Manchester Metronet, a UK-based broadband wireless network service provider, has deployed two BridgeWave Communications’ GE80 gigabit wireless links as well as four FE80UX gigabit-upgradeable wireless links to extend the reach of its metropolitan area network. The newly deployed links, while expediting delivery of CCTV surveillance capabilities for the Manchester City Council and Manchester Greater Police, has helped Manchester Metronet achieve a return-on-investment in less than six months.
When an increase in real-time video surveillance created network congestion at one of its control centers, Manchester Metronet opted for gigabit wireless when fiber-optic leased line services were not readily available. The network operator installed its first BridgeWave GE80 product, which operates in the licensed 80 GHz frequency spectrum, to connect its fiber backbone ring to the council’s control center, located less than two miles away. The organization soon found other opportunities to deploy a second GE80 link and four gigabit-upgradeable FE80U links to support a range of bandwidth-intensive applications and remote CCTV monitoring for the city council and the Greater Manchester Police.
According to Gregg Levin, chief marketing officer for BridgeWave Communications, “The UK was an early European adopter of the new 80 GHz spectrum band, allowing operators such as Manchester Metronet to overcome the limitations of fiber availability and cost. Based on the ongoing work of European standards bodies and country spectrum regulators, we expect this band to soon become available for use throughout Europe, providing the benefits of gigabit wireless technology for operators region-wide.”
Tim Close, managing director of 802Global, BridgeWave’s UK-based distributor, commented, “We are seeing a strong demand for 80 GHz gigabit wireless links from network operators and private enterprise users. Manchester Metronet’s accelerated multi-gigabit network rollout demonstrates the unique value proposition that these products provide, offering performance levels well beyond what is possible using traditional lower-frequency alternatives.”