Connecting the Heights

When envisioning cutting-edge IP networks, the dizzying heights of the French Alps might not be the first place that comes to mind. Yet, nestled in the stunning peaks of Tignes, the Grande Motte Glacier cable car, elevated at a breathtaking 3,500 meters, relies on RACOM microwave links to maintain seamless communication. This high-altitude marvel demonstrates how advanced technology meets the demands of extreme environments.

Modern cable car operations are no longer just about getting passengers from point A to B. Reliable, high-speed IP networks are essential for transmitting HD camera footage, cable car sensor data, meteorological updates, and more. Yet, in the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather of the Alps, establishing a dependable connection is anything but straightforward.
Initially, the existing network solution faltered under the harsh conditions, leaving operators searching for a robust alternative. Enter RACOM’s RAy microwave links – engineered for precision and resilience in even the most challenging scenarios.

To tackle the problem, the team began by deploying a RAy2 link at 24 GHz to address a portion of the network. When the link exceeded expectations, the decision was made to fully upgrade the system using RAy3 links operating at 80 GHz, ensuring top-tier performance across the entire cable car route.

From late August into early September, the installation team faced relentless challenges. High winds forced the cable car to crawl at just 1.5 m/s – far below its typical 10 m/s speed – slowing logistics considerably. On the second day, an early snowfall blanketed the area, requiring 700 kg of snow to be cleared from the cable car roof. This effort was necessary to access the mast positioned midway along the route, where a critical repeater was installed.
Despite these obstacles, the team persevered. The final setup featured:

• Three RAy3-80 GHz links ensuring robust connectivity between the top and bottom stations.
• Redundant parallel lines for enhanced reliability between the repeater and the lower station.

In just two days, the entire system was installed and fully operational – delivering an impressive 2 Gbps of stable connectivity. Today, the Grande Motte cable car network runs smoothly, supporting vital operations and communication in one of the most picturesque yet demanding environments on Earth.

This case study illustrates how RACOM’s RAy microwave links excel in extreme conditions, providing innovative solutions where conventional methods fall short. Whether in bustling urban centers or atop Alpine peaks, RACOM continues to set the standard for reliable, high-performance connectivity.