Alcatel-Lucent 9500 MPR ODU Outdoor Unit (300, 11GHz, TX Low HP)

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500 MPR ODU (Outdoor Unit) is a compact, high‑performance transceiver designed for point‑to‑point packet microwave links. The specific variant with model number 300, operating at 11 GHz with low transmit high power (TX Low HP), and part number 3DB23035AAAA01, is optimized for short‑ to medium‑hop distances where efficient power usage and reliable throughput are required. This ODU is part of the 9500 series, which supports native packet transport with MPLS‑TP capabilities.

Overview

The 9500 MPR ODU integrates a full outdoor radio – including modulator, demodulator, power amplifier, and low‑noise receiver – into a single weatherproof housing. It connects directly to the antenna via a waveguide flange and to the indoor unit (IDU) via a coaxial cable carrying both power and intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The 11 GHz band is widely used for urban backhaul and enterprise connectivity due to its good propagation characteristics and wide channel bandwidth options. The “TX Low HP” designation indicates a moderate output power level, balancing link range with low power consumption and heat dissipation.

Key Features

• Compact and lightweight design for easy pole or wall mounting

• Supports adaptive modulation from QPSK to 256QAM

• Output power: +20 dBm to +25 dBm (adjustable) at 11 GHz

• Receiver noise figure: < 3.5 dB

• Integrated forward error correction (FEC) and equalization

• Frequency synthesizer with < 1 ppm stability

• Built‑in RX signal strength indicator (RSSI) and alignment tone

• IP67 environmental seal, operating from -40°C to +60°C

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 10.7‑11.7 GHz (tunable in 250 kHz steps)

• Channel Bandwidth: 7, 14, 28, 56 MHz (selectable)

• Max Data Rate: Up to 800 Mbps (aggregate) with 56 MHz and 256QAM

• Transmit Power: +23 dBm (nominal), with ATPC range of 10 dB

• Receiver Sensitivity: -75 dBm for 10⁻⁶ BER (at 256QAM)

• Antenna Interface: WR75 waveguide, PDR flange

• IF Interface: N‑type connector, 50 Ω, carrying power and modulated IF

• Power Supply: -48 VDC over coaxial cable (from IDU)

• Power Consumption: 35 W typical

• Dimensions: 280 mm (L) × 180 mm (W) × 120 mm (H)

• Weight: 5.5 kg

Applications

This ODU is ideal for mobile backhaul (cell site aggregation), enterprise campus interconnect, and temporary event connectivity. Its low power consumption makes it suitable for solar‑powered or battery‑backed installations. The 11 GHz band provides a good balance between capacity and rain fade resilience for urban links up to 5‑10 km.

Integration and Management

The ODU connects to the 9500 IDU (such as the MPR‑e or MPR‑HL) which handles traffic multiplexing, switching, and network management. The system supports remote configuration of frequency, modulation, and power via the IDU’s GUI or CLI. Real‑time performance statistics, including SNR, received power, and temperature, are available for link optimization.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation involves mounting the ODU on a mast with the supplied brackets, connecting the waveguide to the antenna, and routing the IF cable to the IDU. An alignment process uses the built‑in tone generator and RSSI meter to achieve optimal antenna pointing. Maintenance requires periodic inspection of the waveguide seal, cable connections, and grounding. Firmware upgrades are performed through the IDU, and the ODU is field‑replaceable as a single unit.

Conclusion

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500 MPR ODU 300 (3DB23035AAAA01) offers a cost‑effective, energy‑efficient solution for short‑hop microwave connectivity. Its robust environmental design, adaptive modulation, and ease of integration make it a dependable choice for operators and private network owners seeking high‑capacity wireless links.