Clearing the Internet air

Clearwire Technologies is the latest wireless systems developer to target data service providers with a wireless Internet access platform designed to supplement landline connectivity.

The company is a spinoff of Sierra Technologies, which develops RF systems for military applications. This week, Clearwire is introducing a platform optimized for the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) spectrum band that can deliver up to 640 kb/s full-duplex service as an extension to landline data networks (see figure).

Clearwire believes its technology stands out from the abundance of broadband wireless delivery methods because it is capable of delivery over longer distances. The company recently completed a beta test in Buffalo, N.Y., which connected customers as far as 20 miles away. The architecture also does not require line-of-site.

"That allows us to mount the antennas inside the buildings, so installation of the equipment will be very easy," said Brian Nerney, president and CEO of Clearwire.

Clearwire's aim is to be a manufacturer and systems integrator, but its approach to priming that market is unique. The company plans to launch a 10-cell network that covers 1800 square miles of the Dallas region, letting potential carrier customers see the technology in action.

"We will ultimately be in the mode of delivering a turnkey network," Nerney said.

One analyst said Clearwire could face interference problems in the unlicensed and therefore crowded ISM band.

"There's a lot of stuff going on in the 2.4 GHz space-it's like the Type O spectrum," said Virginia Brooks, vice president of networking and telecommunications at The Aberdeen Group. "You run the chance of too many people on that spectrum, and you're going to have jamming problems."