As 5G-Advanced (5G-A) networks demand larger bandwidth, lower latency, and enhanced connection, new innovations are emerging, revolutionizing the backhaul infrastructure and unlocking new possibilities for all industries.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review during Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025, Zeng Chuang, President of Huawei Microwave Product Line, discussed the challenges and innovations associated with microwave backhaul technologies, and introduced the ‘Omni microwave’ solution to address the growing demands of 5G-A.
Microwave Backhaul Challenges and Requirements for 5G-A
When asked about the challenges in implementing 5G-A and microwave backhaul transmission, Chuang identified three critical hurdles that need to be addressed. Firstly, larger bandwidth is needed to meet 5G-A’s development requirements. Secondly, 5G-A powers new devices, many of which demand ultra-low latency for critical applications. Thirdly, the increase in rental costs poses a significant challenge for operators seeking to gain more bandwidth, directly impacting the total cost of operation (TCO).
Huawei Unveils Ultra-Wideband & Low OPEX Solutions to Alleviate 5G-A Backhaul Pain Points
At this MWC, Huawei Microwave unveiled several innovative solutions to address the challenges of 5G-A, attracting significant industry attention.
Huawei's newly launched 50Gbps full-duplex E-band backhaul solution, with its ultra-high bandwidth and efficient spectrum utilization, effectively alleviates spectrum pressure and meets the backhaul demands of 5G-A in high-density urban areas. The Uranus PtMP (Point-to-MultiPoint) solution, a cutting-edge solution showcased at MWC and gaining popularity among customers, innovatively supports single-antenna multi-band and multi-beam operations. This significantly reduces tower space requirements at hub sites while enhancing deployment efficiency and flexibility. In remote regions, Huawei's newly released ultra-simple microwave solution features a 0-footprint, eliminating the need for additional site space or complex infrastructure construction. This enables rapid site rollout to achieve network coverage, while offering flexible capacity expansion, convenient maintenance, and support for multiple power supply modes.
Navigating the Future of Microwave Technology Innovation
Chuang emphasized that Huawei’s innovation efforts are based on customer requirements. Moving forward, he outlined the company’s strategic roadmap for microwave technology, stating, “First, we will improve spectrum efficiency and leverage wide-band technologies to continuously increase customer bandwidth. Second, we will adopt a compact design to support customers in lowering their TCO. Third, we will push innovations to deliver microwave transmission to customers in all kinds of scenarios and weather conditions.”
Beyond telecommunications, Chuang also noted that microwave technology is becoming widely used across various industries. Driven by digital transmission, industry verticals, such as electricity and oil and gas, are deploying microwave technologies to implement digital-oriented solutions. Additionally, the finance and government sectors, such as the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense, are leveraging microwave technologies to develop more secure and private networks.
By adopting modern technologies to drive new innovations and enhance existing applications, Huawei is demonstrating its commitment to advancing the digital landscape in the rapidly evolving 5G-A era.
