Ericsson MINI-LINK is the microwave radio line that links many cell sites back to the core network. When a microwave hop drops, every site behind it can go dark, so spares matter.
This guide covers the Ericsson MINI-LINK modems and outdoor radio units we supply, as well as AXE and GEP processor boards for legacy core gear. It explains what each part does and what to check before you order. Silverback supplies new and used units, tested before they ship.
How Ericsson MINI-LINK works
A microwave hop uses a radio at each end, aimed at each other across a clear line of sight. In fact, many installs split the hardware in two. An indoor unit handles the modem and traffic, while an outdoor radio unit sits behind the dish and handles RF.
Because the two halves of an Ericsson MINI-LINK node connect by cable, you can often swap one without touching the other. As a result, a single spare modem or radio unit can restore a hop quickly. Ericsson's official site also covers its current portfolio.
MINI-LINK modem units
The MMU 1002 (ROJ1192505/1) is a magazine modem unit. In other words, it sits in the indoor magazine and handles the modem side of the link. One listing ties it to the MINI-LINK 6693, so check your node model before you order.
Ericsson MINI-LINK outdoor radio units
RAU2 units are the outdoor radios that mount behind the antenna. We supply the RAU2 X 6L/A17 HP (UKL40169/A17HP) for MINI-LINK TN, as well as the RAU2 X 11/A01HP (UKL40194/A01HP).
The model name points to the frequency band, so 6L and 11 refer to different bands. The rest of the name, such as A17 and HP, defines the exact variant. So the far end of the hop and your license must match the unit you order.
Transport and AXE boards
Next to the radios, many networks still rely on older transport and switching boards. These parts keep that gear running, so they are worth stocking.
ET-IPG board
The ET-IPG (ROJ1192345/1) is a printed board assembly with four 1 Gb/s ports. Some listings place it under MINI-LINK, so confirm the system it came from before you order a spare.
AXE boards
AXE is Ericsson's long-running digital switching platform, and some networks still run it in their core. For example, the APUB2 (ROJ208841/21) is a board for the AXE 810, and one listing ties it to the BSC-HD. Similarly, the CPUB-24 (ROJ208861/2) is a processor board for AXE exchanges.
GEP processor boards
We also supply two GEP processor boards: the GEP2-4-QC-HD (ROJ208841/2) and the GEP7L-64-X (ROJ208861/7). Since a board must match its host system, send us the node model along with the part number.
Ericsson MINI-LINK part numbers we supply
The table lists every microwave and board part in this family. Each part number also links to its inventory page.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ROJ1192505/1 | MMU 1002 | Magazine modem unit, MINI-LINK |
| UKL40169/A17HP | RAU2 X 6L/A17 HP | MINI-LINK TN outdoor radio unit |
| UKL40194/A01HP | RAU2 X 11/A01HP | MINI-LINK outdoor radio unit |
| ROJ1192345/1 | ET-IPG board | 1 Gb/s, 4 ports |
| ROJ208841/21 | APUB2 | Board for the AXE 810 |
| ROJ208841/2 | GEP2-4-QC-HD | Processor board |
| ROJ208861/2 | CPUB-24 | Processor board for AXE exchanges |
| ROJ208861/7 | GEP7L-64-X | Processor board |
How to choose Ericsson MINI-LINK spares
First of all, match the frequency band. For example, a radio unit for one band will not work on a hop licensed for another. Also check that both ends of the link use matching units.
Then confirm the indoor side. The modem unit must suit the node, such as the MINI-LINK 6693 for the MMU 1002. Finally, quote the full part number, including the suffix, since variants can differ.
Common mistakes with Ericsson MINI-LINK spares
Most failed swaps come down to a detail on the label. Watch for these four.
- Ordering a radio unit for the wrong band, since 6L and 11 units are not interchangeable.
- Skipping the suffix, although A17 and A01 mark different variants.
- Matching only one end of the hop, when both ends must suit the link plan.
- Ordering a board without the node model, even though boards must match their host system.
Keeping legacy transport and core gear alive
Microwave and AXE gear often stays in service long after newer radios arrive. Replacing a whole node is costly, so operators keep spares on hand instead. As a result, a tested board on the shelf can turn a long outage into a quick swap.
For radio access spares, see our Radio System remote radio guide. For power parts, including the PSU AC 02 mounting kit for MINI-LINK, see our site power and cooling guide.
New vs used Ericsson MINI-LINK parts
Like-for-like swaps are the norm for microwave and core boards, so tested used parts are a strong fit. They match the part number in the field and cost less than new. Silverback tests used Ericsson MINI-LINK units before they ship, and you can ask for new or used condition.
Buyback for retired microwave and core gear
When you retire a hop or an AXE node, the radios and boards still have value. Silverback buys back decommissioned telecom gear and also offers certified data destruction for boards that hold data. Our ITAD runs under R2v3, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and our decommissioning checklist helps you plan the move.
Silverback supplies MINI-LINK and board spares for networks that keep legacy gear running. Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day. You can also browse our inventory, request a quote on a full list, or read our Ericsson buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MINI-LINK MMU?
MMU stands for magazine modem unit. It sits in the indoor part of a MINI-LINK node and handles the modem side of the link.
What is a RAU2 unit?
RAU2 is the MINI-LINK outdoor radio unit that mounts behind the dish. The model name, such as RAU2 X 11, points to the frequency band.
Do you supply AXE boards?
Yes. Silverback supplies AXE boards such as the APUB2 and CPUB-24, new and used, tested before they ship.
How do I make sure a board fits my system?
Send the full part number and the node model. We confirm the match and reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Do you buy back Ericsson MINI-LINK equipment?
Yes. We buy back retired MINI-LINK radios, modems and boards, with certified data destruction where needed.
Get a quote for Ericsson MINI-LINK parts
Send us the part numbers, quantities and the condition you want. We reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Call (888) 391-5211 or use our quote request form. Silverback supplies new and used Ericsson MINI-LINK and board spares, tested before they ship.
