The Broadband Wireless Industry is experiencing enormous activity - multi-million dollar equipment deals, next-generation equipment releases and large-scale network deployments. All are contributing to the expectation that it will be the single most significant evolution of the 21st century.

The prospects for broadband wireless or fixed-wireless systems are enormous because there are a vast number of users that are either not served at all or are underserved with conventional telecom wiring services. Technologies such as cable-modem networks, Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), and fiber-to-the-curb/home/desktop are all being developed and deployed in a race to capture the burgeoning customer base for next-generation services. Due to multi-million dollar equipment deals, next-generation equipment releases and large-scale network deployments, broadband or fixed wireless is expected to be the single most significant evolution of the 21st century.

In the traditional telecommunications network, most subscribers are connected to the local telephone exchange via copper wires. Larger businesses, with higher volumes of traffic may be connected via fiber or point-to-point microwave links. Wireless broadband networks are an alternative means of making the connection between subscriber premises and the local exchange. The main reason for adopting wireless broadband is that it is much cheaper to install than a fiber optic system.

The majority of Wireless Access Networks, referred to as Wireless in the Local Loop, support traditional telephony and relatively low speed data (up to 64 kbits per second). Broadband Wireless Access Networks are capable of carrying much higher bit rates (several Mbits per second or more). In addition, because they are also digital, they have the potential to transport a complete range of electronic traffic including telephony, high-speed data, TV and multimedia. The physical setup of broadband wireless generally comes in three formats:

1. Point-to-point
A single, so-called microwave link between two locations, ideal for campus environments like universities and hospitals where T1 to 45 Mbps service is needed. This version has been in common use for some time.

2. Point-to-multipoint
A hub and spoke architecture is regarded as a shared device for small and medium-sized businesses that can rev up to the equivalent of several T1 circuits.

3. Consecutive point
A point-to-point-to-point and more daisy-ring type of architecture. It is sometimes used in networks designed for medium-to-large sized businesses and is suitable in situations where line of sight is a problem.

Whatever technology is deployed in this new era, computing and communications will eventually become indistinguishable and their integration will make up a core utility as fundamental as lighting, electricity, and water. This global, interoperable, wireless/wireline broadband or fixed-wireless network will serve as the foundation for worldwide e-commerce. It is the network of tomorrow being built today at break-neck speed.