TasNetworks upgrades its microwave links

TasNetworks’ new radio links reduce costs, increase throughput and provide better visibility and performance.

A major upgrade of TasNetworks’ microwave radio network was recently completed. In addition to operating and maintaining Tasmania’s electricity transmission and distribution network, TasNetworks is responsible for a statewide radio communications network.

Working together, Fujitsu Australia and TasNetworks implemented a quick, cost-effective and safe upgrade of the backbone radio network, which involved commissioning 18 of Fujitsu’s FRX-3 microwave radio links.

The upgrade has brought in a number of key functional outcomes for TasNetworks, including a fivefold increase in throughput and better visibility of service levels which, in turn, will aid the swift resolution of future issues.

TasNetworks can now better deliver critical protection and control services alongside next-generation IP services, which can be rapidly deployed and will facilitate a fast time to market for its customers.

The implementation methodology used simplified the upgrade process, reduced the number and duration of upgrade-related outages and significantly reduced rollout costs. On the back of this, TasNetworks awarded Fujitsu a five-year support contract to reduce risk and ensure the upgraded network’s reliability.

TasNetworks’ collaboration with Fujitsu followed a competitive tender process undertaken after it recognised that its 10-year-old radio backbone network was no longer fit for purpose. Fujitsu’s turnkey solution included its FRX-3 product, which has the capability to carry legacy services and fully IP-based services. Fujitsu also worked with TasNetworks in the pre-implementation stages of the project.

The methodology TasNetworks had proposed led to a significant reduction in the time required to work outdoors during the system upgrade, in part as it circumvented the need to install large temporary antennas. Testing in the controlled conditions of the laboratory decreased the number of network outages required for the upgrade and reduced the amount of time the teams would have to spend outside.

TasNetworks’ telecommunications network covers mountainous, inhospitable terrain and the radios are situated largely in remote locations that are exposed to challenging weather conditions. Over the course of the project’s late-winter/early-spring timeframe, those locations experienced heavy snow and strong winds. Reducing the time required to work outside and lift heavy objects into place in such conditions reduced risk and meant that, despite the teams being snowed in on occasion, the upgrade stayed on schedule.

The upgrade was completed with fewer required outages than would normally be required, within a tight timeframe, and came in under budget.

Fujitsu Australia called upon expertise from its counterparts in Japan and North America to implement the project full circle from design to manufacture, testing to execution.

“This network implementation was a large investment for TasNetworks,” said Robert Clerk, senior telecommunications engineer.

“Our partnership with Fujitsu facilitated innovation. Their solutions-focused attitude helped in bringing our ideas into completion and demonstrated why opportunities to innovate should continue to be explored at every step of a project’s life cycle.”

“It’s no small feat to embark on upgrading a major statewide system,” added Mike Foster, Fujitsu Australia’s CEO.

“The team’s determination and grit, even in challenging weather and terrain, has resulted in TasNetworks being able to offer a robust network platform for its customers across Tasmania.”

Images courtesy Fujitsu Australia and TasNetworks.

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