Airmux-200 Delivers Lossless Wireless Backhaul for Internet Hotspots

The growing popularity of laptop computers for both business and personal use, together with a nearly insatiable demand for ubiquitous Internet access, is driving many ISPs to roll out Internet hotspots in public spaces as well as commercial properties. Their business model requires them to keep backhaul costs as low as possible. For this reason, wireless is an option even in areas where there is suitable landline infrastructure.

RAD’s Airmux-200 broadband wireless multiplexer offers high-capacity transparent transport of Ethernet traffic with no packet loss – even under severe link conditions. This ensures communications reliability from the most remote sites. In addition, the wide frequency band range of the Airmux-200 supports virtually unlimited band and channel separation. This reduces the possibility of interference between the WiFi and Airmux networks, further enhancing the quality of the broadcast.

Just as beneficial for hotspot deployment is the Airmux-200’s extended range. The device can relay an Ethernet stream to a maximum distance of 80 kilometers (50 miles).

The Airmux-200 pays for itself in no time by eliminating multiple leased line connections between buildings or the expense of laying fiber in the ground. Taking just the monthly rental cost of leased lines used for hotspot backhaul into account, the product pays for itself within a few months. In addition to a fast ROI versus leased lines, the product is also priced considerably less than comparable TDM-based radio system equipment.

The Airmux-200 is also simple to set up. Once mounted, a single technician can align the antennas with the help of an audio buzzer built right into the Airmux-200 outdoor unit. A configurable automatic channel selection wizard makes it easy to find an available frequency within the spectrum. Rapid installation and configuration contribute to keeping operating costs to a minimum, facilitating deployment of the hundreds of hotspots required to serve a typical metropolitan region.