Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) and Green MountainOverhaul New Hampshire’s Broadband Network

Mountainous State Brings Wireless Network Up to Speed

INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS

CASE STUDYRADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMST h e C l e a r C h o i c e ®

Photo supplied by Green Mountain

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Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) and Green Mountain Overhaul New Hampshire’s Broadband Network

Summary

The state of New Hampshire needed toupdate its broadband technologies in all10 of its counties to meet growingdemand for reliable communications withpublic services and state agencies. Thestate’s telecommunications infrastructurewas lagging behind consumer demandand that of other states. The badlyneeded upgrades were uniquelychallenged by conditions endemic to NewHampshire. A program was implementedto combine technologies, infrastructureassets, funding and effort to tie disparatelocal systems together and bring thestatewide communications network up topar with the rest of the country. Theresulting enhanced network better servesNew Hampshire public assets includingthe Departments of Safety, Transportation,and Resources and EconomicDevelopment; NH Public Television; andthe National Guard with increasedbroadband functionality, resiliency andbandwidth to other public safety officesthroughout the state.

R eliable high-speed broadband technology has become essential for communityand economic development as well as for public safety. New Hampshirebrought its broadband networks up to comparable quality with the rest of the

world through a U.S Department of Commerce Broadband TechnologyOpportunities Program (BTOP) grant. The grant enabled implementation ofNHSafeNet, a point-to-point broadband network tasked with increasing wirelesscommunications for public safety and departmental efficiency statewide.

INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS

CASE STUDY

à New Hampshire is about 190 miles long from north to south and about 70 mileswide from east to west.

à New Hampshire features rugged mountains, lakes and ocean beaches.

à Contained within the Appalachian Highlands, the three primary geologicalfeatures and landforms (physiographic regions) of New Hampshire are theCoastal Lowlands, the Eastern New England Upland, and the White Mountains.

à The White Mountains cover the northern portion of the state and consist ofrugged mountains and narrow valleys.

àMount Washington, the highest point in New Hampshire and the highest pointin New England, is part of the Presidential Range. It is 6,288 feet above sea leveland home to some of the worst weather in the world.

à Five other peaks in the Presidential Range are over a mile in height. TheFranconia Range includes Profile Mountain which formerly hosted the Old Manof the Mountain, a granite profile of an old man's face, near the peak.

à The lowest temperature in New Hampshire, -47 degrees F, was recorded onJanuary 29, 1934 on Mount Washington.

àWinters are cold and snowy throughout the state, and especially severe in thenorthern and mountainous areas. Average annual snowfall ranges from 60inches (150 cm) to over 100 inches (250 cm) across the state.

New Hampshire At A Glance

Photo supplied by Green Mountain

About Green Mountain CommunicationsGreen Mountain is an end-to-end wired/wireless solutions provider delivering integrated communication solutions forbusinesses in the northeast region. Serving as an expert source to its customers, Green Mountain is a trusted partner forentities in enterprise, education, government, healthcare, service provider, and utilities industries. Green Mountain believesthat quality and safety are paramount in providing the exceptional service that they have been delivering to customers forover 20 years. With more than 10,000 installed projects, Green Mountain has the experience and knowledge to successfullyassess its customers’ needs and deliver comprehensive communication solutions proficiently, rapidly, and cost-effectively.

Green Mountain is equipped to engineer, install, and furnish the wired/wireless systems that today’s businesses need to staycompetitive and serve their customers. Through industry awards and customer feedback, Green Mountain has beenacknowledged for its ability to integrate the most advanced technologies with a high level of attention to detail andunmatched dedication to customer service.

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Hoisting a dish on Mount Washington, where the ruggedlandscape and extreme weather conditions pose exceptionalchallenges.

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The Project

Green Mountain, an integratedcommunication provider for businesses inthe Northeast, was contracted to design,develop and construct the NH SafeNetmicrowave network. Green Mountaindeveloped a strategic plan to improve andconsolidate the existing statewide point-to-point microwave analog and timedivision multiplexing (TDM) network thatincluded towers standing on 20mountaintop sites throughout the state.RFS supplied essential network equipmentsuch as wideband microwave antennasand other ancillary products required forreliable performance under rigorousconditions.

The Challenge

Numerous existing networks had to beintegrated into a single, closed broadbandsystem; their protocols needed to bestreamlined so traffic could flowseamlessly across the network, prioritizingdata transmissions and allocatingbandwidth limits based on the ITplatforms of stakeholders. Existinginfrastructures including several outdatedtowers that did not comply with currentstandards had to be updated andintegrated into the network. New mVPNcode had to be developed that couldhandle video streaming, digital televisionbroadcasting and planning for future

expansion. Wind was a major issue, withtowers needing to be installed andmaintained on mountaintops includingMount Kearsarge, Mount Belknap, TenneyMountain and even Mount Washington,where access was remote and extremeconditions could severely threaten thestability of equipment.

The Solution

The network designed for NHSafeNetincorporated carrier class capabilities byleveraging Multiprotocol Label Switching(MPLS). Code was developed for newrouters to enable streaming of videotraffic and deliver optimum performance.MPLS was required in order to managethe complex system integration anddevelop a highly efficient, scalable andsecure network.

New equipment was designed tointegrate with existing structures and towithstand high winds. Another notabledeployment scenario that was unique forthis project was the use of RFS circulatorsin combining the legacy equipment withthe new equipment. NHSafeNet was ableto build in future expansion capabilitiesfor the data network, as demand and usecontinue to grow. Introduction of the RFScirculators also allowed Green Mountainto install and test the system prior tocutting over the traffic, minimizing systeminteruptions.

Photo supplied by Green Mountain

Photo supplied by Green Mountain

RFS was contracted by Green Mountain toprovide critical equipment includingmicrowave antennas, waveguide and relatedcomponents to meet project requirements.The high-performance antennasmanufactured by RFS were used to meet thestringent delivery timelines necessary for theaggressive implementation schedule. Eversince Green Mountain was founded, it hasbeen installing RFS-manufacturedcomponents, including cables, connectors,antennas, and more, for its towerconstruction and indoor DAS business unit.

Use of RFS 6 GHz wideband antennas was akey element of this network upgradesolution, which permitted Green Mountain tocombine existing equipment frequencies andnew equipment frequencies over the samesystem. This consequently simplifieddeployment given that there was limitedtower space, structural issues, and a need torun the legacy equipment in conjunction withthe new equipment until the testing andcutover was completed. A robust spunbackring design reinforced the antennas’mechanical stability, providing more securelinks and exceptional operational windspeeds. Wind resistance was confirmed inactual wind tunnel testing, assuring that theantennas would be able to withstand NewHampshire's rugged weather. A few yearsafter installation, the equipment continues toperform well, despite the harsh mountaintopconditions presented at some sites.

New Hampshire’s new Internet Protocol(IP)-based microwave network supportslegacy TDM natively and improvestransmission of emergencycommunication, including Amber Alerts,the state department of intelligenttransportation system (ITS), the publicsafety 911 network and natural disasterwarnings. With speeds up to 10 Gbps,the state-wide fiber optic networkprovides resiliency for the microwavenetwork and is on par with others in MA,TX and CA. The NHSafeNet public safetynetwork provides increased functionality,resiliency and bandwidth forstakeholders and public safety officesthroughout the state. NHSafeNet willeven save taxpayers money in the longterm, thanks to reduced support andequipment costs.

The solutions created in New Hampshireset new precedents for other broadbandnetwork systems where expansion andimprovements are needed. NewHampshire gained a new, high-speedbroadband network with enhancedcapabilities. The expanded broadbandcoverage will help keep New Hampshirevibrant, innovative and relevant forbusinesses, citizens and educationinstitutions for years to come.

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Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) and Green Mountain Overhaul New Hampshire’s Broadband Network

INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS

CASE STUDY

The Solution

This project required tight scheduling withuninterrupted customer service while executing aseamless cutover to the new system. RFS’ experienceand high performance equipment made it possiblefor us to pull off a very complicated, multifacetedupgrade, making dramatic improvements to NewHampshire’s communications infrastructure.

Victor DrouinPresident at Green Mountain

Conclusion

State-of-the-art equipment installed on towers like this onehelp meet New Hampshire’s telecom needs for today and intothe future.

Photo supplied by Green Mountain

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About RFSRadio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, as well as activeand passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for outdoor and indoor wireless infrastructure. RFSserves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers. Its customers currently include the four largest wirelesscarriers, the majority of tier 2 and 3 wireless carriers in North America and many of the top wireless and microwave OEMSworldwide.

For more than 70 years, RFS has provided its customers world-class service that today is backed by a global presence of ninemanufacturing facilities worldwide and sales and technical support centers in 23 countries. RFS offers advanced engineeringcapabilities, superior field support, and expert technical assistance and training to provide scalable, flexible, future-proof andlightweight end-to-end solutions optimized across the entire RF chain. As an ISO-compliant organization, RFS solutions offerproven longevity, premium performance and unrivalled quality.

RFS Ferrocom

RFS Ferrocom proudly offers themarketplace a broad range of ferritedevices which are unequaled inperformance, quality and reliability.

In keeping with our commitment toquality, our facility is registered to the ISO-9001/2000 quality standard and fullycompliant with MIL-I-45208A.

RFS Ferrocom currently carries over 2,000existing designs as well as a highly skilledengineering staff that is ready to developisolators/circulators to your specifications.Our units are ideally suited for integrationinto compact systems requiringdependable performance with stripline,waveguide, drop-in and isodapterpackages available.

RFS Ferrocom, an industry leader in themanufacture of isolators and circulators,offers a complete line of ferrite devicescovering the range of 80 MHz to 40 GHz.Our extensive line of isolators andcirculators extend from narrow bandmodels to units with greater than octavebandwidths. These units provide thelowest possible insertion loss for aspecified set of operating conditions andrequirements. Optimized isolationcharacteristics are accomplished as aresult of state of the art impedancematching and design techniques.

Microwave Antennas

RFS offers four types of microwaveantennas, each one designed for a specificapplication in your network. Together, ourcomplete portfolio of microwave antennastakes your network from rooftops indense urban areas, through suburbs andacross long stretches of land to theharshest mountaintop and seasideenvironments.

Whether you are a telecom operator,a telecom manufacturer, agovernment agency, an enterprise or astrategic industry, RFS offersmicrowave antennas that support yourapplications and deliver dependableperformance at low total cost ofownership (TCO):

à Stringent design and quality testingprocedures ensure that every RFSmicrowave antenna meets orexceeds electrical, mechanical andenvironmental performancestandards with no compromises andno surprises.

à Simplified installation anddeployment procedures, lowmaintenance and longtermreliability keep post-purchase coststo a minimum. Compact packagingkeeps transportation costs low.

àModular designs let you “pay asyou grow”, evolving antennas andadding capacity as needed withoutthe cost of replacing the antenna.

Microwave antennas for some locations had to be installedon existing structures, such as this fire tower on PitcherMountain.

RFS Ferrocom’s 4 port coaxial isolators and circulators arespecifically designed for public safety applications providing good signal linearity to the system with highisolation performance, a critical specification for havinglow reverse or backward inter-modulation.

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RFS’ 6 foot ultra-wideband microwave antennas,made in the USA, feature a powder-painted finishthat resists corrosion due to harsh environmentalconditions such as salt and pollution.

RFS Microwave Antenna Systems

RFS offers a complete portfolioof microwave antenna systemsto meet all of your needs

Quad-band Dual-Polarized Antennas Give Customers the Flexibility to Access the Recently Released 7 GHz Spectrum and to Add Capacity

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Ultra-wideband microwaveantennas from RFS were the first inNorth America to cover theunlicensed band (5.725 to 5.85GHz), the lower 6 GHz band (5.925to 6.425 GHz), the upper 6 GHzband (6.425 to 6.875 GHz) and the 7GHz band (6.875 to 7.125 GHz) in asingle antenna.

Ultra-Wideband Antennas

Radio Frequency Systems’ (RFS) quad-band, dual-polarized microwave antennasgive customers the flexibility to access therecently released 7 GHz spectrum and toadd capacity when needed. With a singleantenna, customers can easily switchamong the four bands – unlicensed band(5.725-5.85 GHz), the lower 6 GHz band(5.925-6.425 GHz), the upper 6 GHz band(6.425-6.875 GHz) and the 7 GHz band(6.875-7.125 GHz) – to access newspectrum. In addition, they effectively gaintwo antennas in one because they canstack multiple channels on eachpolarization to increase capacity.

These 6-, 8- and 10-foot diameterantennas are available in dual-polarized,un-shrouded models (PADX Series) thatdeliver superior radiation performanceand in dual-polarized, ultra-high-performance models (UXA Series) thatfeature high cross-polarizationdiscrimination (XPD) to reduceinterference.

The antennas feature a spun backringdesign for mechanical stability and securelinks. They also feature a powder-paintedfinish, rather than a wet-painted finish.RFS is the only vendor to offer powder-painted microwave antennas to the NorthAmerican market. Powder paintingimproves the antenna’s ability to resistcorrosion due to harsh environmentalconditions, such as pollution and salt.

Features and Benefits

Utilizes the new 7 GHz band forfixed services• Provides a solution to address the challenges of 4G such as increased data usage, spectrum availability andnetwork congestion

Dual-polarization for higher capacity• Operates as two antennas in one• Stack multiple channels on oppositepolarization of the same antenna toincrease capacity

• Reduces OPEX and CAPEX

Ideal for 7 GHz, lower 6 GHz, upper6GHz and unlicensed bands• Allows frequency changes betweenthe four bands without changing themicrowave antenna to reduce CAPEX

• Allows operation of main radio in 7 GHz

• Stack multiple channels to increasecapacity in any of the four bands

• Offers maximum flexibility and returnon investment

Spun backring design on 6-10 ft antennas• Greater mechanical stability and moresecure links ensure the best opera-tional wind speed performance on themarket

Powder painted antenna finish• Unique industry process guarantees alonger product life and protection onyour investment

FLEXWELL Elliptical Waveguide

The industry-renowned FLEXWELLelliptical waveguide can achievethe radio-to-antenna link in asingle run, directly from theequipment building to the towermounted antenna.

Designed to support microwavefrequency bands from 3 to 40GHz,it is available in various sizes andtypes, and two different categories:

Standard – Cost-efficient solutionsfor low and medium-capacity radiorelay systems

Premium – Low VSWR waveguidefor high capacity radio systems

Made in the USA

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Radio Frequency Systems (RFS)is a global designer andmanufacturer of cable, antennaand tower systems, as well asactive and passive RFconditioning modules, providingtotal-package solutions foroutdoor and indoor wirelessinfrastructure. RFS serves OEMs,distributors, system integrators,operators and installers. Itscustomers currently include thefour largest wireless carriers,the majority of tier 2 and 3wireless carriers in NorthAmerica and many of the topwireless and microwave OEMSworldwide.

Serious about services

Customers know they can count on RFS for comprehensive logistical capabilities,flawless execution and outstanding technicalskills and support. The company’s dedicatedshipment coordinators, hotline staff and on-site engineers go well beyond meretechnology, striving to offer tailored solutions to meet even the most complex siteengineering and delivery challenges.

RFS’ value-added services match the exact needs of business partners large and small.

Ever-present qualityguarantee

From design to manufacture, ISO 9001 andISO 14001 certification standards encompassall aspects of RFS’ business worldwide. Everyproduct RFS ships has stood up to the moststringent technical, environmental andquality control tests, continuously meetingand surpassing the expectations of a long listof wireless carriers, transportation and utilityoperators, and broadcasters.

RFS backs every product bearing its namewith a quality guarantee that is unrivaled inthe market.

A tradition of innovation

For over a century, RFS has been at theforefront of the wireless communicationindustry through its unwavering commitmentto design and develop the world’s mostadvanced technology in the field. DedicatedR&D teams, along with a privilegedpartnership with Bell Labs, are at the source ofbreakthroughs that are ensuring the mobilityof an increasingly wireless world.

RFS is at the frontier of wireless technologyinnovation, sustaining the boldest ventures toenhance the way people communicate and live.

A truly global company

With on-the-ground personnel in more than 20 countries and on every continent,RFS always delivers on its commitments,providing a comprehensive range ofpremium products, systems and services. Its clients benefit from all the advantages ofa global supplier, while relying on dedicatedsupport from RFS’ local engineering,manufacturing and shipping teams.

RFS’ products, systems and personnel can befound in every corner of the planet.As a global group, RFS is committed toupholding the most stringent environmental,health and safety standards, and seeks tointegrate green initiatives in every aspect ofits business.

Why RFS?

T h e C l e a r C h o i c e ®

www.rfsworld.com

For more information about this project:Suzanne Kasai, Business Development Manager203.537.2741 | suzanne.kasai@rfsworld.com

For more information, please contact the nearest RFS sales office:

Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa & Indiawww.rfsworld.com/sales/semeai

Northern Europewww.rfsworld.com/sales/euno

Latin Americawww.rfsworld.com/sales/latam

North Americawww.rfsworld.com/sales/na

Asia Pacificwww.rfsworld.com/sales/apac

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