Cable operators may become the latest nemesis in the mesh networking field for the RBOCs, thanks to Motorola Inc.’s new platform that lets MSOs use existing HFC infrastructure to launch municipal Wi-Fi access.
Muni networking has become a new battle for incumbents, which view free or cheap best-efforts wireless broadband enabled on a citywide scale by Wi-Fi mesh networking as a serious threat to their own broadband offerings. Already in a death match with cablecos for dominance in television, phone service, at-home Internet and even cellular lines of business, ILECs may see cable’s presence in mesh networking as a new frontier in that clash of Titans. Soon we may even start hearing the term “quintuple-play” bandied about.
The new Motorola Cable MESH works in the 2.4GHz / 802.11b/g and 5.8GHz /802.11a bands. The product design includes the Motorola SB5000 DOCSIS 2.0-compatible hardened cable modem, constructed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The modem is coupled with an access point developed for Motorola’s HotZone Duo product that enables a choice of single- or dual-mode mesh configurations. The box can be mounted on streetlights, traffic lights and other pole infrastructure.
“With the Cable MESH solution, Motorola is enabling cable operators to quickly extend the reach of their networks outside of the home, without sacrificing the quality, reliability or security they’ve come to expect from Motorola access network solutions,” said Charles Dougherty, Motorola corporate vice president and general manager for connected home voice and data solutions. “Now, operators can quickly and cost-effectively establish secure Wi-Fi clouds, opening up new revenue opportunities from their existing data network investment.”
Motorola Inc. www.motorola.com
