E-Band

E-Band is the spectrum in 70, 80 and 90 GHz. E-band consists of approximately 13 GHz of spectrum and is “lightly licensed” under a National license for entity (NN license). This page highlights the characteristics of the “lightly licensed” E-Band and explains it's key advantages.


Watch the E-Band Webinar

This "E-Band Opportunities - Offering Premium Gigabit Service" webinar was hosted by DoubleRadius on September 12, 2019 . The presentation begins with the origin of the E- Band, then takes a look at how fast and far E-Band radios can really go. Next is a comparison of mmWave, Microwave, and fiber (technology and costs), and hybrid fiber-wireless deployment. To conclude, mmWave link examples and rain affects in different locations are reviewed, as well as a list of current E-Band vendors with products now available.



What is E-Band mmWave?

E-Band is the spectrum in 70, 80 and 90 GHz. E-band is consists of apporximately 13 GHz of spectrum and is “lightly licensed” under a National license for entity (NN license). Licenses are not issued by geographic area, but locations must be registered with the FCC. Interference protection is a “first come, first serve” model.




What is the Capacity of an E-Band Radio?

Performance with E-Band products vary depending on deployment. Weather, humidity, distance and other factors can all affect performance adversely in E-Band. However, some 1+0 radio configurations can offer 10 Gbps with microseconds of latency. These links can be run in tandem to achieve even higher capacity.




What is the Max Distance for an E-Band Radio?

Much like capacity, the distance an E-Band radio can achieve depends on the deployment. The distance will vary between climates. In a dry environment like the desert, an E-Band radio can go farther than in a humid climate such as the South Eastern U.S.




E-Band Advantages Over Microwave & Fiber

Some of the key benefits of the E-Band include:

  • Wider channels than Microwave - equates to more capacity.
  • Narrower beamwidth than Microwave - lowers the probability of interception and interference
  • Smaller antennas size than Microwave - simplifying installation, minimizing tower space and reducing wind load.
  • Fixed cost compared to fiber - does not increase as length of link increases.




Complimenting Fiber with Wireless

E-Band technology compliments fiber through it’s ability to:

  • Easily cross highways, railroads, or bodies of water
  • Avoid challenging right of way issues
  • Deploy easily in urban environments and brownfield buildings
  • Start earning ROI immediately

Manufacturers