Microwave backhaul and telco services in remote rural Australia

Acciona is a Spanish Multinational Conglomerate leading in Renewable Energy Plantations. Rooted in a merger of MZOV (1862) and Entrecanales y Tavora (1931), Acciona operates through four core groups: Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Other Businesses. Acciona Energy achieved a milestone, producing 21 Terawatt-hours of renewable electricity in October 2020. Listed on IBEX 35, Acciona employs 30,000 professionals across 30 countries, driving global sustainable progress, including Australia.

Acciona Construction faced a significant communication challenge at the remote Macintyre Wind Farm site. To tackle this issue, they enlisted the help of Wave1 Pty Ltd, a trusted collaborator from previous projects. Given their successful track record, Acciona believed Wave1 could devise a solution for this complex problem.

Through a collaborative effort between Acciona Construction and Wave1 Pty Ltd, a reseller of Intracom Telecom in the continent, a highly functional communication network was established at the Macintyre Wind Farm construction site.

Upon conducting a thorough site survey and path calculations, Wave1 set out to design a stable and effective communication network. Their solution involved creating a Fixed Private Wireless Network that exceeded Acciona’s initial expectations. The network was intended to facilitate seamless communication across the expansive site, with the added capability of remote monitoring via the internet.

The implementation process was intricate yet impressive. The network relied on site hops, connecting various demountable sheds and structures. A pivotal component was the Solar Container Shed, purpose-built and equipped with cameras and communication gear. This solar-powered container served as the central hub for the network. Using Intracom Telecom’s OmniBAS™-4Wcx MW system at this central point, connections were established to multiple locations.

For instance, the Rabbit Hill Tower acted as a crucial link to the NBN Connection, utilizing Intracom Telecom’s E-Band system, the UltraLink™-FX80, to provide high-speed internet across the network. At the Solar Container, an OmniBAS™-2Wcx radio was employed to create connections to the Camp Site. From there, the network split into two branches, one utilizing the reliable StreetNode™ V60-PTP system to connect the main office and the other employing a smaller radio system for the Temporary Construction Office.

Overcoming challenging weather conditions and rugged terrain, the network consistently achieved remarkable results. Operating in the extreme temperatures of Queensland, Australia, the network maintained an impressive average speed of 1237 Mbps Full Duplex across the vast 51 km span, with a combination of products from Intracom Telecom’s wireless portfolio.