I lurked CSCO thread tonight, and have seen questions on both JDSU and QCOM about CSCO's new fixed wireless initiative, and how it might impact fiber-optic and HDR. Any thoughts?
I just finished a group report tonight on wireless networks, including a section on VOFDM (Cisco's proposed standard). In gorilla terms, I really see CSCO flexing their muscles on this one to get an open standard out into the market. Rather un-gorilla like, however, they are practically giving this technology away. I trust their judgement, however, on making the business decision to go ahead with releasing the standard for everyone to use. After all, if it is accepted in the marketplace, Cisco could be a big beneficiary, as they are one of the only companies to have a product to support it! Some thoughts:
1.) It is different in HDR in that it is a FIXED wireless standard and it is being developed to support voice, video, and data over its lines (HDR is only for data).
2.) It is much much cheaper than fibre lines (especially to the house!!).
3.) VOFDM cards plug right into routers, which make it pretty cheap for carriers to offer the wireless service.
4.) VOFDM is a solution for companies wishing to offer broadband to the home/office without having to use local competitive loops to access them (i.e. cable and copper lines).
5.) Line of sight is not required, which means that the waves bounce off other buildings and trees and such to arrive at its destination
6.) Can reach customers as far as 30 miles away (compared to DSL's 3 mile range, I think).
FWIW, I am quite curious to see what happens with this technology!
BWDIK,
Justin
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