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Introduction
Multi-service networks create a compelling opportunity to provide enhanced communication
services to both rural and urban areas. Not surprisingly, forward thinking communities recognize
the changing nature of communications in building a thriving community. However, even fewer
communities have been able to put together an eco system that combines critical infrastructure
with an economic and business model that is self sustaining.
There is one community centered communications architecture that has been recognized as the
model for community success1. CONXX networks provide a turnkey network solution that can
provide services to thousands of daily users in government facilities, school, library, public safety, police, fire (full time and volunteer), businesses and residents. A CONXX network combines a carrier-class backbone architecture with best-of-breed wireless last-mile technologies, and is tightly integrated through CONXX’s state-of-the-art management platform. This design delivers a very secure, robust end-to-end network solution to deliver Internet, VoIP and very secure private data services.
The Secret
By working together to combine the communication needs of the community, the CONXX
architecture creates a multi-service network that allows Public Safety, education, government and
business to operate as individual networks on an advanced consolidated core backbone. Using the
same off-the-shelf equipment as found in the core of the Verizon, Qwest and AT&T networks,
coupled with the newest fiber and wireless technologies, a complete “carrier grade” network can be
developed at a fraction of the cost of leased or rented connections. Imagine 20 times the speed,
carrier-grade reliability and a host of new communication solutions, all for less than what is
currently being spent every month. This is the only economic and business model that has been
proven to work, promote economic growth and be self sustaining.
Architecture Benefits
The CONXX CCP design is based on the proven technology used in the AllCoNet 2 network and other
major carrier networks. CONXX provides a complete communication architecture that integrates the best features of traditional telecommunications with the newest cutting edge wireless technologies into "next generation" networks. It integrates both backbone and last-mile capabilities to provide a complete turnkey telecommunication infrastructure. The patent pending CONXX platform is a proven technology and has been prototyped to thousands of users over a 500 square mile area in Allegany County, MD. The current version was built on eleven years of municipal wireless networking experience.
With the use of superior backbone infrastructure and the impressive coverage ability of licensed and license-exempt microwave technology, entire geographic areas can be "wired". This allows for multi-service communications at a fraction of the capital expenditure necessary to deploy traditional copper or fiber optic networks. The CONXX architecture addresses the perpetual issues of reliability, functionality, quality, scalability, security and supportability that plague typical wireless Ethernet or fiber network implementations.2 The CONXX architecture is a carrier class infrastructure, which is currently unavailable in existing wireless deployments.
Last Mile Access Technologies
The following section outlines different technologies that can seamlessly be integrated or “bolted on” to the proposed network infrastructure.
5.8 GHz VL
The 5.8 GHz VL provides broad coverage with up to 5 miles NLOS capability and 8-mile coverage with line-of-sight (LOS) coverage. Bandwidth per link is up from 3Mbps to 40Mbps, depending on the subscriber radio used and can support many varieties of applications, including video surveillance, SCADA, VoIP and other mission-critical data applications. The 5.8GHz spectrum provides excellent data bandwidth capacity, but does not perform as well as an NLOS technology in heavy foliaged areas. This radio is also used to provide backhaul of 900MHz and 5.4GHz radios that are used to extend coverage into areas not covered by the tower network.
900MHz VL
The 900MHz VL solution provides excellent NLOS coverage up to 2 miles. Its benefits include better penetration of buildings and foliage for simpler deployment of connections. It also supports mobility applications such as data in vehicles. 900MHz radios do not have the range or bandwidths offered by the radios in the 5GHz spectrum, and therefore require a broader deployment of access units.
Bandwidth is limited from 1Mbps to 8Mbps.
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
The public access or Wi-Fi layer in the 2.4 GHz spectrum utilizes a unique beam forming technology that effectively increases it propagation characteristics three fold allowing us to use significantly fewer access units per the desired coverage area. This has a threefold effect on the network. First, it noticeably reduces the initial acquisition cost, secondly with fewer units to maintain it decrease you yearly support costs and lastly since it cast a larger coverage pattern you effectively increase your marketing potential and customers reached in the corridors outline of your city.
SCADA
SCADA is supported with the addition of IP-enabled program logic controllers (PLC). The PLC data can be backhauled over either the 5GHz or 900MHz links. In addition, video surveillance and other security features can be added to critical SCADA sites when using 5 GHz links.
AMI/AMR
The network will support advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) applications through either spectrum. Collector units can be conveniently deployed anywhere in the coverage area and the collected data backhauled to the core network effectively and securely.
Wi-Max
The two driving forces of the current Internet are broadband, and wireless. The Wi-Max standard combines the two applications to deliver high-speed broadband Internet access over a wireless connection over relatively long distances. This is a newer "last mile" solution for delivering broadband to the home, and for creating wireless "hot spots".
4.9GHz Public Safety
The FCC has allocated 50MHz of spectrum in the 4.9GHz band for fixed and mobile wireless
services specific for the use of Public Safety. This provides an additional spectrum to support new broadband applications for operations, vehicular, or public safety communications.
NMS (Network Management System)
The network management is key to the successful operation and maintenance of the network. The CONXX CCO Management Platform will fully integrate and monitor all components of the network via the management tool. Real time monitoring and reporting is provided by the CONXX CCO, which is accessed through a browser window on any computer with access to the Internet. All the equipment detailed in this proposal is supported using a single application.
1 Dept of Commerce, Economic Development America; Broadband Access in Rural Areas, Spring 2005.
http://www.eda.gov/PDF/EDA Spring 2005.pdf
2 FEMA NIMS Smart Practice 02-06; Providing Enhance Capabilities for Public Safety Agencies:
http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/nims_smart_practice.shtm |
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