DragonWave Inc., a global supplier of packet microwave radio systems for mobile and access networks, announced a product addition to its portfolio with the introduction of the Avenue Link Lite. With a form factor of only 7.5 in square including antenna, the sub-6 GHz point-to-point microwave radio supports both licensed and unlicensed spectrum and is ideally suited for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) scenarios where obstructions are found between link endpoints. The unit offers full scalability and is designed within specifications that ensure compliance with strict city-zoning regulations in order to blend into the urban landscape. DragonWave will be showcasing the Avenue Link Lite at Mobile World Congress, February 25-28 in Barcelona Spain, booth #5H47.
The Avenue Link Lite is a single, all-outdoor unit and includes standard Ethernet interfaces and integrated antenna, making it easy to install and bring online. With DragonWave’s comprehensive network management system, the Avenue Link Lite can easily be configured and monitored remotely, helping lead to a quick return-on-investment for operators. Streamlined functionality is further complimented by low power consumption (under 15W), PoE compatibility, reduced cabling requirements and in-band synchronization which eliminates the need for an external synchronization source. The high capacity and low latency capabilities of the Avenue Link Lite make it one of the first LTE-ready NLOS system.
“DragonWave has been at the forefront of microwave radio technology and has a clear understanding that Small Cell networks are going to require a complete toolkit of solutions in order to be viable,” said Caroline Gabriel, Research Director Maravedis-Rethink Technology Research. “With the introduction of the Avenue Link Lite, operators now have access to the full range of available spectrum, allowing them greater flexibility to build out networks quicker, easier and more economically than ever before.”
Avenue Link Lite can be deployed using a tree topology, with macrocell traffic aggregation points on rooftops, or with tail, chain or small hub microsites at street level, which reduces interference and offers more flexible network connectivity, as well as simplifying network expansion and helping to ensure protected network architectures.
“This year we will begin to see some of the first broader deployments of Small Cell networks within densely populated urban environments being planned,” said Peter Allen, CEO. “DragonWave has invested a good deal of time and research into understanding what requirements must be met to offer network operators QoS, minimum latency and the ability to deliver backhaul traffic at the lowest cost per bit possible. We’re confident that the Avenue Link Lite brings unmatched value to that equation without compromising on performance.”