How do you build reliable backhaul links in a tropical climate where heavy equatorial rains routinely disrupt radio communication? For several major organisations in Ghana, the answer is RAy microwave links.
https//www.racom.eu/ru/case/reliable-backhaul-for-government-services-in-ghana
Challenge: Frequent Outages and Unstable Connectivity in Harsh Equatorial Weather
Arrow Network Systems in Ghana provides wireless communication solutions to government institutions and blue-chip organisations. Their customers include:
- the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, a key player in West African trade and logistics
- Ghana Community Network Services (GCNet), a major public-private provider of e-Government services
Both organisations struggled with:
- unstable existing communication links
- severe signal degradation during heavy equatorial rainfall
- inadequate throughput to support growing digital services
- inconsistent reliability across extended distances
A new backhaul infrastructure was required – one capable of delivering consistent throughput and link stability despite tropical weather patterns.
Solution: RAy Microwave Links Provide High-Capacity, Long-Distance Backhaul
After evaluating all available communication technologies, microwave backhaul was selected as the best option due to:
- lower deployment cost
- faster installation
- ability to deliver the required bandwidth
- strong performance over long distances
Detailed link design identified RACOM RAy as the optimal platform.
Key reasons for selecting RAy:
- stable data speeds of 100 Mbps and above
- availability exceeding 99%
- modern IP features including VLANs
- high resistance to rain fade and equatorial humidity
- flexible configurations using 10 GHz, 11 GHz and 17 GHz bands
- support for long links up to 24 km
Deployment: High-Stability Links Tailored to Varying Distances
Typical deployed antennas:
- 90 cm
- 68 cm
- 40 cm
Link designs were adapted based on distance and environmental conditions.
The longest link – 24 km using RAy-11 units – delivered stable throughput despite challenging rainfall patterns.
Results: Reliable Connectivity for Government and Critical Services
The RAy backhaul network now provides:
- stable high-capacity links that do not drop during heavy rain
- secure, reliable communications for government and port authorities
- improved performance of national e-Government systems
- long-term operational stability
- a scalable foundation for future expansion
Customer satisfaction has been extremely high, and additional RAy links are already planned as the network continues to grow across Ghana.
