Alcatel-Lucent 9500-MPR 11GHz MPT-HC ODU Microwave Packet Radio

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR 11GHz MPT‑HC ODU (Outdoor Unit), identified by part number 3DB20371ACAA01, is a high‑performance microwave packet radio designed for point‑to‑point transport in mobile backhaul, enterprise WAN, and private network applications. This outdoor unit combines a compact, weatherproof enclosure with advanced packet‑aware features, delivering high throughput and reliable connectivity over licensed 11 GHz frequency bands.

Overview

The 9500‑MPR MPT‑HC (High‑Capacity) ODU is part of the Alcatel‑Lucent 9500 series, which supports native Ethernet and MPLS‑TP transport. It features a fully integrated radio transceiver, power amplifier, and low‑noise receiver, all housed in an IP67‑rated enclosure for outdoor installation. The unit connects directly to the antenna via a waveguide flange and to the indoor unit (IDU) via a coaxial cable that carries both IF signals and DC power. Its adaptive modulation and coding (ACM) capabilities allow dynamic adjustment of throughput based on real‑time propagation conditions, ensuring optimal link availability.

Key Features

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

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

• Adaptive modulation from QPSK to 1024QAM

• Aggregate throughput up to 2 Gbps (with 112 MHz channel and XPIC)

• MPLS‑TP and MPLS support for carrier‑grade service delivery

• Integrated forward error correction (FEC) and equalization

• Automatic transmit power control (ATPC) and built‑in RSSI for alignment

• Outdoor enclosure rated IP67, operating temperature -40°C to +55°C

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 10.7‑11.7 GHz

• Channel Bandwidth: 7, 14, 28, 56 MHz

• Modulation: QPSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 512QAM, 1024QAM

• Max Data Rate: 2 Gbps aggregate (with XPIC and 112 MHz)

• Transmit Power: +23 dBm nominal (adjustable via ATPC)

• Receiver Sensitivity: -73 dBm for 10⁻⁶ BER (at 256QAM, 56 MHz)

• Antenna Interface: WR75 waveguide flange

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

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

• Power Consumption: 40 W typical

• Dimensions: 290 mm (L) × 190 mm (W) × 120 mm (H)

• Weight: 6 kg

Applications

This ODU is ideal for mobile backhaul connecting cell sites to aggregation hubs, as well as for enterprise campus interconnect and temporary event links. The 11 GHz band offers a good balance between capacity and rain fade resilience for urban and suburban hops up to 10 km. Its MPLS‑TP capability enables end‑to‑end OAM and service differentiation.

Integration and Management

The ODU integrates with the 9500 IDU (e.g., MPR‑e or MPR‑HL), which handles traffic aggregation, switching, and network management. The system supports remote configuration of frequency, modulation, and power via the IDU’s CLI or GUI. Real‑time performance metrics—such as SNR, received signal level, and temperature—are available for link optimization.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation involves mounting the ODU on a mast, connecting the waveguide to the antenna, and routing the IF cable to the IDU. An alignment tone and RSSI meter assist with antenna pointing. Maintenance includes periodic inspection of waveguide seals, 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 11GHz MPT‑HC ODU (3DB20371ACAA01) offers a high‑capacity, energy‑efficient solution for microwave packet transport. Its robust design, adaptive modulation, and carrier‑grade features make it a dependable choice for operators seeking reliable wireless backhaul.