Next-Gen Telecom Networks
Microwave Backhaul Links
Backhaul is where a cell site stops being local. Whether the hop runs at 18 GHz over ten kilometres or at 80 GHz over one, the radio’s RF interface sits outdoors on a pole and has to hold its loss budget in weather that never stops changing.
E-Band 80 GHz
2.92mm
2.4mm
1.85mm
Outdoor
DC–67 GHz
Coverage
≤1.15
Typical VSWR
IP67
Ingress Rating
Design Notes
What a Backhaul Interface Has to Hold
A backhaul hop has almost no link margin to spare. Every one of these costs a fraction of a decibel, and they add up.
01
Loss Budget
At E-band the atmosphere is already taking a large share of the budget. An interface that wastes a tenth of a decibel shortens the hop or drops the availability figure.
02
Band Selection
Traditional bands to 40 GHz and E-band at 71–86 GHz need different connector families. 2.92mm covers the former comfortably; 1.85mm and 1.0mm are what reach the latter.
03
Alignment Stability
A backhaul dish is aimed to a fraction of a degree. Anything that shifts under thermal load — including a stiff cable pulling on a port — costs you the alignment.
04
Weather Sealing
Pole-mounted radios take direct rain and sun. The interface is sealed and the cable entry is drip-looped, or water tracks straight into the connector.
05
Phase Stability
Where the link uses diversity or MIMO, the two paths have to stay matched as the temperature changes, not just at the moment of installation.
Reference Data
Typical Interface Requirements
Backhaul specifications vary widely by band and vendor. These are representative conditions.
| Parameter | Typical Requirement | Relevant Series | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional bands | 6–42 GHz | 2.92mm, 2.4mm | Long-haul and mid-haul |
| E-band | 71–86 GHz | 1.85mm, 1.0mm | Short, high-capacity hops |
| Insertion loss | As low as achievable | Low-loss assemblies | Directly reduces link margin |
| Phase stability | ±3 ppm/°C typical | Phase-stable series | Matters for diversity paths |
| Ingress protection | IP67 mated | Outdoor series | Pole and tower mounting |
| Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | All outdoor series | Direct solar loading |
Our Role
What We Supply for Backhaul Links
01
Precision to 110 GHz
2.92mm through 1.0mm connectors, so the same supplier covers a traditional 18 GHz hop and an E-band link on the same site.
02
Phase-Stable Assemblies
Matched pairs for diversity and MIMO backhaul, made to length so the two paths stay together across the temperature range.
03
Rollout Lead Times
Backhaul goes in on a schedule. We hold the common configurations and manufacture the rest in-house rather than waiting on a distributor.
Selected Products
Interfaces for Backhaul Radios
Common starting points across traditional and E-band hops. Tell us the band and the run and we will quote the assembly.
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1.85mm Female 4-Hole Flange Mount RF Connector – Field Replaceable, 8.64mm Hole Spacing, 0.23mm Pin Diameter
Read moreQuick View -
2.4mm Female 4-Hole Flange Mount RF Connector – Field Replaceable, 8.64mm Hole Spacing, 0.23mm Pin Diameter
$22.00 Add to cartQuick View -
2.4mm Male to 2.4mm Male System Interconnect Low-Loss RF Cable Assembly – Use CFT360H Coax
$20.00 Add to cartQuick View -
2.92mm Female 4-Hole Flange Mount RF Connector – Field Replaceable, 8.64mm Hole Spacing, 0.23mm Pin Diameter
$23.00 Add to cartQuick View
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Backhaul Engineering Support
Working Out a Link Budget?
Send us the band, the hop length and the radio, and our engineers will propose the interface and cable configuration.