The WT4 Millimeter Waveguide System: The WT4 Repeater Station

Repeater stations for the WT4 system are spaced at intervals of up to 60 kilometers and perform the function of interfacing the waveguide medium with the repeaters. Each station--including the structure, land, and access roads--contains waveguide and sheath terminating hardware, channelizing networks, repeaters, power and environmental control systems, and maintenance electronics. Design and construction of a repeater station requires the coordination of many groups including Long Lines Outside Plant engineering and construction, Long Lines Buildings Group and Western Electric Engineering and Installation (Fig. 1). In developing the WT4 repeater station concept, an attempt was made to define the interfaces between these groups and minimize their interdependence where possible. This was achieved by allowing for parallel rather than serial construction in many stages of the station construction, and also by incorporating flexibility 2135 LONG LINES CONSTRUCTION in the overall station layout. The net result is reduced lead time from construction authorization to service turn-up.