Microwave Backhaul Link Deployment Between Mt. Phulchowki and Tribhuvan International Airport for Aeronautical Surveillance

1. Project Overview

The project involved the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a high-frequency microwave backhaul communication link between Mt. Phulchowki and the rooftop of the Operations/Administration Building at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. Executed under the contract reference NCB-02/CNS/2022 (2078/79), this project aimed to support the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in strengthening its communication and surveillance systems critical for air traffic services.

Nepal’s challenging terrain demands robust and real-time aeronautical surveillance. With Phulchowki located at an altitude of 9000’ AMSL and known for its poor weather conditions and lightning strikes, establishing a reliable data link posed significant engineering and environmental challenges.

To address these challenges, the project utilized microwave transmission technology operating at 13GHz, which ensures high-speed, low-latency, and interference-resistant data transmission. Trango Systems equipment, including high-power ODUs, IDUs, antennas, and orthomode combiners, were strategically deployed. Concrete-mounted GI poles supported the antenna setup on rooftops, and precision alignment techniques were used to overcome line-of-sight and signal degradation issues.

In addition to establishing the physical link, the team implemented Layer-2 managed switches to enable VLAN-based data segregation, enhancing transmission security and reliability. This setup supports multiple networks including AOCC and ADSB traffic, enabling real-time video and data monitoring crucial for aviation operations.

This visionary implementation not only ensures stable, secure, and high-throughput communication but also lays the foundation for future aviation data infrastructure across remote facilities in Nepal.

2. Project Details

Client: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)

Location: Mt. Phulchowki to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal

Completion Date: 2023

Project Duration: Not Specified

Industry: Aviation, Telecommunication, Aeronautical Surveillance

3. Technical Implementation – System Components Setup

The system used the following key components:

Indoor Units (IDUs): Trango GigaOrion-IDU-1 (Single)

Outdoor Units (ODUs): Trango HP4-13-0266-1A/1B High Power ODUs

Antenna: Trango AD13G-3-S2, 13GHz, 0.9M

Combiner: Trango OMC-13-HP-S2-V2 Orthomode Combiner

Power Supply: Trango PS-1U-TB-48revB

Mounting Structures: 2m and 1.5m GI poles with L-shaped concrete foundations

Weatherproofing: Coax seal, PVC and rubber tapes

Networking: Layer-2 Managed Switch for VLAN segmentation

4. Performance and Capabilities

Bandwidth: 60 MHz

Data Speed: 1 Gbps

Frequency Bands Used: 12814 MHz (TX), 13080 MHz (RX)

RSSI Stability: Maintained at -39 dBm

Features: Adaptive Coding & Modulation (ACM), Automatic Transmit Power Control (ATPC)

Data Segregation: VLANs for AOCC, ADSB, and Management

Uptime: Stable under all weather conditions

5. Impacts and Benefits

Enabled real-time aeronautical data transmission between remote Mt. Phulchowki and central TIA hub

Improved video surveillance, radar communication, and air traffic services

Enhanced reliability and resilience of aviation communication systems

Future-proofed infrastructure with VLAN configuration and modular scalability

Demonstrated national capability in implementing high-tech telecommunication solutions in remote, high-altitude regions

6. Conclusion

The successful deployment of the microwave backhaul link stands as a major step forward in Nepal’s aviation communication infrastructure. By overcoming geographic and environmental challenges, Mahavir Shree International Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with Trango Systems delivered a project that now serves as a reliable backbone for CAAN’s air traffic surveillance network. This project not only supports current aeronautical operations but also lays a technologically sound foundation for future advancements in Nepal’s civil aviation sector.