Leapfrogging the Infrastructure in Developing Countries May 17, 2006 Phil Belanger
Leapfrogging AgendaLeapfrogging AgendaBackgroundWhich technology?Why?ExamplesFuture
BackgroundWhich technology?Why?ExamplesFuture
BackgroundDecoding the Title
BackgroundDecoding the Title
Leapfrogging the infrastructure?What does it mean?
Using wireless technology to build alternate communications infrastructure.Using wireless to extend existing communications infrastructure.To connect to the Internet.To communicate with others.
Leapfrogging the infrastructure?What does it mean?
Using wireless technology to build alternate communications infrastructure.Using wireless to extend existing communications infrastructure.To connect to the Internet.To communicate with others.
BackgroundWho is Phil?BackgroundWho is Phil?
I am a technologist.25+ years computer networkingSoftware development, network protocolsAnd later Marketing!
Co-authored DFWMAC protocol which is the basis for the 802.11 MAC standardCo-founder and initial Chairman of the Wi-Fi Alliance
“Mr. Wi-Fi”Zilog, Corvus, Adaptec, Xircom (now Intel), Aironet (now Cisco), Wayport, Vivato, BelAir NetworksJust starting Novarum
Wireless broadband consulting and analyst firmDoing a wireless broadband study in North America…
• Comparing Wi-Fi, Cellular Data networks and eventually WiMAX
I am a technologist.25+ years computer networkingSoftware development, network protocolsAnd later Marketing!
Co-authored DFWMAC protocol which is the basis for the 802.11 MAC standardCo-founder and initial Chairman of the Wi-Fi Alliance
“Mr. Wi-Fi”Zilog, Corvus, Adaptec, Xircom (now Intel), Aironet (now Cisco), Wayport, Vivato, BelAir NetworksJust starting Novarum
Wireless broadband consulting and analyst firmDoing a wireless broadband study in North America…
• Comparing Wi-Fi, Cellular Data networks and eventually WiMAX
BackgroundWhat’s the answer?
BackgroundWhat’s the answer?
How do you leapfrog the infrastructure?The answer is Wi-Fi.Use Wi-Fi technology to build alternate communications infrastructure.
Extended coverage Wi-FiMeshPoint to point and point to multi-point links
Use Wi-Fi to extend existing communications infrastructure.
Wi-Fi clouds at the edge.
How do you leapfrog the infrastructure?The answer is Wi-Fi.Use Wi-Fi technology to build alternate communications infrastructure.
Extended coverage Wi-FiMeshPoint to point and point to multi-point links
Use Wi-Fi to extend existing communications infrastructure.
Wi-Fi clouds at the edge.
TechnologyTechnology
Wi-Fi for communications infrastructure?
Isn’t it a Local Area Network?Indoors, 50 meter range2 Mbps, 11 Mbps to 54 Mbps
Wi-Fi for communications infrastructure?
Isn’t it a Local Area Network?Indoors, 50 meter range2 Mbps, 11 Mbps to 54 Mbps
Wi-Fi AdvancesWi-Fi Advances
Large coverage outdoor productsWi-Fi MeshVoice over Wi-FiDual mode Wi-Fi Cellular handsetsEnhanced security802.11n
MIMOThroughput greater than 100 MbpsBetter link margin
Large coverage outdoor productsWi-Fi MeshVoice over Wi-FiDual mode Wi-Fi Cellular handsetsEnhanced security802.11n
MIMOThroughput greater than 100 MbpsBetter link margin
Wi-Fi EconomicsWi-Fi EconomicsWi-Fi is mature technology.
IEEE 802.11b standard was completed in 1999.A variety of Wi-Fi chipsets and radio components are available.There is a healthy ecosystem for Wi-Fi based products and accesories.
• Antennas, enclosures, amplifiers…
The cost of a Wi-Fi client is approaching zero.Wi-Fi technology is built into many client devices.
PCs, phones, toys, home entertainment
Wi-Fi is mature technology.IEEE 802.11b standard was completed in 1999.A variety of Wi-Fi chipsets and radio components are available.There is a healthy ecosystem for Wi-Fi based products and accesories.
• Antennas, enclosures, amplifiers…
The cost of a Wi-Fi client is approaching zero.Wi-Fi technology is built into many client devices.
PCs, phones, toys, home entertainment
RegulatoryRegulatory
Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
2.4 GHz is available worldwideHarmonized, unlicensed use
5 GHz is available in many parts of the world.Efforts are underway to open up and harmonizeWill take yearsIn some countries, more unlicensed spectrum is available at 5 GHz
Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
2.4 GHz is available worldwideHarmonized, unlicensed use
5 GHz is available in many parts of the world.Efforts are underway to open up and harmonizeWill take yearsIn some countries, more unlicensed spectrum is available at 5 GHz
What about other wireless technologies?
What about other wireless technologies?
CellularBluetoothUltra Wide BandWiMAX
CellularBluetoothUltra Wide BandWiMAX
Cellular Infrastructure?Cellular Infrastructure?Operates in licensed spectrum
Therefore expensiveBut no interference and no sharing
Expensive infrastructure equipmentBase stations and towers
Newer cellular technologies support IPSo potential for broadband data + voice
Capacity limitedNarrow channels, few channelsExpensive to scale up capacity
Voice client is universal and low costData client expensive
Operates in licensed spectrumTherefore expensiveBut no interference and no sharing
Expensive infrastructure equipmentBase stations and towers
Newer cellular technologies support IPSo potential for broadband data + voice
Capacity limitedNarrow channels, few channelsExpensive to scale up capacity
Voice client is universal and low costData client expensive
Bluetooth, UWB?Bluetooth, UWB?Bluetooth
Unlicensed 2.4 GHzLow cost client, built in to many devicesBut performance too limited
Ultra Wide BandNot standardized yetNot available worldwideHigh throughput, short range
BluetoothUnlicensed 2.4 GHzLow cost client, built in to many devicesBut performance too limited
Ultra Wide BandNot standardized yetNot available worldwideHigh throughput, short range
WiMAX ?WiMAX ?IEEE 802.16
Global standard and designed as a MANMany different frequency bands
The first wave of interoperable products are just coming to market now.
Fixed wireless, point to point and point to multi-pointBase station plus fixed client boxMostly licensed bands – 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz5 GHz is also possible
Mobile WiMAX, 802.16e, coming in a few yearsClient built into laptops and phones
WiMAX will do a better job supporting voice than Wi-FiWi-Fi will do a better job operating in the unlicensed bands
802.16 lacks some spectrum sharing features, these are being added
IEEE 802.16Global standard and designed as a MANMany different frequency bands
The first wave of interoperable products are just coming to market now.
Fixed wireless, point to point and point to multi-pointBase station plus fixed client boxMostly licensed bands – 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz5 GHz is also possible
Mobile WiMAX, 802.16e, coming in a few yearsClient built into laptops and phones
WiMAX will do a better job supporting voice than Wi-FiWi-Fi will do a better job operating in the unlicensed bands
802.16 lacks some spectrum sharing features, these are being added
Which Technology?Which Technology?UWB and Bluetooth won’t work.Cellular infrastructure too expensive.
For alternative infrastructureWiMAX has potential, but
It is primarily licensed bandsIt is more expensive than Wi-FiIt is not really ready
• Fixed WiMAX now shipping, mobile coming later• Maybe in a few years…
Wi-Fi is the technology of choice for alternate wireless infrastructure.
UWB and Bluetooth won’t work.Cellular infrastructure too expensive.
For alternative infrastructureWiMAX has potential, but
It is primarily licensed bandsIt is more expensive than Wi-FiIt is not really ready
• Fixed WiMAX now shipping, mobile coming later• Maybe in a few years…
Wi-Fi is the technology of choice for alternate wireless infrastructure.
Why Wi-Fi?Why Wi-Fi?Broadband performance
11 Mbps to 54 Mbps5 Mbps to 20 Mbps useful capacity
Unlicensed operationAvailable throughout the worldWi-Fi handles interference gracefullyWi-Fi shares the spectrum effectively
Low costClient cost very lowConsumer, enterprise and carrier class infrastructureNo license required
ScalableNo infra-structure required
• Ad-hoc, peer to peer networks with a few nodesOr a single access point connected to infrastructure.Or outdoor large coverage APs with mesh
Broadband performance11 Mbps to 54 Mbps5 Mbps to 20 Mbps useful capacity
Unlicensed operationAvailable throughout the worldWi-Fi handles interference gracefullyWi-Fi shares the spectrum effectively
Low costClient cost very lowConsumer, enterprise and carrier class infrastructureNo license required
ScalableNo infra-structure required
• Ad-hoc, peer to peer networks with a few nodesOr a single access point connected to infrastructure.Or outdoor large coverage APs with mesh
Cost of Wi-Fi InfrastrcutureCost of Wi-Fi Infrastrcuture
Depends on number of users supportedDepends on topography
More infrastructure nodes required for rough terrain or large buildings
A few hundred dollars per square mileUp to…A hundred thousand dollars per square mile
Depends on number of users supportedDepends on topography
More infrastructure nodes required for rough terrain or large buildings
A few hundred dollars per square mileUp to…A hundred thousand dollars per square mile
Mesh ClusterMesh Cluster
Single Radio Mesh clusters Usually 4 or 5 nodes per clusterOne node has backhaul out of clusterMesh routing determines best path to wired node
Capacity is roughly 2 Mbps for entire cluster20 nodes per square mile5 Mbps per square mileLess than $2K per nodeUnder $40K per square mile
Single Radio Mesh clusters Usually 4 or 5 nodes per clusterOne node has backhaul out of clusterMesh routing determines best path to wired node
Capacity is roughly 2 Mbps for entire cluster20 nodes per square mile5 Mbps per square mileLess than $2K per nodeUnder $40K per square mile
Dual Radio Mesh Cluster Dual Radio Mesh Cluster Separate client access from mesh interconnection and backhaulUsually 5 GHz shared backhaul network2.4 GHz client accessRoughly 20 Mbps capacity for a square mileAround $3K per nodeUnder $60K per square mile
Separate client access from mesh interconnection and backhaulUsually 5 GHz shared backhaul network2.4 GHz client accessRoughly 20 Mbps capacity for a square mileAround $3K per nodeUnder $60K per square mile
Higher Capacity Square MileHigher Capacity Square Mile
Multi radio mesh2.4 GHz for client access5 GHz or licensed for backhaul
Each node has at least one dedicated backhaul link
Back haul links are not sharedDedicated point to point linksBackhaul could be WiMAX
System Capacity75 Mbps per square mileAdd more wired backhaul links to increase capacity
Around $6K per node$120K per square mile
Multi radio mesh2.4 GHz for client access5 GHz or licensed for backhaul
Each node has at least one dedicated backhaul link
Back haul links are not sharedDedicated point to point linksBackhaul could be WiMAX
System Capacity75 Mbps per square mileAdd more wired backhaul links to increase capacity
Around $6K per node$120K per square mile
2.4 GHz wireless coverage
ExamplesExamples
Share a single satellite link to a villageOne Wi-Fi AP supports multiple clientsOr Use outdoor AP to cover entire village
Point to point wireless links from wired location to remote sites
Variants of Wi-Fi, moving to WiMAX
Residential internet access for entire townBuild a Wi-Fi cloud with outdoor mesh APs
Share a single satellite link to a villageOne Wi-Fi AP supports multiple clientsOr Use outdoor AP to cover entire village
Point to point wireless links from wired location to remote sites
Variants of Wi-Fi, moving to WiMAX
Residential internet access for entire townBuild a Wi-Fi cloud with outdoor mesh APs
Examples - olpcExamples - olpc
One Laptop per ChildThe $100 laptopWi-Fi built in
802.11b/gMesh software
Create ad-hoc networks with other laptopsConnect to Wi-Fi infrastructure
One Laptop per ChildThe $100 laptopWi-Fi built in
802.11b/gMesh software
Create ad-hoc networks with other laptopsConnect to Wi-Fi infrastructure
FutureFutureVoice will become an important application for large Wi-Fi nets.Large muni Wi-Fi networks will continue to spread.
Price of infrastructure equipment will declineMore capable infrastructure equipment emerges
In developed countries these will be mostly commercial networks.
Handling multiple applications and servicesBoth commercial and public networks will use a mix of unlicensed Wi-Fi and licensed wireless technologies.
Wi-Fi will be common at the edge.WiMAX to backhaul Wi-Fi mesh clusters.Neither technology will “win”, both will prosper.
Voice will become an important application for large Wi-Fi nets.Large muni Wi-Fi networks will continue to spread.
Price of infrastructure equipment will declineMore capable infrastructure equipment emerges
In developed countries these will be mostly commercial networks.
Handling multiple applications and servicesBoth commercial and public networks will use a mix of unlicensed Wi-Fi and licensed wireless technologies.
Wi-Fi will be common at the edge.WiMAX to backhaul Wi-Fi mesh clusters.Neither technology will “win”, both will prosper.
ConclusionIs it possible to leapfrog?
ConclusionIs it possible to leapfrog?
YES!Alternate wireless infrastructureWireless extensions to fixed infrastructure
The technology is available.Need people, money and the VISION to do it.
Thank You.
YES!Alternate wireless infrastructureWireless extensions to fixed infrastructure
The technology is available.Need people, money and the VISION to do it.
Thank You.
ResourcesResourcesWi-Fi Alliance
www.wi-fi.orgWiMAX Forum
www.wimaxforum.orgolpc - one laptop per child
The $100 laptopwww.laptop.org
W2i, Wireless Internet Institutewww.w2i.org
Wi-Fi Networking Newswww.wifinetnews.comGreat daily reporting on Wi-Fi technology
MuniWirelesswww.muniwireless.comInfo on wireless RFPs and deployments
NetgateOn-line reseller for open source, build it yourself, low cost, highperformance Wi-Fiwww.netgate.comComing soon – the $150 high power, high gain outdoor AP
TerrawaveDistributor focused on wirelessMore commercial, broad product portfolio, excellent wireless expertisewww.terra-wave.com
Wi-Fi Alliancewww.wi-fi.org
WiMAX Forumwww.wimaxforum.org
olpc - one laptop per childThe $100 laptopwww.laptop.org
W2i, Wireless Internet Institutewww.w2i.org
Wi-Fi Networking Newswww.wifinetnews.comGreat daily reporting on Wi-Fi technology
MuniWirelesswww.muniwireless.comInfo on wireless RFPs and deployments
NetgateOn-line reseller for open source, build it yourself, low cost, highperformance Wi-Fiwww.netgate.comComing soon – the $150 high power, high gain outdoor AP
TerrawaveDistributor focused on wirelessMore commercial, broad product portfolio, excellent wireless expertisewww.terra-wave.com
Leapfrogging the Infrastructure in
Developing CountriesPhil Belanger
Managing Director, [email protected]
“Cutting through the wireless noise.”