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Fixed Wireless Equipment

Gigabit Wireless

Although it can deliver impressive throughput, WISPs report that wireless radios in the 60 GHz and 70 GHz spectrum range are suited only to certain applications.

[January 5, 2006]

On the ISP-Wireless list in December, MB asked:

"We're looking at deploying a PTP gigabit wireless connection between two sites less than a mile from each other. I'm looking at solutions by Ceragon and BridgeWave. Any experiences (good or bad) with these solutions would be appreciated."

[TD asked] "This is the first I've heard of this technology,(gigabit wireless, and radio at such high frequencies). Can someone expand on this? What is the range for point to multipoint?"

[BM replied] "There is no PtMP. It's PtP only, and range is approx 1/4 to 2/4 mile depending on where you are. Costs range from approx. $10K to $60K depending on manufacturer."

[JH noted] "Gigabeam claims they can deliver five 9s reliability on a 1 mile link of 1 Gbps. They say they will be doing OC-48, then OC-192, soon."

[CW added] "Bridgewave currently has extended range 60 GHz (both 100 Meg FE and Full Gig E) P2P gear over that goes over 1 mile and will have 70 to 80 GHz 2006 providing up to 10 Gbps. Better manufacturing process and they have deployed more gear."

[MD recommended] "You should also give the DragonWave 28 GHz solution a chance as well."

DD suggested that many radios under different brand names have the same OEM:

"Take a look at the two links below, notice any similarities?

In most areas of the country in order to get 5 9's reliability at Gigabit speeds you are talking a maximum of 2200 ft.

http://www.ceragon.com/site/Products_Products.asp?ID=20

http://www.bridgewave.com/wireless_products/ge60-gigabit-wireless.shtml"

TR objected to the range limitations DD had suggested:

"That's for 60 GHz, that is more highly affected by oxygen absorption. 70GHz will go much further. Five 9s may only get you a mile, but four 9s will get you two, and three 9s could get you over 5 miles. But then again that all depends on the rainfall in your area. Oxygen alone limits the range of 60 GHz, before the effect of rainfall. However, with 70GHz, rainfall become a bigger limiting factor. 70GHz can get through oxygen almost 12 db higher than 60GHz, for short links (1 miles).

What they don't tell you on the spec sheet is that they have links in place going as far as 7 miles in dry climates, and 2 or 3 miles where five 9s reliabilty is not required. Is five 9s really required? Even three 9s is pretty darn good for today's world."

—End