Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU MPT‑HC 18GHz Microwave Radio – 3DB20433BAAA04

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU MPT‑HC is a high‑performance microwave outdoor unit operating in the 18 GHz frequency band. Identified by product code 3DB20433BAAA04, this radio covers the 19260‑19700 MHz spectrum range and is engineered for short‑ to medium‑haul backhaul applications. It delivers multi‑gigabit throughput with adaptive modulation and advanced error correction, making it an ideal solution for mobile network densification and enterprise trunking.

Frequency and Band Planning

The 18 GHz band, spanning 19260 to 19700 MHz, offers a balanced combination of wide channel availability and favorable propagation characteristics. This ODU supports channel bandwidths of 7, 14, 28, 56, and 112 MHz, allowing operators to choose the optimal balance between capacity and link budget. The band is particularly suitable for urban and suburban environments where hop distances typically range from 3 to 10 kilometers.

The MPT‑HC (Multi‑Protocol Transport – High Capacity) core integrates native packet switching with TDM emulation, enabling seamless transport of both Ethernet and legacy E1/T1 services. This makes the radio equally valuable for greenfield all‑IP networks and hybrid legacy environments.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Microwave Outdoor Unit (ODU)

• Model: 9500‑MPR MPT‑HC

• Part Number: 3DB20433BAAA04

• Frequency Range: 19260 – 19700 MHz (18 GHz band)

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

• Modulation: QPSK to 2048 QAM (adaptive)

• Maximum Aggregate Throughput: Up to 1.8 Gbps (full duplex) with 112 MHz and 2048QAM

• RF Output Power: +23 dBm (adjustable via ATPC)

• Receiver Sensitivity: –67 dBm for 2048QAM at BER 1e‑6

• Antenna Interface: P120 flange

• Ethernet Interfaces: 4 x 10/100/1000BASE‑T (RJ‑45) plus 1 x SFP (fibre)

• Timing Support: SyncE, IEEE 1588v2 PTP, and 1PPS

• Power Supply: –48 VDC via IF cable (PoE)

• Power Consumption: 45 W typical

• Operating Temperature: –40°C to +55°C

• Protection Rating: IP67

Key Features and Benefits

• Adaptive Modulation and Coding (ACM): Continuously adjusts modulation to maintain optimal throughput during rain fade and atmospheric disturbances.

• Automatic Transmit Power Control (ATPC): Maintains constant received signal level, reducing interference and saving power.

• Integrated Ethernet Switch: Aggregates traffic from multiple cell sectors locally, eliminating the need for an external switch at the tower.

• Carrier‑Grade Synchronisation: Ensures phase alignment for 4G/5G TDD networks and seamless handover.

• Advanced Diagnostics: Built‑in spectrum analyser, loopback testing, and real‑time performance monitoring.

Deployment Scenarios

This radio is primarily deployed for mobile backhaul, connecting macro cell sites and small cell clusters to the aggregation network. The 18 GHz band is ideal for dense urban environments where fibre deployment is challenging or cost‑prohibitive. It is also used for temporary event coverage, disaster recovery connectivity, and enterprise campus interconnections.

The 3DB20433BAAA04 variant includes enhanced filtering and receiver sensitivity, making it suitable for installations in congested spectrum areas with adjacent channel interference.

Management and Integration

The ODU is managed through the 9500 MPR indoor unit (IDU) via a web GUI, CLI, or SNMP. It integrates with the Alcatel‑Lucent 5520 NMS for end‑to‑end visibility and fault management. The unit supports remote software upgrades and configuration backups.

Reliability and Compliance

Built with industrial‑grade components, the ODU meets ETSI EN 300 019, Telcordia GR‑3160, and NEBS Level 3 standards. MTBF exceeds 170,000 hours.

Conclusion

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU MPT‑HC 18GHz (3DB20433BAAA04) offers a robust, high‑capacity solution for modern wireless backhaul. Its wide bandwidth support, adaptive features, and rugged design ensure dependable performance in demanding network environments.