The Alcatel-Lucent MDR 8000 provides a graceful migration from TDM to Ethernet for microwave radio networks without costly equipment replacement. A new interface card provides native Ethernet ports with 32 DS1 on-board to permit TDM traffic to be dynamically provisioned together with the radio's Ethernet bandwidth. Existing MDR 8000 radios supporting only TDM services over DS1, DS3 or OC-3 may be upgraded in the field.

Some of the benefits that this system provides are to upgrade existing systems to Ethernet with minimal investment. It is also a highly reliable transport over long distances as well as a cost-effective alternative to leasing T1, Metro Ethernet, and building fiber facilities.

The system has a common platform enabled for almost all frequency bands to meet requirements for high and low capacity. This system boasts itself as one of the leaders in microwave transport thanks to its wide range of long-haul frequency, a complete range of interfaces and capacity, and high system gain.