Since 1999, GAIN Communications Pty. Ltd. (GAIN) has been providing specialist consultancy, design and integration services for a broad range of communications systems. Mainly focusing on the Design and Implementation of Terrestrial Microwave Networks, GAIN has a reputation for the quality and punctuality of services at low cost.
DESIGN SERVICES
Microwave Link Network Design and Feasibility Studies
Feasibility Study is the first step in the decision making process to install and operate a microwave link or a network of multiple links. A detailed and accurate feasibility study will facilitate a smooth tendering process, expedite implementation, minimise variations and avoid surprises.
GAIN can conduct a needs analysis and produce a preliminary network design at any level of detail as required by the client. A typical feasibility study would cover the following:
§ Identification of Terminal Points
§ Selection of Performance Criteria
§ Selection of radio (Model, type, capacity, frequency)
§ Assessment of channel availability and preliminary frequency co-ordination
§ Assessment of Line-of-Sight availability and antenna height requirements
§ Site Surveys to determine antenna locations, support structures, feeder lengths, equipment room or shelter layouts
§ RF design and antenna size selection based on chosen radio model and performance criteria
§ End-to-end performance prediction
§ Identification of structural requirements, lease requirements and permits (Council approvals)
§ Draft Site Layouts, Plan and elevation drawings
§ Final design package
§ Scope of Works, Bill of Materials and Cost estimates
§ Cost Comparison with alternative transmission methods, e.g. Leased Line
§ Draft Project Plan
§ Preparation of Technical Specifications, Design and Construction specifications
§ Preparation of Maintenance Plan or SLA (Service Level Agreement)
Part or all of the above items can be incorporated into the Feasibility Study. GAIN conducts feasibility studies for networks of any size.
Microwave Link Line-of-Sight surveys
The Line-of-Sight (LoS) survey is a small but crucial milestone in any microwave link project. It is an integral part of Link Design and the accuracy of the data collected during this stage is vital to the operating performance of the link. Line-of-Sight Surveys must be conducted by specially trained and equipped personnel.
A complete LoS study must provide a detailed and accurate path profile and include findings of the field study for further RF design. This is especially important for long-range/high capacity links.
As part of a feasibility study, LoS checks are conducted in a cyclic manner along with RF design, channel availability, structural restrictions and repeater considerations to achieve an overall optimised network plan. The input from the LoS reports can be critical in site selection and acquisition.
GAIN has conducted over 10000 Line-of-Sight surveys for several carriers and non-carrier organisations both in Australia and overseas.
GAIN is one of the very few companies in Australia with $2M Professional Indemnity Insurance that covers Microwave LoS surveys.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES
GAIN provides complete engineering and management services for implementation of Microwave networks. These can include:
- RF Path analysis and microwave link design
- Technical Specifications of Equipment (Radios, antennas, feeders, ancillary equipment)
- Frequency Coordination
- ACMA Licence application
- Management of Structural Design and Certification
- Project Scope and Bill-of-Materials
- Management of Installation and Commissioning
- Contract Management, Purchasing, Logistics, Budgeting and Financial control
GAIN has managed large and medium scale microwave networks to successful completion. Note that GAIN can provide turn-key delivery using own installation teams or can manage and supervise other contractors.
SYSTEMS INTEGRATION SERVICES
GAIN's capability in System Integration is not limited to Microwave Links. GAIN utilises own resources or manages contractors from a wider skill base to deliver customers' needs as a one-stop-shop.
Installation and Commissioning
Network Maintenance and Performance Monitoring
- GAIN has the capability to provide the above services in Australia or Overseas, with guarantees on timely delivery and performance.
- Established in 1999, GAIN Communications serves a broad range of customers in the Telecommunications industry, including major carriers and power transmission authorities.
- GAIN’s resource base of 3 Engineers and 6 Technician/Riggers in 4 states is supplemented by a resource base of over 100 independent operators around the Nation.
- GAIN utilises its own proprietary web-based design/GIS tools for path profiling, mapping and ACMA database search. The design tools owned by GAIN are state-of-the-art and unique in Australia.