CASE STUDIES

Birds-eye view of snow covered trees

SAF – Indestructible Integra

Budapest, Hungary

Venue

  • Entire area of Budapest
  • Regions 40km from the capital

Solution Overview

  • SAF Integra links 
  • Generally used with 1-2ft antennas

Services

  • Local internet service with WISP
  • High-Quality internet-based business services
  • Uninterrupted internet coverage during large public events
Problem

In 2014 Hungary experienced an overall harsh winter, with unusual amounts of cold and thaw in combination with high winds. Due to that, there was a large build up of ice that formed on cell towers that would melt and fall during the sudden thaws.

Equipment below would often be struck by large chunks of ice, causing downtime in service and the need for expensive emergency repairs or replacements.

ACE Telecom, a Hungarian WISP that supplies their business customers with high-quality internet-based services, needed a solution that would survive these extreme winter conditions.

Project Details
  • ACE Telecom started to install SAF Integra links as a replacement for SAF Lumina links
  • SAF Integra links were utilized to provide internet connection during the European Figure Skating Championships in 2014
Solution

With the SAF Integra links, the customer can expect superb broadband connectivity under normal conditions. When these conditions become extreme, like the winter of 2014 in Hungary, falling ice could not fully be avoided and some Integra links were struck. However, even with heavy damage, the links remained operational giving users uninterrupted service. More importantly, it gave engineers time to work out a plan for swapping out the damaged parts without having to shut the system down for emergency measures.

Outcomes

Result

  • Direct radio and antenna integration allows fast and simple installations 
  • Compact size still covers longer distances 
  • High quality and durability of equipment providing reliable performance, even under extreme conditions 
  • Equipment remains operational even when damaged 
  • Easy to replace damaged equipment creating less unexpected downtime and interruptions for emergency repairs
  • Engineers can better schedule and mitigate maintenance of units  

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