Panama is one of the many countries in Latin America where RACOM’s radio modems have also become popular. ENSA, the largest and most important electricity distributor in Panama, uses several hundred RipEX and RipEX2 radio modems at various positions in its network.
ENSA used radio modems from different vendors with which it had more or less issues. A typical example is the Achiote network located on the Caribbean coast of Panama in difficult terrain conditions. Even though the application required common p-t-mp communications, there were many p-t-p lines in the network that added a lot of latency and instability into the communications. ENSA has therefore had to invest heavily in repairs and ongoing maintenance of the network.
All problems were solved when RipEX radio modems were deployed. The network works in p-t-mp mode even though there are no direct line of sight between the sites. The redundant p-t-p links have been removed. Response time and reliability have been significantly improved, interventions in the fields are not needed. For maximum reliability backup routes, a unique feature offered by RipEX radio modems, are also configured in the network.
Another problematic p-t-p link was between Achiote and Cerro Azul. Using existing radio modems, the 68 km distance and multipath propagation required many repeaters, yet the link was unstable. When using RipEX2 no repeaters were needed. The link showed high reliability and a significantly shorter response time. In addition, ENSA is considering switching this link to full duplex mode to increase the throughput.
The central RipEX2 in Achiote interconnects both networks. It is equipped with an LTE module through which all radio modems in both networks can be remotely controlled and monitored.
Based on the experience from Achiote, ENSA decided to deploy RipEX2 and RipEX modems also in other places, mostly for communication with reclosers. Today (2024) about 300 modems of different types from RipEX to full RipEX2 with LTE module were delivered. Most of the networks are star type with BDP protocol on the radio channel.
Cooperation with ENSA and our local partner Grupo Feamce is very close. Our staff trained ENSA people in March 2024 in Panama, so they are now able to carry out most of the work including installations and maintenance themselves.
