how-to block ads
|
| | | | FAQ Revisions | Editors: korym  , howe81 , seagreen
Last modified on 2008-07-19 09:18:22
view: single page · printable | |
FAQ-related questions | How to start | Radio power & other legal stuff | Bandwidth management | What to do and what not to do | CPE installations | Miscellaneous Questions |
login and you can contribute to the FAQ
|
|
| (back) | Hello! If you would like to submit a question to the FAQ, please feel free to do so but remember to use HTML in everything including if you'd like to bold or italicize words, add links, add lists, etc.
Also, for further explanations regarding FAQs on DSLR, please review the following site FAQ -
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/site/3.3+Creating+FAQS#2176
Thx much!
Regards,
Kory
Additional note from seagreen : No need to submit your FAQ entry in HTML as instructed above. I'm happy to write the appropriate HTML code for the FAQ while working with you to get your entry looking the way you want it to.
 feedback form
 feedback form
by korym edited by seagreen
last modified: 2006-09-12 10:30:14 |
2 How to start·How to start a wireless ISP?
·How to do a search on WISP-related info...
·How long will it take to make some money?
·Books for Beginners
·So You Wanna Put Up A Tower?
| | (back) | Read everything you can get your hands on and then check out the following links and read them in their entirety:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,1393115~root=dslalt~mode=flat -this is the forum thread that I started when I got the bright idea to be a WISP
http://www.isp-planet.com/resources/how_to/fw.html -this is a "how to"link
http://www.startawisp.com - name speaks for itself. An organized collection of various topics/posts related to many aspects of starting a WISP.
http://www.wispfaq.com/ - "This site is a collection of questions and answers that have been compiled and submitted by WISP's from around the world."
This is what I would call a great starting place to learn the basics as these are all the articles that I read that started me down the road to be a WISP!!!!
feedback form
feedback form
by superdog edited by seagreen
last modified: 2008-05-19 08:56:53 | | (back) | Many people here ask very general questions which could be easily answered in a simple search. One of my personal favorite search engines is Google.
Here are a few tips to get the web page your looking for faster:
If your searching for something with two or more words, then use commas. For example, if I was searching for how to convert db to watts, then it would look like this: "dbm to watts."
You should also use multiple words. For example, searching for our free products will return more relevant results then just products.
To get some more tips for searching, I have include some links to a few good sites:
Atomz Search Tips
Google Help Central
Search Tips V2.2.2 (a lot of information)
feedback form
feedback form
by Playa4life edited by korym
last modified: 2002-08-12 15:59:47 | | (back) | This question was asked in the WISP Forum and this is a summary of the responses.
Q: I have been doing the ground work toward starting a WISP. Now I am about down to crunch time. In other words, that point where I decide whether "to do or not to do."
I am looking at providing to areas that have no other high speed options. Very rural areas, total potential customers is around 3000. I have no doubt that technically I will be able to handle this. One of my goals with this will be to make a living at it and hopefully have a little more time with the family. I realize this requires a lot of work.
My question to you is, do you feel that I can make a living at this (say within 2 years) or will this just be something that takes even more time away from the family? Also, how many of you do this for a living versus a sideline to a full-time job?
A: Here are some of the answers:
"It will end up taking a lot more time away from the family - if you think otherwise you are kidding yourself."
"For a WISP to be your sole income, you need to quickly get to a point where you are generating enough revenue to pay yourself the salary you need to survive. That requires that you initially build enough infrastructure to quickly get that critical mass of customers to begin covering your MRC (which will include your salary). Depending on the wireless architecture you select, your geography, and lots of other factors, that could require a significant investment. If you can get to that same revenue stream incrementally over 2 years while maintaining another source of income, you can probably manage the transition. However, do some math and you'll see that the number of subscribers required to produce that much income is substantial and will be more than you can handle alone. If you can bring on a few partners in the same situation you are in, it's easier."
"This might be possible depending on how you approach the job. Price your services rationally, and read a LOT about equipment before you buy it."
Q: More time with the family?
"No, don't look for this for at least a couple of years. There's so much more than merely installing antennas and buying a T1. The administration of a business is a full-time job in itself. You'll be doing at least three people's work: Executive, technician, and administrator. You'll be on the road a lot. You'll be climbing up on things... Join the mailing lists for WISPers and read the archives, especially the "war stories." The strongest list is WISP@part-15.org. You don't have to join Part-15 to join the list. The other list is isp-wireless@isp-wireless.com. As far as I know, the two lists and this forum are the main nexuses for members of the fixed wireless Internet industry. "
"When you first start out expect the unexpected. You will spend days if not weeks or months like I did trying to figure out this and that. If you use the right gear for your application things seem to become stable at some point. At least for me anyway. Once things become stable you will reach a bump in the road here and there. The last three months have been smooth for me. No problems to speak of. As far as financially only you can be the judge of that. You need to have a very good business plan and see if the numbers work. Just my 2 cents."
Q: One of my goals with this will be to make a living at it and hopefully have a little more time with the family.
"The only way you are going to see this happen is if the spouse is the admin, your 2 kids, or as many as you have, are the installers and you handle the marketing and sales. IMHO."
"To give you a brutally honest answer, I am a computer scientist (I mean a "for real" Computer Scientist with a degree). When I worked for the Navy, I was paid about 38k. When I worked for TRACOR, I was paid about 48k, when I worked for E-Systems I was paid about 90k... Today I am building a WISP, we are 2.5 years into the project, I make (before taxes) 14.4k... That is the down side. I work as essentially as a consultant, someone else owns the business and he cuts the pay checks. His check is SLIGHTLY SMALLER than mine... He is one hell of a good young man, with investors."
"The up side is that I go to work when I want. I leave work when I want and I get to play with the toys I want to play with."
"You will never get rich running an ISP (WISP), but you might make a nice family business of it. It will not be easy. Hell, it will NEVER be easy but if you want it you can do it."
"I've been building ISP's in Eastern Virginia for about eight years now. By that I mean that I have a habit of taking a young person in tow and showing them the ropes until they are able to fend for themselves."
feedback form
feedback form
by superdog edited by seagreen
last modified: 2006-06-16 18:29:16 | | (back) | Here are four books I've found to be really good at getting my skills up to speed to try and attempt this venture I've started.
•TCP/IP Network Administration by Craig Hunt. ISBN# 0-596-00297-1•T1: A Survival Guide by Matthew Gast. ISBN# 0-596-00127-4•Building Wireless Community Networks by Rob Flickenger. ISBN# 0-596-00204-1•802.11 Wireless Networks by Matthew Gast. ISBN# 0-596-00183-5
All of these are published by O'Reilly, and are available at better bookstores, or from Amazon at better prices.
You'll also need a couple of books on whatever Operating System you choose to run, and a book or two on DNS, Mail Servers, Radius (if you run it), and Security.
I know there are more books out there than I could ever read in a lifetime, but these helped get me started.
Jim
feedback form
feedback form
by drjim edited by seagreen
last modified: 2006-06-16 13:42:45 | | (back) | Be prepared to face opposition, generally speaking people don't like towers.
 Tower selection:
Select a tower suitable for your proposed current needs, and also to accommodate upcoming desires. Perhaps in the future you will want to either add more equipment to your existing tower or rent space out to someone else. If your tower isn't capable to handling the increased load capacity you may be forced to erect a new tower and start this process over again. When calculating how much square feet of resistance will be on the tower don't forget to include crow's nests, top hats, or standoffs used for antenna placement in your estimations. Be sure your tower manufacture has an ICBO#, expect your development department to ask for this.
Permitting process:
Your local development department will require that you obtain a building permit, and perhaps other permits for your new tower.
Zoning
If your selected area is not commercially zoned you will need to complete a site approval application and pay a processing fee ($2000+/-). Your site approval will be subject to certain conditions such as improving driveway access and equipping the tower with an equipment shed, lighting, and signing a waiver allowing the development department to allow future tower developers to use your tower for their needs provided at a reasonable rent. If they find an existing suitable tower for your needs within a given area they will deny your request and require you use that existing tower. If not be prepared for the development department to survey neighbors and post public notices.
Structural Calculations
The development department will want an engineer licensed in your state to review your selected tower and accompanying equipment and draw up a set of structural calculations for both the footings and wind speed. They will most likely require 2-4 copies of stamped, wet signature calculations ($3500+/-).
Soil Sample
If the footings designed for the tower are rated for soil above your local area's threshold (around 1500 PSF) a core-type soil sample analysis will be required by a state licensed geotechnician ($3000+/-). If your footings are designed for 4000 PSF (like Trylon TSF Titan T-200) and your soil checks in at only 3000 PSF your structural engineer will need to re-draw the footings to accommodate that type of soil. It may be beneficial to determine your local threshold and have your structural engineer redraw the footings to fall below that limit at the same time he provides the wind-load calculations. This will avoid the need for a soil sample.
Building Permit
The building permit itself will carry a filing fee and subject your project to new found taxes, inspections, hazmat inquiries, and a whole host of other headaches ($400+/-).
FAA
The FAA will want you to file FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration. The development department may also require this.
Encroachment permits
May be required if you are close to public access roads.
Site preparation:
Your project area will need to clear of obstruction so a crane, backhoe, and other equipment can gain access.
Tower unloading
Sometimes you will need equipment on your receiving end to unload the tower when it is shipped, ask your distributor/shipper for more information.
Backhoe
To dig the hole will require a backhoe, estimate $150-300 for this.
Tower erection
You will most like require a crane to assist you in this process, depending on your area and the crane company this can cost as little as $300 but usually more in the $6-700 range. Be sure to ask for references and experience with towers.
Concrete
Each cubic yard of concrete will cost roughly $80-110.
Reinforcement rod
Many tower footings call for grade 60 rebar, a pre-constructed cage will cost $150-500.
Tower jockey
If you don't want to climb the tower yourself you will need to pay someone else. This will probably be required to detach the crane's equipment from the tower once put into place. Someone will also need to bolt the sections. Will also be required for aiming directional antennas, routing cable etc.
Equipping your tower:
Once your tower is permitted and erected (I guarantee YOU won't be at this point) - your tower needs to be properly equipped.
Paint
The FAA or development department may require you paint your tower for aircraft visibility purposes; this price will vary considerably.
Lighting
The FAA or development department may require you light your tower for aircraft visibility purposes, this price will also vary depending on what type of lights and the quantity required ($700+/-). May require backup source of electricity.
Safety
You might consider no-climb sides for your tower to reduce your liability, also a fence wouldn't be a bad idea ($1600+/-) - towers present an obstacle for youngsters to overcome.
Lighting protection
Your tower needs to be properly grounded, entire websites and threads are dedicated to this topic, and I won't even dare to venture there.
Equipment shelter
Will more than likely be required by development department with a minimum square footage. You can build this yourself or get a pre-fabricated therefore price can vary. ($400-3000+/-)
Utilities
You will need to get power to your equipment shelter somehow, and this can't be done wirelessly.
Insurance
It would be a good idea to get liability insurance on the tower in the event a youngster scales your fence and circumvents the no-climb guards.
Conclusion:
Having your own tower is great but it will cost you considerably. These prices and conditions are from my experience in Central California - they may be different in your area. Your district may require more of you or considerably less. Investigate the matter thoroughly before you get started. I'm sure I've left some things out and would love to hear back from other readers with comments or suggestions. Either IM on DSLR, respond here or send an e-mail to scott at velociter dot net.
`Scott
feedback form
feedback form
by scottvd edited by seagreen
last modified: 2006-06-16 13:41:13 |
3 Radio power & other legal stuff·Can I legally modify my wireless network equipment?
·Maximum power for 802.11a
·What are the useful RF units of gain and power for the Wireless ISP?
·How does one convert Watts to dBm?
·What is the maximum output power allowed for wireless Ethernet.
·How is antenna gain (dBi) measured and used?
·What other power losses are there?
·How does output power relate to distance?
·How can the above be used to calculate output power?
·How is output power calculated when an external amplifier is added?
·Can splitters be used? What happens to output power with a splitter?
·What are the FCC equipment certification requirements?
·What are the power limits in Australia?
| | (back) | This is tricky question to answer simply because the FCC hasn't been very specific about what constitutes a legal or illegal modification of FCC-certified wireless networking gear.
Manufacturers generally have to submit their products to the FCC to earn the "FCC-certified" bill of health prior to selling the equipment. Many consumers can now purchase wireless networking gear from stores such as Circuit City, BestBuy, CompUSA, etc. These units already have antennas built into them that obviously legally work with other accessories within the equipment line (i.e. same manufacturer APs work with their related PCMCIA cards, USB adapters, etc.)
With the recent articles being posted about how to conduct "war driving" (i.e. build a wireless radio which "sniffs" out wireless networks, etc.), extend wireless network ranges by adding more powerful antennas, etc., it's becoming apparent that the FCC will need to act soon.
In the meantime, the following reference will hopefully prevent any further confusion and answer "what's legal and what's not" questions:
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/part15.html
feedback form
feedback form
by korym | | (back) | FCC limits for new 802.11a standard are different for 3 bands, as follows:
5.150-5.250GHz Indoor 50mW (17dBm)
5.250-5.350GHz Indoor/Outdoor 250 mW (24dBm)
5.725-5.825GHz Outdoor 1 W (30dBm)
feedback form
feedback form
by antennitis edited by seagreen
last modified: 2006-08-30 23:23:52 | | (back) | Watts and dBm are units of power.
To calculate total output power, the dimensionless units dB and dBi are used.
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by korym | | (back) | Use a calculator, conversion table (pdf) or equation to convert the power units. Here is a short conversion table: | dBm | Watts | | 0 | .001 | | 15 | .032 | | 24 | .250 | | 27 | .500 | | 30 | 1.000 | | 36 | 4.000 | The equation is: dBm = 10 * (log (1000 * P)) P = Power in Watts 1000mW = 1 Watt Note, doubling the wattage increases dBm by 3. Here is a more comprehensive tutorial on Using and Understanding Decibels.
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by korym | | (back) | The maximum output power allowed for wireless Ethernet (802.11, 802.11b, etc.) by the FCC at 2.4Ghz is 36dBm or 4Watts.
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by korym | | (back) | The unit of antenna gain is dBi. dbI means "Isotropic", a perfect POINT SOURCE, which radiates in a spherical manner. A perfect dipole radiates with a donut pattern, broadside to the long dimension of the dipole. It is a relative measurement to an ideal dipole that radiates in a perfect sphere. To achieve higher gains, antennas are constructed such that they radiate more in one direction than another. An omni directional antenna radiates uniformly in the horizontal plane and radiates very little up or down. Panel, sector, yagi, and parabolic grid antennas radiate in cones of various widths. The higher the gain, the smaller the horizontal and vertical angles. Jerm gave the sprinkler head analogy: for a given amount of water, the distance the water shoots can be increased by focusing the spray; for a given amount of of microwave energy, distance can be increased by focusing the beam.
Antennas angles are specified by their half power point (3 dbi less than the specified max output).
For example, one '14 dBi' directional antenna has 14dBi gain straight ahead but only 11 dBi gain 32 degrees horizontally and 31 degrees vertically; one '24 dBi' parabolic grid also has 24 dBi gain straight ahead but only 21 dBi gain 6.5 degrees horizontally and 10 degrees vertically.
Feedback Question: quote:
please provide with the formula to calculate the gain of the antenna in dBi .....
A: No simple answer - see the following forum thread for more information: »Forum FAQ - pending feedback...
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by seagreen
last modified: 2008-03-23 10:24:45 | | (back) | Connector losses can be estimated at 0.5 dB per connection. Cable losses are a function of cable type and length. LMR400 is nominally 6.6dB loss per 100 feet.
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by korym | | (back) | The rule of thumb is that increasing output power by 6dB doubles distance. (However, I can't find a document-able source for this rule.)
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by korym | | (back) | Example 1: PC Card alone Output power for a Lucent/Orinoco/Agere/Avaya 802.11b PC card is 15 dBm. If there is no external antenna then that's the answer. 15dbm. Example 2: PC Card with 14 dBi external antenna and 50 ft of LMR400 Assumed total lost for a pigtail adapter is 0.5 dB. Loss for each connector on LMR400 is 0.5 dB. + PC card - pigtail adapter - connector - 50 ft LMR400 - connector + 14 dBi antenna = ? Total output power Substitute the six items above with their 'db-counterparts' with + for things that add power and - for losses 15 dBm - 0.5 dB - 0.5dB - 3.3 dB -0.5 dB + 14 dBi = 24.7 dBm Example 3: PC Card with 24 dBi external antenna and 50 ft of LMR400 15 dBm - 0.5 dB - 0.5dB - 3.3 dB -0.5 dB + 24 dBi = 34.7 dBm
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by korym | | (back) | Most amplifiers used for Wireless ISP purposes (including 2.4Ghz flavors) are rated for output power. Therefore, input power and losses prior to the amplifier can be ignored. Typically, the amplifier is mounted very close to the external amplifier, without any extension cables or extra connectors. Example 1: PC Card with 0.5 Watt amplifier and 8 dBi external antenna. Note, 0.5 Watt = 27 dBm. + amplfier output + 8 dBi antenna = ? Total output power 27 dBm + 8 dBi = 35 dBm Example 2: PC Card with 1 Watt amplifier and 6 dBi external antenna. 30 dBm + 6 dBi = 36 dBm
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by korym | | (back) | For a given input power, a two-way splitter will typically decreases output by 3.5 db, three-way by 5.3 db and four-way by 7.5 db. Example 1: PC Card with 1 Watt amplifier, three way splitter and three 11 dBi external antennas. Each tap off the splitter goes to one sector antenna, the output power is the same for each antenna: + amplifier - splitter + antenna = ? Total output power 30 dBm - 5.3 dB + 11 dBi = 35.7 dBm
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by korym | | (back) | Clarification on FCC Requirements
We have been investigating the exact requirements (as of now) for the Part 15 radios used in WISP deployments. To try to clear things up some, I decided to try to summarize what we have learned over the past year or so and try to help others to understand exactly what is required and expected. That said, I am not a lawyer and my general disclaimer would be to use this information as a guide and not as the final word. The final word, as always, resides with the FCC in the USA and other regulatory organizations in other countries.
To spell it out:
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED AS A GUIDE AND FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION AND ANY INTERPRETATION IS ULTIMATELY UP TO THE FCC ONLY!
All that said, FCC certification can really be broken down into two parts: Subpart B and Subpart C certifications.
Let's take a look at what each of those is:
•Subpart B:
This is for unintentional radiators, meaning that any electronic devices that have signals will put out interference. Because of this, the FCC requires this interference to be measured to make sure it complies with the guidelines that have been set by the FCC.
•Subpart C:
This is for intentional radiators, meaning that the device is intentionally transmitting RF (AKA a transmitter). The FCC has set certain rules for these transmitters based on band, modulation, etc.
Now that we know what the two parts of certification, we can talk about what the requirements for each are. There are two types of devices on the market today (that I'm aware of at least): complete systems and certified modules.
•Complete systems are those systems that are certified as a whole; meaning that the certification includes everything from the power supply, to the enclosure, the radio card / PCBA, pigtail, etc. It was tested as a complete system and is therefore marketed as a complete system. Any changes to the complete system (enclosure, antennas, etc.) void the certification and must be re-certified. There are exceptions to this which are covered later. Complete systems carry an FCC ID that covers Subpart C requirements and a Declaration of Conformity that covers Subpart B requirements.
•Certified modules, on the other hand, have been tested to meet the standards as a stand-alone device. For example, a mini PCI card may have been tested without any housing, etc. There are certain requirements that must be met in order to be certified as a module, but once it is certified, all Subpart C requirements are met automatically when the module is integrated into a final system as long as the stipulations written on the grant are met. In this case, the module carries the FCC ID label to cover Subpart C requirements. In order to meet Subpart B requirements, however, the final system MUST STILL BE TESTED and covered under a Declaration of Conformity. The final system must also have a label on the outside that says: “Contains FCC ID: xxxxxxxxx”. The grant notes section of the FCC grant must say Modular Approval.
There are some exceptions to these rules. For antennas, any antenna of the same type and lesser gain may be used with either a certified system or a certified module. By same type and lesser gain, it means that if the certification has a 12dbi Omni, other omnis that are <=12dbi may be used by the installer. Also, different lengths of coax can be used with certified systems and modules.
So what does this really mean for the WISP? It ultimately means that the device you are using must either:
•Have a modular certification for the radio inside AND have a Declaration of Conformity to comply with Subparts C and B respectively – OR
•Have a system certification for the complete system (covers Subparts C and B both)
The easiest way for a WISP to tell if a system is FCC certified is by the required label on the device. For #1 above, there should be a label on the outside of the device that says “Contains FCC ID: XXXXX” and have the Declaration of Conformity on the label as well or in the manual. For #2 above, there should be a label on the outside of the devices that says “FCC ID: XXXXX” and have the Declaration of Conformity on the label as well or in the manual.
My final comments are on changes and what it means for the certification. I have created a matrix that covers complete systems and certified modules as well as some common changes:
As I said before, this is to be used as a guideline. If you have specific questions or concerns, you can ask the FCC lab directly at this link:
»https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/cf/kd···sult.cfm
This site contains the FAQs for most of the items covered above as well as a link to Submit An Inquiry on the left nav. I encourage all of you to read through this information and ask questions if you have them.
To search for FCC grants, you can use this site:
»https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/cf/ea···arch.cfm
I hope this information helps to give you a better idea of the FCC certification requirements!
-Harold Bledsoe
feedback form
feedback form
by dongato17 edited by seagreen
last modified: 2006-07-26 14:20:44 | | (back) | Please see pkhooper 's excellent explanation here:
»Re: Power Limits in Australia?
Associated Documents: Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000.pdf
feedback form
feedback form
by seagreen
last modified: 2008-07-19 09:18:22 |
4 Bandwidth management·How can I do bandwidth management with Linux?
·Can Squid be used to manage bandwidth?
·What are the different types of BackBone connections that typical WISP's use
| | (back) | The Linux kernel has some built-in capabilities for doing bandwidth management.
This HOWTO on Linux Advanced Routing & Traffic Control has a great overview of Queueing Disciplines for Bandwidth Management. See chapter 9 for details - http://www.ds9a.nl/2.4Routing/HOWTO//cvs/2.4routing/output/2.4routing.html
Here is a presentation given at Linux Kongress 2001 on bandwidth management using Class-Based Queueing (CBQ) and Hierarchical Token Bucket (HTB) - http://ds9a.nl/cbq-presentation/
This link has technical information on HTB theory and implementation. HTB is considered to be an easier and more scalable alternative to using CBQ for bandwidth management - http://luxik.cdi.cz/~devik/qos/htb/htbman.htm
feedback form
feedback form
by bbarrera edited by korym | | (back) | Squid can be configured to use delay pools to provide a way to limit the bandwidth of certain requests based on any list of criteria. Delay pools are described in section 19.8 of the Squid FAQ.
For those not familiar with Squid, "Squid is a full-featured Web proxy cache, designed to run on Unix systems, free and open-source software."
Superdog1 gets the credit for pointing out Squid as a bandwidth control technique.
feedback form
feedback form
by StudMuffin edited by howe81 | | (back) | A: Here are some of the typical BackBone connections that WISP's use:
SDSL (Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line):
Speed: 128Kbps up to 1.1 Mbps
Pros:
•It can go about the same speed as a T-1 at a fraction of the cost.•In many cases it can be installed very fast•Easy Installation
Cons:
•Ping times are not as good as many T-1's•Many providers do not allow resale of these lines, so you have to be careful
and check the TOS•Downtime maybe greater then that of a dedicated line•Speed is usually NOT guaranteed•Not available in a lot of areas
Bottom Line: For startup WISPs who would like to provide service to a
minimal amount of people or who don't have the justification for a T-1 yet at
the time of service.
Dedicated T-1:
Speed: 56 kbps to 1.5 Mbps
Pros:
•Low Latency (Good Ping times)•Speed is guaranteed•Dedicated line (Great Tech Support, compensation for downtime)•Available in almost all areas around the US
Cons:
•High Cost•Tech Savvy setup
Bottom Line: For WISPs with a good customer base that are ready for the next step.
Bonded T-1's (Dedicated):
Speed: 3 Mbps to 6 Mbps
Pros:
•Low Latency (Good Ping times)•Speed is guaranteed•Dedicated line (Great Tech Support, compensation for downtime)•Available in almost all areas around the US
Cons:
•High Cost•Tech Savvy setup
Bottom Line: This is for WISPs that have exceeded or are projecting exceeding the maximum capacity of a T-1 in the near future, but can not justify
the cost of a T-3 yet DS3 Usually, they just add T-1's and bond them to make it fast, so the lowest speed would be around 3 Mbps, so that would make the cost double in most situations.
Dedicated T-3:
Speed: 12 Mbps to 45 Mbps
Pros:
•Low Latency (Good Ping times•Speed is guaranteed•Dedicated line (Great Tech Support, compensation for downtime)•Available in almost all areas around the US
Cons:
•High Cost•Tech Savvy setup
Bottom Line: This connection is for WISPs who have many customers and
are ready for a much faster connection. A T-3 is a big jump from a SDSL
connection or say a T-1 or a Bonded T-1, so don't buy a T-3 until you are sure
that you have enough users to pay for the connection.
OC-X:
Speed: 53 Mbps to Infinity
Pros:
•Low Latency (Good Ping times)•Speed is guaranteed•Dedicated line (Great Tech Support, compensation for downtime)•Available in almost all areas around the US
Cons:
•VERY High Cost•Tech Savvy setup
Bottom Line: A very fast connection with a very high cost. DO
NOT purchase one of these connections unless you have SUBSTANTIAL
financial backing!!! These connections require very expensive routers, and
a lot of technical experience just to get them to work.
NOTE: T-1's and T-3's are sometimes referred as DS-1's and DS-3's respectively.
Hopefully this FAQ will give you some information about the different types
of connections that are available.
feedback form
feedback form
by Playa4life edited by seagreen
last modified: 2006-06-16 15:09:54 |
5 What to do and what not to do·How to be Perceived as a Good, Reliable WISP
·How to ground an antenna and spark arrestor
·Wireless ISP and interference from cordless phones
·How do I upgrade the Linksys WET11 to the latest firmware?
·How do I install a mast on a roof with guy wires???
| | (back) | Here are some thoughts on how we have "migrated" to a more reliable network.
The difference is in the following in no particular order of importance: redundancy, provider, wireless equipment, policy, tech support, network management and reporting.
I'm going to leave out standard business stuff and focus on the above categories.
REDUNDANCY:
Back in the day we had one of everything and if it failed we had to drive/climb to the point of failure and fix it or lose customers.
Now we have almost two of everything. It's not as expensive as it sounds and takes a huge load off of us in terms of response times. It also appears to the customer that no downtime ever happens.
We do this by having two boarder routers configured in tandem (ours is VRRP, your may be hot fail, or BGPed). We use Mikrotik on pentium servers so the costs is hundreds, not thousands of dollars.
Our backhauls are configured in a wireless ring in case one fails (we use RSTP in bridged networks, OSPF in routed). The third or more leg in the ring can just be a low cost low bandwidth link if necessary as long as it can keep the customers going while a repair is done.
Our sectors are doubled/overlapped so that CPE's can see more than just one AP. Capacity is kept under maximum so if one fails the other AP can temporarily handle the load. Having overlap and keeping sector count low does use a bit more frequency, but generally allow for greater speeds per customer.
Network layout in general has a dual/split path for every client from CPE to the internet is the idea. So if you have two AP's facing a section for redundancy plug each one into a different router/switch in case of router/switch/cable failure.
IP space directly from ARIN split among two or more providers assures that your public IPs will not be unreachable in an outage of one provider. This is usually done with a BGP protocol at the ISP. Or simple hot failover to another provider creates better uptime.
PROVIDER:
This one is critical as it's what you are selling in the end. In the beginning we had a DSL line with a few public IPs. Now we have access to a 2.5Gbps fiber line and upgrades to a BGP address space.
Your provider has to be able to handle the capacity it is selling you AND have the same features you are selling your customers. If they can't uphold their end of the bargain then you won't be able to either for your customers.
Upgrade your provider sooner rather than later and get the best you can afford.
WIRELESS EQUIPMENT:
We started with 802.11b and have had to migrate to Canopy for various reasons. Take careful stock of your service area and use the right equipment for the topology and environment from the beginning. Whether that is 802.11, mesh or proprietary stuff.
This is a hard one to figure out, but lots of reading, planning and some testing before deployment will give you a head start. Even then a curveball will probably come your way in the form of a manufacturer suddenly leaving their platform in the dust or spitting out crappy PCB's etc.
If possible use a blend of two topologies and manufacturers. Then if something really goes wrong you still have something to work with instead of starting completely over.
Make sure your chosen distributor and manufacturer has a good track history, company record and RMA policy.
POLICY:
No matter what we do, you can't please everyone all the time. But setting the proper expectations up front will help down the road. Your customer's perceptions are set by the industry, marketing (yours and competitors) and whether they woke up on the right side of the bed etc.
Get a written policy SLA/Terms of Service together to define WHAT it is you are selling and NOT selling. And then treat that like your company bible with few exceptions.
Eventually the disgruntled customers will come to respect it and your company.
Some examples are pricing, speeds, installation procedures, equipment ownership, TECH SUPPORT, disconnect policies etc. etc.
Make sure your policy is reflected in your web site, written documentation, sales call, tech support visits, the whole enchilada. Consistency is key.
TECH SUPPORT:
This deserves a whole separate thread, but the important point is to commit to it. Even if your policy says the customer can take a flying leap off a tall cliff, go the extra mile and earn their appreciation.
A few minutes more on the phone or an on site visit will usually be greatly appreciated. Even if the customer wants you to come re-configure their router after hours for no extra charge (why DOES everyone expect this for $24.95 a month?), bite your tongue until it bleeds and politely schedule a time and price according to your policy (you have that in your policy, RIGHT?).
The bottom line with tech support is to give a little more than expected or per policy to create the proper perception. Tell them your hourly rate for non customers is $150 an hour, but for them it's $55 or $90 if they want emergency service (as per your rate policy).
If someone returns the phone calls or answers the phone within reasonable times (again, whatever expectation has been set) then they will feel good about it.
Good tech support leads to referrals in our experience.
NETWORK MANAGEMENT MONITORING AND REPORTING:
In the beginning we didn't even have an idea of how much bandwidth was being used and no real time or historical charting. What can you tell your customer without having this information? "Uh, you're down again? Since when?" is not a good response.
Even most of the inexpensive CPE/AP/Router/Switches today have SNMP or can be pinged using some monitoring program like MRTG.
The customer will actually listen and respect your expertise if you can tell them more information than they already know. "Your radio has been up for 21 days, 2 hours and 32 seconds and is running at 100 percent" stuns them to silence (sometimes).
Monitoring is the dividing line between what's your responsibility and theirs. What's free support to fix your end or paid support to fix theirs.
Get equipment and software that allows you to control your network. Nothing like watching your network get crushed by that one user running 1000 simultaneous connections on their Azereus BitTorrent client. Or that collection of customer Netgear routers that suddenly decide to ICMP blast the entire broadcast domain for days on end.
Usually this means proper traffic shaping and routers/managed switches at key points in your network. I can't speak enough of how Mikrotik shaping has improved our network capacity and reliability (or any similar product).
Traffic shaping, managed switches and proper use of routing/vlan techniques keep the nastyness of virus/icmp/arp storms at bay. P2P is allowed on our network and keeps the power users happy along with the business and casual residential users.
Live packet reporting like Wireshark and Mikrotik Torch allow complete investigation of what is happening NOW in the network. Historical graphing of SNMP and programs like NTOP/MRTG data gives us the complete picture over time.
SUMMARY:
To sum it up we wouldn't be where we are today without adhering to these principals. I hope the information can help someone else improve their operations!
feedback form
feedback form
by IntraLink
last modified: 2007-07-20 21:26:39 | | (back) | You will never believe this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did an install yesterday and when I was done running the LMR400 in the house(I pull a small gauge wire into the house with it to ground the spark arrestor)and the USB adapter was up and running I went outside and grabbed the large #6 copper coming off the roof and attached it to the grounding rod that I had just pounded in and everything was great.I then reached over and grabbed the smaller wire(#14)and stuck it down to the rod and MY HAIR STOOD STRAIGHT UP and I got ZAPPED!!!!.I wont post my exact words here but it went something like this"WHAT THE!!*%",after I regained my composure I went and got my multimeter and to my suprise there was 110 volts coming thru this wire!!!!(it was already attached to the spark arrestor).We turned the computer off and I STILL had 110v!!!.It only went away after we un-plugged every device hooked to the computer(this guy had like 20 things attached),as it turns out the ground in the house was not right and every item in that room was plugged into a circuit that only had a neutral(white) and a hot(black)coming to the outlet with no ground!!!!.The moral of the story is to be damn careful when doing installs so that You dont get a free perm!!!.If You do not see a grounding rod already being used outside where the service comes in-DO not ground the spark arrestor outside!!!,Use the COLD water pipe and the problem should be solved!,Tim
feedback form
feedback form
by superdog edited by korym | | (back) | Be aware that some wireless ISP's use the same frequency range as the newer 2.4GHz cordless phones. If you are having problems getting a decent signal and/or upload/download rate, and especially intermittent problems on the customer end, make sure nobody is using 2.4GHz cordless phones.
feedback form
|
|
