Line-of-Sight IP Networks Johnathan Poarch Senior Information Tech Specialist.
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Transcript of Line-of-Sight IP Networks Johnathan Poarch Senior Information Tech Specialist.
Line-of-Sight IP Networks
Johnathan PoarchSenior Information Tech Specialist
Line-of-Sight (LoS) History
• Early LoS systems developed by US military in the 1940s.
• Extensive TeleCom use in 1950s and 1960s for LD and TV (AT&T Long Lines System)
• Modern use by TV relay and backbone carriers for cellular systems
Use of LoS in IT• Intra-campus IP/VoIP/CCTV (fiber replacement)• Site-to-Site connectivity• Temporary or backup connectivity to
WAN/Internet
Typical LoS Topologies
• Point-to-Point• Point-to-Multipoint• Mesh
LoS Planning Considerations
• Affected greatly by environmental constraints, including rain fade
• Very limited penetration capabilities through obstacles such as hills, buildings and trees
• Sensitive to high pollen count• Signals can be degraded during Solar events
Common Types of LoS Systems
• Microwave• Directional (long range) WiFi• Laser • Leased systems
Microwave LoS
• Most common for short range data “back hauls”
• Licensed Bands – Higher frequency and power• Unlicensed Bands – Lower initial cost; plug
and play (solutions start under $5,000)
Directional WiFI
• High signal noise in 2.4GHz band• Commercial 802.11 radios can be used with
directional antennas • Amplifiers can also be used to extend range
Laser LoS
• Secure data transmission• Up to 1Gbps throughput• 200m to 5km range• Solutions start under $10,000
Leased Systems
• More common in metropolitan areas• Monthly service fee with little/no customer
intervention• Typically much larger (shared) bandwidth
available• Can become saturated during large scale
outages that impacts multiple customers
Discussion Topics
• Security of LoS solutions• Protection of LoS systems• Tower/roof rights• Use of relaying
Security of LoS solutions
• Most LoS is considered “private network” and difficult to remotely compromise
• Very susceptible to physical compromise• Beware of shared/co-used transmission sites
(roof tops, shared towers, ect)
Protection of LoS Systems
• Environmental and weather conditions can have heavy impact on reliability
• Monitoring systems are critical
Tower and Roof Rights
• Any tower/roof rights should be secured in writing
• Seaming LoS obstacles may be best transmission sites
• Backup connectivity can often be shared among tenants in order to secure rights and lower cost
LoS Relaying
• LoS relaying is often used to extend range and circumvent obstacles
• Increased points of failure