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When exploring the history of optical wireless (laser-based) communications,
one can see that both the need for and the use of this type of technology,
has changed since the 1960s when it was originally developed. Today these
systems are not only being used for telephone service communications; they
are also being used to transfer digital information, Internet traffic for
instance. For this reason, measures such as the use of sophisticated laser
drivers, ultra-sensitive receiver technologies and dynamic tracking and alignment
systems need to be employed in order to provide customers with high-speed,
cost-effective, reliable service. On this segment ("Optical Wireless
Technology"), World Business Review takes a look at how one company is
weathering the storm of the optical wireless technology marketplace.
Theresa Carbonneau, president and CEO of fSONA Communications,
appears as a guest on General Alexander Haig’s World Business Review.
Also joining the panel discussion is industry expert, Matthew J. Flanigan,
president of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).
According to fSONA, the SONAbeam™ series of
products offers a breakthrough in optical wireless transceiver technology,
with an ultra-fast optics receiver design, and a proprietary dynamic beam
tracking system. fSONA explains that its products are engineered to achieve
between 99% and 99.9% availability in free space over their dynamic range
(from 2 to 4 kms or 1.2 to 2.5 miles). These availability figures are based
on visibility data compiled during extensive field trials, combined with
a database from a seven-year period of weather records collected in London,
Manchester and Glasgow.
The SONAbeam™ operates in the 1550nm wavelength,
adhering to telecommunications networking industry standards, while also
addressing any potential eye safety concerns associated with laser communications.
As a dedicated circuit link, it is eye safe (ANSI and IEC Class 1 certified),
extremely secure (no scanner accessibility), requires no governmental/regulatory
licensing and is deployable within 24 hours, once line-of-sight access is
available. The dynamic beam tracking and alignment system actually makes
installation possible in less than 30 minutes, according to information
provided by fSONA.
fSONA says that it is committed to the use of the
1550 nanometer wavelength in its products. This is done because it provides
not only superior transmission performance, but also beneficially addresses
the human eye safety issues, a major concern when laser technology is being
deployed. Operating at this wavelength, the transmission falls within the
guidelines for eye safety certification under both Class 1 ANSI and Class
1 M IEC standards.
"fSONA is committed to being an industry leader in the development
and supply of high-capacity, optical wireless telecommunications products.
Our primary customers are the pioneers of today, building the networks of
tomorrow: CLECs, ISPs and global carriers who provide services within cities
and campus networks or within "the last mile" of the local carrier
backbone. We provide reliable, short-haul, high-bandwidth wireless links
(OC-3 to OC-24) for those requiring connectivity to existing networks, where
ready access is either unavailable or too expensive. We are committed to
assisting our customers in the build-out of their network infrastructure,
so that their customers can benefit from improved access to new services,"
says Carbonneau.
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