Washa Wi-Fi relies on Fuzion to deliver reliable internet services in Kenya

Syokinet Solutions, an Internet service provider in Nairobi, Kenya wanted to increase the customer value of their fiber network. They decided on launching a high-speed Wi-Fi network with affordable product packages and focusing on areas with high footfall such as bus stations, marketplaces, etc.

They had access to deploy network infrastructure in poles owned by the public utility but there was no easy access to AC power. They tested an internally developed solar power solution with various off-the-shelf components, but it ended up being costly and non-scalable.

Syokinet turned to Optace Networks, Kenya-based East African distributor of the Fuzion Power Technologies FTP-300, leveraging reliable solar power and network capabilities via Power over Ethernet in one smart, rugged and quickly deployable product.

The FTP-300 powers the Wi-Fi access point and the fiber router deployed on a single pole. The solution allows Syokinet to deploy Wi-Fi networks with fiber backhaul anywhere the sun is shining in the time it takes to fasten the required equipment to a pole. Very little planning is required.

With support from Optace Networks, the team at Syokinet designed a complete hotspot solution, incorporating Wi-Fi access points from Cambium Networks, a generic fiber ONU product, and solar panels acquired locally.

In this solution the Wi-Fi access point is connected to the FTP-300 via the ethernet for power and data. The fiber router employed doesn’t support Power-over-Ethernet in, so it is powered via 12 V DC via the AUX port inside the FTP-300.

The Fuzion FTP-300 is a durable solar charged power solution with PoE in a small form factor ideal for Wi-Fi hotspots, microwave radios, cellular gateways, surveillance cameras and more. The FTP-300 is designed for "deploy-and-forget" installations in remote areas and for operation under harsh environmental conditions.