Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU MPT‑HC V2 15GHz Microwave Radio – 9558HC MPT‑XP
The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU MPT‑HC V2 is a high‑capacity outdoor microwave radio operating in the 15 GHz frequency band. With the product code 3DB20373BAAB04 and commonly referred to as 9558HC MPT‑XP, this second‑generation unit delivers exceptional throughput for middle‑haul applications, balancing the favorable propagation characteristics of lower frequencies with the wide channel bandwidths required for modern 5G transport.
Product Architecture
The V2 design incorporates a powerful modem capable of handling channel bandwidths up to 112 MHz and modulation levels as high as 4096 QAM. This enables net data rates up to 2.2 Gbps in a single polarization. With the addition of cross‑polarization interference cancellation (XPIC), the unit can simultaneously transmit two distinct data streams on vertical and horizontal polarizations, effectively doubling the aggregate capacity to over 4 Gbps. The ODU includes an integrated 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface to the indoor unit, ensuring that there is no bottleneck between the radio link and the wired network.
The XPIC functionality of the 9558HC variant is particularly valuable in the 15 GHz band, where frequency coordination is essential. By reusing both polarizations, operators can significantly increase spectral efficiency without the need for additional frequency licenses.
Technical Specifications
Product Name: 9500‑MPR ODU MPT‑HC V2
Variant Part Number: 3DB20373BAAB04
Also Known As: 9558HC MPT‑XP
Frequency Band: 14.5 – 15.35 GHz (15 GHz band)
Channel Bandwidth: 7, 14, 28, 56, 112 MHz (software selectable)
Modulation: QPSK to 4096 QAM with adaptive coding (ACM)
Max Throughput (1+0): Up to 2.2 Gbps (full duplex)
Max Throughput (XPIC 2+0): Up to 4.4 Gbps (full duplex, aggregate)
Output Power: +25 dBm (adjustable via ATPC)
Receiver Sensitivity: –64 dBm for 4096 QAM (BER 1e‑6)
Antenna Interface: P120 flange
Power Supply: –48 VDC via IF cable
Operating Temperature: –40°C to +55°C
IP Rating: IP67
Key Features
Adaptive modulation dynamically adjusts to rain fade and atmospheric conditions.
Automatic transmit power control (ATPC) ensures optimal power levels.
XPIC enables full dual‑polarization capacity increase.
Integrated Ethernet switch with advanced QoS and VLAN tagging.
Precision timing support (SyncE and IEEE 1588v2) for mobile networks.
Built‑in test functions including spectrum analysis and BER testing.
Deployment Scenarios
The 15 GHz band offers a sweet spot for middle‑haul applications, providing higher capacity than lower bands (e.g., 6/7/8 GHz) while maintaining superior rain fade performance compared to higher bands (e.g., 23/38 GHz). This makes the 3DB20373BAAB04 ideal for suburban and rural backhaul where hop lengths range from 3 to 15 kilometers. It is extensively used to aggregate traffic from multiple cell sites and deliver it to a hub location for further transport.
In enterprise networks, it connects remote industrial sites or campus buildings where fiber installation is prohibitively expensive.
Management and Maintenance
The ODU is fully managed through the 9500 MPR indoor unit (IDU). The management interface provides real‑time data on received signal level, modulation state, and XPIC effectiveness. The unit supports remote firmware upgrades and comprehensive alarm reporting.
Reliability
Designed for harsh outdoor conditions, the ODU features a ruggedized aluminum enclosure and is fully weather‑sealed. MTBF exceeds 175,000 hours. The unit includes built‑in lightning protection and surge suppression.
Conclusion
The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU MPT‑HC V2 15GHz (3DB20373BAAB04) is a future‑ready microwave radio that delivers exceptional capacity and reliability for modern backhaul networks. Its advanced XPIC capability and robust design make it a leading choice for operators deploying high‑throughput 5G transport.
