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Maximizing Network Efficiency and Cutting Costs with E-Band Radios
July 2025 Ioannis Dravopoulos, Head, Transmission Radio Solutions
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Revolutionizing Network Infrastructure and Optimizing Cost of Ownership using UltraLink™-GX80 E-Band family

In today's hyperconnected digital economy, the capacity and efficiency of telecommunications networks are under unprecedented pressure. Service providers must grapple with rising demands for high-speed data, expansive coverage, and bulletproof reliability—while simultaneously taming costs and enduring a long-term investment protection. Against this demanding backdrop, Intracom Telecom introduces the UltraLink™-GX80 family, a breakthrough in E-Band wireless transport technology that delivers performance excellence with optimization of total cost of ownership (TCO).

The UltraLink™-GX80 family is designed not just to support but to transform next-generation network deployments. With configurations supporting up to 15 Gbps symmetric throughput, this E-Band product series represents a compelling solution for mobile backhaul, enterprise access, fixed wireless access, and rural broadband initiatives. More than just a leap in performance, it offers to the operator a strategic advantage by slashing both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX) without compromising performance nor reliability.

Superior Throughput and Robust Link Performance

The UltraLink™-GX80 family is a paradigm shift in wireless transport, engineered to deliver exceptional capacity with uncompromising service availability. These solutions are purpose-built to satisfy the soaring data consumption trends characteristic of modern digital applications and services. Key to this capability is the support for up to 15 Gbps symmetric throughput, delivering ultra-high-speed connectivity across a variety of deployment scenarios—from dense urban centers to remote backbone sites.

The UltraLink™-GX80 (10 Gbps) model utilizes state-of-the-art radio technologies that boast 70.6 dB system gain, enabling longer link distances up to 3.6 km with 99.99% availability. This capacity is achieved without the need for redundant or chained links, eliminating complexity while enhancing service robustness. Furthermore, the UltraLink™-GX80 Advanced (15 Gbps) achieves extended throughput using fewer units, optimizing both spectrum efficiency and equipment footprint.

Additionally, integrated Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) capabilities enable seamless compatibility with existing and future network architectures. This built-in functionality helps reduce dependency on external CSR hardware, streamlining operations and enhancing flexibility.

Unrivaled TCO Savings

While performance is critical, the economic realities of infrastructure investment often define the feasibility of technology adoption. Here, the UltraLink™-GX80 family demonstrates exceptional value. Through intelligent design and reduced equipment complexity, the system slashes costs across multiple fronts:

  • Installation Costs

    Up to 70% lower compared to traditional multi-band configurations.

  • Material Requirements

    65% fewer components due to the simplified radio and single-polarized antenna design.

  • Spectrum Leasing Costs

    Reduced by up to 75%, thanks to superior spectral efficiency.

  • Power Consumption

    Up to 80% less energy use compared to competitive solutions for delivering similar capacity and MPLS functionality.

  • Site Rental and Planning

    As much as 45% lower costs, made possible by a reduced need for additional infrastructure.

For example, a conventional 10 Gbps setup might require dual-band E-Band and 18 GHz XPIC microwave links, and dual-polarized antennas. In contrast, the UltraLink™-GX80 achieves the same capacity with only two E-Band radios and two single-polarized antennas—halving the installation effort and minimizing spatial and structural requirements.

Eliminating Inefficiencies with High Power Design

Historically, achieving 10 Gbps over extended distances necessitated chained links—doubling hardware, cabling, and power needs. The UltraLink™-GX80 model eliminates this redundancy by delivering robust 10 Gbps links with a single link configuration. The result is a 50% reduction in installation, materials, and planning needs, alongside a 75% cut in power usage and a 45% drop in site rental costs. This capability is particularly advantageous for urban / suburban or hard-to-reach deployments where the costs and logistics of intermediate repeater sites are significant.

Maximizing Capacity Efficiently with the UltraLink™-GX80 Advanced Model

Operators seeking unmatched capacity will find the UltraLink™-GX80 Advanced model ideally suited for high-density, high-demand scenarios. Capable of delivering 15 Gbps symmetric throughput, this model sets a new benchmark in wireless transport efficiency. With just one radio and a single 60 cm antenna, it rivals competitors' setups requiring multiple radios and larger, more complex antenna arrays.

Cost savings are similarly impressive:

  • 80% lower power consumption compared to multi-radio setups for delivering similar capacity and MPLS functionality.
  • 50% savings on installation, materials, and spectrum leasing.
  • 25% reduction in site rental costs.

This model is particularly suited to urban environments, where available tower space and spectrum costs are at a premium. Its lean configuration not only reduces overhead but also enhances deployment agility.

Benefits with UltraLink-GX80 family
Slicing down Capital Expenditure

UltraLink™-GX80 family, with its leading System Gain, provides major advantages over competitive E-Band solutions. This results in less equipment required to provide high-speed and reliable connectivity, that allows Operators to spend less for obtaining the same service.

  • Longer Reach: UltraLink™-GX80 can deliver 10 Gbps service with 99.99% capacity availability further than any other E-Band solution. Thus, with a single link Operators can deliver service, whereas competitive solutions would require 2 links daisy-chained to provide the same service.
  • Use E-Band instead of Dual Band: UltraLink™-GX80 has the system gain and capacity to provide the same service with a single E-Band link, where competitive solutions would require Dual Band, E-Band and traditional Microwave combination. Operators can benefit by not investing in traditional Microwave equipment and special Dual Band antennas.
  • Achieve 15 Gbps with a Single Link: UltraLink™-GX80 Advanced can deliver 15 Gbps through a single 1+0 link, due to the high special efficiency of the UltraLink-GX80 family. Competitive solutions limit their capacity to 10Gbps over a single 1+0 link, so two parallel competitive links would be needed to provide what UltraLink-GX80 Advanced can offer with a single 1+0 link.

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Furthermore, the product family supports Hybrid L2/L3 support with embedded MPLS functionality, eliminating the need for Cell Site Router equipment at each site.

Driving Operational Efficiency and Sustainability

In addition to capital savings, the Intracom Telecom's E-Band radio family delivers substantial operational advantages. These enhancements are central to building sustainable, future-proof networks.

  • Energy Efficiency: The UltraLink™-GX80 Advanced consumes just 2.1 kWh/day, compared to 10 kWh/day in traditional systems for delivering similar capacity and MPLS functionality. This not only lowers energy costs by approximately 80%, but also contributes significantly to carbon footprint reduction.
  • Simplified Installation: The use of fewer components translates to quicker deployments, reduced labor costs, and minimal truck rolls.
  • Compact Solution Design: Space-saving hardware configurations avoids costly tower reinforcements and enable easier integration into constrained environments.

These attributes make the UltraLink™-GX80 family a key enabler of green, agile, and scalable network operations.

Ready for the Future: Scalable and Agile

Perhaps one of the most strategic benefits of the UltraLink™-GX80 family is its forward-looking design. With software-defined features and native MPLS support, operators can adapt their infrastructure as service demands evolve—without expensive hardware upgrades or overhauls. This future-proofing ensures investment protection and extends the lifecycle value of the equipment.

Conclusion: A Smart Investment for Modern Networks

Intracom Telecom’s UltraLink™-GX80 family delivers results that translate directly to the bottom line. By delivering industry-leading throughput, operational simplicity, and dramatic cost efficiencies, it enables network operators to accelerate service rollouts, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce churn—all while lowering the cost per bit delivered. The combination of CAPEX and OPEX savings enables a faster return on investment and improved long-term profitability.

In a rapidly evolving connectivity landscape, the UltraLink™-GX80 family is not just a product—it's a strategic enabler of network excellence. Whether it’s 5G mobile backhaul, enterprise networking, or transport network, UltraLink™-GX80 family provides a robust and cost-effective foundation for digital service delivery.