Ceragon IP-50C - All-Outdoor Dual-Core Microwave Radio

6-42 GHz, Dual-Core, 1+0 to 4+0 Configurations, Up to 8 Gbps

The IP-50C is Ceragon's most capable all-outdoor microwave radio, designed to serve as a single platform for everything from access links to high-capacity aggregation sites. The dual-core architecture means the radio contains two independent radio cores in one housing, enabling configurations from simple 1+0 links up to 4+0 with layer-1 carrier bonding.

For network operators, this architecture provides genuine flexibility in how capacity and availability are balanced. A dual-core radio can deliver higher throughput when both cores operate at full capacity, but can also be configured for enhanced reliability by running two radio streams to achieve a target capacity that a single stream could technically deliver alone. This approach trades some spectral efficiency for significantly improved link margin and fade resilience - particularly valuable on longer hops or in challenging propagation conditions.

The IP-50C also supports a "pay as you grow" deployment model. An initial installation might use only one radio core in a 1+0 configuration, with the second core activated remotely via software license when capacity demands increase. This allows network investment to follow actual traffic growth rather than requiring upfront provisioning for peak capacity that may take years to materialise.

Key Capabilities

• Dual-Core Architecture
• Two independent radio cores in a single all-outdoor unit
• Remote activation of second core via software license
• Supports 1+0, 2+0, and 4+0 configurations with layer-1 bonding
• Flexible Capacity and Availability Trade-offs
• Use both cores for maximum throughput (up to 8 Gbps in 4+0)
• Or configure for enhanced link budget and fade margin
• XPIC support for frequency reuse when spectrum is constrained
• Network Integration
• Carrier Ethernet switching with MEF 2.0 compliance
• SyncE and IEEE 1588 timing distribution
• Can operate standalone or with IP-50FX for Layer 3 routing

Typical Applications

• Mobile Network Backhaul
• Macro cell connectivity with growth path to higher capacity
• Aggregation sites requiring multi-gigabit throughput
• Critical Infrastructure
• Utility network backbone links
• Industrial sites requiring high availability
• ISP and Enterprise Networks
• Building-to-building connectivity
• Network extension where fibre is unavailable or uneconomical

Overview