RAD Unveils Wireless Multiplexer for "Data Hungry" Applications

RAD Data Communications has unveiled a broadband wireless multiplexer, which delivers which the company says is a full duplex, 50-Mbps capacity multi point-to-point broadband wireless transmission device. It will transport both legacy TDM and next generation Ethernet services over licence-free 2.3 to 2.5 GHz and 4.9 to 5.9 GHz bands.

"The Airmux-400 is designed to connect 'data hungry applications' such as cellular or WiMAX base stations to controllers, meeting the requirements of backhauling applications by transporting Ethernet traffic for maintenance and control," explains Toby Korall, Senior Product Line Manager at RAD Data Communications. "In addition, Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) can use the Airmux-400 to backhaul their traffic from the point of presence (POP) to the network operation centre to achieve higher capacity and can offer bundled connectivity," Korall adds. "The Airmux-400 also provides broadband Ethernet and leased line services to large enterprises and is ideal for networks spanning multiple sites that require transparent LAN connectivity across their campuses."

Transmission Range of up to 120 Kilometers

RAD's Airmux multiplexers consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit with redundant DC power supplies. The outdoor unit is suitable for mast or wall installation. An optional external antenna guarantees a transmission range of up to 120 kilometers.

Hub Site Synchronization (HSS) ensures simultaneous, multi point-to-point data transmission for all collocated radios by eliminating the interference that otherwise occurs when different outdoor units transmit and receive from the same site. HSS, which supports up to 16 collocated units, enables a complex radio environment of mixed services.

High Robustness Even Under Interference and Harsh Conditions

Built on advanced MIMO and OFDM technologies, the Airmux-400 ensures high robustness of the air interface even under interference and harsh conditions. Data transmitted over the air interface is encrypted using Advanced Encryption System (AES) with a 128-bit encryption key. The device adaptively changes the modulation according to air conditions, targeting maximum rate while maintaining link stability. The rate drops temporarily after encountering interference, then automatically returns to the highest possible rate. When the link quality is out of limits, the Airmux-400 automatically searches for a clear channel within a pre-selected list of frequencies.

Posted to the site on 2nd December 2008