Aviat Intros Upgraded IP Transport and Long-Haul Backhaul Products with Pasolink

Key Takeaways

• Pasolink VR adds up to 10 Gbps IP capacity per radio
• Supports 4‑11 GHz band for long‑haul indoor backhaul
• Integrates NEC Pasolink tech with Avi's IRU600 architecture
• Targets mobile operators expanding 5G fronthaul and backhaul networks

Pulse Analysis

The surge in mobile data traffic and the rollout of 5G have forced carriers to rethink their backhaul architecture. Microwave links, prized for rapid deployment and line‑of‑sight flexibility, remain a backbone for connecting cell sites to core networks, especially in regions where fiber is scarce or cost‑prohibitive. However, traditional microwave radios often cap out at a few gigabits per second, creating bottlenecks as dense small‑cell clusters demand higher throughput. Vendors are therefore racing to deliver higher‑capacity, spectrum‑efficient solutions that can be layered onto existing infrastructure.

Aviat’s Pasolink VR addresses that gap by marrying the proven IRU600 radio family with the advanced modulation and error‑correction algorithms inherited from NEC’s former Pasolink line. The platform supports up to 10 Gbps of IP transport on both the indoor IRU600 and outdoor ODU600 units, while the new long‑haul indoor modules operate across the 4‑11 GHz band, a relatively under‑utilized slice that offers favorable rain‑fade characteristics. Because the upgrade is firmware‑based for the radios, operators can boost capacity without a full hardware refresh, preserving capital expenditures and shortening rollout cycles.

The announcement positions Aviat to capture a larger share of the 5G backhaul market, where incumbents such as Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei dominate the high‑capacity segment. By offering a scalable, cost‑effective upgrade path, Aviat appeals to mid‑size carriers and regional operators that need to meet aggressive latency and bandwidth targets without the price tag of next‑generation fiber. As network densification continues, solutions like Pasolink VR will likely become a standard upgrade option, prompting competitors to accelerate their own microwave‑to‑IP roadmaps.