Cellular Wi-Fi Network
What Is a Cellular WiFi Network?
Think about how you access the Internet today. There are
basically three different options:
- Broadband access - In your home, you have either a DSL or
cable modem. At the office, your company may be using a T1 or a T3
line.
- WiFi access - In your home, you may have set up a WiFi router
that lets you surf the Web while you lounge with your laptop. On
the road, you can find WiFi hot spots in restaurants, hotels,
coffee shops and libraries.
- Dial-up access - If you are still using dial-up, chances are
that either broadband access is not available, or you think that
broadband access is too expensive.
The main problems with broadband access are that it is pretty
expensive and it doesn't reach all areas. The main problem with WiFi
access is that hot spots are very small, so coverage is sparse.
What if there
were a new technology that solved all of these
problems?
This new technology would
provide:
- The high speed of broadband service
- Wireless rather than wired access, so it would be a lot less
expensive than cable or DSL and much easier to extend to suburban
and rural areas
- Broad coverage like the cell phone network instead of small
WiFi hotspots
This technology is actually being implemented right now
its called a metro WiFi network.
The City's goal is to provide affordable wireless broadband
access to every citizen and business throughout the city
region as well as improve public safety and city
services.
The City is using a combination of WiFi radio technology
including a Mesh network and Wimax. The network can currently
be accessed for free within a 20 square mile region. The City
implementation of WiFi network coverage over the entire
city region should be completed in
2006.
The metro area WiFi network
has the potential to do to broadband Internet access what cell
phones have done to phone access. The fact is that the WiFi network
has the potential provide all residents with a more powerful and
affordable alternative to cable/DSL access, empower local business
with tools to more effectively manage and sell their products and
services across the region ad the world. The City also plans to use
the network to improve public safety capabilities,a well a service
delivery and operational effectiveness.
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