Case Studies

HS2 Archaeological Case Study

APC Communications Solutions helps LP Archaeology connect the ancient and modern worlds.

In early 2021 – APC were given the opportunity to utilise the latest cutting-edge technology to provide dedicated connectivity to LP Archaeology’s Stoke Mandeville Dig Site. The site was originally a HS2 site when it became a location of interest. This land along with many other locations have led LP Archaeology to some incredibly interesting artifacts!

How do you research, record or report this data when, as far a fibre connectivity is concerned, you are in the middle of nowhere? Our bespoke solution involves finding a way. Designing and building a tailored Wireless Internet solution to connect the unconnected.

The challenge:

Due to the location of the site Wireless Internet was just about the only option for providing the customer with a solid, reliable and FAST Internet connection.

A fibre connection would have been preferable, but it was not feasible in the timescale we had to implement a solution, nor would the customer be based at the dig site long enough to wait for the Openreach infrastructure to be installed.

A 4G alternative was investigated, however would not have been sufficient or reliable enough for the clients’ requirements. This meant we needed to find a way to reach them with Microwave Internet.

We also needed to provide external Wi-Fi coverage in addition to the traditional internal Wi-Fi due to the nature of the site and the team needing Wi-Fi available whilst actually excavating. Meaning the next challenge was for us to find a way to ensure full site-wide Wi-Fi coverage.

Our solution

We installed a temporary solution in the form of a Trailer Mast which utilised a microwave radio link to bring 50Mbps synchronous internet service; meaning the upload capacity was equal to the download capacity, into the site. From this we installed the necessary infrastructure to share this internet access across the site. This was achieved with the installation of multiple Short Range Wireless links and Wi-Fi Access Points.

Once the project was complete and the service was no longer required, we decommissioned the entire set up leaving the site exactly as it was when we first arrived. Meaning this project had close to zero environmental impact.

Below you can see the radio on the trailer mast that allowed the internet connection into the premises – this was aligned with another radio thus sharing the connection to another location on site via Microwave Technology.

connection to another location via Microwave Technology

The result

The microwave radio link resulted in connection speeds comparable to those available in urban communities. Our microwave solution enabled the customer to access a full range of services including email, web browsing, Microsoft Teams or Zoom communication platforms, and even uploading/streaming live footage. Critical for sending images and information out of the site, this connection was synchronous; meaning the upload capacity was equal to the download capacity.

No other technology would be capable of providing consistent, high bandwidth coverage across such a large and remote area within the required timescales. It was for this reason that a wireless solution was chosen and implemented to provide an extremely reliable and above all, fit for purpose connection.

Chris Lynch, Director, comments: “We, at APC, are immensely proud to have played a small part in making this Archaeological Project successful using the latest technology available. Taking a site with absolutely no connectivity and implementing this within a few days really does showcase what is possible at temporary sites.”

“Once our installation works were completed and the dig commenced, we were hopeful that the team would be successful. So, we were delighted to hear that they had uncovered not one, but two roman head and bust statues that would have been hidden under the earth for almost one thousand years! We very much look forward to helping LP archaeology on future projects and seeing what other incredible discoveries we can contribute our services towards finding. ”

For more information on APC Communications Solutions please visit www.apcsolutionsuk.com
For more information on the Roman sculptures found on the HS2 rail link route, please visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-59077550

APC Superfast Broadband Bronze 30 Package

"It is quite simply 1000 times better. The difference is incredible. Upload & Download is so quick. I uploaded 240MB to my Dropbox folder today in less than 2 mins. Before, it would have taken possibly all day.
Thanks very much indeed – very pleased"
Toby Pache, Managing Director, Sharon Lee Limited, Braintree

“We’re delighted with the new Wi-Fi solution which addresses all of our requirements. We needed to be able to offer visitors to the Town Hall free Wi-Fi, but we also needed our own encrypted network for internal use. The Town Hall regularly hosts events, is used as a wedding venue and features conference facilities all of which require access to Wi-Fi. Being able to offer Wi-Fi in to the function rooms where guests can log on for free is now an expected requirement of our guests and we couldn’t offer the Town Hall as a business venue without it!”
Braintree District Council

“We’re delighted we can now offer our supporters free Wi-Fi. Our supporters are highly dedicated and with many followers on Twitter alone, we had to ensure they could stay connected during and after the games. Having guest access in our clubhouse and functions rooms also ensures our meetings can run efficiently. The ability to track the usage of the Wi-Fi and offer a password protected corporate network is further testament to the great service APC Solutions has provided us with.”
Braintree Town FC

“With the waterways in constant use we needed connectivity that wouldn’t dip, could connect a multitude of sites across difficult terrain and provide a consistent and adaptable service. APC provided this to us with a managed wireless network. The cost savings of a wireless network also proved appealing when looking for a solution. Our existing solution could only provide 2Mbs whereas the wireless network would provide in excess of 20Mbs. The existing leased line services also had re-occurring annual rental costs, however with the new solution, the initial CAPEX costs would be recovered in just under two years; making the ROI very attractive. We had worked with APC previously and found their service exceptional.”
British Waterways

“APC is the perfect partner to help us complete the installations across Carmarthenshire. Their wireless expertise is second to none and, coupled with our ISP and domestic knowledge, ensured the project was completed effectively, on budget and on time.”
Carmarthen Community Broadband Partnership

“APC has ensured C.E.M Days can deliver the highest level of customer service to its customers across the dealership network because it offers a consistent and adaptable network. Our staff can now connect easily throughout our dealership network, ensuring customer data can be transferred at a click of a button. The network has also offered an excellent TOC (total cost of ownership), and delivered an ROI (return on investment) in just a few years, compared with alternative cabled solutions from other providers. The wireless network APC has built and developed for us over the years has saved us in excess of £700k since being installed back in 2007.”
C.E.M. Days

“Even though our solution is now five years old we don’t need to upgrade the system. The technology has stayed ahead of its time and the service we have received from APC is second to none.”
Essex Auto Group

“Previously, our old network between the two dealerships could only deliver limited bandwidth and performance, therefore restricting our business operations. The alternative solution APC designed and delivered is exceptional. It delivers a high bandwidth reliable link with no downtime, no monthly re-occuring costs, no lengthy contract terms and a team constantly on hand should we need them. It is critical to our business development and general day to day operations going forward, we couldn’t recommend it enough”
Gordons Bolton Limited

“APC has ensured our company can progress at a rapid rate. The ease of connectivity between the sites allows our dealerships to be consistent. Communication with the dealerships is now simple and any information needed to be delivered can be done at a click of a button. We don’t have to worry about bandwidths or sending large files, they’re easily supported and delivered.

This ensures consistent marketing and communication to customers and staff. The VoIP network also ensures our customers receive the very best in customer service. The person they speak to will instantly know their history and can deal with their call effectively. From a management point of view the cost savings and ROI speak for themselves. Our ROI will be achieved in less than four years and after this time will demonstrate savings in excess of £150k per annum, potentially saving us in excess of £1million over ten years. A remarkable saving for the company.”
Hendy Group

“APC Solutions has provided Selex with a network which delivers exceptional reliability. We had already planned where the radar needed to be but connecting over such distances was proving difficult. APC ensured the result catered to our needs and delivered an exceptional result.”
Selex Systems

“The selection was based purely on available feedbacks of organisations who have used Ruckus Wireless, Ruckus’ Wireless capabilities and features in addition to a report of a ‘Competitive Evaluation of Three-stream 802.11n Access Points’ carried out by the School of Information Studies, Syracuse University.

“While the reason for such a decision wasn’t based on the overall features offered by the shortlisted solutions, it was based on our judgment of the throughput levels that will meet the needs of the Forum partners and visitors alike. It is our belief that Ruckus Wireless’ ZoneFlex 7982 is a cost effective option which offers the best overall performance of any of the other products we shortlisted. In addition, we believe that Ruckus’ performance will be sufficient to support the business requirements. The additional expertise that APC delivered throughout the investigation process brought us to the decision that the Ruckus/APC Partnership was the best fit for the proposed solution.”
Southend on Sea Borough Council

“The benefits to Wandle Housing Association were huge: the Motorola kit represented cost savings of approximately £200,000 over the leased line that the Association had intended to install. In addition, they have seen enhancements in the speed of traffic between the sites in Clapham, Tooting and Peckham. With staff in three locations communication is essential, as Brian Stoneman, Director, explains: “Until APC and Tora Networks were involved, we had been intending to install a leased line to give the connectivity we needed. The alternative point to point network is extremely affordable, giving us all the benefits of a leased line without all the associated cost. We’re delighted with the outcome.”
Wandle Housing Association

“As a business we take pride in supplying a high standard of work to social landlords, so it’s rewarding when we find another business that has an equally high service level. Our partnership with APC is intrinsic to meeting both our commercial goals and external targets.”
Mr Potter, Roalco Managing Director

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