SONAbeam™ Performance in Sandstorms
fSONA has deployed SONAbeamTM systems around the world in every type of environment. In most places the discussion revolves around the effects of fog or extreme rain. But a significant part of the FSO market lies in dry desert-like areas where the main concern is sandstorms and dust storms. What effect do these have on FSO, and what kind of performance can we expect to see in these parts of the world?

Abstract:
In general, the range and availability of an FSO link are a function of the visibility between the terminals. The further you can see through the atmosphere, the further an FSO beam can “see” through it as well. But we should be careful not to be too simplistic. The detailed characteristics of fog or rain, especially the particulate size of the medium, create certain scattering and absorption effects on the light itself, affecting in turn the attenuation of the signal. In the case of RF transmission, rain droplets and moisture in the air are the worst culprits. The finer particulate size of fog, by contrast, is less forgiving on FSO transmission. Sandstorms and dust storms appear to have characteristics of both rain and fog; particle sizes ranging from very small to very large mixed with moisture and heavy winds. How this all translates into performance of an FSO link is not at all obvious. But there does exist a set of equations, validated with real-world measurements, that provides users with the answers they need to set up a reliable FSO link.

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Remote RF Antenna Extension
Nowadays, cell phones are a girl’s (and boy’s) best friend -- that is, until that all-important call gets dropped. Increasing coverage and capacity, without breaking the bank, has become an almost intractable problem for mobile service providers. But where RF technology falls short, Free-Space Optics comes through – loud and clear.

Abstract:
The growing demand for mobile wireless service is driving service providers to expand networks at an unprecedented pace. Unfortunately, that’s a lot easier said than done. In rural areas, the problem is how to extend coverage to users spread out over a large area, especially if there are obstacles such as mountains or foliage in the way. In Urban areas, the problem is particularly acute. There are many places in which a wireless network cannot reach (e.g. tunnels, indoor stadiums, elevators, underground parking lots…). It is precisely urban areas that hold the largest number of potential subscribers, making it crucial not only to increase coverage but capacity as well.

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FSO Infrastructure for (Mobile) Other Licensed Operators

Abstract:
Mobile Other Licensed operators and Other Licensed Operators, (M)OLO, have historically relied upon fixed wire and radio frequency technologies to meet their network infrastructure requirements. In today’s networks, it is necessary to optimize the use of Capex and reduce Opex. Free Space Optics solutions address both these concerns.

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In-Building Cell Site Extension
Wireless cellular service is no longer a luxury but a requirement for a steadily growing number of people. Malls, hotels, and other public structures want and need to offer service, and yet it is precisely these places that have the worst coverage. Wouldn’t it be nice if mobile service let you be more…well… mobile?

Abstract:
The growing demand for mobile wireless service is driving service providers to expand networks at an unprecedented pace. However, as urban areas become more densely populated, it is becoming increasingly difficult for network coverage to reach every user. There are many areas such as tunnels, indoor stadiums, and elevators where coverage is of poor quality or does not exist at all. It is precisely these areas that hold the largest number of potential subscribers, making it crucial not only to extend coverage but capacity as well.

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Link Margin and Free Space Optics
There are a lot of claims out there in the optical wireless industry, some of which may be a bit confusing, or even a bit hard to believe. A parameter as straightforward as “output power” may not be quite what you think. The fundamental concept of “link margin” is defined differently for different products. How can you be sure that what you hear is true? How can you distinguish the real market from a clever marketing slant?

Abstract:
The basic ideas that describe how an FSO link works are not too complicated. As usual, however, there is a difference between theory and practice. It is one thing to describe an FSO system on paper (or in a brochure), and quite another to have a robust and reliable system working in the field. Understanding some of the subtleties involved in achieving optimal performance will allow you to make intelligent decisions about FSO, and can help separate product from product hype.

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Gigabit and Fast Ethernet Networks
Are you looking for high-reliability, wireless Ethernet connectivity between campus buildings?

Abstract:
fSONA Communications Corp. offers a complete line of high quality, field proven Free Space Optical (FSO) transceivers for rapid deployment in Ethernet networks. The SONAbeamTM family of products provides transport services for 10BaseT, 100BaseT and 1000BaseT (Gigabit) Ethernet for line-of-site links at distances up to 4km. SONAbeamTM is the highest reliability wireless connectivity solution available for Gigabit and Fast Ethernet LAN extensions.

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Healthcare and Medical Imaging

Abstract:
Free-Space Optics has proven to be the most practical and economical way to build or enhance any communications network, saving millions of dollars and thousands of headaches. This is especially important in medical and health care applications, where more than just headaches are at stake, and having a flexible and capable network in place can be a matter of life and death.

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Digital Media Transport

Abstract:
Are you looking for a rapidly re-deployable product that will extend your digital media network and achieve the same performance as optical fiber? Wireless technologies offer an attractive alternative, but what product can achieve the required bandwidth with secure, near zero-latency, jitter-free performance?

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Generalized Link Margin

Abstract:
There are a lot of claims out there in the optical wireless industry, some of which may be a bit confusing, or even a bit hard to believe. A parameter as straightforward as “output power” may not be quite what you think. The fundamental concept of “link margin” is defined differently for different products. How can you be sure that what you hear is true? How can you distinguish the real market from a clever marketing slant?

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SONAbeam Network Management

Abstract:
Even if the hardware used to build a network is the most robust and has the highest performance in the industry, efficient and thorough network management is a must. One might argue that a more reliable network requires less management. At fSONA, we think you should have it all.

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SONAbeam with RF Diversity

Abstract:
Do you need high-bandwidth wireless communications? Do your applications require “Five 9’s” availability, regardless of weather conditions? Are your links mission-critical, where you can’t afford even a minute of downtime?

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Voice and Data Integration

Abstract:
fSONA’s new OSU is a low-cost, ultra-compact, multiprotocol, CLE/CPE access device that combines Ethernet and TDM T1/E1 circuits in their native format
into an optical trunk interface for connection to the SONAbeamTM transceiver. With the OSU, multiple services can be delivered from point to point over the SONAbeam FSO link.

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WiFi Networks

Abstract:
fSONA Communications is helping to make the ultimate dream of the information age come true – high-speed internet access available to everyone, always, everywhere.

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