Fixed Terrestial Wireless

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(Fixed Terrestrial Wireless Network Type and Infrastructure)
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'''This article covers the practical aspects of wireless access to the Internet via Fixed Terrestial Wireless ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/radio radio]).'''
'''This article covers the practical aspects of wireless access to the Internet via Fixed Terrestial Wireless ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/radio radio]).'''
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== Introduction to Fixed Terrestrial Wireless ==
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== Introduction ==
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While not widely deployed, fixed terrestrial wireless is nonetheless alive and well in some locations.
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: '''See [http://www.sprintbroadband.com/ Sprint Broadband Direct]'''
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== Network Type and Infrastructure==
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Fixed Terrestrial Wireless is a [[wikipedia:Point-to-multipoint|point-to-multipoint]] or '[[wikipedia:Star network|star]]' topology, much like [[Wi-Fi]], consisting of a single central hub radio (access point) with internet connectivity, and a number of fixed client radios (subscribers).
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As of 3 Dec. 08 the link above does not work for me.  Sprint Broadband Direct was taken off the air in the summer of 2008.  See [http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Sprint-Broadband-Direct-Goes-Offline-July-31-94556/ Sprint Broadband Direct Goes Offline].
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Regardless, at the time of this writing, 3 Dec. 2008, fixed terrestrial wireless is alive and well in some locations, and is my present means of connecting to the internet.
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== Fixed Terrestrial Wireless Network Type and Infrastructure==
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Fixed Terrestrial Wireless is a [[wikipedia:Point-to-multipoint|point-to-multipoint]] architecture, '[[wikipedia:Star network|star]]', with a single central hub radio (access point) that has internet connectivity, and a number of fixed client radios.
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* Clients can connect to one and only one access point, and not to other clients.
* Clients can connect to one and only one access point, and not to other clients.
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* An access point can only connect to clients, not to other access points. (This was a cut and paste from Wi-Fi).  They are very similar in operation.  Not mentioned here is that the access point must connect back to the pop.  Also, some service providers may daisy chain the radio access points; if not by routing traffic through from one to the next, then at least daisy chaining the back haul.  This can introduce irritating ping times if you happen to be serviced by the last radio hub on the daisy chain.)
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* An access point can only connect to clients, not to other access points.  
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* Some service providers may daisy chain radio access points, if not by routing traffic from one to the next, then by daisy chaining the [[wikipedia:Backhaul (telecommunications)|backhaul]] to the Internet.  This can introduce substantial [[wikipedia:Lag|latency]] for those serviced by the last radio hub on the daisy chain.
== Wi-Fi Hardware ==
== Wi-Fi Hardware ==
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=== Fixed Terrestrial Wireless Access Point ===
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=== Access Point ===
A Wireless Access Point (AP) is the central bridge device used in an Infrastructure wireless network. Traffic from the wireless side of the bridge is sent to the Internet side of the bridge, and ''vice versa''.  The wireless access point controls all traffic with wireless client radios.  The access point is normally pole or tower mounted at a location that provides good line of site coverage to as much of the desired service area as possible.  The pole or tower mount will often contain two radios.  One is the access point radio, the one that the client radios communicate with.  The other is a point to point backhaul radio, that goes back to a central office and carries the traffic from the internet [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_of_presence pop] to the pole top.
A Wireless Access Point (AP) is the central bridge device used in an Infrastructure wireless network. Traffic from the wireless side of the bridge is sent to the Internet side of the bridge, and ''vice versa''.  The wireless access point controls all traffic with wireless client radios.  The access point is normally pole or tower mounted at a location that provides good line of site coverage to as much of the desired service area as possible.  The pole or tower mount will often contain two radios.  One is the access point radio, the one that the client radios communicate with.  The other is a point to point backhaul radio, that goes back to a central office and carries the traffic from the internet [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_of_presence pop] to the pole top.
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=== Client Radio ===
=== Client Radio ===
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== Coverage Area ==
== Coverage Area ==
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=== Overview ===
=== Overview ===
Fixed Terrestrial Wireless is basically a cellular type configuration, as are Wi-Fi, WiMAX and Cellular.  The hub defines the 'central' point of the cell, and the distance covered will depend on antennas used, transmitter powers, receiver sensitivity, and the terrain and any interfering obstacles. This type of system can easily cover an area where subscribers are 5 miles from the hub.  The coverage is therefore larger than WiMAX, but limited to fixed subscriber side installations.  The deployment of this system would usually be designed to cover a predetermined area of land, which may or may not be circular.  Therefore, the hub may not be at the actual center of the cell, and the cell may not be circular.
Fixed Terrestrial Wireless is basically a cellular type configuration, as are Wi-Fi, WiMAX and Cellular.  The hub defines the 'central' point of the cell, and the distance covered will depend on antennas used, transmitter powers, receiver sensitivity, and the terrain and any interfering obstacles. This type of system can easily cover an area where subscribers are 5 miles from the hub.  The coverage is therefore larger than WiMAX, but limited to fixed subscriber side installations.  The deployment of this system would usually be designed to cover a predetermined area of land, which may or may not be circular.  Therefore, the hub may not be at the actual center of the cell, and the cell may not be circular.
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=== Rain Attenuation ===
=== Rain Attenuation ===
With a radio path of less than 10 miles, the path should not normally be subject to too many variables.  Rain attenuation would not normally be a problem.  
With a radio path of less than 10 miles, the path should not normally be subject to too many variables.  Rain attenuation would not normally be a problem.  
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=== Line of Sight ===
=== Line of Sight ===
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==Service Speeds==
==Service Speeds==
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===Typical===
===Typical===
Since I have not had access to any hardware manuals, and I am writing this late at night, I will just offer up so observations.
Since I have not had access to any hardware manuals, and I am writing this late at night, I will just offer up so observations.
In my area at the current time, the data rate provided by my radio link is about 4.8 Mbps download, and about 1.8 Mbps upload.  This can be controlled by the service provider by settings in the radio (I don't know which end) that pertain specifically to my link. This is about the same speed, if not faster, than I might get by a wired hookup by a cable or phone company provider.  Ones upload and download speed to the internet can be checked at [http://www.speedtest.net/ SpeedTest].
In my area at the current time, the data rate provided by my radio link is about 4.8 Mbps download, and about 1.8 Mbps upload.  This can be controlled by the service provider by settings in the radio (I don't know which end) that pertain specifically to my link. This is about the same speed, if not faster, than I might get by a wired hookup by a cable or phone company provider.  Ones upload and download speed to the internet can be checked at [http://www.speedtest.net/ SpeedTest].

Revision as of 15:21, 4 December 2008

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