Training Course Description

Microwave Networks
Fundamentals of Microwave Radio

Overview
The Fundamentals of Microwave Radio is for Microwave Networks and its Channel Partner
employees. This course describes basic operations of microwave radio. It is an introductory
course designed for those who are new to microwave radio communications.
Learning Objectives
Understand basic concepts about

microwave radio operations

essential parts of microwave radio systems
microwave communications applications

Target Audience
The course is designed for personnel at Microwave Networks and its channel partners who
are new to microwave radio communications.
Prerequisites
Personnel should have a rudimentary understanding radio communications and data
networking.
Logistics
Class Size:
Course Duration:
Location:
Certification:
Materials Provided:

August 2013

up to 8
1/2 day
Stafford, TX or partner location
yes
Digital and hardcopy course presentations and data sheets (USB),
including glossary of microwave radio communications

www.microwavenetworks.com

Training Course Description

Course Topics
Basic Radio:

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Radio Waves

Licensed and Unlicensed Frequencies and FCC Regulation
Microwave and Millimeter Spectrum
Decibels and Measurement Power Output and Receive Sensitivity
Carrier and Modulation
Bandwidth and Capacity
TDM and IP and Ethernet
North American Digital Hierarchy
Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy
Ethernet

Microwave Hardware Configurations

Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint

Architecture Indoor and Split Mount
Antenna Systems, Coaxial Cable, Waveguides
Video examples of a radio shelter, racks, microwave tower, and antenna system

Microwave Frequency and Propagation

Microwave Frequency Bands and Characteristics

Polarization
Propagation: free space loss, absorption, refraction, scattering, reflection, diffraction
Fresnel Zones, LOS, non-LOS
BER, AGC, System Gain, Fade Margins
Link Budgeting

Network Topologies, Protection, and Diversity

Understanding Microwave Block Diagrams

Topologies Overview: star, chain, mesh, ring, spur
Access, Backhaul, Transport
Hot Standby (1+1 versus 1+0 versus 1+n)
Route Diversity
o SHARP - TDM
o Rapid Ring Protection Ethernet
Space Diversity

Benefits and Applications

Benefits of Microwave Radio Communications versus copper, fiber, satellite

Public Safety & Government
Utilities
Industrial
Mobile Network Operators

August 2013

www.microwavenetworks.com