Free Space Optics: AEI offers a wide range of free space optical (FSO) or infrared laser systems. These types of systems have a limited range (up to 2 miles) in comparison to radio systems, however are more secure and are more cost effective to implement over short distances (< 1 mile). Various communication formats are available, and bandwidths up to 1.25Gbps are attainable. FastLinks is currently certified by manufacturers’ such as Canon, fSONA & MRV Communications.

Licensed Radio: FastLinks offers a wide range of licensed microwave & millimeter radio systems in various communication formats, radio frequencies and capacities (up to 1.25Gbps). These frequency bands include 11GHz, 18GHz, 23GHz & 80GHz. FCC licensed microwave solutions are typically implemented in scenarios when the end user is concerned about interference from other wireless systems. It is important to note, that licensed microwave is sometimes unavailable in urban areas due to frequency congestion. As a service to its customers, FastLinks can take complete responsibility for the FCC licensing process. FastLinks is currently certified by manufacturers’ such as Ceragon, Stratex, DragonWave & Bridgewave Communications.

Unlicensed Radio: FastLinks offers its customers radio systems that operate in the license-free portions of the spectrum, some that require a clear line of sight and some that don’t. These frequency bands include 900MHz, 2.4GHz, 5.3GHz, 5.8GHz & 60GHz and bandwidths up to 1.25Gbps are attainable. These types of systems are typically less expensive then the equivalent licensed radios and are ideal for deployment in areas less prone to interference. Both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint systems are available. FastLinks is currently certified by manufacturers’ such as RAD, Redline, Orthogon, Proxim, & Bridgewave Communications

Hybrid Systems: These are systems that combine a FSO system w/ a RF one to provide increased capacity with auto-failover between the two.

PRE-SALE SYSTEM ENGINEERING

Wireless systems in general have proven over the years to not only work and be reliable, but to provide a cost effective alternative to leased lines and dark fiber. This of course, assumes they have been engineered, installed and are maintained by a qualified organization. The design process of any wireless starts with a site survey, during which line of sight is confirmed, an accurate path distance is calculated, suitable mounting locations for the wireless units are identified, and cable routes are determined. Following the survey FastLinks personnel are able to make recommendations for meeting each customer’s needs for connectivity.

Feasibility Studies: Feasibility studies are conducted to determine the optimal transmission routes and mediums of wireless communications to best meet all prospective customer's wide area networking requirements. Our personnel will visit all sites, as well as any other available structures suitable for supporting wireless communications using transmitters/antennas. At each site the following will be evaluated:

Line of site surveys: Similar to feasibility study, however focusing solely on determining what it would take to establish line of sight between our customers' facilities.

Topographic Map/Aerial Photography Analysis: AEI can review topographic maps (including US Geological Survey) and aerial photographs to determine the likelihood of line of sight between locations. Potential obstructions will be identified and path profile plots constructed to determine the antenna centerline heights that would be needed to clear any obstructions.

Path Calculations: Path availability will be calculated in order to have an estimate as to the annual outage time due to weather related attenuation one can expect for any proposed wireless system over a specified distance.

Tower Design: At locations that require a tower in order to establish line of sight with others, AEI will detail the minimum load (antenna size and height, plus transmission line) the tower will need to support.

Frequency Coordination & FCC Licensing: To operate radios in a number of frequency bands requires a FCC license. Obtaining a license is a three step process. First, a frequency analysis of the radio path(s) will need to be conducted. A frequency analysis lists the location and frequencies of all similar microwave radio equipment in a region and shows the existence of available unused frequencies for any proposed path(s). Once these frequencies have been identified, pairs are chosen, and prior coordination notices are sent out to all current license holders. Current license holders are given 30 days to object to the planned installation. Once the 30 day period expires, applications and fees are sent to the FCC for the licenses.