Ron Olexa

Wireless data networks are often divided into several categories according to how the networks are viewed by the user. Such characteristics as fixed or mobile, point-to-point (PTP) or point-to-multipoint (PTM), licensed or unlicensed, and standards-based or proprietary are used to define the network. In reality, there are only two distinct types of networks: fixed or mobile. For purposes of definition fixed networks include networks that connect two or more stationary locations as well as systems like 802.11-based networks designed to support nomadic users. The nomadic user is nominally a fixed user constrained by the bounds of coverage available on the network. In a truly mobile system, the service will be ubiquitously available, and support use while the user is in motion. The first systems to offer true broadband mobile data are still years away at the time this book is being written. By adding EDGE, GPRS, 1XRTT, and 1XEVDO overlays to their voice networks, cellular and PCS carriers have taken the first tenuous steps in the direction of providing true mobile data, but the speeds at which current networks function cannot yet be called broadband. That designator can be used when the average connection speed per user exceeds 2 Mbps.

The systems discussed in this book will deliver true broadband connectivity. Available equipment can support speeds in excess of 500 Mbps. The equipment utilized in a network will be impacted by the type of network being implemented as well as the costs and service expectations of the network.