Vendor develops wireless Sonet ring

Triton Network Systems will make its debut in the wireless data world this week, but it has chosen a very different model from most point-to-multipoint developers. Triton's Invisible Fiber point-to-point-to-point product line lets competitive operators build what essentially is a Sonet ring. Like Sonet rings, loops built with Invisible Fiber reverse traffic in the event of network failure.

Based on what Triton has coined Network-grade Optical Wireless, or a very high standard of reliability, Invisible Fiber aims to mimic the reliability of fiber, said Brian Andrew, president and CEO of Triton.

"If you want to sell to high-end businesses, you have to have reliability comparable with fiber," said Bill Frezza, general partner with Adams Capital Management, a Triton investor.

Andrew believes one of wireless' biggest shortcomings has been reliability. He hopes to build a standard around the NOW concept.

In addition to self-healing characteristics, Invisible Fiber uses high power levels up to 2 W, which extends its reach up to two miles. The radios automatically adjust power levels as needed. "It's not just a transceiver but a network management device," Frezza said. The system maintains minimum power levels for high availability and will adjust transmit power for rain fade or other conditions.

Andrew believes Triton's product can extend the reach of a local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) point-to-multipoint network or provide backhaul to save carriers the cost of leasing or buying fiber. In addition to established LMDS players, Triton believes competitive local exchange carriers already using traditional fiber can use Invisible Fiber to extend fiber rings or fill in spots that are difficult to build out.

The system is easier to deploy than some wireless products because it combines what are normally two boxes, indoor and outdoor units, into a single unit. Users can avoid some zoning issues because of the product's small size.

Triton's first products, which will serve 38 GHz license holders, will be commercially available in February. Walt Disney World and Lockheed Martin already have tested voice over IP, videoconferencing and data applications using Triton's technology.

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