Wireless networks are great but we all know when it comes down to the crunch the throughput is just not there – interference is a nightmare and coverage can be a pain.
Many clever wireless networks like GSM perform hand-off so that you don’t get disconnected when you move between cell sites. 802.11a/b/g/n has nothing like this to offer, once you’re associated with an access point you will not connect to a new access point until you disconnect from the old one. This will happen if the signal becomes too low or you manually disconnect. Then, and only then, can you connect to another access point, so roaming is non existent. Imagine a wireless SIP phone moving between access points – the call would be disconnected while the handset moved from one access point to another.
First4it have started working with Extricom, a wireless solution which is different from the rest. With a core controller and any number of wireless radios this system creates and controls a channel blanket, which allows users to roam without having to disconnect and reconnect opening up a world of possibilities. The example used earlier of a wireless SIP phone makes the use of sip over wireless a reality. One where a user can move from office to office, across large open spaces, or around hotels without losing connection. Imagine bar code scanners in warehouses and supermarkets, laptops in hotel conference rooms, and wireless SIP phones in large offices working between floors and offices.
There is no need to channel plan and the radios have no configuration. If a radio breaks or gets stolen there is no data on it and replacing it is simple, just plug a new one in. This keeps ongoing maintenance costs down and eliminates security risks.
So how does it work? By having a controller and multiple radios the client can communicate with the network via the strongest radio signal to its location. The system uses data collected from the communication with the radios to determine which has the greatest signal strength and then only transmits from that radio to reduce interference and noise. If the client moves it dynamically changes the radio it transmits from. The higher throughput comes from the total reuse system which means that the radios can simultaneously talk to separate clients on separate radios. Simple! Or sort of…
Combine this with multiple BSSID’s and multiple channels and the possibilities are endless. Run a public network, private network, voice network etc. all side by side using the same equipment roaming between radios with good throughput.
To get your hands on the wireless technology of the future contact First4it.
