About Wireless Broadband

What is wireless broadband?

Wireless networks use radio waves to set up communication links between devices, such as, laptops, personal data assistants (PDA), handheld personal computers, and nearly 1,000 other devices currently on the market with wired networks and the Internet.  Wireless Fidelity, or Wi-Fi, operates in the 2.4 and 5 GHz radio frequency – spectrum that is unregulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  There are currently four specifications in the family: 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g.  Wireless solutions also exist that use licensed frequencies, regulated by the FCC at 2.5 and 5.9 GHz.

How does Wireless Broadband Work?

Access points (antennas) transmit radio signals between devices, connecting them with broadband and network access via wired connections (backhaul) to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  Similar to a cellular phone network, many access points can be combined into a "mesh network" to provide mobile connectivity anywhere in the coverage area.  Mesh network access points do not need to be mounted on towers; they can be placed on light poles or buildings.  They can even be mounted on City vehicles so that the vehicle becomes part of the mesh network providing connectivity anywhere within a 300-foot radius of the vehicle.  After several wireless antennae are installed, they create a self-organized and self-healing wireless cloud or zone for a large area.  Although some access points must include a high-capacity connection to the Internet, most will only require access to a power source readily available on existing light poles.  Wireless access can be rolled out as units are installed.