In Mobile Network, microwave radio are used to transfer data between BTS sites, between BTS and BSC or MSC.  There are both advantages and disadvantages of using Microwave Radio links. Microwave radio communication is normally used for sites which are located in rural areas where site accessibility is difficult. It is because the cost of Microwave Radio communication installation and commissioning is cheaper and it's also  easier to implement than other transmission technology such as Optical fiber. The disadvantage of Microwave Radio over Optical fiber is the data transmission speed and interference. It is however better in many ways than the PSTN MODEM link. Proper frequency planning is very important in Radio Communication.

The main components of Microwave Radio Communication are:

• IDU (Indoor Unit)
• ODU (Outdoor Unit)
• Antenna and its transmission cables(feeder cables)

The picture below shows a outdoor unit installed

Fig: Microwave Antenna (Outdoor Unit)