Wireless Access Services in the ITFS Spectrum

1. Wireless Access Services in the ITFS Spectrum UTFAB Status Update Tuesday, November 1, 2005 Scott Baily, Associate Director for Networking, Scott.Baily@Colostate.edu, 491-7655

2. Outline • Overview of wireless data technologies • ITFS spectrum – the “gold” standard • Review project goals • Project description, architecture • Other solutions • Funding request • Comments and recommendations Broadband Wireless Updatel

3. Overview of Wireless Data Technologies

5. ITFS Spectrum – the “Gold” Standard • FCC licensed the ITFS spectrum (2.5–2.69 GHz) to educational institutions in the 1980’s • Non-interference is guaranteed, but technology must be in accordance with the FCC’s guidelines • ITFS spectrum is “prime real estate” (see next page) • Best balance between carrying capacity and penetration • Over the past several years, private sector mega corporations “took a run” at getting the ITFS Spectrum • Lobbied with the FCC to repossess it and auction it Broadband Wireless Updatel

6. ITFS Characteristics Overall Throughput Penetration Carrying Capacity Frequency, Ghz ITFS Broadband Wireless Updatel

7. Project Goals • Offer broadband wireless access to CSU affiliates • Using frequencies the FCC has already licensed to CSU • To complement the modem pool that is waning • “Non-line of sight” (NLOS) • Indoor unit “reach” up to 2½ miles • Outdoor unit “reach” up to 5-6 miles • Target $30/month, compared to Comcast $40-45/month • Expand the system as budget (revenue) allows • Dependent somewhat on the customer base • Can expand by sectorizing the antenna, or • Can expand by adding antennas Broadband Wireless Updatel

8. Advantages • Lower cost than Comcast and Qwest DSL • “Behind” CSU IT security systems, filtering, firewalls • CSU IP addresses (for library use and database access) • Direct access to CSU IT resources • Access to ultrahigh-speed networks through CSU • Internet2 and National Lambda Rail • Could “reach” where DSL and Comcast cannot Broadband Wireless Updatel

9. Project Description

10. N 1 mi. 2 mi. Broadband Wireless Updatel

11. Architecture • Head end • Install the head end equipment on Durward Hall • Base unit would attach to campus network • Subscriber side • Indoor unit – place inside residence wherever the signal is acceptable, range: ~2-2½ miles • Outdoor unit – place on a pole and orient it toward the head end, range: ~5-6 miles • 10/100 Ethernet output • Can use a $50 router to establish a LAN, just as for Comcast or Qwest Broadband Wireless Updatel

12. NextNet Solution • Proprietary technology, but works very well in NLOS mode • Good coverage, very good penetration, very robust, and adaptable as the FCC changes the spectrum use • Total cost ~$200k, with 330 subscriber units • Purported to serve ~330 simultaneous users • Can purchase additional subscriber units to meet demand • Last year, the “best” technical solution, according to the ITFS consortium • “Standards-compliant” solutions are emerging Broadband Wireless Updatel

13. Subscriber Costs • One-time connection fee of $50 • Monthly subscription cost - $30/month • Extra $2/month for an outdoor unit • Subscriber units • CSU owns, and the monthly subscription fee includes leasing the subscriber unit, “You break it, you buy it,” or • Customer can purchase • Customer does the installation • Can contract with Telecom for installation, either indoor or outdoor • Full refund if the customer can not get the system to work within two weeks, and a working subscriber unit is returned Broadband Wireless Updatel

14. 3-Year Plan • FY 06 • Deploy initial system • Performance tuning, monitoring, robustness • FY 07 • Climb the “growth curve” • Expand system • FY 08 • Expand the system more by either sectorization (120o, 90o, or 60o) and/or installation of additional system and antenna Broadband Wireless Updatel

15. Other Solutions • Sprint • They will sell us the equipment they use for ITFS (they are the largest lessee) at their deeply discounted, wholesale cost • We will lease back to them the excess capacity for their mobile users • Fills the “ramp-up” hole • Quite possible this would dovetail nicely with cellular service award Broadband Wireless Updatel

16. Original Funding Request • Estimated start-up costs were $200k • $100K for “Head End” • $100K for subscriber units • Have $160k from the modem pool charge-back • Request to UTFAB for $40k was approved Spring 05 Broadband Wireless Updatel

17. Comments and recommendations • It is becoming clear that now is not the time to substantially invest in this technology • May be approaching single solution for high speed mobile and residential service • Not quite there yet • Clear advantages to single-purpose solutions • Work is in progress to clearly define a no-cost, no-obligation technology trial • No purchase is likely in FY06 • Recommend UTFAB consider funding alternative projects this year at the $40K level Broadband Wireless Updatel

18. Technology hype cycle Peak of Inflated Expectations Source: Mike Zastrocky, The Gartner Group Plateau of Productivity Positive Hype Negative Hype Slope of Enlightenment Trough of Disillusionment Technology Trigger Maturity Broadband Wireless Updatel

19. Discussion and questions Are most welcome Broadband Wireless Updatel