High-Capacity Wireless
Backhaul Solutions
Many customers who hear "wireless backhaul" think of replacing or
backing up a T1 connection. It does that - and a lot more!
Advancements in technology now let you transmit speeds of up to 1.25
GHz wirelessly. TESSCO can help you determine the best wireless
backhaul option for your system, then supply the design expertise and
products to get it done right.
Technology Snapshot
In virtually any multi-location application using Internet technology
or wireless, backhaul is required. As wireless technology evolves
beyond traditional T-1 capabilities, wireless backhaul is emerging as
a versatile and integral component of sending data from one point to
another, where it can be distributed to many points of access. While
it could be a choke point for the network, backhaul can also be its
strength when designed correctly. Wireless backhaul in commercial or
enterprise networks has become very attractive with the high data
rates, ease of installation and scalability. Wireless backhauls
are now capable of transmitting upwards of 1.25 Gbps, and they can
travel over long distances to a network operations centers or access
point cluster.
Because of the large variation in speed, distance, frequency type,
and price, choosing the correct backhaul solution can make or
break the entire system.
Selecting Your Backhaul
Solution
Selecting the best backhaul option requires a balance of speed,
distance and price. For wireless technologies, a general rule is the
faster and longer the link the more expensive, so networks should be
designed to support the current needs as well as at least a 30%
growth in traffic. It is generally less expensive to install a
unit that costs a little more on the front end, but can scale up by
30% than to install one that will cost less in the beginning but needs
faster replacement. More is not necessarily better! And if a network
will only require 10Mbps for the foreseeable future, there is no need
for a 300Mbps backhaul that will increase short-term costs with no
long-tern return.
Licensed vs. Unlicensed
Options
Another element of a wireless backhaul is licensed versus
unlicensed frequencies. Unlicensed systems operate in frequencies
that anyone can use, typically 2.4, 5.8, or 24GHz.
Unlicensed links can be up and running in a relatively short
time and without a lot of added expense to the end user. The drawback
is potential interference. With unlicensed radios the end user has no
control over who is able to use the frequency and thus can encounter
unexpected or unplanned interference. However if the proper
precautions are taken one can use an unlicensed link successfully for
a number of years.
Licensed links, on the other hand, tend to have higher
throughputs and be more reliable. Because the frequency is licensed,
users are certain they're the only ones in the area allowed to use
that frequency. They also have confidence of knowing the occasional
access point at a home or coffee shop is not going to take down
mission-critical data or slow their network. Licensed links are
generally more expensive because of licensing fees and the additional
time needed to install the system.
TESSCO Value-Added Services: Network Design
TESSCO Technologies has developed a design assistance program to
assist you with the creation and validation of wireless backhauls.
With some information about the intended use of the backhaul, TESSCO
will work with you to create a system that will meet your needs.
Backhaul Products and Vendors
from TESSCO
TESSCO offers you a broad range of solutions, in many data
transmission speeds and in both unlicensed and licensed frequencies
(partial list below):
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