Development of High-Performance Microwave Radio Network Systems with Broadband and Polarization Diversity Antennas to be Integrated with High-Speed Optical Fiber Networks

Objectives: Manitoba Hydro Telecom (MHT) has proposed the development of a state-of-the-art optical communication network using Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop Multiplexers (ROADM) employing Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM). MHT will use ROADMs compliant with currently established industry standards such as ITU G.709 and G.8032. ROADMs with WDM methods with 50 GHz channel spacing enable up to 88 wavelengths to be carried on a single optical fiber. The optical network will operate at wavelengths in the C band that range from 1525–1565 nm and will strive to achieve data rates in the range of 10 to 400 Gbps. To improve the network reliability, flexibility, and ensure backup routes to the proposed fiber optical network protection, advanced broadband microwave networks are planned to be integrated. Fixed-microwave links are among the most reliable forms of radio communications which can routinely be kept running 99.99 percent of the time. This allows for a total cumulative downtime of only 30 seconds per year, even though the equipment is mounted high in the air and exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Lotfollah Shafai

Student:

Partner:

Manitoba Hydro

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: