authored by Chuck Bolvin, VP of Technology

What possible use could a Telco have for wireless? To some that may be easy, but to many others it’s not quite so obvious.

When someone hears the word Telco, they usually will think of the large carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Qwest, etc. These carriers serve millions of customers and have very deep pockets for implementing new technologies. They also have something that many smaller Telco operators don’t: Access to extensive existing copper running to homes and businesses. Smaller Telco operators don’t always have the resources in some cases to run extensive new copper or fiber. They also may not have the financial ability to offer advanced services like VoIP or Video in addition to the standard voice services they already have. There are several ways a Telco , especially a smaller operator can use wireless not only for customers but for their own use. Two scenarios come quickly to mind. 

The first is using wireless to offer Internet service. This can be accomplished via products designed for last mile use. Motorola Canopy is one of the premier products in this market. Canopy is a mature, proven technology for bringing broadband internet service to many communities. Once a Canopy system is in place, advanced services such as VoIP can now be offered due to Canopy’s throughput, low latency and QoS support. Other products are available for even higher speeds for providing point to point and point to multipoint connections to businesses. Speeds from 30Mbps up to 300Mbps can provide sufficient bandwidth to allow not only internet access but the ability to offer T1 services as well. This allows the interconnection of PBX systems for example.

The second use for wireless by a Telco is internally. That is, using wireless to take the place of copper or fiber when it’s unavailable, too costly to install or needed quickly. Products such as the Flanger from MemoryLink can handle up to 4 T1’s on a single wireless link in addition to passing Ethernet data as well. These products along with products from Redline and DragonWave can be used. One popular use is to provide T1 backhaul from cell towers to central offices. The Redline AN-30e for example can handle up to 8 T1 links. Short distance gigabit links can also be provided to interconnect central offices or back up fiber links.

The Dragonwave AirPair supports licensed bands for those requiring the stability and reliability of licensed operation. Especially for connections that may involve health and welfare or public safety.

In addition to wireless, there are also very cost effective products for offering fiber and DSL services with the ability to add video and data as well. Allied Telesis has a very scaleable system for the smaller Telco to support DSL as well as fiber to an existing central office. The ATI iMAP and iMG products support both DSL and fiber in the same chassis. ATI also has an extensive line of customer CPE for both DSL and fiber that offer Ethernet ports and router/gateway functionality in the same box for homes as well as businesses.

If you are a Telco operator and are interested in how wireless can help you, or how you can offer triple play services using Allied Telesis give WAV Inc. a call. We’ll get you the help you need and the products ideal for your project(s).