GoingWiMAX.com recently interviewed Joe Wargo, the CEO of Alpha Omega Wireless. The interview focused on the WiMAX backhaul networking technology and solutions.
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your company ?
Alpha Omega Wireless is a leading integrator of complete end-to-end wireless backhaul networking technology and solutions. Alpha Omega Wireless provides site surveys, feasibility studies, engineering, spectrum analysis, path calculations, design, wireless installation, equipment sales, radio repair and maintenance, support, troubleshooting, and ongoing management & monitoring of Point to Point wireless, Point to Multipoint wireless systems, WiMax, and wireless mesh, two-way radio, SCADA (telemetry radio), wireless video surveillance, and indoor RF. Alpha Omega Wireless works with unlicensed wireless backhaul and licensed microwave wireless network connectivity.
2. Please share a client story / case study that you have worked with in the past?
We have various case studies showcasing our capabilities available at aowireless.com.
3. How can wireless backhaul technology be considered a green technology ?
For years the USA has relied on fiber infrastructure to provide its broadband backhaul. Fiber deployments require installing fiber cable either by aerial means (strung from pole to pole along a particular route) or by trenching the ground to put fiber in underground conduits. Both impact the environment. Aerial fiber requires a lot of PVC and rubber based jacketing to protect the fiber. These materials are not good for the environment. Aerial fiber also requires poles, either metal or wood, to be placed every 100ft or so. Underground fiber is put into conduits which eventual have a soil impact. Plus the trenching of natural land impacts nature. One must also take into account CO2 emissions that are produced in the construction and deployment of fiber.
Wireless backhaul, such as a point to point wireless Ethernet bridge, can provide data connectivity over 50+ miles. A single communications tower can be a hub site for many fixed wireless backhaul antennas. Existing buildings offer rooftop space that can be used so no new mounting infrastructure needs to be constructed.
Today many point to point wireless Ethernet bridge systems operate at 20W to 35W (-48vDC). Most point to multipoint wireless Ethernet bridge systems can run on POE (802.3af) or POE+ (802.3at). These systems have such a low power draw they can easily be powered by solar or wind generation.
Take for example a solar powered repeater site used for a client’s video backhaul. On a hill above a reservoir, where there was no local power available, two solar panels provide enough energy to power a point to multipoint wireless system that backhauls multiple PTZ IP cameras located a mile away and a point to point wireless Ethernet bridge to a remote facility 4 miles away. The outdoor wireless system is powered by recyclable batteries that are charges during the day by the solar panels. The systems provides up to 5 days of survivability in the event of the solar system failing.
Wireless backhaul radios use extremely little power and do not require any indoor facilities to house equipment. Using other technologies, like standard cable or fiber backhaul requires indoor switching equipment that consumes AC power and needs to be environmentally controlled by using power consuming air conditioning units. To cover vast distances using traditional backhaul requires multiple switching locations, like at a telco’s Central Office, which are high power consuming facilities. Several wireless backhaul links can cover hundreds of miles with a total power consumption of just a few Watts of DC current using less than a few AMPS. Many home appliances use more power.
Installing a solar powered wireless backhaul system is relatively inexpensive, compared to running AC circuits. A quick ROI can be achieved from the savings of equipment shelter leasing costs and monthly power costs. Plus you’ll be doing your part to help the environment!
4. Where do you see the WiMAX industry going in the next 2-3 years ?
WiMax is definitely one of the fastest growing technology sectors. The advantage of WiMax over LTE for example, is that WiMax can be used for both mobile applications as well as fixed broadband deployments. WiMax has received backing from major manufactures from Mobile handset manufactures, wireless equipment manufactures, and PC/Laptop manufactures (including Intel). WiMax allows for scalable Last Mile solutions. Many countries, where an existing wireless broadband network has not been deployed, have a great opportunity to Leap Frog cable infrastructure technology. WiMax allows for a much quicker and father reaching broadband deployment. Wireless can reach areas at farther distances where traditional copper and fiber can’t get to. WiMax can allow a carrier to provide both mobile and fixed connectivity.
5. What business opportunities do you see using unlicensed spectrum ?
The unlicensed spectrum allows for quick and scalable deployments. Wireless backhaul equipment (point to multipoint) is readily available unlike many licensed radio systems that are built to order. WiMax has opened up the door for providing protection against wireless interference as a newly opened up 3.65GHz band (unlike the traditional 5.8GHz band that is heavily used for point to point and point to multipoint backhaul already).
6. Has AO Wireless taken any project under the Broadband Stimulus initiative since January 2010 ?
We have helped many organizations with their submittal process but have yet to see any awards.
7. Is the fast adoption of data phones by consumers a good thing for your company ? If so, how?
We are the company that designs and installs WiMax backbones. The growth of the market always provides opportunities for a company like ours to deploy such technology.
