The Future of Microwave Communications

The future of microwave communications is foreseen by noting the status of advanced research and then deducing its logical impact on future systems. The trend toward higher frequencies is expected to result in millimeter waveguide systems, and perhaps in communication using visible radiation, with an order of magnitude more channel capacity than the largest existing commercial systems. Satellite radio communications are expected to provide versatile broad-band international communications in an era when tying together the world´s major population centers is of first importance. Point-to-point radio-relay systems are expected to provide the largest volume of domestic long-distance circuits, with explosive growth in the near future. New solid-state devices have appeared and should lead to systems with lower power consumption, longer component life, and eventually lower operating cost.