Microwave Radio Effective tool for providing interoperability in hurricane regions

Microwave Wireless Point to point links Frequencies 2 to 38GHz 1.5Mbps – multiples of 180Mbps Microwave Radios

Hurricanes With Winds > 74mph (119 km/hr) the storm transforms into a Hurricane Historically 30 years cycle on hurricane activity ~ active Now we are more vulnerable due to Coastal population growths and property development Cat 4 - Hugo,1989, Luis, Felix 95 Cat 5 –Andrew,1992,Mitch 1998

Causes of Damage to Telecom Networks High Winds Flooding, heavy rainfall Lack of planning

UTC Testimonial William R. Moroney CEO (UTC) United Telecom Council US House of Representatives Performance of Gulf Coast Critical Infrastructure Communications Networks Katrina, Rita & Wilma “Microwave Systems stood up to the Storms” Surprisingly the strong winds caused minor damaged to towers and attachments. Microwave sites were located on top of buildings or at higher grounds. They were not affected by flooding. Critical Infrastructure Entities had built in redundancies and robustness. Anecdotal: Difficulty was to get to the sites due to road obstacles Securing fuel supplies for generators.

South Florida Water Management User Testimonial “ A critical element in responding to these conditions was the ruggedness, reliability, and resiliency of the public safety communications network. South Florida Water Management District... uses an advanced microwave communications system... during hurricanes and other storms to limit flood damage to property and minimize the threat to life as much as possible. ” August 2005, Magazine, “Radio Systems and Flood Control: Microwave helps close the floodgates”

Locating the communications site on high ground Using double tie-backs on antenna structures Flood-proofing communications shelters Securing backup generator systems Providing sufficient generator fuel capacity(two weeks) Deploying ample battery backup Implementing proper lightning protection Proper site grounding, antenna grounding Site Planning Hurricane Regions

Radio Planning Hurricane Regions New modulation schemes Higher System Gain  smaller antennas High power TX power  smaller antennas Automatic or Dynamic TX Power control Protection schemes: Space diversity, MHSB Ring Architecture, self healing rings Management systems, for remote troubleshooting. New radio technologies

Effective recovery tool Post -Huricane It was microwave’s flexibility that allowed it to be so quickly deployed following Katrina. It became the primary transport medium during the initial phases of the recovery effort. In areas where lines were down, microwave links were rushed ordered for repair of the existing public safety networks, and equipment was up and running within 48 hours. In situations such as this, wireline networks are simply not a viable option for quick turnaround. Microwave radios provided critical network connectivity among a wide variety of radio systems used by local emergency response teams, public safety organizations, and other agencies. Microwave radio communications are critical during disaster response

#1 supplier of Microwave Radios in North America and a leader worldwide Best-in-class communications products, systems and services Provider of choice for organizations with mission- critical applications Harris Radios

For more information, please contact: Juan Carlos Calle Territory Manager Harris Corporation Microwave Communications Division Caribbean Operations Call: Tel: Or