PTP vs PTMP, Licensed or Unlicensed.What Does it all Mean When I Want to be a WISP?

We get a lot of questions from Wireless ISPs who want to set up an outdoor-based wireless networking solutions to provide connectivity to one point or several points.Since 90% of the conversations start out the same way, we thought it would be helpful to share some questions up front that will help you make a decision on what products and solution is right for your install:

• Do you need point-to-point links or point-to-multipoint links?
  If you need data to go from one point to another, such as building-to-building--or mountain-to-mountain for that matter-- then you’re most likely going to want point-to-point. If you need connectivity for voice and data to go to several points on a network within a specified distance, such as a subdivision of homes or a business park, then point-to-multipoint will probably be your preferred method of connection.

• Do you require licensed or unlicensed frequency?
  Wireless technology uses airwaves that transmit and receive information--or data. This allows for several devices and platforms to utilize the different spectrums or airwaves simultaneously, these spectrums are then divided out creating frequency bands.
  
  Licensed frequencies in the US are (3.65Ghz, 6Ghz, 11Ghz, 18ghz, 23Ghz, 70-80Ghz) bands that companies pay the FCC a licensing fee to. This gives that license holder exclusive rights to broadcast on that frequency and specified channel band within a geographical area (these licenses usually are assigned for up-to 10yrs and can be renewed for a fraction of the original licensing fee). Going with licensed is just a way on insuring the operator that he will not have any interference. Now when planning a licensed link or path be prepared to answer these questions below to begin the process:
  
  - GPS details per each site.
  - Estimated antenna & tower heights
  - Expected amount of bandwidth/speed or Mbps/Gbps required
  
  Other factors that you may want to review when planning a licensed link are; weather, any dish size limitations, distances between wireless radios, and if you spares.
  
  Unlicensed frequencies in the US are 900Mhz, 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz and these frequency bands can be operated in by anyone, anytime without a license and do not require any permission by the FCC in the US. Unlicensed frequencies are vulnerable to interference, which can sometimes result in poor radio performance. When planning an unlicensed link you should always run a spectrum analysis of the area you plan on installing your new equipment into. This allows you to see if there are any radio frequencies being broadcasted in your area already, so you can try to avoid any interference.

• What’s the application for your wireless network?
  Do you expect more commercial or residential traffic?Understanding your present and future business model will help you architect the right wireless network from the start.Businesses expect higher uptime and are willing to pay a little more for that, which might push you to move to a more robust wireless choice as opposed to a residential subscriber, who may be more motivated by cost over reliability.

• What’s your budget?
  Do you have a good idea for your project and price per link that will give you an adequate ROI?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you (and your solution provider) determine solutions that work best for you.In our next blog, we will review some specific vendors and their strengths and weaknesses in each of these areas.