High-data-rate millimeter-wave radios

This article discusses millimeter-wave Gigabit-class radio systems operating at 1-10-Gb data rates, i.e., at fiberoptic speeds. Yet, we need to talk first about fiber optics. There has been stunning progress in high-speed fiber optic technology during the past 10-15 years. Systems operate 50-100 channels per fiber and with 50-100 fibers per communications bundle. Each wavelength channel operates at 10-40 Gb/s per channel. Cost for hardware is decreasing rapidly, particularly for Ethernet optical equipment. Companies have begun transmitting radio signals over free-space optics links. There is also an industry growing around the technology of transmitting radio signals over fiber optics. As noted, the developments are absolutely stunning.