Fixed Wireless Equipment

Lynx OC-3 5.3/5.8 GHz Bridge

The Lynx OC-3 wireless bridge offers 155 Mpbs in the 5.3/5.8 Ghz U-NII band and is designed to supplement or provide redundancy for metro optical rings or to provide backhaul for wireless networks.

by Wayne Kawamoto [January 31, 2002]

Western Multiplex Corporation, a manufacturer of high-capacity fixed wireless equipment that connect networks between multiple locations, announced the launch of its Lynx OC-3. According to the company, its OC-3 is the first wireless bridge that works in the license-exempt 5.3/5.8 GHz U-NII band. The device is designed to work as a wireless backbone and backhaul for service providers, as well as provide fiber redundancy, fiber extension, and leased-line replacement for enterprises, medical centers, schools, and other enterprises.

As Western Multiplex's highest-capacity wireless system, the Lynx OC-3 is designed to provide 155 Mpbs of bandwidth for distances of up to seven miles, which the company says is more than twice that provided by competitive products. The Lynx OC-3 system also includes four separate T-1 connections that can extend connectivity between buildings without additional leased-line costs. The company claims that with its carrier-class reliability, the Lynx OC-3 offers much lower total cost of ownership compared to leased lines or fiber, and can take just hours to install because of its license-free operation.

For service providers, the company says that its Lynx OC-3 provides primary or redundant high-speed connections, and may be used for load balancing for improved throughput. It may also offer an option for facilities where laying fiber is unworkable.

According to Western Multiplex, key Lynx OC-3 specifications include:

• OC-3 full duplex capacity of 155 Mpbs, equivalent to 84 T-1 lines or 2016 channels, plus 4 T-1 wayside channels that provide additional capacity and cost savings
• Range up to 7 miles/11 kilometers
• Carrier-class reliability
• 5.3/5.8 GHz frequency band operation avoids congestion in licensed bands
• Next-day deployment and activation
• Lower-cost of ownership due to lower cost of equipment, no licensing fees, and reduced installation costs
• Weather-resistant path performance
• Web-based GUI and SNMP for smooth integration into existing networks

"The best way to ensure uninterrupted network connectivity is to have separate high-speed connections between two points on the fiber ring," says Lindsay Schroth, Broadband Access Analyst, Yankee Group. "In addition, the Lynx OC-3 is an outstanding metro ring extension platform, with its SONET interface for easy integration as well as its lower cost of ownership."

"We have heard from customer after customer seeking options for bullet-proofing their business continuity network solutions," said Amir Zoufonoun, Western Multiplex's president and chief operating officer. "They know that true redundancy requires two connections and two completely independent paths. The Lynx OC-3 virtually guarantees network availability and ensures business continuity for a fraction of the cost of installing a second OC-3 leased line."

Pricing and availability
The Lynx OC-3 is available immediately. The manufacturer's list price is $29,995 per radio.

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