Aviat Networks, the leading expert in microwave networking solutions, today announced that it is deploying its STR600 ultra-high capacity microwave radio solution for MTN Ghana as a part of the upgrade of the leading African mobile operator’s backhaul network to full IP capability.
The STR600 links will form a critical element of the MTN Ghana backbone network, supporting a resilient, ultra-high capacity ring network delivering more than 1,8Gbps of data throughput.
Aviat’s STR600 enables MTN Ghana to upgrade its existing Aviat Eclipse backbone network without having to deploy new all-indoor trunking radios. The STR600 radio is fully compatible with Aviat’s currently installed Eclipse platform enabling equipment reuse while providing a significant increase in backbone capacity and minimising upgrade costs.
The new system combines increased bandwidth efficiency to make the most of MTN Ghana’s licensed frequency spectrum with performance enhancing techniques to overcome possible transmission problems posed by the atmosphere over long microwave paths. STR600 is available in the 6, 7, 8 and 11GHs frequency bands.
“For many years, we have built our backhaul network using Aviat’s Eclipse hybrid platform, and now we are migrating the entire network to IP,” says Hendrik Vorster, chief technical officer, MTN Ghana.
“The STR600 enables us to significantly increase our backbone capacity while maintaining compatibility with our Eclipse installed base.”
“A trend is underway in Africa for many mobile operators to decrease site infrastructure and optimise operational expenditure by deploying new split-mount trunk radio solutions as an alternative to traditional all-indoor radios. Our STR600 solution allows operators to drastically reduce, or eliminate, the need for large site shelters and air conditioning systems,” says Stuart Little, director of solutions marketing, Aviat Networks.
“Smaller shelters and less air-conditioning mean lower power needs, smaller generators and dramatically reduced diesel fuel consumption.”
STR600 also simplifies antenna installation (that is, eliminating waveguide and pressurisation systems) and, in many, cases reducing antenna sizes due to improved transmission power, thus decreasing the effects of wind on tower swaying.
Little adds, “We are also seeing a wave of tower outsourcing across Africa, so smaller antennas directly equate to diminished leasing costs for operators.”
