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Broadband Wireless: Here Today, Growing Tomorrow

By Jennifer Whalen, Editor, Special Projects

Cable innovator Cox Communications offers Cox Wireless High-Speed Internet in many of its markets, and it uses the technology for cost-effective plant extensions. Three of the company's wireless experts - Dan Estes, director, network architecture; Pablo Piquerez, senior engineer, wireless; and Michael Gillin, product development manager, wireless - shared their insights with Broadband Gear Report on the emerging and potentially lucrative broadband wireless market.

Following the interview, BGR takes a closer look at hot products in the broadband wireless space. Vendors are working hard to ensure that these products adhere to continually evolving wireless standards and scale to accommodate expected wireless growth.

How are you using wireless technologies in your broadband network?

We are using wireless technologies for cost-effective plant extensions, WiFi services within businesses and apartment complexes, and for public Internet access.

How are you deploying wireless technologies as tools to help you operate a more efficient broadband network?

Cox is using wireless services to more efficiently enable our mobile work force.

What new services are you able to offer as a result of wireless technologies?

Currently, we provide VoIP and data services over last-mile wireless facilities. Hospitality and medical applications are very hot. We are evaluating several wireless service offerings, including a pay-per-use hot spot service, mobile voice, and higher speed broadband data solutions.

What do you see as the most valuable use for wireless technologies in broadband networks?

Broadband wireless solutions enable us to capture customers that are difficult to reach. Our view is that we should enable the most reliable and fastest connections coupled with compelling, innovative services. On top of the newer applications, tried and true applications such as disaster recovery alternatives or remote monitoring will coexist.

Where do you see the biggest demand for wireless - with residential subscribers or business subscribers? Why?

Today, we are focusing on the business subscriber because the demand is materializing for mobile offices and the need for businesses to have alternative access suppliers. Wireless technologies allow us to provide these features rapidly. We expect the residential market to demand personalization and easy mobility, while the business sector will want productivity, efficiency and redundancy.

What are the greatest challenges you face when deploying wireless technologies?

A tough challenge has been the rapid knowledge transfer from a few key people to all those who make a wireless product launch successful. From the technician on the street to the customer service representative answering the many inquiries, it is a big job to bring everyone up to speed in a fast time frame.

How did you over come those challenges?

We do a lot of hand-holding when we first deploy wireless in a market. The learning curve is steep, but our employees adapt well.

What successes have you had?

We have point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless links providing data services to our business and multitenant customers. Cox provides Cox Wireless High-Speed Internet in many of our markets today.

What was the biggest surprise you encountered when deploying wireless technologies?

The biggest surprise was how easy it was to deploy once we get the infrastructure and support team ready. We have turned up wireless services in less than 24 hours for some customers.

How do you handle security?

We use industry-standard encryption techniques, as well as stringent customer authentication in many hot spot locations.

What advice would you give to other operators concerning adding wireless technologies to their networks?

The typical cable infrastructure provides a great platform for launching wireless services. There are lots of opportunities for those willing to take the plunge.

What's the most innovative piece of wireless gear or technology you've seen lately?

We are interested in higher speed and longer reach devices. One product that holds a lot of potential is a gigabit Ethernet link at distances up to a mile.

What new wireless gear or improvements to existing gear would you like to see?

The level of redundancy in most systems is very minimal. We'd like to see more carrier-class design in the base stations and nodes. Secondly, we'd like to see point-to-multipoint systems with combined throughput in excess of a Gig E per sector. WiMax integration into WiFi mesh architectures would be good, too.

Would you like to add anything else concerning the broadband wireless space?

Wireless services offer new revenue opportunities and wide-scale synergies for the cable industry. We are excited about the future potential of this emerging technology.

Customer Premise

Single Platform Serves Large Enterprises, SOHOs and Residential Users

BreezeMAX PRO is Alvarion's Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)-ready customer premises equipment (CPE) that uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology for advanced non-line-of-sight (NLOS) functionality and enables operators to offer broadband IP-based data and voice services. Its carrier-class design supports broadband speeds and quality of service (QoS) to enable carriers to offer multiple services to thousands of subscribers in a single base station.

The BreezeMAX platform conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16-2004 standard and serves as a base for the company's future mobile solution targeted towards the emerging IEEE 802.16e standard for mobile broadband services.

Distinguishing features:

• Integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface
• NLOS operation functionality
• 10 Mbps net throughput per CPE
• Data, voice and WiFi interfaces
• Seamless integration into existing BreezeMAX networks
• Carrier-class Simple Network Management Protocol management

Deployments: Alvarion reports that deployments include: Irish Broadband (Ireland); Iberbanda (Spain); Ikatel Mali (Mali); Gulfsat Madagascar (Madagascar); MobileCity (Sweden); Savonlinnan Puhelin (Finland); Mikkelin Puhelin (Finland); WiMAX Telecom (Pan European carrier deployed in Slovakia and Austria).

Outside Plant

Wireless Drop, Feeder, and Overlay Solution

Arcwave's ARCXtend is a DOCSIS-based wireless plant extension system that enables cable operators to extend the reach of their networks faster and more cost effectively than laying new cable, with wireline equivalent quality, security and service. Operators can deploy ARCXtend as a wireless drop connecting customers located across a parking lot, highway, river, or in areas with zoning restrictions to their plant. They also can deploy ARCXtend as a wireless feeder solution connecting hundreds of customers, or use it as a wireless overlay solution to deliver additional DOCSIS capacity without costly network upgrades or deployments. A typical ARCXtend cell site covers more than 100 square miles and provides commercial-grade high-speed data service for up to 1,600 customers.

Distinguishing features:

• Microwave extension of cable plant
• Transparent to existing services, customer provisioning and management systems
• Pay back in less than 18 months
• More than 500 systems installed and 1,100 customers connected
• Designed for industrial and office parks, temporary locations, disaster recovery and redundant links

Deployments: Arcwave reports that 15 of the top domestic cable operators are using ARCXtend, including Charter, Comcast, Cox and Time Warner Cable.

Wireless Access and Subscriber Solution

The ZAP-200c rugged, strand-mounted wireless router from ATX Networks delivers hotspot and subscription-based broadband capability to cable operators. The ZAP has a dual radio design and optional antenna packages that also make it suitable for network extension, long range (including multihop) bridging, and mesh-type applications. ATX also provides the ZAP-200t, an affordable companion for remote hotspot and fixed-client bridging applications. The ZAP-200t provides all the performance and features of the 200c, with alternative power supply for "off-network" line-of-sight or stand-alone installations.

Distinguishing features: The ZAP is an HFC-ready access point that comes complete with a secure Radius AAA backend subscriber management solution designed to allow operators to customize quickly and rebrand the feel of the service and instantly accept ad-hoc (hotspot) subscribers, with out-of-the-box support for both credit card and PayPal payments.

Deployments: ATX Networks reports that the ZAP has more than two years of deployment history and is in use in numerous cable systems for both hotspot and long-range bridging applications, including in extreme environments such as the Yukon Territories, the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Wireless Mesh Solutions

BelAir Networks offers a portfolio of wireless mesh products optimized for cable operators. The BelAir50S is a single-radio wireless mesh cluster node that cable operators can deploy quickly and economically. Designed for strand-mounting on cable infrastructure, the BelAir50S supports DOCSIS 2.0 and is plant powered at 40 to 90V AC. It integrates seamlessly with BelAir's dual- and multiradio nodes to deliver three times the performance at the same price as traditional single-radio nodes, reports the company.

Distinguishing features: Cable operators can install the BelAir50S anywhere in their cable networks allowing them to use their existing cable plant to deploy WiFi networks for municipalities, campuses, hotels, resorts and multiple dwelling units. Companies can deploy the units directly on their cable thereby eliminating permits and recurring fees. The BelAir50S features a rugged outdoor enclosure, two omnidirectional antennas and a high-powered access radio module optimized to provide coverage over large areas. Battery back-up power supply, strand-mounting brackets, and a high-performance network processing core are standard on all BelAir50S nodes.

Deployments: BelAir Networks reports that leading multiple system operators and cable operators are using the BelAir50S and BelAir100S.

VCom Expands WiMAX Line

VCom's VistaMAX (WiMAX/IEEE 802.16-2004) broadband wireless system uses highly integrated single-box base stations and subscriber stations as network elements. VCom plans multiple configurations of this same basic platform to suit many different frequency allocations around the world from 450 MHz to 6 GHz. It is launching VistaMAX at 3.5 GHz with future models planned for other frequency bands, including 5 GHz and 1.9 GHz. The company also plans to submit its VistaMAX products for certification testing by the WiMAX Forum.

Distinguishing features:

• WiMAX/IEEE 802.16-2004 based
• NLOS performance using OFDM
• Up to 22 Mbps using 64 QAM in a 7-MHz channel
• Full QoS to support real-time services and guaranteed service level agreements
• VCom Power Connect audible installation assistance to facilitate customer self installation

Deployments: VCom reports that its VistaMAX products currently are trialing in many locations globally.

WiMAX Base Stations Deliver Flexibility

Nortel is developing an end-to-end solution for WiMAX networks that includes base stations, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) core, access service network (ASN) gateway, element management system, services and other devices that interoperate with its WiMAX network. Its WiMAX base stations - the BTS 5000 portfolio - feature multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna technology and are targeted to four major markets: 1.5 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz, with additional frequencies planned. Nortel reports that its MIMO solutions deliver three times the bandwidth at one third of the cost of Advanced Antenna Systems (AAS) solutions.

Distinguishing features: Highlights of the BTS 5000 portfolio include:

• Single input single output (SISO) base station delivering up to 35 Mbps peak rate and 25 Mbps capacity for green field targets and small operators' emerging markets
• MIMO base station: 2X2 MIMO (two transmitters and two receivers per sector) delivering up to 70 Mbps peak rate and 50 Mbps capacity; 4X4 MIMO (four transmitters and four receivers per sector) delivering up to 100 Mbps capacity for larger implementations requiring greater bandwidths
• 28 W (SISO and 2X2 MIMO) or 56 W (4X4 MIMO) of transmit power per sector

Deployments: According to Nortel, trials are planned for the fourth quarter of 2006. Product general availability is the third quarter of 2007.

Second-Generation Wireless Line Extension

Wireless Bypass launched its second-generation DL-5800DW series of strand-mounted wireless plant extension products for unlicensed spectrum. The DL-5800DW series supports 256 QAM, frequency agility, local and remote HTML diagnostics, SNMP management, and a variety of other features. The DL-5800 DW series allows cable operators to overcome construction barriers quickly and economically deploy business-class, DOCSIS-based services.

Distinguishing features: Some of the highlights of Wireless Bypass' wireless line extension gear include:

• Point-to-multipoint solutions to more than 2 miles
• Point-to-point solutions to more than 20 miles
• Strand mounted and line powered
• Seamless integration with the cable plant and back office billing and provisioning systems
• Rapid deployment to overcome construction delays
• Use in temporary or permanent deployments

Deployments: Wireless Bypass reports that 19 of the top 20 cable operators use its wireless line extension gear.

Mesh Architecture Improves Throughput, Reduces Cost

Motorola's new Cable MESH solution expands the coverage of the HFC broadband network without running new cable, enabling seamless, wireless access to broadband IP services outside of the home. With Cable MESH, cable operators can provide seamless, high-speed broadband connectivity without the need for a wired connection.

Distinguishing features: Cable MESH leverages Motorola's MeshConnex routing engine and MeshManager element management system to meet the demands of multiuse networks. The product features two radios - a standards-compliant 802.11b/g radio operating at 2.4 GHz for client access and an 802.11a radio operating at 5.8 GHz for mesh backhaul. This configuration increases throughput by up to 100%, while dramatically reducing packet latency and interference issues, reports Motorola.

The architecture enables links between users and the network to self-form and self-heal automatically, providing uninterrupted wireless access and continuous security as users move between access points. This mesh architecture can reduce backhaul, deployment, and operational costs while improving throughput and coverage area.

Deployments: According to Motorola, several MSOs are trialing Cable MESH.

Ethernet Switch Hardened for Outdoors

Narad's FTTxSWITCH is a 10-port outdoor Ethernet switch that enables a variety of deep-fiber architectures. It provides GigE CAT5 or fiber ports that can be directly connected to an external wireless solution of the customer's choice. This provides high-capacity data backhaul in an outdoor switched environment. In addition, an internal mini-PCI slot and antenna connectors are available to support wireless data over standard interfaces such as IEEE 802.11 a/b/g or WiMAX at the FTTxSWITCH location.

Distinguishing features:

• Developed specifically for outdoor environments, the switch moves bandwidth and bandwidth management very close to the users who are consuming the bandwidth.
• Supports a wide variety of transmission media, from fiber to coax to copper to wireless, allowing operators to select the most economical choice a local level.
• Features a fully automated installation and monitoring capability, allowing operators to manage customers, not devices.

Deployments: Narad reports its customers include: Cablevision, Coop City/state of New York, Delta Cable in Canada, and CAIW in the Netherlands. The FTTxSWITCH is currently in trials and deployments with cable operators worldwide.

Simplifying Antenna Deployment

Corning Cable Systems FlexNAP System makes installing distributed antenna system (DAS) laterals faster, simpler and cheaper. The solution eases deployment for DASs and cell site backhaul.

Distinguishing features: Corning's FlexNAP System consists of high-fiber-count loose tube fiber optic cables factory-terminated with the OptiFit Premier Drop Cable Assembly multifiber solution. The company reports that its FlexNAP system reduces lateral installation time by more than 50 percent in the distribution segment of DAS networks as compared with traditional, separate component splicing of distribution cables, closures, vaults and drop cables.

Deployments: According to Corning Cable Systems several local exchange carriers are using the FlexNAP solution.

Wireless Drop Delivers Scalability

MediaCell's WirelessDrop System is a high-capacity, carrier-class platform that enables scalable means of providing wireless Ethernet backhaul and citywide coverage of centrally managed wireless broadband services to existing and new subscribers from existing cable TV networks. It is available in two integrateable platforms:

• The Strand Mount WirelessTap combines a DOCSIS modem, four sectorized antennas for high bandwidth 360° coverage, and two 802.11 radios running in diversity mode. The result is more than 200 Mbps link-rate per cell, advanced fire walling and full VPN capabilities.
• The Cabinet Mount WirelessTap features the same platform as the Strand Mount WirelessTap but is designed for custom-engineered deployments. It may be integrated with a separate weatherproof enclosure for outdoor use or indoor installation and includes as many as 12 radios for bandwidth capacity of more than 600 Mbps.

Distinguishing features:

• Embedded Linux operating system
• 15 minute installations with network image access, including self-aware initial booting
• Multisector antenna array
• Multiple radios per device
• Modular radio platform (802.11a/b/g/, WiMax)

Deployments: According to MediaCell, its equipment is used in metro-scale deployments in North America, Europe and Asia. Representative customers include: Kabel Deutschland, Wave Broadband, Vision Communications, Astound Broadband, Time Telecom, San Bruno Cable, Northland Communications and Atlantic Broadband.

Carrier-Class WiMAX Platform

Siemens WayMAX@vantage is a carrier-class WiMAX-certified platform that provides broadband wireless connectivity to fixed, nomadic, and portable users within a service area range of up to 25–30 kilometers. The platform supports hundreds of business users and thousands of homes from a single base station, reports the company.

Distinguishing features: WayMAX@vantage is based on OFDM, which enables system performance in NLOS deployment conditions. The system operates in the 2.3/2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz frequency bands. The platform's features include:

• Advanced receiver diversity technique for extended cell range integrated in a single outdoor unit
• Use of standards-compliant service classes and IP/Ethernet-traffic classification scheme for QoS management and multiservice support
• Variety of network interface options to minimize backhaul costs
• High scalability
• Comprehensive set of IP features for effective integration into existing networks

Deployments: Siemens reports that the following service providers have deployed its WayMAX@vantage platform: Arab Telecom (Kuwait), Arcor (Germany), Finnet (Finland), Orbitel (Colombia), and Start Telecom (Russia).

Software

Quality of Service for Wireless Nets

CableMatrix Technologies' On Demand Service Platform (ODSP) is an advanced, standards-based unified policy management platform for seamlessly delivering next-generation IP-based services such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) voice, streaming video, multiplayer online gaming and video conferencing with dynamic QoS, on a per-subscriber, per-session basis. ODSP enables cable operators to deliver QoS in both fixed and mobile broadband environments. The unified policy management solution also guarantees end-to-end QoS for VoIP calls traversing dissimilar networks, such as cable-to-wireless. The company developed its products to be compatible with the emerging WiMAX Forum and IEEE 802.16d/e/f standards and IMS architecture.

Distinguishing features:

• Supports emerging standards, allowing it to be implemented as a PacketCable Multimedia policy server, an IMS policy decision function, or a WiMAX policy function simultaneously
• Empowers service providers to deploy new revenue-generating IP services with consistent user experience across networks
• Delivers unified policy management to support multiple access networks simultaneously, thereby reducing operational costs
• Provides high availability for use in carrier-class VoIP and IPTV services

Deployments: CableMatrix reports that several Tier 1 cable operators are trialing its ODSP, and it is beginning a trial with Yourlink (a Canadian wireless broadband operator) for its WiMAX solution.

Broadband Meets Wireless: Guaranteeing Quality

Camiant's PacketCable multimedia policy solution enables delivery of broadband multimedia applications. Cable operators can use the solution to differentiate their services through new applications such as SIP-based telephony, video communications, streaming media, games and commercial services, with QoS. With the deployment of 3G and WiMAX wireless technologies, broadband is going mobile, further increasing the available services and users and necessitating policy control in wireless data networks.

Distinguishing features: Camiant's policy solution enables admission control and QoS for SIP/IMS-based applications and Web-based services across broadband networks. Based on a broad range of factors such as subscribers, applications, network type, network state, and time of day, operators are able to control the behavior of the service and the applications ensuring the highest quality experience for the subscriber. The policy solution provides:

• Simultaneous support for IMS and non-IMS-based services
• High performance and low transaction latency for real-time services such as VoIP
• Topology awareness to optimize network resource use

Deployments: Camiant reports that several of the nation's largest cable telecommunications providers and top international customers are using its solution, including: Cox Communications, StarHub (Singapore), and Buckeye Cable System.

Quickly Calculate Wireless Return on Investment

CommScope's AirMaster is a software utility designed to assist cable operators in determining the economic and technical feasibility of deploying the company's AirBridge wireless plant extension products. An AirBridge system is constructed from two self contained units - an access point and subscriber unit. Both units operate in the 5.8 GHz unlicensed UNII band and have a range of more than 1 mile.

Distinguishing features: The AirMaster utility walks cable operators through a series of simple questions to ensure optimum results for potential wireless link deployments. AirMaster also contains a virtual site survey and helpful analytical calculations designed to assist in the review of critical variables that cable operators need to consider when designing wireless links. Additionally, users easily can calculate possible return on investment for wireless plant extensions using integrated AirMaster features. The software utility is available for free at www.commscope.com/html/spanmaster.shtml.

Deployments: According to CommScope, MSOs currently using AirMaster include Bresnan Communications and New Wave Communications.

Headend

High-Capacity Wireless Backhaul

Harmonic's newest FLXLink system - the NIU 9302 - is a high-capacity backhaul solution for wireless voice, data and video services. Delivering eight T1 circuits and one 1-Gbps Ethernet connection per card, the FLXLink wireless backhaul solution efficiently scales bandwidth to and from the wireless (GSM, GPRS, 3G, WIMAX, etc.) edge to support existing and emerging applications.

Distinguishing features: Up to three of the new cards can be housed in the modular 2-rack-unit FLXLink HLP 9300 platform, providing cable operators with a dense, high-performance solution for transport of the increasing amounts of wireless traffic. The new FLXLink solution provides up to 10 times the service carrying capacity of the FLXLink T1/E1 system. The platform offers DC and AC powering options for added flexibility.

Deployments: According to Harmonic, a variety of cable and telco operators around the world are using FLXLink solutions.

Broadband Hub Supports Hot Spots

Vyyo's V3000 T1/E1 Broadband Hub supports data, voice, and circuit-switched (T1/E1) traffic to and from Vyyo's radio modems. Typical applications include: backhaul for hotspot access points, cellular backhaul connectivity, high-speed broadband IP access, VoIP services, broadband QoS applications, and high-speed in-building access for MTU/MDUs.

Distinguishing features: The Vyyo V3000 E1/T1 Broadband Hub enables the following:

• Two-way high-speed connectivity between central locations and dispersed assets equipped with E1/T1 modems
• Real-time monitoring and management of assets and infrastructure
• Compatibility with Ethernet, IP-based and legacy monitoring devices
• Simplicity of modular design: 8,000 remote devices per base station
• Long-range reach: Greater than 20 miles NLOS
• Reliability of licensed 700 MHz wireless frequencies
• Priority and QoS at the packet level for voice and high-speed data services

Deployments: Vyyo reports that some 40 independent telcos and utility companies have deployed the company's point-to-multipoint wireless, broadband solution. The largest deployment to date is currently in progress with Arcadian Networks, Inc., a telecommunications provider that is creating a wireless network for Great River Energy in the Upper Midwest.

WiMAX-Certified Base Station

Aperto Networks' PacketMAX 5000 is a high-density, high-capacity and high-performing base station that the company designed for modular growth and service evolution.

Distinguishing features: PacketMAX 5000 is among the industry's first carrier-class WiMAX base stations certified by the WiMAX Forum. It operates in licensed and license-exempt bands under virtually all wireless conditions, reports the company. Designed to accommodate up to 12 wireless sectors, the PacketMAX 5000 system requires just 5 rack units of rack space. With 1:1 or 1:N redundant wireless sectors, the PacketMAX 5000 can support: 12-sector base station, redundant 6-sector base stations, redundant 4-sector, and other configurations within a single chassis.

Deployments: According to Aperto Networks, Iberbanda in Spain and CSM in Indonesia have deployed the PacketMAX 5000.

Affordably Target Hard-to-Reach Customers

Aurora Networks' Fiber on Demand (FoD) solution features at the headend the NI3030E Network Interface Module in the CH3000 Chassis, at the optical node the DS 4004 optical Ethernet multiplexer, and at the customer premise the MC1301P or MC1201U Series Fast Ethernet Media Converter. The NI3030E together with the company's PG1000 Series Wireless Power Gateways provide backhaul capacity for operators' indoor and outdoor wireless applications.

Distinguishing features: Aurora reports that the FoD solution delivers the following capabilities:

• Allows operators to deploy wireless, ultra high-speed data services to households and businesses more rapidly and less expensively than local telephone competitors
• Enables operators to pinpoint affordably deployment whenever and wherever there is demand
• Minimizes capital and operating expenses by leveraging operators' existing HFC architectures

Deployments: According to Aurora, operators in Mexico, Japan, the United States and Canada have deployed its Fiber on Demand solution.

Remote Battery Monitoring

Phoenix Broadband Technologies has developed its PowerAgent Battery Monitoring System to enable broadband cable and wireless operators to monitor remotely their battery power plant systems.

Distinguishing features: At each remote facility or wireless cell cite, operators install a MasterAgent site controller (Model PBT-PA-MA). The site controller has six RJ-45 connectors, which connect to up to six monitored battery strings via a "daisy-chain" of CAT-5 cabling. For each monitored battery, operators install a BatteryAgent sensor unit (Model PBTPA- BA) on the battery terminal posts. The BatteryAgent measures the battery voltage, battery temperature, and various battery resistance-related parameters for correlation to battery capacity metrics. Cable operators can provision the MasterAgent site controller to measurements at intervals as small as 30 seconds and as long as 1 month.

Deployments: Phoenix Broadband Technologies reports that the one of the largest wireless carriers in the western United States is deploying the PowerAgent (Battery Monitoring System). In addition, the company is completing trials with several other large wireless carriers and two of the largest MSOs. It expects to begin large-scale deployments in these markets beginning in the first quarter of 2007.

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