Although fiber optic bandwidth is widely available across the country, connecting businesses to this network over the “last mile” is a different story. It’s surprising to realize that less than 20% of commercial buildings are equipped for fiber optic telecommunications services.

This is primarily due to the high cost of installing fiber optic cables, a process that’s difficult to justify when businesses already have access to telephone and data services through existing copper lines. Business DSL and T1 lines utilize these traditional copper telephone lines. While T1 service provides a decent 1.5 Mbps in both directions, businesses requiring more bandwidth need other solutions.

Applications like large-scale business phone systems, medical imaging, and video production require bandwidth exceeding 1.5 Mbps. A cost-effective way to increase bandwidth is to combine multiple T1 lines, achieving speeds of 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5, or even 12 Mbps.

In certain areas, businesses can access coaxial cable-based T3 lines, offering speeds of 45 Mbps. Typically, 45 Mbps bandwidth is delivered via DS3 service over high-capacity fiber optic cables. Even OC3 SONET, running over fiber, is considered a lower bandwidth service at 155 Mbps. But what alternatives are available for businesses that need this much bandwidth but find the cost of installing dedicated fiber optic lines prohibitive?

XO Communications is one provider addressing this need in major cities. They recently introduced a wireless internet service for Seattle businesses with speeds ranging from 10 to 155 Mbps. A similar service launched in Phoenix last month. Nextlink, a subsidiary of XO, plans to provide this service across their wireless network in 75 major metropolitan areas.

155 Mbps might seem incredibly high for wireless internet, and it is. Most Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) and satellite internet providers offer speeds of a few Mbps. Nextlink’s service differs from cellular internet like EVDO or WiFi operating on the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands. Instead, it utilizes a much higher frequency band licensed for Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS).

As the name suggests, LMDS is a fixed wireless technology that transmits from one point to multiple locations. It uses frequencies between 26-29 GHz and 31-31.3 GHz. These high frequencies, significantly higher than cellular, WiFi, and WiMAX frequencies, have very short wavelengths. This makes them susceptible to interference from objects like trees and heavy rain, and they don’t penetrate buildings easily. Shorter transmission distances generally lead to a more stable connection.

These limitations restrict the transmission range to approximately 11-12 miles from the wireless hub, requiring a clear line of sight between the user’s building and the XO hub. This solution is effective in densely populated urban areas and potentially some suburban locations. The aim is to provide a more affordable alternative to last-mile fiber optic connections.

Other solutions, with even shorter ranges, include laser beams linking buildings within corporate campuses. While laser beam services only cover a few thousand feet, they can be invaluable when obstacles like freeways or rivers separate buildings.

Regardless of your bandwidth needs, whether it’s for digital phone lines, dedicated internet access, point-to-point private lines, or long-distance transmission, MegaTrunks.com offers a range of options at competitive prices. Our team of knowledgeable consultants will be happy to help you find the most cost-effective solution for your needs. Just tell us what you need.