TABLE OF CONTENTS The network is a combination of several individual elements. This includes subscriber devices, microcell radios, wired access points, network interconnect facilities, gateways, name server, and a network operations center. Figure 9-2 shows these components.
The pieces of the Ricochet network are described herein so that we can see the differences of using the proprietary networking architecture as opposed to using an open standard like CDPD. The components are required in order to operate on the Ricochet network but incompatible with other networking operations.
Ricochet wireless modems Ricochet modems are compact, portable, rugged, and easy to install. All work with a variety of PC, Macintosh, and handheld devices. They use USB, standard serial, and PC Card (PCMCIA) interfaces.
Acquisition/authorization: Acquisition is a necessary first step for each radio on the network. When a radio is turned on, it locates neighboring radios and Ricochet modems by sending out synchronization packets. Once it receives acknowledgement packets from neighboring radios and authorization from the name server, it becomes a fully functional member of the network.
Microcell radios These intelligent routing, self-contained, shoebox-sized radio transceivers are typically mounted to streetlights or utility poles approximately five per square mile in a mesh network. Microcell radios communicate with users laptops or handheld devices through Ricochet wireless modems. Microcells are configured to route incoming packets to the optimal wired access point.
Acknowledgement and error checking: Every packet sent contains...
