AstroTerra Corp. Integrates AB-Access Technology From Adaptive Broadband with TerraLink Laser Communication Solutions to Provide Fast and Robust Wireless Connectivity
MONDAY, MAY 08, 2000 7:02:00 PM EST
SAN DIEGO, May 8, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Partnership Enables High-Speed, Weather-Resistant
Microwave and Laser Connections
AstroTerra Corp., San Diego, is integrating a solution that will allow service providers to quickly and cost-effectively deliver robust, reliable, weather independent voice and data services over license-free wireless connections.
The TerraLink Fusion(TM) series solutions combine Adaptive Broadband's AB-Access(TM) wireless data networking equipment with AstroTerra's TerraLink(TM) high-speed laser communication systems. By leveraging ATM and Ethernet capabilities with license-free operation, the solution is capable of high-speed, carrier quality links in almost any environment.
Since both companies' solutions already utilize the same robust transport architecture, they can be used together on a "plug and play" basis to provide the convergence of video, voice and data services over a single wireless data connection. Adaptive Broadband made an equity investment in AstroTerra in 1998.
Reliable, Weather Resistant Backhaul
"This partnership opens new possibilities for data communications," stated AstroTerra's President, Dr. Eric Korevaar. "By coupling laser and RF communication technologies, we can offer higher availability and greater bandwidth for a broader range of customer applications -- from enterprise networks to last-mile telecommunications."
"As with all laser systems," Korevaar continued, "TerraLink systems are subject to short interruptions in very low visibility conditions in which line of site between the units is compromised. However, by incorporating AB-Access equipment, near 100% availability is provided regardless of weather."
Flexible, Efficient, License-Free Operation
Unlike many other license-free products, AB-Access provides for an extremely efficient use of available spectrum. 25 Mbps service is provided over a single 15 MHz channel; which compares favorably with other solutions that top out at 16 Mbps, or use up to 200 MHz of spectrum to provide marginally higher data rates.
In addition to greater spectral efficiency, AB-Access obtains network efficiencies through its use of Time Division Duplexing (TDD). By carrying both upstream and downstream traffic over a single channel, TDD obviates the need for a transmit-receive guard band, conserves spectrum and adjusts to the traffic patterns of the network. Combined with Adaptive Broadband's proprietary packet-on-demand(TM) traffic prioritization technology, operators can maximize the use of spectrum and provide consistent, high capacity data links.
Broadband at 25 Mbps to OC-3 and Beyond
AstroTerra wireless solutions employ license-free laser links to provide data rates anywhere between 10 and 155 Mbps at distances up to 3.75 Km. Used primarily for LAN interconnection and network expansion, custom upgrades make 622 Mbps possible.
Adaptive Broadband introduced AB-Access wireless data networking equipment in 1999 for ultra high speed Internet access. It bridges the last mile, replacing the local loop for business and residential subscribers. AB-Access offers data transmission at rates up to 25 Mbps, a speed up to 400 times faster than dial-up service with a 56K modem. AB-Access technology spans the frequency range from 2 to 42 GHz, made possible because of the frequency-independent platform architecture of the product. The first product offerings of AB-Access are for applications using the 5 GHz U-NII and 2.5 GHz MMDS frequency bands to support the varying needs of different types of service providers. Adaptive Broadband plans to introduce AB-Access products for the global LMDS and 3.5 GHz European markets in 2000.
About AstroTerra
AstroTerra Corp. (http://www.astroterra.com) is a nationally recognized leader in the design and development of high-speed optical wireless communications equipment. Incorporated in 1992, AstroTerra holds several patents and awards for its innovative products and technology. AstroTerra's TerraLink product line incorporates technologies fostered by the STRV-2 satellite laser communications program, in which AstroTerra designed and developed hardware capable of transmitting and receiving secure data at 1 Gbps between low earth orbit and a ground site. In October 1999, AstroTerra was recognized as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in San Diego County.
About Adaptive Broadband
Adaptive Broadband (http://www.adaptivebroadband.com) is a data networking solutions company that is developing leading-edge technology for the deployment of broadband wireless communication over the Internet. Its AB-Access product is a leading commercial choice for fixed broadband wireless communication. |
