1 N A N A N A N A N A
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.

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