DragonWave Inc., a leading global supplier of packet microwave radio systems for mobile and access networks, announced the availability of higher modulation modes of up to 2048 QAM on its Horizon packet microwave products. This higher modulation allows the radios to transport up to 37 percent more data through existing microwave channels, which significantly improves spectral efficiency and, correspondingly, lowers operators' cost per bit. When DragonWave's unique Bandwidth Accelerator feature – the industry's only wire-speed bulk data compression technology – is enabled, spectral efficiency is further enhanced 25 to 100 percent depending on traffic patterns.

This unmatched spectral efficiency furthers the lead DragonWave's Horizon packet microwave products have in total link capacity over competitive products. Additionally, all Horizon packet microwave radios also support hitless adaptive modulation, bringing operators the benefits of higher capacity delivery by the new modes when link properties permit-even on existing links that have been designed for lower modulation modes.

Jennifer Pigg, president and founder, Battle Green Research, a Yankee Group affiliate, said "DragonWave has a well-earned reputation as a leading innovator in wireless packet microwave delivery. The company's solution of coupling higher modulation modes with Hitless Adaptive Modulation provides a cost-effective and much needed solution to meet the explosive increase in backhaul capacity demand being driven by a surge in mobile devices and the applications they employ."

With 2048 QAM, customers can achieve greater than 500 Mbps of transport in a Horizon Compact+ all-outdoor system and up to a Gigabit with DragonWave's Bandwidth Accelerator. Horizon Quantum can provide 2 carriers per radio each capable of 1024 QAM, delivering up to 2 Gbps in a single radio with Bandwidth Accelerator.

Peter Allen, CEO of DragonWave said "We are proud to once again increase the benchmark by offering the industry's highest capacity and highest spectral efficiency radios. Our commitment to remain at the forefront of technological innovation continues to benefit both DragonWaveand our customers."

DragonWave's Horizon line of packet microwave systems delivers the highest levels of spectral efficiency, and reliability for carrier-grade delivery of advanced applications and services.