MTN Nigeria Deploys First 25Gbps Microwave Link

First, it will be a good thing to know what The Full Duplex Radio Link is all about. Unlike ordinary systems that only use one frequency per direction at a time, Full-Duplex enables simultaneous two-way data transmission over both frequency pairings per direction.

This invention meets 5G requirements by greatly improving connection speed and efficiency.

And with Huawei Nigeria, MTN Nigeria has successfully tested the first commercial 25Gbps full duplex microwave link in Sub-Saharan Africa, a historic accomplishment.

Using cutting-edge Full-Duplex technology, the test was carried out on the E-band frequency spectrum.

This state-of-the-art microwave link, which operates in the E-band (80 GHz), uses the 1000Mhz E-band spectrum to achieve a data transmission rate of 25 Gbps. This results in a fourfold increase in spectral efficiency when compared to conventional E-band solutions, setting a new standard for capacity and performance.

This accomplishment offers Nigeria a new avenue for the development of advanced mobile services and ultra-high-speed connectivity.

The deployment of a 25bps Full Duplex microwave link is revolutionary, according to Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer at MTN Nigeria.

“As the first mobile operator in the MTN Group and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, we are proud to lead the testing of this cutting-edge microwave data transmission technology, underscoring our bold commitment to innovation and continuous network capabilities evolution towards meeting the demands of a rapidly advancing digital landscape,” he stated.

“By leveraging next-generation solutions and strengthening strategic partnerships, we are enhancing network quality, improving customer experience, and strengthening our position for sustained growth and market leadership in an increasingly connected world,” he continued.

Higher capacity and quicker communication infrastructure are still required due to the growing demand for low-latency apps, augmented reality (AR), and video streaming. This demand is immediately met by the Full Duplex Radio Link solution.

Thanks to its high-isolation integrated antenna construction, enhanced spectrum efficiency, and interference prevention algorithms, this cutting-edge technology, which will be implemented in 5G network infrastructure, allows data transmission of up to 50 Gbps via 2000Mhz per link.

Based on real spectrum resources, MTN finished the 25Gbps capacity test using 1000 MHz.

This innovation marks a significant advancement for Nigeria’s telecom industry, highlighting the nation’s leadership in embracing and developing cutting-edge digital solutions and strengthening its standing as a regional leader in ICT infrastructure throughout Africa.

This achievement also demonstrates MTN Nigeria’s dedication to providing cutting-edge technological solutions and enabling previously unheard-of connectivity speeds to speed up digital transformation for both individuals and enterprises.

The new microwave link ensures high-efficiency, high-quality ultra-fast data transfer to enable next-generation 5G services by utilizing the 70/80 GHz spectrum to achieve unmatched levels of capacity and performance.

The strategic purpose is to build power for next-generation 5G services, this high-speed backhaul delivers ultra-fast data transmission and highly efficient connectivity for businesses and individual consumers alike.

Following the new 25Gbps microwave link, MTN Nigeria has recently achieved other major network milestones, including launching an 800G optical network in Lagos, deploying the world’s first FDD tri-band Massive MIMO site, and completing the RuralCow project for rural coverage.