When Avax  SA 410, a contractor specialising in telecommunication and fibre optics solutions, experienced fibre cuts and downtime due to criminal activity, they turned to MiRO to advise them on possible solutions. MiRO suggested the latest 10Gbps E-band solution from Siklu Communication, a pioneer in carrier-grade mmWave technology. We spoke to Hannes Pretorius, owner at Avax SA 410, about the new solution that was implemented and the benefits that the solution has provided.

“The biggest challenge we had, was to deliver fibre-like capacity over extended distances, something traditional wireless 
system just can’t deliver. The weakness in the previous solution was that fibre links were cut and vandalized and caused major downtime and production loss.”

Elaborating on installation and implementation of the Siklu radios, Hannes explained: ‘’The installation of the equipment was very simple and easy, but alignment takes a lot of effort and time due to the extremely narrow beamwidth of the Siklu E-band solution.   It’s was definitely worth the time spent, as this is one of the most stable links I have ever 
used! The sites were surveyed, and a link planner was used to calculate the distance and line-of-sight for each link, the radios where then pre-programmed and installed with pre-manufactured brackets and alignment was done. Once the link was aligned final configuration was done and VLAN ID’s set up.’’

When asked about the apparent benefits of the solution, Hannes responded: “The data throughput was one of the biggest benefits, to have a link at 10.4km and still have a backhaul capacity of 10Gbps up and down, that is unheard-of in the telecommunications industry. This is a cost-effective solution which is durable and extremely stable. There is nothing like this on the market.” Siklu’s ruggedized, IP67 rated enclosure means it is durable and can withstand the harshest of environments and in turn minimizes the total cost of ownership. It’s Carrier Grade construction and performance means that you get true value for your money and a quick return on investment.

Hannes concluded with future advice for similar projects: “Do your site planning and radio position 100%, pre-test the radio units on ground level before mounting the radios”.

MiRO stocks the full range of Siklu E-band solutions, from the 1Gbps model all the way up to the flagship 10Gbps EtherHaul™ 8010FX. They have the expertise to assist you in planning the link as well as to get it performing optimally.