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BridgeWave Supports Towerstream WiMAX Backhaul NetworkDec 04, 2009 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- BridgeWave Communications, a supplier of gigabit wireless solutions, announced that Towerstream, a wireless Internet service provider, has deployed BridgeWave's high-capacity links in its fixed WiMAX network. Towerstream's operations in its largest metropolitan markets depend on BridgeWave's 80 GHz products for carrier-class backhaul to provide high-capacity WiMAX connectivity to support Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), data services and other IP-based services. Established in 2001, Towerstream delivers high-speed Internet access to businesses in markets including New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia. Because of its growth, the company realized it needed a reliable backhaul solution to support its growing WiMAX broadband network that had expanded to include ten metropolitan areas. The company looked into wireless vendor options and determined that BridgeWave fulfilled its needs. Fiber optics was a possibility but not ideal because of its high cost, lengthy permitting and installation process. By proving to be highly scalable, coupled with its full-rate gigabit speeds, BridgeWave said it became the selected backhaul option for Towerstream. BridgeWave said its 80 GHz links enables Towerstream to achieve gigabit WiMAX backhaul speeds while still providing "five-nines" reliability. Towerstream recognizes that through the use of BridgeWave's 80 GHz links versus fiber, latency and packet loss actually decreases since the links provide direct connectivity between buildings, eliminating intermediary switching points. BridgeWave's 80 GHz links provide full-rate gigabit connectivity with low latency, yielding fiber-like performance without the delays associated with installing fiber. "As we looked for a reliable backhaul provider, it was a clear decision to go with BridgeWave because of its ease of deployment and gigabit speeds," said Arthur Giftakis, vice president of engineering and operations at Towerstream. "Deploying BridgeWave's systems proved to be more cost effective and these savings are seen at every level - less equipment is needed and the down time is limited. BridgeWave helps make it possible for us to provide our customers with exceptional WiMAX-based services." "Working with Towerstream in metropolitan areas such as New York City and Boston demonstrates the need for wire-speed GigE backhaul links in dense urban areas," said Amir Makleff, president and CEO of BridgeWave. "BridgeWave's product helps service providers such as Towerstream meet their backhaul needs with the best-of-breed product in its class. We look forward to future deployments in more cities as Towerstream continues to grow." ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |