Case Study: Deployment of a 1Gbps Link to Replace Microwave Link

Background

A telecommunications provider faced a critical situation when a government defence customer urgently required a high-throughput connection to replace an existing microwave link. The microwave link was not only slow but also had significant deployment time, which posed challenges for the customer's operations. The customer needed a reliable and fast connection to support their increasing data demands.

Challenge

The primary challenges included:

• Urgency for deployment due to operational needs.

• Insufficient throughput from the existing microwave link.

• Minimizing downtime during the transition from microwave to fiber link.

Solution

The telecommunications provider proposed the deployment of a 1Gbps Mimosa Point to Point Radio link operating in the unlicensed band frequency, which offered significantly higher throughput and reliability compared to the microwave solution. The decision was made to expedite the installation process to meet the customer's urgent requirements.

Deployment Process

The deployment process was meticulously planned to ensure a swift transition. Key steps included:

• Site Survey: Conducting a rapid site survey to determine the optimal path for the fiber installation.

• Logistics Coordination: Coordinating with local authorities and stakeholders to secure necessary permits and access.

• Resource Allocation: Mobilizing a dedicated team of technicians and equipment to the site.

• Installation: Executing the installation of the fiber link, ensuring minimal disruption to existing services.

• Testing and Commissioning: Conducting thorough testing to confirm the link's performance met the required specifications.

Results

The 1Gbps PtP link was successfully deployed within 2 days, significantly improving the customer’s connectivity. The results included:

• Increased Throughput: The new link provided a 10x increase in data transmission speed.

• Reliability: Enhanced reliability compared to the microwave link, reducing downtime and service interruptions.

• Customer Satisfaction: The swift deployment and improved performance led to high levels of customer satisfaction and trust in the provider’s capabilities.

Conclusion

The successful deployment of the 1Gbps link not only resolved the immediate issues faced by the customer but also set a precedent for future deployments. This case highlights the importance of agility and responsiveness in telecommunications, particularly when addressing urgent customer needs. The provider demonstrated that with effective planning and resource allocation, significant upgrades can be achieved in a remarkably short timeframe.