RipEX Transforms Energy Distribution Networks in Central America

RACOM’s RipEX radio modems are increasingly making waves in Central America, proving especially valuable to one of the region’s largest electricity distributors. With several hundred RipEX units strategically deployed across their expansive network, the utility company has revolutionized their communications reliability and efficiency.

Previously, this power distribution company faced recurring challenges with modems from various suppliers, particularly along the rugged Caribbean coastline. Complex terrain and demanding environmental conditions made reliable communication difficult. The network, initially configured with numerous point-to-point (p-t-p) connections, suffered from high latency, instability, and frequent maintenance, significantly increasing operational costs.

The introduction of RipEX radio modems transformed their network performance. Despite the challenging landscape and non-line-of-sight conditions, RipEX seamlessly enabled a robust point-to-multipoint (p-t-mp) architecture, eliminating the problematic p-t-p segments. This improvement drastically reduced response times and enhanced network stability, effectively ending the need for continuous field interventions. Furthermore, RACOM’s unique backup routing feature added an extra layer of reliability, safeguarding critical communications.

A particularly problematic 68 km link between the main network hub and an adjacent city had previously required multiple repeaters and yet remained unreliable due to multipath propagation. With the RipEX2 modem, this connection now operates reliably without a single repeater, offering significantly improved response times. Encouraged by these results, the customer is now exploring a switch to full duplex mode to further enhance throughput.

Centralized control is another standout feature. A core RipEX2 unit, equipped with an LTE module, seamlessly integrates and remotely manages both networks, streamlining monitoring and maintenance tasks.

Impressed by the transformative impact, the customer expanded their deployment to other critical locations, including essential communication with reclosers. By 2024, approximately 300 RACOM modems, ranging from the original RipEX to the advanced RipEX2 with LTE capability, had been installed, predominantly within star-type network configurations utilizing the BDP protocol. RACOM’s RipEX solutions have firmly positioned themselves as an indispensable asset in robust and reliable energy distribution networks.