Wireless Broadband
What is a Wireless Broadband Network?
Wireless broadband terminology should not be confused with the generic term “broadband networking” or
BISDN (Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network), which refers to various network technologies
(fiber or optical) implemented by ISPs and NSPs to achieve transmission speeds higher than 155 Mbps
for the Internet backbone. In a lay-person’s terms, BISDN is the wire and cable that run through walls,
under floors, from pole to telephone pole, and beneath feet on a city street. BISDN is a concept and a
set of services and developing standards for integrating digital transmission services in a broadband
network of fiber optic and radio media. BISDN encompasses frame relay service for high-speed data
that can be sent in large bursts, the Fiber Distributed-Data Interface (FDDI), and the Synchronous
Optical Network (SONET). BISDN supports transmission from 2 Mbps to much higher transfer rates.
Wireless broadband, on the other hand, refers to the wireless network technology that addresses the
“last mile” problem whereby we can connect isolated customer premises to an ISP or carrier’s backbone
network without leasing traditional T-1 and higher speed copper or fiber channels from your local
telecommunication service provider. Wireless broadband refers to fixed wireless connectivity that can be
utilized by enterprises, businesses, households and telecommuters who travel from one fixed location to
another fixed location. In its current implementation, it does not address the needs of “mobile users” on
the road.
Technologically, wireless broadband is an extension of the point-to-point, wireless-LAN bridging concept
to deliver high-speed and high capacity pipe that can be used for voice, multi-media and Internet access
services. While in simple implementations, primary use of wireless broadband is for connecting LANs to
the Internet, in more sophisticated implementations, you may connect multiple services (data, voice,
video) over the same pipe. The latter requires multiplexing equipment at customer premises or in a
central hub.
From an implementation perspective Wireless Broadband circumvents physical telecommunications
networks; it is as feasible in rural as it is in urban areas. For topographies that haven’t yet technically
evolved to cable and copper wire infrastructures, vendor solutions circumventing costly installation,
maintenance and upgrades, means skipping 120 years of telecommunications evolution. In other areas,
deregulation is making the licensing process for Wireless Service Providers (WSPs) hassle free.
Wireless broadband is faster to market, and subscribers are added incrementally, bypassing those
installations that are required before wired subscribers can connect.
What Wireless Broadband is Not?
Wireless broadband is for fixed wireless connection - it does not address the mobility needs which at
present only 2.5 G and 3G networks intend to provide. In future, there is a technical possibility that
broadband wireless radios can be miniaturized and installed in handheld devices. Then they might be
able to augment 3G in mobile applications However, it is only a possibility of the physics and
electronics - none of the vendors have any prototype products in this area. Of course, wireless
broadband is expected to meet the needs of residential connections to the Internet bypassing local
telcos
Wireless Broadband Market
Wireless broadband market is expanding very fast. According to Strategis Research – a
telecommunications market research company, broadband market is projected to be $16.3 billion U.S.
in 2004. The subscriber base will grow to almost 10 million, according to Allied Business Intelligence - a
market research company.
The breakdown of market share geographically by 2004 is expected to be as follows::
40% North America
17% Latin America
18% Asia-pacific
25% Europe
US and Japan will lead the market with approximately $5.7 billion and $1.5 billion respectively, with UK
and Canada coming in at approximately $800 000 and $750 000.
Wireless Broadband
Business Scenarios - Where Wireless Broadband Is Useful
Implementation depends on the type of business, its business needs and usage. These needs are
different for households, small, medium and large businesses. Typical wireless broadband applications
are:
Internet access: where it is difficult/expensive to lay pipe in cities/rural areas
Inter-LAN connectivity in a campus environment
Inter-building connectivity in a down town core where cable digging is a problem and expensive
Multimedia or video connection for TV services
Distance-learning based on permanent connections to remote areas where instructor material is
based on using multi-media material
Government facilities in distant areas
Telemedicine and medical facilities: in patient/out patient, emergency rooms, surgery
“As needed” connectivity in contrast to permanent connectivity
Connecting historic or older buildings where laying cable could be difficult or expensive
Outdoor, field operations: disaster recovery, battlefields
Home banking
Interactive Gaming sites
Status of Technology Adoption (Mid 2000)
Wireless broadband has been adopted more outside North America (USA and Canada) because there
does not exist a very reliable telephony and networking infrastructure there. In South America and
Europe, where competing wireline facilities are not available, take a long lead time or monthly lease
charges for these services are high, businesses and ISPs have found wireless broadband to be an
attractive option. However in North America where competing wireline alternatives are well established,
it is still in early stages of adoption with many customers piloting the technology for the first time now
(mid 2000). Another reason for slow adoption was delay in FCC licensing the spectrum. It would appear
that countries like Venezuela, Brazil, and other countries have leapfrogged USA.
As shown, there is a strong product introduction activity by US vendor community – one indicator of the
growing demand - strong abroad but growing domestically.
Advisory Note: Wireless broadband is not a universal solution. In the short run, both alternatives can be
utilized. Users should evaluate offerings from both camps and make individual decisions that suit their
specific needs. In fact, the same organization may have a hybrid solution - wireless broadband in one
region and conventional wireline solution in another location.
However, the network service providers and ISPs MUST gear up to offer wireless broadband service fast
and quick - now. |
