US Cable Operator Time Warner has recently installed a 6 GHz licensed IP microwave link (IPLINK) between the top of Haleakala mountain and the city of Hana. The link is an upgrade of an existing 5.8 GHz spread spectrum link to improve high-speed data (HSD) service to the city of Hana on the island of Maui (Hawai, US).

Cable AML performed the link analysis and provided the electronics, antennas, and related hardware for this project, as well as alignment and turn-on engineering assistance. The link to Hana from atop the Haleakala volcano is challenging due to the long distance and the fact that there is no direct LOS (line of sight). The connection is established via a double passive reflector (billboard) in the path. Time Warner is using the same reflector and path to transmit signals at 13 GHz, 18 GHz and now 6 GHz, all implemented with Cable AML systems.The isolated town of Hana receives Cable TV signals (54 to 870 MHz) from the main Headend in Maui. The transmission path starts with fiber to the top of Haleakala, from where it is transported via 13 GHz and 18 GHz broadband microwave links. Microwave is the only feasible and economical way to serve this small community. The 6 GHz IP Link provides a return path for the subscriber cable modems.