FAQs on Wireless Broadband

What is meant by "wireless BB"?
What is the difference between PtP, PtMP and mesh?
What are the benefits of wireless over wired?
 

What is meant by "wireless BB"?

Wireless broadband refers to radio frequency (RF) communications networks utilizing a wide range of frequencies that are divided into multiple independent channels. These wireless networks use the broader range of frequencies to carry many different services such as voice, video and data. Broadband networks generally require a capacity of at least 1.544 Mbps (T1).

What is the difference between PtP, PtMP and mesh?

Point-to-Point (PtP)
A point-to-point radio network is the simplest form of wireless network. A point-topoint link is composed of two radios in direct communication with each other with dedicated bandwidth. Point-to-point links are ideally suited for high-performance, dedicated corporate j t connections, high-speed inter nest links or backup/back- applications. These links are generally quick to deploy but typically require RF planning and professional installation. Point-to-point radios are available in several licensed frequencies and in the unlicensed ISM (2.4 / 5.8 GHz) bands and can achieve distances of up to 50 miles. Point-to-point applications and users include cellular/PCS base station backhaul, last mile provisioning, private network interconnect, utilities, enterprise/corporations, disaster recovery and LAN/WAN/Internet connectivity.

Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP)
Point-to-multipoint radio links consist of a base station or access point radio at a central or hub site and multiple client or subscriber radios at remote sites. PtMP networks are connected in a star topology and bandwidth is shared amongst the remote subscribers. Typically, point-to-multipoint networks are easier to deploy than a point-to-point network because adding a remote user usually requires new equipment only at the subscriber site, not the base station or access point. Point-to-multipoint networks are used for indoor wireless LANs (WLAN) as well as outdoor applications. Point-to-multipoint networks are normally used for residential and business ISPs, campus coverage and indoor wireless LANs and last mile applications, to name a few.

Mesh Technology
Much like the point-tomultipoint networks, mesh networks utilize a base station radio or access point at a central network location, as well as multiple remote client subscriber units to distribute Internet and network access. Mesh technology enables network operators to provide access to subscribers that may be obstructed by hills, trees, larger buildings or any obstacle that prevents direct communications with the base station access point. Each remote client subscriber unit not only provides Internet access for the attached subscriber, but it also becomes part of the network infrastructure, acting as an access point extension to further distribute or extend network service. Traffic can be routed through the network over multiple hops, allowing subscribers who may be out of range, or those with no line-of-sight to the access point, to join the network. The mesh networks are ideally suited for dense subscriber environments, for filling in shadows for ISPs, or for reaching subscribers that may have line-of-site issues. Typical customer applications include small-to-medium-sized ISPs seeking last mile solutions to compete with DSL or cable and larger carriers looking to deploy wireless broadband to markets that are too difficult or expensive to reach with the wired infrastructure. Mesh products are also used in multi-tenant or multi-dwelling applications such as apartment complexes, office parks and campuses.

What are the benfits of wireless over wired?

Wireless is immediately available with no right-of-way limitations. Most wireless systems can be installed and operational within a few hours (no excavation of sidewalks or streets, no or limited building permits, etc.). License-free frequencies are available at no cost to anyone desiring to implement a wireless broadband network. Licensed frequencies, if required, may also be obtained by end users or carriers. Copper and fiber connections usually require monthly leased line fees paid to telephone companies, whereas operators of wireless broadband networks can own and operate their own wireless infrastructure. In most cases, wireless systems offer a return on investment of several months, versus the years it may take for wired solutions. As a result, wireless systems enjoy lower cost, more flexibility and often higher reliability than copper or fiber.

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