Alcatel-Lucent 9500-MPR ODU MPT-HC 18GHz Microwave Radio

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU (Outdoor Unit) MPT‑HC (High‑Capacity) model 3DB20432BAAA04 is a high‑performance microwave packet radio designed for point‑to‑point transport. This outdoor unit operates in the 18 GHz frequency band (17.700‑18.140 GHz) and is engineered for mobile backhaul, enterprise WAN, and private network applications requiring high capacity over shorter hop distances.

Overview

The 9500‑MPR MPT‑HC ODU is part of the Alcatel‑Lucent 9500 series, which supports native Ethernet and MPLS‑TP transport. The unit features a fully integrated radio transceiver, power amplifier, and low‑noise receiver, housed in an IP67‑rated enclosure for outdoor installation. The 18 GHz band offers wider channel bandwidths (up to 112 MHz) and higher capacity compared to lower bands, while the shorter wavelength allows for smaller antennas. Its adaptive modulation and coding (ACM) capabilities enable dynamic throughput adjustment based on propagation conditions.

Key Features

• Frequency range: 17.700‑18.140 GHz

• Channel bandwidths: 7, 14, 28, 56, 112 MHz (selectable)

• Adaptive modulation from QPSK to 1024QAM

• Aggregate throughput up to 2.4 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: 17.700‑18.140 GHz

• Channel Bandwidth: 7, 14, 28, 56, 112 MHz

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

• Max Data Rate: 2.4 Gbps aggregate (with XPIC and 112 MHz)

• Transmit Power: +20 dBm nominal (adjustable via ATPC)

• Receiver Sensitivity: -70 dBm for 10⁻⁶ BER (at 256QAM, 56 MHz)

• Antenna Interface: WR51 waveguide flange

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

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

• Power Consumption: 45 W typical

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

• Weight: 5.8 kg

Applications

This ODU is ideal for short‑haul mobile backhaul, data center interconnect, and enterprise links requiring high capacity. The 18 GHz band offers excellent capacity but is more susceptible to rain fade, making it suitable for hops up to 5‑8 km in typical climates.

Integration and Management

The ODU integrates with the 9500 IDU, 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.

Conclusion

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU MPT‑HC 3DB20432BAAA04 offers a high‑capacity solution for 18 GHz microwave transport. Its robust design, wide bandwidth support, and carrier‑grade features make it a dependable choice for high‑throughput wireless backhaul.