Wow. That’s one powerful WiFi hotspot, isn’t it? No, this goes far beyond the capabilities of WiFi. Note the speed range of 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. That’s more than you can expect from WiFi, WiMAX or other wireless services intended for the mass markets. This is LMDS or Local Multipoint Distribution System bandwidth, which is a licensed service in the 26, 28 and 31 GHz microwave bands. If you haven’t heard of LMDS, it’s because this is a very specialized system used for high performance wireless links over distances of a few miles. What are the advantages of LMDS links? Because they are high bandwidth line of sight connections, LMDS wireless can be used in lieu of both copper and fiber optic lines for last mile connections. This offers a solution to the problem of expensive construction in built-up areas where conduit isn’t readily available or too costly to employ. Even if you have the option to bring in fiber optic cabling, you may not be able to wait for the months long provisioning cycle to complete. As long as there is a clear view of the carrier’s transmitting antenna from your building, it’s relatively fast and simple to install a radio set and antenna and have a signal up and running.
Another use for LMDS wireless links are for network redundancy and business continuity. Even if you have high bandwidth line services, there’s always the possibility that natural disaster or construction activity will cut through a cable and shut off your bandwidth for hours or days. Few operations with the need for high levels of business bandwidth can stand that level of service interruption without a serious impact. By adding a wireless link in addition to your copper or fiber lines, you eliminate a source of single point failure in your network.
XO has been augmenting its extensive fiber optic footprint with wireless network coverage in the greater Washington D.C., including the suburbs of Northern Virginia and Maryland. They can provide service to businesses as far west as Dulles Airport, as far East as Lanham, Maryland, as far North as Rockvill and Beltsville, Maryland and as far South as Mout Vernon, Virginia. XO also operates LMDS wireless links as part of its broadband services in other Metropolitan markets.
Have you been wanting more bandwidth for your business or organization, but concerned about the cost of construction and line leases? With recent network expansion, you may be able to get a lot more bandwidth than you realize. It doesn’t cost anything to find out, so why not get a full set of competitive quotes for voice and data services from XO Communications and other high quality carriers? Who knows, maybe LMDS wireless is the right solution for your company.
