Canopy is the NEW high-speed wireless connectivity platform recently introduced by Motorola. Initially designed to work as a community-based wireless Internet solution, its versatility has shown that it has even more uses in the fixed point-to-point wireless arena.

Simply, it is radio technology using either the 5.2 or 5.7 GHz band range to transmit data between two points. With its sophisticated baseband processing and directional antennas, interference from other wireless systems, even those systems operating on the same frequency, are virtually non-existent.

Special features have been built into Canopy. It uses the standard Ethernet-style connectors (RJ45C) that all network computer users are familiar with. Since Canopy transmits data over the air using “IP” it works with any network regardless of the computer network operating system (Windows, UNIX, Linux, Novell, Apple, etc.). Because of its design, Canopy is very cost effective as it is able to bypass infrastructure routers and other infrastructure equipment. It also does not require a spectrum license because it operates in the five GHz band.

Depending on reflectors, band range and line of sight obstacles, Canopy is effective for a range of up to 30 miles in a point-to-point configuration, and up to ten miles in a multi-point configuration. It also uses DES (Data Encryption Standard) so the fear of stolen data over the air is virtually non-existent. Canopy transmits data, computer network traffic, Internet traffic, video and even voice traffic.

Running at speeds up to 3.6 Mbps, Canopy can be faster than existing systems, including DSL, cable, or telephone T1s. Actual speeds may vary, upload and download speeds are affected by several factors (see table).

Data Transfer Speed	Type of Service	Example
56 Kbps	Dial Up	Std Telephone Modem
256 Kbps	DSL	Cable or Telephone Modem
1540 Kbps	T1	Full T1 Telephone Circuit
3600 Kbps	Canopy	Wireless RF

 

Canopy is an excellent replacement for those fixed voice and data circuits that many organizations rent from their local telephone utility. When you compare the cost of purchasing Canopy, you’ll find an excellent return on investment (ROI), with substantial data speed gains.