A Theoretical Model for Dimensioning Microwaves Point-to-Point PDH Networks Adopting Adaptive Modulation

Adaptive modulation is confirming as a valid alternative technology that gives the opportunity to increase the spectrum efficiency whatever is the transported capacity. This technology is based on the possibility to achieve a higher throughput also over fading channels adjusting some parameters as modulation scheme, capacity and/or coding complexity. Adaptive modulation gives the opportunity to boost the transmission capacity of radio links up to 3 times without the need of additional license, minimizing upgrade/installation operations and with a significant cost reduction. In this paper we present the results of some investigations about the achievable capacity improvement concerning the adoption of adaptive modulation considering the effects related to the transmission medium in urban environment for both low and high frequency bands