The advent of Internet has facilitated the growth of many new fields of communications. The Internet is the network of computers connected to each other from around the world. Hence, people living in one part of the world can now communicate instantly with any other person located at any other place in the world.
Internet telephony is a kind of communication in which Internet protocols are used for the transmission of voice data. It is essential for customers to have a standard PC installed with a sound card and good quality microphone and speakers. Customers also have to install specific IP telephony software. Customers have the option of installing free software available over the Internet from the specific web sites. Alternatively, they can also choose to install standard professionally developed and manufactured Internet telephony software from reputed software companies. Even though these software products are high priced, they give good value for money to the customers.
Some Internet telephony providers offer customers with the free trial of their software products. In this way, consumers get to experience how these specific software products work. This gives customers a choice of buying the software product if they find it useful and suitable to their needs. In case they do not like the software product, they are under no obligation to buy the product. These trial offers are of limited time duration, normally of fifteen to thirty days. After the lapse of this trial period, the software stops working unless the user purchases it.
Many Internet service providers (ISPs) also provide Internet telephony to their customers. These services are often referred to as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and the charges for their use are comparatively low. These service providers have different products having various ranges of voice densities using different network devices and equipment.
It is advised that customers check the authenticity of the Internet telephony service providers and choose only from branded and certified manufacturers. This will take care of problems related to faulty and inefficient services of fly by night operators.
Internet Telephony provides detailed information on Internet Telephony, VOIP Internet Telephony, Free Internet Telephony, Internet Telephony Service Providers and more. Internet Telephony is affiliated with IP Telephony Solutions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
Monday, September 24, 2007
Satellite Internet Frequently Asked Questions
What system requirements are there for satellite internet?
The answer to this question is going to vary by provider. It will also change as technology changes. However, the current minimum requirements for most satellite internet providers is that the computer needs to be running on an operating system that are Windows 98SE or newer or Mac OS 10.1 or newer. The second system requirement that you will need to meet is to have the hardware for networking. This will usually mean that you computer is equipped with a 10.100 Ethernet card or a PCMCIA adapter that has an Ethernet connector.
How is the installation of satellite internet equipment handled?
Again this is going to vary by provider. However, the Federal Communications Commission requires that a trained professional handle the installation of satellite equipment if it is going to be both sending and receiving signals. This means that if you are using a one way satellite internet system then you could possibly install the equipment yourself. However, if you are using a 2 way system you will have to have it professionally installed.
What is its transmission latency?
There is a half second delay with satellite internet service. This is caused by the nearly 45,000 miles that the signal has to travel between the computer and the satellite and back again.
What connection speeds can I expect?
Like all of the other questions the answer to this question is going to vary by provider and service package. However, generally speaking satellite internet will offer you a max download speed of between 7000 kbps and 2 mbps.
In the market for satellite internet services? Nationwide Satellite Solutions is your provider of HughesNet satellite internet as well a great resource that will answer any questions you have. Find out if it available in your area. For more on satellite technology visit the technology and internet directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
The answer to this question is going to vary by provider. It will also change as technology changes. However, the current minimum requirements for most satellite internet providers is that the computer needs to be running on an operating system that are Windows 98SE or newer or Mac OS 10.1 or newer. The second system requirement that you will need to meet is to have the hardware for networking. This will usually mean that you computer is equipped with a 10.100 Ethernet card or a PCMCIA adapter that has an Ethernet connector.
How is the installation of satellite internet equipment handled?
Again this is going to vary by provider. However, the Federal Communications Commission requires that a trained professional handle the installation of satellite equipment if it is going to be both sending and receiving signals. This means that if you are using a one way satellite internet system then you could possibly install the equipment yourself. However, if you are using a 2 way system you will have to have it professionally installed.
What is its transmission latency?
There is a half second delay with satellite internet service. This is caused by the nearly 45,000 miles that the signal has to travel between the computer and the satellite and back again.
What connection speeds can I expect?
Like all of the other questions the answer to this question is going to vary by provider and service package. However, generally speaking satellite internet will offer you a max download speed of between 7000 kbps and 2 mbps.
In the market for satellite internet services? Nationwide Satellite Solutions is your provider of HughesNet satellite internet as well a great resource that will answer any questions you have. Find out if it available in your area. For more on satellite technology visit the technology and internet directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
Building a Wireless ISP Network... The Opportunity
In the US, most of the people have one or more broadband access services to choose from - variations of DSL from multiple vendors and cable. That is if you're in a metropolitan area. For more rural locations your choices are limited.....if you have any at all. Therein lies an opportunity for those willing to pursue it.
In the rural areas of the country, the selection is limited. Satellite is available to anyone (at high cost), but between dial up and T1 there are no options for many residents. Satellite suffers from latency, making it unsuitable for VoIP and some other real time Internet services. Some applications that should not be sensitive to latency (email, Web forms) will perform poorly or fail due to the increased packet time.
The traditional carriers (RBOC) and resellers face a cost issue in bringing broadband service to outlying areas. Without a concentration of users the per user cost at published rates causes either a poor or negative margin. The way cost accounting is done in larger corporations makes the business case worse for a large carrier. Cost allocations between departments for such things as floor space, personnel, and backend support end up as added costs rather than leverage opportunities. Traditional wired service will not reach outlying residents unless mandated by law, and the trend is against this happening in the near future.
So the opportunity is open for a business offering Internet broadband access service to outlying residents.
Therein lies a tremendous opportunity.
Now....just how do you go about taking advantage of this opportunity, filling a need, and building a wireless ISP network?
To assist you with working through the planning and execution of this effort here are some insights and resources you should consider:
* Business Continuity Planning - This isn't the technical side of the business, the backup systems, redundant pathing, fail-over and restore, or alternate location stuff. Here you're looking at subjects such as Legal Structure, Personnel Insurance, Asset Insurance, and Process and Procedure.
* Revenue and Profit - Covers where and how to create your income including installation, basic monthly service, custom access service, volume or corporate pricing, other services, business partnerships, usage based service, civic service, and tower leasing (or you could build and provide your own).
* Security Issues - There's much to consider in this arena. Don't overlook it.
* Bandwidth issues - The access line to your tower(s) is likely the critical factor to success. Whether it's a T1 or a DS3 line. First off, it probably represents your single largest operational cost. Next, it determines the maximum quality of service you can provide.
Quotes you receive for bandwidth will probably be very different in terms of cost and performance guarantees, and should cover Performance Standards, Service Availability, Mean Time to Respond, Mean Time to Repair, Latency, Packet Loss, and Jitter. To help you search for the best match provider for your bandwidth requirements....I recommend utilizing the services of an unbiased independent broker by submitting a RFQ request to DS3-Bandwidth.com.
Here are some additional resources that may be of benefit to those developing a WISP....or thinking of it.
StartAWisp.com
WISP Centric
There's also an excellent forum for discussion of ideas and issues between WISP owners and potential developers at DSLReports.com.
Final advice.....think strategically taking care to consider the business areas hilighted above. Do make use of an independent unbiased broker for the bandwidth decsion. Also, apply the resources shared here as well as any others discovered from your own research.
Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm
In the rural areas of the country, the selection is limited. Satellite is available to anyone (at high cost), but between dial up and T1 there are no options for many residents. Satellite suffers from latency, making it unsuitable for VoIP and some other real time Internet services. Some applications that should not be sensitive to latency (email, Web forms) will perform poorly or fail due to the increased packet time.
The traditional carriers (RBOC) and resellers face a cost issue in bringing broadband service to outlying areas. Without a concentration of users the per user cost at published rates causes either a poor or negative margin. The way cost accounting is done in larger corporations makes the business case worse for a large carrier. Cost allocations between departments for such things as floor space, personnel, and backend support end up as added costs rather than leverage opportunities. Traditional wired service will not reach outlying residents unless mandated by law, and the trend is against this happening in the near future.
So the opportunity is open for a business offering Internet broadband access service to outlying residents.
Therein lies a tremendous opportunity.
Now....just how do you go about taking advantage of this opportunity, filling a need, and building a wireless ISP network?
To assist you with working through the planning and execution of this effort here are some insights and resources you should consider:
* Business Continuity Planning - This isn't the technical side of the business, the backup systems, redundant pathing, fail-over and restore, or alternate location stuff. Here you're looking at subjects such as Legal Structure, Personnel Insurance, Asset Insurance, and Process and Procedure.
* Revenue and Profit - Covers where and how to create your income including installation, basic monthly service, custom access service, volume or corporate pricing, other services, business partnerships, usage based service, civic service, and tower leasing (or you could build and provide your own).
* Security Issues - There's much to consider in this arena. Don't overlook it.
* Bandwidth issues - The access line to your tower(s) is likely the critical factor to success. Whether it's a T1 or a DS3 line. First off, it probably represents your single largest operational cost. Next, it determines the maximum quality of service you can provide.
Quotes you receive for bandwidth will probably be very different in terms of cost and performance guarantees, and should cover Performance Standards, Service Availability, Mean Time to Respond, Mean Time to Repair, Latency, Packet Loss, and Jitter. To help you search for the best match provider for your bandwidth requirements....I recommend utilizing the services of an unbiased independent broker by submitting a RFQ request to DS3-Bandwidth.com.
Here are some additional resources that may be of benefit to those developing a WISP....or thinking of it.
StartAWisp.com
WISP Centric
There's also an excellent forum for discussion of ideas and issues between WISP owners and potential developers at DSLReports.com.
Final advice.....think strategically taking care to consider the business areas hilighted above. Do make use of an independent unbiased broker for the bandwidth decsion. Also, apply the resources shared here as well as any others discovered from your own research.
Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm
ISP – Moving from Dialup to Broadband
The internet has become an important part of our lives in the past 10 years. You can read daily news, play online games, research for information, share your photos or daily lives with the others, and even buy or sell over the internet. All of these online experiences rely on the ISP.
Choosing the best ISP provider is not as complicated as the others have proclaimed. The general trend is to go from dialup connection to broadband / high speed internet access. Two type of broadband access – DSL and cable internet are the two most popular methods currently.
DSL stands for “Digital Subscriber Line”. It is a technology that provides digital data transmission over the wires of local telephone network. In contrast, cable internet refers to the delivery of internet service over cable network.
Both DSL and cable internet offer high data transmission rate of 256 Kbps to 5 Mbps depending on the ISPs and service plans. That is, the connection speed of DSL and cable internet is 5 times to 50 times faster than a 56 kbps dialup connection. The difference can be dramatic. If it takes you hours to download a program with dialup connection, you can probably finish the download within minutes via DSL or cable internet. In addition, both DSL and cable internet do not occupy your phone line and you can connect to the internet as long as you would like.
Price is one of the major factors when users are choosing their internet service providers. Although dialup connection is still the cheapest option for internet access, the gap between dialup and broadband connection is closing. Some broadband providers are providing high speed internet services at $13-15/month, a very competitor price considering the much faster connection speed than dialup access.
The other important factor is service availability. Although most homes have subscribed to local phone services, not every phone line is equipped for DSL service. Similarly, even if you have already installed cable TV, not all cable networks are capable of providing cable internet access. If you are living in some rural or remote areas, chances are both DSL and cable internet services are not available in your area. In that case, you would have to consider getting accelerated dialup internet access or pay for a much higher monthly fee for high speed satellite internet access.
Both DSL and cable internet are easy to set up with self installation kit. Once you have them installed, there is really nothing more to do to maintain the service. You can then enjoy unlimited high speed internet access. Your internet connection is always on, there is no access number to dial, no busy signal. Unlike dialup connection, you don’t need to hang up the connection while downloading a large file to answer a phone call.
If you are considering changing your dialup ISP right now, consider the high speed options. You will definitely enjoy the extra benefits and better surfing experience for a few extra dollars a month.
Kwan H Lo is the owner of http://www.isp-reviews.org, a review site providing information on internet access technologies and tips of choosing the best ISP provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kwan_Lo
Choosing the best ISP provider is not as complicated as the others have proclaimed. The general trend is to go from dialup connection to broadband / high speed internet access. Two type of broadband access – DSL and cable internet are the two most popular methods currently.
DSL stands for “Digital Subscriber Line”. It is a technology that provides digital data transmission over the wires of local telephone network. In contrast, cable internet refers to the delivery of internet service over cable network.
Both DSL and cable internet offer high data transmission rate of 256 Kbps to 5 Mbps depending on the ISPs and service plans. That is, the connection speed of DSL and cable internet is 5 times to 50 times faster than a 56 kbps dialup connection. The difference can be dramatic. If it takes you hours to download a program with dialup connection, you can probably finish the download within minutes via DSL or cable internet. In addition, both DSL and cable internet do not occupy your phone line and you can connect to the internet as long as you would like.
Price is one of the major factors when users are choosing their internet service providers. Although dialup connection is still the cheapest option for internet access, the gap between dialup and broadband connection is closing. Some broadband providers are providing high speed internet services at $13-15/month, a very competitor price considering the much faster connection speed than dialup access.
The other important factor is service availability. Although most homes have subscribed to local phone services, not every phone line is equipped for DSL service. Similarly, even if you have already installed cable TV, not all cable networks are capable of providing cable internet access. If you are living in some rural or remote areas, chances are both DSL and cable internet services are not available in your area. In that case, you would have to consider getting accelerated dialup internet access or pay for a much higher monthly fee for high speed satellite internet access.
Both DSL and cable internet are easy to set up with self installation kit. Once you have them installed, there is really nothing more to do to maintain the service. You can then enjoy unlimited high speed internet access. Your internet connection is always on, there is no access number to dial, no busy signal. Unlike dialup connection, you don’t need to hang up the connection while downloading a large file to answer a phone call.
If you are considering changing your dialup ISP right now, consider the high speed options. You will definitely enjoy the extra benefits and better surfing experience for a few extra dollars a month.
Kwan H Lo is the owner of http://www.isp-reviews.org, a review site providing information on internet access technologies and tips of choosing the best ISP provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kwan_Lo
Top 4 Reasons Why A Paid-For ISP Is Better Than A Free Internet Service Provider
Let’s get realistic why pay for an Internet service provider when you can get the same thing with a free internet service provider right? Many different companies offer scandalously reduced priced ISP service and many of the time free of cost internet service. But what you don’t know is that these free internet service providers don’t offer the same quality service that other paying services do.
OK well enough jibber jabber let’s get down to business the top 4 reasons that rule out a free Internet service provider as being your long term Internet service provider.
1. Advertisement all over your screen
Nasty nasty stuff guys, remember last time you were surfing the internet and an add, popped up or when you were in a webpage that had a bunch of advertisement? Remember how annoying that was? Well now imagine that on your screen there was PERMANENT advertisement, rotating and flashing and jumping right at you. Now that is what happens when you have a free Internet service provider. If the free Internet service provider is not charging YOU any money they have to get paid somehow, so they get others to pay them like advertisers who use your take your desktop space and convert it into Times Square.
2. Not really free
Don’t always believe what is shown on TV. This also goes for don’t always believe what you read on the internet. Many free Internet service providers proclaim that they provide free internet access. However, what the small print says that after the first two months you start paying for the service. Subscribing to what is supposed to be a free Internet service provider isn’t always free.
3. Broadband? Where’s the broad?
Personally for me the worst thing about a free Internet service provider is their really really bad high speed internet. Because these ISPs need to save money in order to provide free internet service, they usually don’t have fast broadband per say. As a rule of thumb if they say they offer free Internet service provider is the same as saying terrible high speed internet access.
4. Reliability. Reliaya what?
Yes, I truthfully think that people from a free Internet service provider really do not know how to pronounce “Reliability”. Because either your internet go’s down every once in a while or so, or you have some kind of problem connecting to the internet. Either way, the worst thing possible, worse than have slow internet access, is not being able to use it at all. This is why bad reliability is the most important reason not to get a free Internet service provider.
Doug Churchill is constantly trying to help you find the best internet service providers. To find free reviews of different Internet service providers such as, Satellite Internet, Cable and DSL, visit http://www.lowcost-isps.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_E_Churchill
OK well enough jibber jabber let’s get down to business the top 4 reasons that rule out a free Internet service provider as being your long term Internet service provider.
1. Advertisement all over your screen
Nasty nasty stuff guys, remember last time you were surfing the internet and an add, popped up or when you were in a webpage that had a bunch of advertisement? Remember how annoying that was? Well now imagine that on your screen there was PERMANENT advertisement, rotating and flashing and jumping right at you. Now that is what happens when you have a free Internet service provider. If the free Internet service provider is not charging YOU any money they have to get paid somehow, so they get others to pay them like advertisers who use your take your desktop space and convert it into Times Square.
2. Not really free
Don’t always believe what is shown on TV. This also goes for don’t always believe what you read on the internet. Many free Internet service providers proclaim that they provide free internet access. However, what the small print says that after the first two months you start paying for the service. Subscribing to what is supposed to be a free Internet service provider isn’t always free.
3. Broadband? Where’s the broad?
Personally for me the worst thing about a free Internet service provider is their really really bad high speed internet. Because these ISPs need to save money in order to provide free internet service, they usually don’t have fast broadband per say. As a rule of thumb if they say they offer free Internet service provider is the same as saying terrible high speed internet access.
4. Reliability. Reliaya what?
Yes, I truthfully think that people from a free Internet service provider really do not know how to pronounce “Reliability”. Because either your internet go’s down every once in a while or so, or you have some kind of problem connecting to the internet. Either way, the worst thing possible, worse than have slow internet access, is not being able to use it at all. This is why bad reliability is the most important reason not to get a free Internet service provider.
Doug Churchill is constantly trying to help you find the best internet service providers. To find free reviews of different Internet service providers such as, Satellite Internet, Cable and DSL, visit http://www.lowcost-isps.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_E_Churchill
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet access comes in three flavors. Two of these flavors use satellites for downloading information from the World Wide Web, while only one uses satellites for both downloading and uploading information. The most popular form of satellite internet used today is the two way satellite system called a VSAT.
Two way satellite internet is popular with consumers because it offers superior performance for both uploading and downloading information from the Internet. The one way and the one way with terrestrial return systems have limited uploading performance, and in fact, the one way multi-cast version of satellite internet doesn’t allow consumers to upload any information to the Internet. The two way system, on the other hand, allows download speeds of up to 2 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps.
In order to get satellite internet service you will need several pieces of equipment. Your outdoor setup is going to be comprised of a satellite antenna, a satellite mount, a feed horn, a feed line and for some satellite internet service providers, you will also need a universal LNB. Your indoor set up will need to include a DVB-S PCI card or a compatible modem. Finally you will need a satellite internet service provider and the right software to get started.
There are several satellite internet service providers. The three most popular satellite internet service providers are HughesNet, StarBand and WildBlue. HughesNet and StarBand both use a Ku Band link, while WildBlue has exclusive access to the Ka Band link. The prices for each service is going to vary depending on the package you order, but generally prices between all three of these satellite internet service providers are going to be similar when you compare similar packages.
When you are on the road you can feel detached from your family, friends and business. Fortunately you now have access to satellite internet and radio service. All you need to get connected is a service provider, a modem and a truck satellite antenna. Stay connected to the media sources of your choice with RV satellite antennas. Choose from satellite radio, satellite cable and satellite internet antennas. Understand your broadband internet satellite dish by learning about its components.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
Two way satellite internet is popular with consumers because it offers superior performance for both uploading and downloading information from the Internet. The one way and the one way with terrestrial return systems have limited uploading performance, and in fact, the one way multi-cast version of satellite internet doesn’t allow consumers to upload any information to the Internet. The two way system, on the other hand, allows download speeds of up to 2 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps.
In order to get satellite internet service you will need several pieces of equipment. Your outdoor setup is going to be comprised of a satellite antenna, a satellite mount, a feed horn, a feed line and for some satellite internet service providers, you will also need a universal LNB. Your indoor set up will need to include a DVB-S PCI card or a compatible modem. Finally you will need a satellite internet service provider and the right software to get started.
There are several satellite internet service providers. The three most popular satellite internet service providers are HughesNet, StarBand and WildBlue. HughesNet and StarBand both use a Ku Band link, while WildBlue has exclusive access to the Ka Band link. The prices for each service is going to vary depending on the package you order, but generally prices between all three of these satellite internet service providers are going to be similar when you compare similar packages.
When you are on the road you can feel detached from your family, friends and business. Fortunately you now have access to satellite internet and radio service. All you need to get connected is a service provider, a modem and a truck satellite antenna. Stay connected to the media sources of your choice with RV satellite antennas. Choose from satellite radio, satellite cable and satellite internet antennas. Understand your broadband internet satellite dish by learning about its components.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
Business Prospects Of Wimax -- An ISP point of View
The prospects for WiMAX technology as a viable business opportunity are often the subject of debate amidst numerous actual or perceived challenges. Applying these innovative insights can make these arguments and challenges disappear.
Unlike most people's expectation of rural deployments, you might consider targeting SME's in urban areas. There are several reasons for this:
• There is a growing demand in business for bandwidth capable of carrying symmetrical traffic, for voice, applications and uploading of larger files.
• There is a small but growing need for separated last mile services. Currently, however many wired service providers you have, they all use the incumbents' last mile infrastructure based on its nearest telephone exchange location unless you have paid for an expensive dig from the next nearest exchange. This leads to single points of failure and the potential for business communications to be down for days, as can happen say with a cable duct fire somewhere in the spoke.
Your worst case environment would be a very high-density urban area with lots of interfering buildings, has multiple fibre networks, ADSL and SDSL in every exchange, hundreds of competing suppliers, a restrictive property planning regime with many 'listed' buildings, and no spare spectrum for FWA except the public 5.8GHz band.
To do this, because of the scale of competition from other service providers, your model needs to be disruptive. It has to offer things that businesses need (like QoS, toll-quality VoIP, high-quality video, symmetric bandwidth, higher capacities and network separation etc) at a lower cost.
This means stripping all unnecessary cost out of the model. You'll benefit from a quality RF planning tool that gives you a major advantage over other operators - mapping exactly where you can provide service, how to set up the customer antenna, what bandwidth can be achieved etc, based on your base-stations. You need to know exactly how to tune base-stations to avoid blackspots - without needing an RF team.
Although Wi-Fi and WiMAX often get confused, they are very different from an operators perspective. Wi-Fi is plug and play with no control over the wireless interface. WiMAX is not, it behaves more like a carrier ATM network. Wi-Fi is built into laptops and handsets, whereas FWA WiMAX requires larger standalone receivers (yours should mount on customer rooftops for optimum utilty).
The benefit is that WiMAX is very spectrally efficient, at least 50% more so than 3G networks, so it has much higher data-carrying capabilities in limited spectrum. All Wi-Fi shares the same public spectrum - WiMAX can work across a wide range. Wi-Fi provides service over a range of 100m, your WiMAX needs to provide 10Mbps over a range of 1.3km from a base-station non-line-of sight.
WiMAX can create carrier-class networks, Wi-Fi cannot – not even with mesh networks. However, Wi-Fi with WiMAX backhaul gets some of the benefits of WiMAX as the backhaul such as VPN’s. A lot of WiMAX customer equipment will come with Wi-Fi built in.
Don’t wait for mobile (802.16e) WiMAX – your experience with vendors may be that they're around fourteen months to two years behind on their promised delivery dates, and further delays could occur to key requirements. Don’t expect good enough 802.16e equipment to build a network with until late 2007 at the earliest, and no usable CPE until 2008 – as it’s mobile battery life is crucial and that will take time to get right.
There are big enough markets for FWA now. The most important thing is to grab the scarce resources first – spectrum etc – and make them yours. Except in those undeveloped countries without a mobile operator, mobile WiMAX will be very difficult to establish against incumbent operators with large installed bases because the areas covered are important to customers – which is not a consideration for FWA.
Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm
Unlike most people's expectation of rural deployments, you might consider targeting SME's in urban areas. There are several reasons for this:
• There is a growing demand in business for bandwidth capable of carrying symmetrical traffic, for voice, applications and uploading of larger files.
• There is a small but growing need for separated last mile services. Currently, however many wired service providers you have, they all use the incumbents' last mile infrastructure based on its nearest telephone exchange location unless you have paid for an expensive dig from the next nearest exchange. This leads to single points of failure and the potential for business communications to be down for days, as can happen say with a cable duct fire somewhere in the spoke.
Your worst case environment would be a very high-density urban area with lots of interfering buildings, has multiple fibre networks, ADSL and SDSL in every exchange, hundreds of competing suppliers, a restrictive property planning regime with many 'listed' buildings, and no spare spectrum for FWA except the public 5.8GHz band.
To do this, because of the scale of competition from other service providers, your model needs to be disruptive. It has to offer things that businesses need (like QoS, toll-quality VoIP, high-quality video, symmetric bandwidth, higher capacities and network separation etc) at a lower cost.
This means stripping all unnecessary cost out of the model. You'll benefit from a quality RF planning tool that gives you a major advantage over other operators - mapping exactly where you can provide service, how to set up the customer antenna, what bandwidth can be achieved etc, based on your base-stations. You need to know exactly how to tune base-stations to avoid blackspots - without needing an RF team.
Although Wi-Fi and WiMAX often get confused, they are very different from an operators perspective. Wi-Fi is plug and play with no control over the wireless interface. WiMAX is not, it behaves more like a carrier ATM network. Wi-Fi is built into laptops and handsets, whereas FWA WiMAX requires larger standalone receivers (yours should mount on customer rooftops for optimum utilty).
The benefit is that WiMAX is very spectrally efficient, at least 50% more so than 3G networks, so it has much higher data-carrying capabilities in limited spectrum. All Wi-Fi shares the same public spectrum - WiMAX can work across a wide range. Wi-Fi provides service over a range of 100m, your WiMAX needs to provide 10Mbps over a range of 1.3km from a base-station non-line-of sight.
WiMAX can create carrier-class networks, Wi-Fi cannot – not even with mesh networks. However, Wi-Fi with WiMAX backhaul gets some of the benefits of WiMAX as the backhaul such as VPN’s. A lot of WiMAX customer equipment will come with Wi-Fi built in.
Don’t wait for mobile (802.16e) WiMAX – your experience with vendors may be that they're around fourteen months to two years behind on their promised delivery dates, and further delays could occur to key requirements. Don’t expect good enough 802.16e equipment to build a network with until late 2007 at the earliest, and no usable CPE until 2008 – as it’s mobile battery life is crucial and that will take time to get right.
There are big enough markets for FWA now. The most important thing is to grab the scarce resources first – spectrum etc – and make them yours. Except in those undeveloped countries without a mobile operator, mobile WiMAX will be very difficult to establish against incumbent operators with large installed bases because the areas covered are important to customers – which is not a consideration for FWA.
Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lemm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)