Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the maximum link distance SAF microwave radios can cover?
SAF microwave radios are suitable for up to 100+km link distances depending on various factors, such as Line of Sight, the required data speed, location (rain zone), elevation of the sites and others. Often it is more economic to split up a very long path into two shorter ones.
What is the maximum data speed of SAF licensed microwave radios?
Maximum data speed of SAF E-band 70/80GHz radios (SAF Integra E) is 10Gbps full-duplex.
SAF Integra X dual core radios are the second fastest with maximum:
– 1,538Mbps full-duplex with 80MHz XPIC (11GHz),
– 1,146Mbps full-duplex with 60MHz XPIC (6GHz and 8GHz),
– 1,102Mbps full-duplex with 56MHz XPIC (18GHz and 23GHz),
– 524Mbps full-duplex with 28MHz XPIC (13GHz and 15GHz) and
– 262Mbps full-duplex with 14MHz XPIC (7.5GHz).
SAF Integra WS and SAF Integra GS radios are maximum 643Mbps (with 80MHz) and maximum 491Mbps (with 60MHz) respectively.
2+0 configuration can be used for doubling the abovementioned figures if faster data speeds are required. This configuration also provides redundancy.
What are the benefits of licensed microwave radios compared to class-licensed radios?
Main benefit of using licensed microwave radios is interference-free operation. Obtaining a frequency channel license from ACMA provides exclusive rights of use of this channel in the particular area.
Other benefits of licensed microwave radios over class-licensed radios include faster data speeds, longer distances, much lower latency, a range of extra features, 1+1 and 2+0 configurations and others.
An exception is SAF 24GHz class-licensed radios- these provide the same data speeds and features as licensed radios and risk of interference is very low, however, due to ACMA limit on radiated power for this frequency band, it is only suitable for very short distances.
What is ACM and what are the benefits of using this feature?
ACM stands for Adaptive Coding and Modulation.
In situations when link conditions worsen (typically due to environmental conditions) to the extent where a link with the same availability level without ACM would drop service, SAF radios with the ACM feature automatically switch down to a lower modulation (and lower throughput) to preserve the link data operation. As soon as environmental conditions have improved, ACM automatically switches back to the original modulation and data speed.
This allows to achieve higher link availability figures (significantly reducing or often eliminating any link downtime) as well as reduce antenna sizes.
ACM is available with all SAF radios.
What is the power consumption of SAF radios?
Power consumption of radios varies for different models and frequency bands. Overall, the FODUs (Full Outdoor) radios draw a lot less power than the traditional indoor plus outdoor solutions and are the best option for solar powered sites. Some of the radios draw as little as 15W per unit.
What types of interfaces are available with SAF radios?
Available interfaces include Fast Ethernet, electrical Gigabit Ethernet, optical fibre Gigabit Ethernet (single mode or multi mode), E1, STM-1, ASI.
What is the cost of ACMA spectrum licensing?
Spectrum licensing involves the following fees and charges:
1. ACMA application charge – $52.00 (GST free) per link or $104 (GST free) per link for XPIC
2. Spectrum allocation charge- typically $550.00 (plus GST) per 1+0 link or $1,100 (plus GST) per link for XPIC
3. Annual ACMA license fee- this annual tax varies between $83.00 and over $11,000.00 per 1+0 (non-XPIC) link per annum depending on:
- Location. There are four density areas as defined by ACMA- high density (Sydney/ Wollongong, Melbourne/ Geelong and Brisbane/ Gold Coast), medium density (Perth, Adelaide and Newcastle), low density (East Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Darwin) and remote density (Elsewhere). ACMA density maps are available on the ACMA website (scroll down and look for Apparatus licence fee density area maps).
- Frequency Band. General rule is: The lower the frequency band, the higher the license fee (based on the same channel size), and the lower the frequency band, the longer the maximum link distance that can be achieved.
- Channel Size. General rule here is: The larger the channel, the higher the data throughput and the larger the channel, the higher the license fees
An ACMA license fee calculator is available here or contact us for a free consultation on which frequency band and channel size will be the most suitable and cost-effective for your situation.
What is the process of ACMA spectrum licensing?
The process of applying for an ACMA license is very simple and typically takes less than a week- once we have decided on the frequency band, channel size and antenna sizes that would work best for you, we can proceed with spectrum coordination and apply for the licence on your behalf. You then receive an invoice from ACMA for their fees and charges, and once this has been paid, licences are typically issued within a couple of days.
What are the restrictions on radiated power (EIRP) for class-licensed radios in Australia?
Maximum EIRP (Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power) figures for class-licensed radios are as follows:
- 5.4GHz- 1W (30dBm),
- 5.8GHz- 4W (36dBm) and up to 200W (53dBm) in regional and remote areas and
- 24GHz – 100mW (20dBm)
How is EIRP calculated?
EIRP is radio tx power plus antenna gain minus any losses.
How do I install a SAF radio?
It’s rare that you find any two installations the same, but we’ve removed the variables to give a simple answer to this question.
Click on the images below for an enlarged view. If you use the information included to tick all the boxes, and something’s still not right…use the contact details to get in touch.
Does SAF microwave radio equipment require clear LOS (line of sight) to operate?
Yes, all microwave radios require clear LOS to operate, except very low frequency bands, such as 1.4GHz- 1.5GHz that can operate in NLOS (near line of sight) conditions. If you have a NLOS path, please contact us and enquire about the SAF CFIP Marathon 1.5GHz radios.
Do SAF offer a link design service and what are the associated costs?
Yes, we do offer a link design service and this service is available free of charge or obligation. We will be happy to assist you with path profiles and link uptime calculations as well as selection of repeater sites, if required. We will also recommend the most suitable radio equipment, frequency band, channel size and antenna sizes based on your specific requirements and circumstances.
Do SAF offer installation and maintenance services? Are these services available anywhere in Australia?
Yes, we do provide installation and maintenance services. These will typically be performed by ourselves in NSW, ACT and VIC (often in conjunction with other local companies as we strongly believe in local first level support) and by our partners in SA, WA, NT and TAS. If you have a preferred local installation company, we will be happy to work with them and provide training and any other support required.
What is a typical lead time? Do you keep any local stock of radios?
Yes, we do keep local stock of radios in our NSW warehouse to ensure very fast deliveries for most orders. Our stock includes the most popular radio models and frequency bands- 1.5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22/23, 28GHz licensed and 24GHz class-licensed.
Typical lead time for items not available from stock is 5 to 6 weeks, some equipment can take longer.
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