Aviat Networks Unveils Quad Radio to Slash Microwave Infrastructure Costs

The WTM 4400, dubbed the Quad, achieves its performance through patented Layer 1 Link Aggregation. By utilizing the company's Adaptive Dual Channel technology, the unit manages four-channel aggregation with only two transceivers, effectively halving the hardware typically required for such high-capacity links. This architecture provides a significant advantage during adverse weather, as the system automatically applies a 7.5 dB power boost to ensure high-priority traffic remains stable during signal fade events.

Beyond technical capacity, the system targets operational efficiency by reducing the physical footprint on towers. Operators can deploy 4+0 links using antennas up to 50% smaller than those required by competing solutions, directly lowering shipping, installation, and recurring lease costs. Because the hardware integrates directly onto standard microwave antennas, the setup eliminates the need for external couplers and indoor units, leading to a reported 50% reduction in power consumption.

Flexibility remains a core feature of the deployment model. Carriers can initially provision the radio in two-channel mode and perform a remote software upgrade to double the capacity at a later date, bypassing the need for costly site visits or tower climbs. Aviat Networks CEO Pete Smith stated that the WTM 4400 represents a strategic shift toward lower total cost of ownership for operators upgrading their network infrastructure. The company is currently accepting orders for the unit, with shipments scheduled to begin in early 2027.