What is Wireless Backhaul & How does it Works?

Jamie Zaragoza
4 min readMay 12, 2023

Wireless backhaul is a term used to describe the process of transmitting data wirelessly from one point to another. In the context of telecommunications, wireless backhaul is used to connect cell towers or other network nodes to a central point. This is an important aspect of mobile networks, as it provides a means of extending coverage and increasing network capacity without having to rely on expensive and time-consuming fiber optic cable installations.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what wireless backhaul is, how it works, and the various technologies that are used to make it possible.

What is Wireless Backhaul?

Wireless backhaul is the process of transmitting data wirelessly between two or more points in a telecommunications network. This is typically done using radio frequency (RF) signals, which are transmitted over the airwaves. Wireless backhaul is used to connect various elements of a network, including cell towers, base stations, and other network nodes, to a central point.

The purpose of wireless backhaul is to provide a means of extending coverage and increasing network capacity. It allows mobile network operators to quickly and easily expand their networks without having to rely on expensive and time-consuming fiber optic cable installations.

How does Wireless Backhaul work?

Wireless backhaul works by transmitting data over radio frequencies using various wireless technologies. The exact process can vary depending on the specific technology being used, but the basic steps are as follows:

Step 1: Data is generated by a network node, such as a cell tower or base station.

Step 2: The data is modulated onto an RF signal and transmitted over the airwaves.

Step 3: The RF signal is received by another network node, which demodulates the signal and extracts the data.

Step 4: The extracted data is then processed by the receiving node, and may be transmitted on to another network node or to the internet.

The process of wireless backhaul can be thought of as being similar to a radio broadcast. Instead of transmitting music or speech, however, the wireless backhaul system is transmitting data. The main difference is that the data being transmitted is much more complex and requires more advanced modulation and demodulation techniques.

Wireless Backhaul Technologies

There are several different technologies that are used for wireless backhaul. These include microwave, millimeter wave, and satellite communications.

Microwave Backhaul

Microwave backhaul is one of the most common wireless backhaul technologies used today. It uses microwave frequencies to transmit data over the airwaves. Microwave backhaul is typically used for short- to medium-range links, as it is limited by the curvature of the earth and requires a clear line-of-sight between the transmitting and receiving antennas.

Microwave backhaul is a mature technology and is widely used in mobile networks around the world. It is relatively low cost and offers high throughput and low latency. However, it is limited by the amount of available spectrum and can be affected by interference from other sources.

Millimeter Wave Backhaul

Millimeter wave backhaul is a newer wireless backhaul technology that uses much higher frequencies than microwave backhaul. It operates in the range of 30–300 GHz, which allows for much higher data rates than microwave backhaul. However, it is limited by its shorter range and requires a clear line-of-sight between the transmitting and receiving antennas.

Millimeter wave backhaul is still in the early stages of adoption and is primarily used for small cell deployments in urban areas. It offers high throughput and low latency, but is limited by its shorter range and high cost.

Satellite Backhaul

Satellite backhaul is a wireless backhaul technology that uses satellite communications to transmit data over long distances. It is typically used in remote or rural areas where traditional wired or wireless backhaul technologies are not available.

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