PAN's, LAN's, and WAN's...

We've been there since the beginning - which really wasn't that long ago.  Way back in the mid 90's a handful of companies entered the marketplace with a new concept - that of using broadband high frequency 2.4 Gigahertz wireless transceivers to send data.  The big names then, Aironet (now a part of Cisco), and arch rival Breezecom (now a part of Alvarion) took the lead in developing a whole new industry, now generally referred to as 802.11.

We joined with Aironet, a company mostly made up of ExMo's (i.e. those previously employed by Motorola).  In those days, we used PCMCIA card (we called them Pick Mickey cards) plugged into laptop computers to provide wireless connection to Ethernet networks (also Token Ring networks which have now mostly gone away).  We used a gizmo called an Access Point to connect to the network.  The Access Point transmitted data sent through the network to the laptop computers equipped with PCMCIA cards (now known as Aircards).  This type of network eliminated the need for wired connection to portable computers.  This application was known as a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network).  Today, variations of WLAN are installed in offices and homes all over the world.  More recently, the Personal Area Network (PAN) evolved.  The PAN has a range of several feet most commonly using a technology known as Blue tooth.  PAN allows the use of wireless headsets and other personal devices to be used in close (very close) proximity to the user.  Unlike WLAN's, acceptance has been a little slower for PAN's.  The truth is, we still don't know what to do with this technology!

Wireless Local Area Networks typically has a range of several hundred feet.  In addition to wireless data applications, the 2.4 GHz frequency range became popular for use in cordless phones and a variety of control applications such as garage door openers.  At the same time we were developing WLAN's for in building applications, we were also promoting the use of wireless Bridges for connecting computer networks between buildings or to extend outside range for bar code readers and other inventory control systems.  One of our first WLAN users was the Baptist Hospital system throughout the state of Arkansas.  The SeaLand division of CSX (the railroad) used bar code readers connected to pen based computers (another good idea that never made it big) for tracking the movement of cargo containers.  We make note of this only to reference that we have some level of experience in wireless broadband communications.

Like any other emerging technology, there were various operating systems.  Spread Spectrum became more or less a standard, partly aided by the development of a standard today known as 802.11.  This basic standard has been enhanced to reflect advancements in technology.  A suffix of "d" or "e", etc. reflects the level of the standard.  Today, 802.11 is most commonly known as Coffee Shop Internet.  There are those who believe that the establishment of 802.11 infrastructure in restaurants, airports, and hotels will allow travelers to use their laptops or Personal Data Assistants (PDA's) when away from home.  Time will tell whether this is a viable application.  However, the increasing use of 802.11 can potentially create the problem of shutting down operation in larger cities as there are only a given number of transmissions that can occur simultaneously.  There is also the issue of security.  Most of us don't want our computer networks open to others.  For that reason, we are saying that 2.4 GHz has it's place, but there was a need for a higher level of broadband wireless networks.  Now, there is an option.  It's call Canopy by Motorola!

Canopy was developed by Motorola expressly for the purpose of providing high speed Internet access in communities not served by Cable or DSL.  Campus environments are also suited for Canopy, or any other application where secure high speed wireless communications is beneficial.  Canopy operates in the 5.2 - 5.7 GHz using a highly secure, robust technology developed by Motorola.  The uses for Canopy are as limitless as your imagination.  We have provided a brief overview of Canopy's capabilities in this section.  Look it over.  If you think you have an application, give us a call at (205) 854-2611 if you are in the Birmingham, Alabama area, or 1-800-489-2611 elsewhere.  Put us to work - we think you'll be glad you did!

 

Canopy is secure

Canopy offers security with over-the-air encryption scrambles data bits and prevents interception.

Your Canopy system can be up and running in a day! With its simple equipment, Canopy makes it easy to build a high speed wireless access network. The basic building blocks are: Access Point (AP) to distribute service to the others. Backhaul Unit (BH) provides Internet "feed" from a remote location when extended wireless Internet access is contemplated. Subscriber Module (SM), the Internet access receiver, installed in or on the secondary location . A site with Canopy AP Units can serve up to 1,200 subscriber modules in all directions. INSTALLING CANOPY IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3 1 - Set up the Canopy Access Point. A cell site includes six AP Units (each covering a 60° sector). AC power supply, and up to two Backhaul Units, in addition to a GPS receiver, antenna, and built-in Ethernet switch for easy connection to any network. 2 - Install Canopy BH Units if needed for remote network "feed". 3 - Mount the SM Units at the remote sites. The SM includes a simple AC adapter and direct Ethernet connection to home computer or network. Better yet, just give us a call - In Birmingham, Alabama at (205) 854-2611 or nationwide toll free at 1-800-489-2611.  If you prefer, you can purchase on line by clicking on the applicable Buy-Me buttons below.

 

 

Pricing and part numbers

Category	Part Number	Description	Your Price
Subscriber Modules	HK1022	5.2 GHz Subscriber Module with STDPWR0606 power supply and ZA00289AA one year support package	$560
	HK1024	5.7 GHz Subscriber Module with STDPWR0606 power supply and ZA00289AA one year support package	$640
	HK1028	5.7 GHz Subscriber Module with reflector kit, STDPWR0606 power supply and ZA00289AA one year support package	$790
Access Points	HK1023	5.2 GHz Access Point with STDPWR0606 power supply and ZA00289AB one year support package	$1,080
	HK1025	5.7 GHz Access Point with STDPWR0606 power supply and ZA00289AB one year support package	$1,180
Point-to-Point	HK1035	5.2 GHz 10 Mps Backhaul Radio  with STDPWR0606 power supply and ZA00289AB one year support package	$1,080
	HK1026	5.7 GHz 10 Mps Backhaul with STDPWR0606 power supply and ZA00289AB one year support package	$1,330
	HK1036	5.7 GHz  20 Mps Backhaul Kit with Reflector and with STDPWR0606 power supply and ZA00289AB one year support package	$1,880
Cluster Module	HK1029	Cluster Management Module (CMM) with internal power supply and ZA00289AB one year support package	$2,270
Accessories	RDH4208	Ethernet Inline  Surge Suppresser	$36
	RDN9720	Reflector Kit  Hardware	$132
	RDN9721	Subscriber Module  Mounting Bracket	$22
	RDN9722	110 VAC Single XCVR  Power Supply	$9
	RDN9811	CAT5 Cable  Tester	$132
Training CD	9880384N60	Technical Training  CD	$ 303
5.2 GHz Trial Kit	RLN5460	Includes Transit case with foam padding, 1 AP, 2 Subscriber Modules,  3 power supplies, cables, and manuals	$1,930
5.7 GHz Trial Kit	RLN5586	Includes Transit case with foam padding, 1 AP, 2 Subscriber Modules,  3 power supplies, cables, and manuals	$2,250

A little more detail......

For those who want a little more detail, we have provided the following information to better explain the components of the Canopy system followed by the Manufacturers suggested pricing.  You could pay less.  How much less depends of who you call.  We'll give you a clue who you should call.  It should be Falcon Direct!

Access Point (AP)

The Access Point (AP) is a base station that can incorporate between one and twelve transceivers. Each transceiver operates with a 60-degree directional antenna to provide coverage to one sector. Each AP transceiver delivers up to 6.5 Mbps of data through put with connectivity to 200 subscribers. Systems with more than three access point transceivers should use an AP Installation Kit which includes an Ethernet switch, AC power supply, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver with interconnect board; this receiver is used to synchronize the transmissions of all APs to minimize interference between APs. The AP operates with a Radio Frequency (RF) bit rate of 10 Mbps and has a range of approximately two or ten miles, depending on configuration. Each AP transceiver requires a 24-volt power source (included in AP installation kit) and provides a single 10/100 Base T connection.

Subscriber Module (SM)

The Subscriber Module (SM) is the subscriber termination unit. It consists of a single transceiver that operates with a 60-degree antenna. An optional reflector assembly which will extend the range to 10 miles is available (only on 5.7 GHz models in FCC countries). SM synchronization and control is accomplished via the received AP signal. SMs may be located either in or outdoors, depending on the distance from the AP. Once the SM is initialized, it scans the RF channels and automatically registers and authenticates with the appropriate AP. Each SM requires a Category 5 cable with DC power supplied to the SM through that same cable. The SM kit requires a separate 110 or 220V power supply (ACPS110 or ACPS220) and associated RJ45 connector to power the SM.

Backhaul Unit (BU)

The Backhaul Unit (BU) is a point-to-point radio that is used to carry traffic to and from APs. In the event that no convenient fiber or cable connects are available for an AP, a BU will be required. Each BU communicates to a single BU utilizing a highly directional antenna. In each backhaul link one device is configured as the RF timing master (5700BHMRF). The BU timing master generates the timing information sent to that the timing slave (5700BHSRF). The BU operates with an RF bit rate of 10 Mbps with a throughput of 7.5 Mbps and has a maximum range of approximately 20 miles. The BU uplink/downlink bandwidth ratio for a single BU link is configurable by the operator (i.e. 5Mbps downlink and 2.5Mbps uplink or 3.75 Mbps bi-directional.). When two BU pairs are configured back to back they both need to be configured for symmetrical load with 3.75 Mbps in each direction. Each BU requires a separate 110 or 220V power supply (ACPS110 or ACPS220) and associated RJ45 connector to power the BU. The BU can also be connected to the AP Installation Kit, which will supply power to the BUs and interconnection to the AP's.

SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Frequency Range	U-NII band, 5.25 to 5.35 GHz and 5.725 to 5.825 GHz
Access Method	TDD/TDMA
Signaling Rate	10 Mbps
Modulation Type	High Index BFSK (Optimized for interference rejection)
Carrier to Interference (C/I) also known as Jitter	3dB 1*10 -4 BER @ -65 dBm
Receiver Sensitivity	-83dBm 1*10 -4 BER
Operating Range (All Weather)	2, 10 or 20 miles with integrated antenna depending on configuration and band
Transmitter Power	Meets FCC UNII ERP Limit
DC Power	24 VDC @ 0.3 Amp (active state)
Interface	10/100 BaseT, half/full duplex. Rate auto negotiated (802.3 compliant)
Protocols Used by Canopy	IPV4, UDP, TCP, ICMP, Telnet, HTTP, FTP, SNMP
Protocols Supported by Canopy	Switched Layer 2 Transport with support for all common Ethernet protocols including IPV6, NetBIOS, DHCP, IPX, etc.
Software Upgrade Path	Remotely downloaded into FLASH via RF link
Network Management	HTTP, TELNET / FTP, SNMP
Wind	190 km/hr
Temperature	-30 to +55 C
Dimensions	11.75H x 3.4W x 3.4D
Weight	1 lb. (.45kg)