[December 04, 2012]

New 60 GHz Wireless Backhaul Radio Introduced by LightPointe Provides Innovative Multi-Frequency Always-On Reliability

LightPointe, the number one manufacturer of point-to-point Gigabit capacity FSO wireless bridges since 1998, and innovator in 60 and 80 GHz backhaul radios used by 4G carriers and enterprises, announced the introduction of an innovative new 60 GHz backhaul radio. The AireBeam G60-DP includes what the company refers to as "DualPath™ Always-On technology" which utilizes multiple radios and frequencies, and automatically determines the best transmission method at any given time, in any type of weather. Compared to competing 60 GHz point-to-point radios, LightPointe's solution has the capability of maintaining an active data link between buildings or towers with much higher reliability, or "availability" as it is often referred to in the industry. This is especially critical in the 60 GHz wireless bridge category, since the 60 GHz frequency range is subject to atmospheric oxygen absorption. In the event that the 60 GHz transmission becomes insufficient during such temporary environmental conditions, LightPointe's new solution switches in real-time to alternative frequencies.

"The new AireBeam G60-DP Series with DualPath Always-On technology provides our carrier and enterprise customers with the benefits of 60 GHz transmission - which is license free in many countries - and also provides availability up to 99.999% for reliable, uninterruptable service," said Heinz Willebrand, president and CEO of LightPointe. "These state-of-the-art radios can be deployed in a variety of applications such as connecting office buildings, school campuses, hospital wings, military installations, or providing bandwidth augmentation and small cell backhaul n 4G LTE (News - Alert) carrier networks."

License-free 60 GHz radios have grown in popularity in recent years, which set them apart from licensed-band millimeter-wave and other radios. In the U.S., The FCC (News - Alert) has allocated an unprecedented 7 GHz of un-channelized spectrum for license-free operation between 57 and 64 GHz. This provides sufficient spectrum for multi-gigabit radio frequency bridges. In addition, LightPointe's solutions utilize narrow beam antennas, which enables radios to be co-located in close proximity by small angular separations and the use of cross-polarized one and two-foot antennas. In addition, for end-users concerned about signal security, oxygen naturally attenuates 60 GHz signals, which limits the signals ability to travel very far beyond the intended target receiver. This, combined with the "pencil beam" signal characteristics of 60 GHz, makes such transmissions very secure.

"We've really made installation of these backhaul radios fast and easy, with Power over Ethernet and a choice of connectors, depending on the customer's requirements," said Kim Sparrow, director of engineering for LightPointe. "Not only is our new aluminum radio enclosure light and strong, it also includes an industry-exclusive LED display which speeds installation and makes troubleshooting a network easier. We've even designed-in a handle to make transporting and installing the radio easier. But the real differentiator on our new 60 GHz radio is the DualPath feature, which takes license-free 60 GHz reliability to a new level in the industry. If weather conditions begin to impact 60 GHz transmission, the system switches to a range of all-weather 5 GHz frequencies temporarily. The customer can also use an appropriate backup radio/frequency of their choice if desired."

The new AireBeam G60-DP Series is available through LightPointe's authorized distributors and resellers. For more information, contact LightPointe' San Diego headquarters or regional representatives in Germany, France, Australia, China, and Brazil.

About LightPointe Communications, Inc.

LightPointe is a San Diego-based manufacturer of wireless Gigabit capacity bridges for enterprise and 4G/LTE carrier markets, including small cell backhaul. Its AirePointe division (www.AirePointe.com) also delivers wireless solutions to the government sector and security industry. LightPointe is majority owned by Berg & Berg Enterprises, LLC, the US$550,000,000 private venture arm of a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who is consistently listed on the Forbes list of billionaires. The company's interests include Mission West Properties (NASDAQ) and over 100 investments in chip, software and technology companies including Amdahl, Sun Microsystems (News - Alert) and Integrated Device Technologies. www.LightPointe.com

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