Telecommunications Operator Southern Cable Network Ltd. recently installed and is now operating a high capacity microwave IP link connecting Arcos (Guatemala) with Punta Gorda (Belize) through a relay point in Puerto Barrio (Guatemala).

The high-performance IP Links (spanning 52 and 12 Km respectively) carry traffic at a rate of 165 Mbps each way (330 Mbps aggregate).

The long distance Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrio link is a fully redundant (1+1) link configured with space diversity to overcome possible multipath fades over water. The Arcos to Puerto Barrio link is also redundant (1+1) in a hot-standby configuration.

The links were installed in 2011 by SCN personnel and have been operating with high reliability and availability since then. They operate with 256QAM modulation in 30 MHz channels within the 6 GHz licensed band, replacing older lower capacity links in the 5.8 GHz band.

The radios are software-configurable and can be upgraded to higher data rates (up to 319 Mbps in a 50 MHz channel) by upgrading a software key.

According to Etienne Sharp of Southern Cable Network, “the links are performing very well and have fulfilled our high expectations. We are very pleased with the support and assistance provided by Cable AML every step of the way.”