Case Studies

Selex

SELEX Systems Integration is a dedicated Solution Architect and Systems Integration business. It is the UK subsidiary of SELEX Sistemi Integrati SpA and represents a 4,500-strong organisation dedicated to delivering innovative, bespoke solutions for the Security, Defence and Transportation markets.

The challenge

SELEX required two separate RF microwave links to operate within a licensed frequency, which will guarantee high carrier grade performance, availability of 99.99%, very low latency (less than 100msec) and have a capacity of 10Mbps. All of which will ensure a seamless and reliable link. SELEX required the IDU (Indoor Unit) to be rack mounted for easy installation into existing racks. The solution needed to be supplied with management software for centralised management of the links along with on-site training for the technical staff.

The links were to allow connectivity back to points of presence for telemetry data from newly deployed radar equipment along with the status information from UPS (battery backup) equipment. The RF microwave links would form part of a new Radar Solution implemented by SELEX for the Isle of Man Airport. One of the links was planned to link directly to the new control tower at the Isle of Man airport. This is where the links would be monitored and managed by the Air Traffic engineers.

Our solution

SELEX had already identified the installation sites for the new radar equipment and how these would integrate into the network.

APC Solutions proposed the Motorola PTP800 solution along with the Motorola Wireless Manager Software to allow for easy centralised monitoring and management of the links. This would deliver and meet with the SELEX specification. The APC planning team desktop profiled and modelled the links using the sophisticated link planning software tools to determine the best frequency and required hardware. The team recommended a combination of 18GHz / 26GHz frequencies, utilising 7MHz channels along with 0.3m Andrews VHLP dishes to deliver the performance and reliability across the link paths.

The Motorola PTP800 Solution would deliver and meet the required specification set out by Selex and was supplied with the 19” rack mounted installation kit for the Indoor Units.

APC was tasked with supplying and installing the proposed solution and faced challenges with logistics due to working outside the UK mainland. APC had several hurdles to overcome when implementing the solution. Limited ferry crossings, due to the time of year, (off season) and access to the sites meant one of the proposed links had to be re-designed and re-located to an alternative location. The link was originally designed to be installed on one of the communication towers on top of Snaefell Mountain. Snaefell is the highest peak on the Isle of Man with its summit being higher than 2,000 feet. The only access to the communication masts was via a train which only runs during peak season. This coupled with the sites exposure to the adverse weather resulted in the planning team resubmitting OFW85 licence paper work to OFCOM for a change of location. The team encountered a short delay whilst waiting for the amendments to be approved by the governing body.

The APC deployment team rolled out the installation over two short visits. During the first visit, the installation team installed and commissioned the link between Cronk ny Arrey and the control tower.

At the end of October, after receiving approval from OFCOM for the alterations to the license, APC returned to install the second link. The team arrived in rough seas which hampered the planned travel arrangements, leaving APC’s two man team only a few days before they were due to return to the mainland. The team were able to complete the installation and the rigging at both the mast sites at Kimmeragh and Jurby. The deployment involved new steel work and feeder systems for the antenna and management cables to the 0.3m dishes located on the mast.

The result

Selex needed to ensure the wireless network could deliver exceptional service due to the links being integrated with the Radar for the Isle of Man airport. The network would carry critical data between multiple sites. APC needed to ensure the signal would be uninterrupted. When dealing with mission critical requirements, consistency and exact data in an instant are obligatory.

The system installed by APC will ensure consistent connectivity between the sites and delivers and meets all the requirements set out by Selex in their brief and specification documentation.

David Mercer, Selex Project Manager Comments: “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.”

Chris Lynch, APC Solutions Group Technical Director comments: “The Selex installation proved a challenge. The logistics of the locations, lack of access and poor weather all aided in the project being one of the hardest the team have had to deploy. Having said that, the project was delivered on time, to budget and fulfilled all elements of the brief.”

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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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