Press Releases
SkyPilot Networks Announces SkyExtender DualBand for Wide-Ranging Metropolitan Wi-Fi Networks
Dual-radio product extends SkyPilot's scalable last-mile mesh networking solutions to include Wi-Fi subscriber access
Chicago - SUPERCOMM - June 6, 2005 - SkyPilot Networks, a leading provider of carrier-class wireless broadband systems, today announced the SkyExtender DualBand, a dual-radio solution that dramatically extends the reach of Wi-Fi broadband access and greatly improves network capacity and reliability. By combining a high-power 802.11b/g access point (AP) with SkyPilot's long-range and high-capacity 5 GHz mesh backhaul, service providers and municipalities can now cost-effectively deploy Wi-Fi services over great distances for either targeted hotzones or dense, ubiquitous coverage patterns.
"Before the SkyExtender DualBand, broadband wireless was limited to two options: 1) expensive point-to-multipoint systems for last-mile services that provide range but lack redundancy, scalability, and NLOS capabilities; or 2) mesh systems that provide Wi-Fi access but suffer from capacity and range limitations," said Bob Machlin, president and CEO of SkyPilot. "The SkyExtender DualBand, however, combines the long-range benefits of point-to-multipoint systems with the redundancy of true mesh networking systems. In addition, it showcases the capacity, scalability and robustness proven in production SkyPilot installations. These combined benefits enable cost-effective, last-mile wireless broadband through either fixed (Ethernet) or mobile (Wi-Fi) access."
The SkyExtender DualBand is a NEMA-compliant outdoor product that utilizes SkyPilot's innovative 8-antenna array and high-power radio technology, which provides the industry's first and only combination of long-range 5 GHz links with sophisticated mesh networking capabilities. The SkyExtender DualBand integrates backhaul connectivity to the SkyGateway base station, either through direct connectivity or via multi-hop connectivity through other mesh nodes. The SkyExtender DualBand provides subscribers with Wi-Fi access that complements SkyPilot's existing solution of broadband CPE, enabling seamless connectivity whether at home, at work, or around the town.
"MetroFi is building a 'second-generation' wireless mesh network using a two radio architecture, highly directional backhaul antenna system and dense radio deployment," said Chuck Haas, President and CEO of MetroFi. "We have considered many other wireless systems, but SkyPilot is the only vendor that meets these stringent requirements. With SkyPilot's system, we are offering a high-capacity internet service that delivers wireless broadband for the price of dial-up."
Product Details
- Dual-radio architecture (2.4 GHz for 802.11b/g subscribers and 5 GHz for wireless mesh backhaul) overcomes well-documented inefficiencies and scalability limitations associated with omnidirectional mesh networks
- 5 GHz backhaul combines benefits of mesh networking with the benefits of
point-to-point links
- Mesh networking: 360ƒ coverage with NLOS capability; multiple wireless links with self-healing redundancy; link optimization; multi-hop networking; and optimized routing and dynamic rerouting
- Point-to-point links: long range (up to 10 miles / 16 km) and improved penetration through high-gain, directional antennas with focused bursts
- High-power (28.2 W / 44.5 dBm EIRP) 5 GHz radio with 18 dBi antenna enables long-range wireless links (up to 10 miles / 16 km) for backhaul
- High-power (3.2 W / 35.0 dBm EIRP) 2.4 GHz radio with 9 dBi antenna provides broad coverage (up to 1,200 feet) to 802.11b/g subscribers
- Multi-service system enables 802.1x and RADIUS authentication, end-to-end security, VLANs, and quality of service for latency- and jitter-sensitive applications such as VoIP
- Auto-discovery and rapid provisioning minimizes deployment expenses
- Multiple topology options and network scalability enables growth capabilities
- Multiple frequency bands (5.150-5.450, 5.450-5.725, and 5.725-5.850 GHz) allow deployments in a wide range of international regions
Pricing and Availability
The SkyPilot products that are generally available include the SkyGateway base
station (US list price US$4,799), SkyExtender mesh backhaul (US list price
US$2,799), the SkyExtender DualBand (US list price US$3,499), and indoor and
outdoor SkyConnector CPE (US list price US$549).
About SkyPilot Networks
SkyPilot Networks is a leading provider of carrier-class broadband wireless
systems that enable carriers, service providers, and municipalities of all
sizes to easily deploy cost-effective last-mile voice and data services. The
SkyPilot solution offers quick time-to-revenue and a compelling return-on-investment
by extending reach, routing around obstacles, and increasing deployment flexibility,
thereby dramatically reducing equipment and operating costs. The SkyPilot products
provide a highly scalable and reliable wireless mesh network with a choice
of subscriber access options. SkyPilot Networks is a principal member of the
WiMAX Forum™ and is a privately held company based in Santa Clara, California.
For more information on SkyPilot and its solutions, contact pr@skypilot.com or
visit http://www.skypilot.com.
