New Tools Help Users Navigate the Wireless Landscape

New web-based tools with integrated mapping features are helping users solve basic wireless questions and to identify possible solutions when planning wireless point-to-point links.

In November 2009, we covered the release of a new, free web-based Point-to-Point wireless estimator from US based AlphiMAX.  The tool generated considerable interest, getting reviews from foreign blogs in Russia, France and more.  News of the release was also picked up on twitter where word quickly spread. 

Now two months later, the company has come out with a new release of the tool and we visited with AlphiMAX's Rafi Cohen to get the latest developments.  The new and improved version now embeds a very cool Google map that allows users to zoom into any particular area and find their specific location.  In addition, while the first version required users to provide the coordinates for the two locations they wished to connect (still possible), the new version allows users to place the marker on the desired location and get the coordinates directly from a regular or terrain map.  Once the user estimates the wireless link and receives the list of all potential products, they can then filter the full list based on band, TDD/FDD, licensed/unlicensed, vendor and more. 

To complete the picture, AlphiMAX provides assistance to users in helping find everything they need when deploying a wireless point-to-point link.  Finding a distributor, an installer, an antenna vendor, a tower or even someone to help register their license are some of the options available once users have selected a product.  Also, a new "project" section lets the user manage their historical projects.

Previously, AlphiMAX only covered products in the unlicensed bands (2.4, 4.5, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 and 5.8GHz) and, depending on the domain, mostly from two main wireless vendors: Motorola and Alvarion.  Since then, AlphiMAX has added products from Ceragon, Dragon Wave, Axxcelera and Trango.  Users can now compare six vendors in both licensed and unlicensed frequencies, including 6, 6.8, 7.3 and 7.6GHz. 

"Vendors are now recognizing the invaluable opportunity and exposure of having their products featured in the tool and we are certain to see more of them adding their products to AlphiMAX's estimator," says Rafi Cohen with AlphiMAX. 

A few examples of the products available in the estimator include: Axxcelera's AB FULL access II within the 5.7 - 5.8 GHz ISM band, which supports FDD and TDD combinations; DragonWave's Horizon Compact series in the licensed band 6GHz, 6.8GHz, 7.3GHz and 7.6GHz; Trango Broadband's TrangoLink in the licensed 6GHz band; and Ceragon's FiberAir IP-10 platform in the 6GHz 7GHZ and 8GHz bands.
 


AlphiMAX Estimator

AlphiMAX's new project manager allows heavy users to create accounts and load, save and delete projects they are working on.  There is no limit to the number of projects that can be created.  Resellers and distributors are also able to ask for quotes on the product(s) they choose.  These requests can be provided to users directly, helping to develop a pipeline of future business. 

The AlphiMAX tool certainly provides a unique way to plan wireless links and research possible solutions.  So what's next on the roadmap? According to Cohen, the company plans to integrate 11GHz and higher solutions, providing even more options for users.  Users can find out more information at www.alphimax.com/ptp.
 
 

Tuesday, February 02, 2010 in Business  | Permalink |  Comments (2)