For many wireless broadband network operators, the term "unlicensed reliability" is seen as an oxymoron. For many, the idea of building a high-speed network in the unlicensed band isn't a good one. A great deal has been said about crowded frequencies, self-interference and costly network rips. About how microwaving popcorn can cause interference. About disgruntled and perplexed customers. And ex-customers.
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Exploding the Myth that Unlicensed
Spectrum Means Unreliable Service An examination of how a growing number of operators are designing reliability into broadband networks using unlicensed frequencies.For many wireless broadband network operators, the term "unlicensed reliability" is seen as an oxymoron. For many, the idea of building a high-speed network in the unlicensed band isn't a good one. A great deal has been said about crowded frequencies, self-interference and costly network rips. About how microwaving popcorn can cause interference. About disgruntled and perplexed customers. And ex-customers.
On the other hand, there are currently thousands reliable in the field, not just in the laboratory. And, of How Years of of broadband wireless networks now operating course, you have to plan for success and expansion.Evaluation Led Mesa successfully in unlicensed spectrum in more than Networks to their Ideal 120 countries around the world. What about them? The Outer LimitsWireless Broadband What's their secret? We all learned it in Wireless 101. "The farther you System It's not much of a secret really. It's simply operating go, the weaker the signal." When you're using Mesa Networks, a networks carefully planned and designed to provide unlicensed spectrum, the edges of your network Wireless Internet optimum reliability in the unlicensed spectrum. are especially vulnerable to interference from Service Provider located other users of the unlicensed band. The question in Northern Colorado, The Case for Unlicensed Frequencies becomes, do you want to try to push service to at first focused its The fact is, in certain scenarios-such as extending the absolute outer edges of your system? If you unlicensed broadband a network over rough terrain or needing to deploy do, you risk the chance that someone will put up a network on the business exceptionally cost-effective fixed point-to-point and transmitter or other equipment that will quite literally market. Initial reluctance point-to-multipoint solutions-unlicensed frequency interfere with your ability to serve your customers. by a conservative networks have a lot to offer. The fact is, reliability is better served by creating business community, Of course, unlicensed spectrum has some a "cushion" that will allow all your customers to and the interest shown challenges in trying to provide the same degree of enjoy reliable service, no matter where they're by the SOHO and reliability as licensed spectrum. But that doesn't located in the network. This cushion is known as residential markets, necessarily mean it's unreliable. It just means you fade margin, or allowance for fluctuations in signal convinced the company have to be aware of the issues inherent in the strength caused by interference; transmitter or to change its focus. unlicensed band. It means you have to choose receiver movement; or reflections or scattering due With its new target your equipment very carefully. And it means you to obstacles in the area. Many broadband wireless audiences in mind, Mesa have to design reliability into your network from the systems have a fade margin of 10 db. When you're Networks evaluated beginning. When you can do that, you can make a designing for reliability in unlicensed spectrum, nearly every available very strong business case for building a carefully however, it's crucial to select technology that wireless broadband designed high-speed wireless network in unlicensed operates reliably with lower fade margins, even as product over more spectrum. low as 3 db.than two years. "For the most part, we Designing for Robust Reliability Mitigating Against Interferencewere underwhelmed by Unlicensed spectrum is free. But just because Some unlicensed network operators have learned a hard truth about how operating in unlicensed the results," says Todd it doesn't cost anything doesn't mean you don't Bergstrom, President have the right to expect it to be reliable. How do spectrum can affect growth. The truth is this: the size of your network matters. The larger your and CEO. "Finally, after you design reliability into an unlicensed broadband wireless network? First of all, it takes planning. As network grows, the more subscribers you gain, the a great deal of trial and error, we discovered in any solution, one size does not fit all. To choose more you're going to experience self-interference. ®the Motorol... [download for more]
