March 21, 2018

Northern California Power IRU600 Passive Repeater System Case Study

Challenge

In 2017, Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) was faced with the challenge of linking two microwave sites in mountainous terrain with no line of sight between them. They were looking for an effective, cost-efficient way to complete the microwave segment of their network in California’s Northern Central area.

Solution

NCPA deployed the IRU 600 EHP from Aviat Networks as the transmitter and three metal reflectors that resemble billboards to act as passive repeaters. This method requires uniquely powerful transmission, as well as precise alignment of the transmitting antenna and the repeater metal reflectors. The effect is like the carom of a billiard ball in a bank shot on a pool table. This technique can skirt around any obstacle, such as a mountain or building. NCPA used laser positioning technology to achieve the required precision. The IRU 600 EHP did the rest.