IDG News Service, Buenos
Aires Bureau
BUENOS AIRES
– (05/14/2001) -
Lamon AG, a
German company based in Berlin, and AirTech SA, Lamon's distributor for Latin
America, presented a free space laser system for "last mile"
connections here last week. The system is typically a point-to-point link with
two terminal devices called laser heads that allow bi-directional communication
over distances up to 2000 meters (1.2 miles) at data speeds up to 155M bps.
The system
does not use any physical link, just a beam of infrared light, and the
head-ends can be installed in about two hours. According to Lamon's COO Mario
Grossmann [CQ], the problem that used to plague this sort of links (atmospheric
phenomena like fog, rain and snow) have been largely surpassed by the
technology used in this system. "We can guarantee 99,9 per cent
reliability in all weather", he said.
The laser
system emulates a fiber optic link, and is protocol transparent. This means
that it can handle FDDI, G703, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and ATM directly, with
no modifications. The equipment operates within a frequency range that is
totally unregulated in most countries, and that does not require a license. The
transmissions are extremely difficult to tamper with, as the beam is direct and
narrow, no wider than 5 feet at the receiving end. Being optical, it is not
subject to radio frequency (RF) interference nor can it interfere with radio or
microwave channels. This makes the technology particularly suitable for use in
heavily RF polluted environments, like airports and city centers.
The current
Lamon AG product line comprises seven models for distances from 1000 feet to
1.2 miles, and 10M bps bandwidth up to 155M bps bandwidth (STM-1). The next
generation will handle up to 622M bps (STM-4) per beam.
Grossmann said
that the products are not meant to replace existing fiber optic or coaxial
links, but to supplement them. In many cases, this technology offers
significant advantages: very fast deployment, there are no right-of-way or
construction fees and no long term recurring fees or tariffs for spectrum
usage. They are particularly suitable for bypassing physical obstacles such as
rivers or for temporary installations for exhibitions, for instance.
The president
of AirTech SA, Luis Hahn, said that his company is going to distribute Lamon
AG's products all over Latin America, and that depending on market reaction,
AirTech will consider manufacturing the devices for the region. The products
were presented to the press and to 35 carriers and telecommunications companies
that operate in Argentina. At present, Lamon's systems are being used by German
companies such as Deutsche Telekom, Lufthansa and Deutsche Bank.
Several market
analyst polled for this report said that they did not know about the system or
the company, as they are both quite new, but that the description of the system
"sounds promising", although it is too early to foresee whether it
will enjoy wide acceptance or it will be a niche-market product.
The speakers
at the presentation declined offering prices, although a spokesman mentioned a
US$25,000 range for a long-range system.
Lamon AG,
headquartered in Berlin, can be reached at +49 30 75448-0. AirTech, in Buenos
Aires, can be contacted at +54 11 4809-3806 or at www.airtech.com.ar.
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