RAD Unveils New Carrier-Class, Wireless Multiplexer for "Data Hungry" Applications

December 2, 2008: RAD Data Communications has unveiled its new

Airmux-400 broadband wireless multiplexer, which delivers robust carrier-class, high capacity, extended range voice and data for both today’s and tomorrow’s networks.

The Airmux-400 is a full duplex, 50-Mbps capacity cost-effective multi point-to-point broadband wireless transmission device. It will transport both legacy TDM and next generation Ethernet services over license-free 2.3 to 2.5 GHz and 4.9 to 5.9 GHz bands.

"The Airmux-400 is designed to connect 'data hungry applications' such as cellular or WiMAX base stations to controllers, meeting the requirements of backhauling applications by transporting Ethernet traffic for maintenance and control," explains Toby Korall, Senior Product Line Manager at RAD Data Communications. "In addition, Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) can use the Airmux-400 to backhaul their traffic from the point of presence (POP) to the network operation center to achieve higher capacity and can offer bundled connectivity," Korall adds. "The Airmux-400 also provides broadband Ethernet and leased line services to large enterprises and is ideal for networks spanning multiple sites that require transparent LAN connectivity across their campuses."

RAD’s Airmux multiplexers consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit with redundant DC power supplies. The outdoor unit is suitable for mast or wall installation. An optional external antenna guarantees a transmission range of up to 120 kilometers (75 miles).

Hub Site Synchronization (HSS) ensures simultaneous, multi point-to-point data transmission for all collocated radios by eliminating the interference that otherwise occurs when different outdoor units transmit and receive from the same site. HSS, which supports up to 16 collocated units, enables a complex radio environment of mixed services.

Built on advanced MIMO and OFDM technologies, the Airmux-400 ensures high robustness of the air interface even under interference and harsh conditions. Data transmitted over the air interface is encrypted using Advanced Encryption System (AES) with a 128-bit encryption key. The device adaptively changes the modulation according to air conditions, targeting maximum rate while maintaining link stability. The rate drops temporarily after encountering interference, then automatically returns to the highest possible rate. When the link quality is out of limits, the Airmux-400 automatically searches for a clear channel within a pre-selected list of frequencies.

Because the Airmux-400 operates on license-exempt frequencies, it can be deployed in record time, eliminating the costs and delays involved in leasing lines or trenching fiber.