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Friday, June 6, 2008

If Not WiMax, Than WiWhat? Wisps Want To Know

The WiMax craze is not over, but the train has certainly slowed a bit. The difference between what was expected and when it finally arrives has tempered some enthusiasm amongst Wisp afficiandos. Just what will we see... and when?

Some of the advertising for WiMax promised we'd all be delivering internet, tv, phone, running water, nicely done toast, etc to 300 customers per AP... all while driving 250mph in their Porsche's. So far it's not there yet and some wonder if it really even makes sense for the average rural Wisp. The current lineup of 802.11 gear has it's issues when used outdoors like Wisp's do, but the low cost and good compatibility between suppliers has allowed many Wisps to turn a profit (finally). Most aren't excited at all about spending lots more for equipment that solves problems that they really don't have. Not everyone is rural, but with low population densities it really doesn't pay to do much more than internet. Maybe some VoIP, but the investment for other services is hard to make work with too few possible customers.

So, what do Wisps really want? Personally, I'd think they'd like to not make their investment in equipment worth zero really quick, so it would be great if whatever comes next is compatible with some of the current hardware (8186, etc). Also, the idea of having more customers per application is great, but everyone has their own poling design. Also, better and more stable links with better NLOS capability are things Wisps can all use. Part of what makes the Wisp thing work is low cost equipment... and low cost equipment happens when there is decent competition and a standard to design to.

I doubt it will be backwards compatible. For years manufactures of Wimax were going back and forth arguing over "who's" standard to use. To this date everyone is still scratching their head to see who's they plan to use!

Wisps build out networks on todays equipment. That's just reality. They are not going to wait around for the magic bullet that will never appear... and if it does will not be anywhere near what they claim.

Generally, as a Wisp you have to look at what the needs are in your specific area and go from there. For example 802.11 b /g "stuff" will only take you so far. If you ask, I am sure every Wisp has started with it in one form or another... and expanded from there due to the needs of the environment and or client.

In all honesty, what you buy today will still be good a couple years down the road. And if you lay out your business plan correctly it will all be paid for... and you will be turning a profit by the time any new stuff comes out that you may need based on your client's needs. Then again... maybe you will be happy for the next 5-6 years with what you have now.

The moral of the story? Change is not always bad... but beware what you ask for. In the meantime keep truckin' with what you have. That may be all there is for awhile.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

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