A Construction clothing and Sports clothing company in Canada was facing computer network connectivity problem. It had its manufacturing and warehouse facility spread over some 50 KM radiius and not all the places had broadband access. Local Telco was reluctant to deploy cable and fiber to locations which were remenant of old world manufacturing busness. The company runs a specilized ERP software and that needed to be run form multiple manaufacturing facilities.
White Paper — Apparel Industry Warehouse-to-Warehouse Microwave Link
1. Executive Summary
Apparel and textile manufacturers with geographically dispersed operations often face significant challenges in establishing reliable and cost-effective network connectivity between sites, especially in areas without robust broadband infrastructure. This case study examines a wireless point-to-point microwave link deployed by KeenComputer to interconnect manufacturing and warehouse facilities up to 50 km apart for a Canadian apparel company. The solution delivered persistent ERP connectivity, reduced dependence on costly leased lines, and enabled real-time data synchronization across sites where terrestrial broadband was unavailable. (Keen Computer)
2. Business Challenge
A mid-sized apparel manufacturer with multiple plants and warehouses spread over a 50 km radius lacked adequate broadband access at several facilities. Traditional telecom carriers were unwilling to extend cable or fiber due to high deployment costs and low return on investment in less urbanized industrial locations. This connectivity gap disrupted enterprise resource planning (ERP) operations, delayed logistics workflows, and increased operational risk.
Key Business Impacts
- ERP synchronization failures, impacting inventory accuracy and production planning.
- Manual data reconciliation between facilities, increasing labor costs.
- Network outages and latency undermining operational responsiveness.
The organization required a high-availability, long-distance link that could sustain bandwidth and performance for enterprise applications without the recurring cost or logistical limits of fiber installation.
3. Technical Solution — Microwave Point-to-Point Link
KeenComputer architected and deployed a microwave radio communications link between primary warehouses and manufacturing facilities to bridge the connectivity gap.
Why Microwave
Microwave links are well suited for line-of-sight (LOS) long-distance connectivity where fiber is unavailable:
- Cost-effective compared to fiber roll-outs in remote or industrial areas.
- Quick deployment relative to trenching and cable construction.
- High throughput and scalability for ERP and data services.
This solution uses directional outdoor radios mounted on towers or rooftops with antennae aligned precisely between sites to form a dedicated wireless bridge. (Microwave Link)
4. Design Considerations
4.1 Line of Sight & Path Analysis
A dependable microwave link requires clear line of sight (LOS) between endpoints. During planning, site surveys evaluate terrain, buildings, and foliage to avoid Fresnel zone obstruction, which can degrade signal quality. (Microwave Link)
4.2 Frequency Band & Interference
Selection of the appropriate frequency band (often licensed sub-6 GHz or license-free 5 GHz) balances throughput, environmental resilience, and regulatory requirements. Lower frequencies offer longer range with less rain attenuation, while higher bands support higher data rates. (Microwave Link)
4.3 Fade Margin & Reliability
Engineering calculated sufficient fade margin to ensure link availability even during adverse weather. Adaptive modulation and coding optimizes link performance in real-time, improving reliability in fluctuating conditions. (Microwave Link)
4.4 Redundancy & Availability
To minimize downtime, dual radios or alternate site paths can provide redundancy. Redundant architectural planning increases network resilience for mission-critical enterprise operations. (Vizocom)
5. Value Proposition & Business Benefits
5.1 Operational Continuity
With the microwave link in place, the apparel company gained consistent enterprise network connectivity across all facilities — eliminating site isolation and enabling seamless ERP transactions.
5.2 Cost Efficiency
Microwave solutions required lower capital outlay compared with fiber construction while offering comparable data performance for the organization’s needs.
5.3 Scalability
The point-to-point design permits future expansion — additional sites or higher bandwidth radios can be deployed as operational requirements grow.
6. Industry Context & Wireless Network Trends
Wireless connectivity in warehouse and industrial environments plays an increasingly vital role in enabling digitization, real-time asset tracking, and automation. Wireless network technologies (Wi-Fi, private LTE/5G, and point-to-point microwave) deliver a future-proof foundation for Industry 4.0 systems, RFID tracking, and IoT sensors. (Enterprise Networking Planet)
A well-engineered microwave backhaul also complements other private wireless strategies, providing resilient last-mile coverage in enterprise settings where broadband is constrained. (Callmc)
7. Considerations for Warehousing and Logistics
Modern warehouses rely heavily on wireless infrastructure to support inventory scanners, mobile devices, and operational automation. Effective network design must address structural interference (steel racks, metallic shelving) and ensure consistent coverage across expansive facilities. (LinkedIn)
While the KeenComputer project focused on inter-site connectivity, similar wireless planning principles apply to internal warehouse wireless deployments, underscoring the importance of robust link design. (LinkedIn)
8. Conclusions
The Apparel Industry Warehouse to Warehouse Microwave Link demonstrates how tailored wireless engineering can solve connectivity challenges where traditional broadband solutions fall short. By deploying a reliable microwave backhaul, KeenComputer enabled seamless enterprise operations across a distributed manufacturing footprint — delivering business continuity, scalability, and cost-effective network infrastructure.
9. References
- Collin, “Foundations for Microwave Engineering,” 2nd Ed., ISBN-13: 978-0780360310 (as referenced on the project listing). (Keen Computer)
- Microwave link planning and design fundamentals — LOS, Fresnel zones, and path analysis. (Microwave Link)
- Adaptive coding and modulation for improved microwave link performance. (Microwave Link)
- Redundancy and reliability strategies for microwave links. (Vizocom)
- Wireless connectivity trends in warehouse and logistics operations. (Enterprise Networking Planet)
Contact Keencomputer.com for further details.