Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU 300 23GHz Microwave Radio – MPT 3DB23045HM

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU 300 is a state‑of‑the‑art outdoor microwave radio designed for high‑capacity wireless backhaul in the 23 GHz frequency band. Identified by the product code 3DB23045HM, this outdoor unit (ODU) features the advanced MPT (Multi‑Protocol Transport) architecture, delivering exceptional throughput, flexible modulation, and carrier‑grade reliability for mobile transport, enterprise networks, and public safety applications.

Product Overview

The ODU 300 represents the next generation of the 9500 Microwave Packet Radio family, engineered to meet the skyrocketing bandwidth demands of 5G networks, smart cities, and cloud‑centric infrastructures. Operating in the 23 GHz band, it offers an optimal balance between spectrum availability and propagation characteristics, making it suitable for short‑ to medium‑haul links (2‑10 km) in dense urban or suburban deployments.

The MPT core integrates native packet switching with TDM emulation, allowing seamless transport of both legacy E1/T1 circuits and modern Ethernet services. The unit incorporates a powerful digital signal processor, high‑linearity RF front‑end, and adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) that dynamically adjusts the link based on real‑time propagation conditions, maximizing availability while minimising outage risk during rain fade.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Outdoor Microwave Radio Unit

• Model: 9500‑MPR ODU 300

• Part Number: 3DB23045HM

• Frequency Band: 21.2 – 23.6 GHz (23 GHz band)

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

• Modulation Schemes: QPSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 512QAM, 1024QAM, 2048QAM, 4096QAM (adaptive)

• Maximum Aggregate Throughput: Up to 2.5 Gbps (full duplex) with 112 MHz and 4096QAM

• RF Output Power: +24 dBm (adjustable via ATPC)

• Receiver Sensitivity: –65 dBm for 4096QAM at BER 1e‑6

• Antenna Interface: P120 flange for direct waveguide connection

• Ethernet Interface: 10/100/1000BASE‑T plus SFP fibre uplink (integrated switch)

• Timing Support: Synchronous Ethernet, IEEE 1588v2 PTP, and 1PPS input/output

• Power Supply: –48 VDC (via IF cable or local DC) with redundant inputs

• Power Consumption: 45 W typical (with full traffic)

• Operating Temperature: –40°C to +60°C

• Protection Rating: IP67 (weather‑proof and dust‑proof)

• Dimensions: 320 x 240 x 100 mm; weight ~5 kg

Advanced Features and Capabilities

• Adaptive Modulation and Coding (ACM): Continuously monitors signal‑to‑noise ratio and shifts between modulation levels without service interruption, ensuring optimal throughput under varying weather.

• Automatic Transmit Power Control (ATPC): Adjusts output power to maintain constant received signal level, improving interference management and reducing power consumption.

• Built‑in Ethernet Switch: Provides local aggregation of up to four Gigabit Ethernet ports, reducing the need for external switches at the cell site.

• Carrier‑Grade Synchronisation: Supports SyncE and IEEE 1588v2 for phase alignment required by LTE‑Advanced and 5G NR, with hybrid time-of‑day capabilities.

• Enhanced Security: Encrypted data plane (AES‑256) and secure management (SSH, SNMPv3) to protect against cyber threats.

• Integrated Performance Monitoring: Real‑time reporting of RSL, SNR, modulation level, and frame errors, with threshold alarms sent to the network operations centre.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The ODU 300 is ideally suited for mobile backhaul in 4G/5G small cell and macro cell deployments, where it aggregates traffic from multiple radios and transports it over a single microwave link to the aggregation node. The 23 GHz band offers plentiful spectrum, allowing operators to deploy high‑capacity links even in congested frequency environments. With its compact form factor and low weight, it can be mounted on lamp posts, building façades, or telecommunication towers with minimal structural reinforcement.

In enterprise settings, the radio serves as a wireless bridge connecting remote offices, data centres, or manufacturing facilities where fibre installation is cost‑prohibitive. The integrated Ethernet switch enables direct connection of IP cameras, Wi‑Fi access points, and VoIP gateways, simplifying network design. For public safety and emergency response, the ODU 300 can be rapidly deployed to restore connectivity after natural disasters, thanks to its ruggedised housing and fast‑start configuration.

Additionally, the device supports both 1+0 and 1+1 protection schemes, providing hitless failover in the event of hardware failure or severe fading. This high‑availability feature is critical for mission‑critical infrastructure and ensures service level agreements are met.

Integration and Management

The ODU 300 is managed via the 9500 MPR indoor unit (IDU) or directly through a web‑based GUI and CLI. It supports standard network management protocols including SNMP, TL1, and NETCONF, enabling seamless integration with existing OSS/BSS systems. The unit also features a built‑in spectrum analyser and loopback testing to facilitate field commissioning and troubleshooting. Remote firmware upgrades can be performed without service disruption, minimising maintenance windows.

The 3DB23045HM variant comes with extended temperature tolerance and additional EMC filtering, making it suitable for co‑location with high‑power transmitters.

Reliability and Environmental Compliance

Engineered to Telcordia GR‑3160 and ETSI EN 300 019 standards, the ODU 300 withstands extreme temperatures, humidity, salt fog, and wind loads. Its aluminium alloy housing with corrosion‑resistant coating ensures long service life. Mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeds 180,000 hours, and the unit includes internal surge arrestors on all external interfaces. The product is fully RoHS and REACH compliant, meeting global environmental regulations.

Conclusion

The Alcatel‑Lucent 9500‑MPR ODU 300 23GHz Microwave Radio (3DB23045HM) sets a new benchmark for high‑capacity, reliable wireless backhaul. Its combination of wide channel bandwidth, advanced MPT processing, and robust construction makes it the ideal choice for operators and enterprises demanding uncompromising performance in the 23 GHz spectrum. Whether for 5G mobile transport, enterprise connectivity, or emergency communications, this ODU delivers the throughput, resilience, and flexibility needed to meet tomorrow’s network requirements.