PTP Fixed Wireless "Licensed & Unlicensed"

Point-to-point (PTP) RF data networking refers to the use of wireless (RF) technologies to create a data link between two … exactly two … locations.PTP wireless data networks tend to require high data throughput over long distances. In the Fixed Wireless Broadband industry, PTP links are often used for needs and applications that require high throughput (20m-1GB) and/or cover large distances.

Simply stated, PTP creates wireless networking between two locations by using a system consisting of two radio and two antennas, dedicated to communicating with only each other. These links are optimal for communications between Wireless POPs and “last mile” applications requiring greater than 15m of throughput.

PTP has a wide array of products, protocols, and specifications. Due to the nature of RF communications, the FCC heavily monitors and regulates this industry to control environmental impacts of this equipment. Power output and the RF spectrum in which this equipment operates are both primary concerns of the FCC.

This regulation defines two sub-categories in this portion of the industry. FCC-Licensed links refer to any equipment that operates in RF spectrum regulated by the FCC. These radios require licensing of the RF spectrum in relation to the geography in which the radio will be operated in.  FCC-Licensed links are generally licensed with the FCC for a period of 10 years and require frequency coordination outsourced services.  The upside to using FCC-Licensed links is the security of the service and avoidance to impending issues with interference that would ultimately lead to packet loss and disqualification of the SLA.  FCC Licensed-Exempt links refer to equipment that operates in RF spectrum designated for non-licensed RF transmissions.  These links are less expensive to operate and install.  The susceptibility to interference is always an issue thus requiring a spectrum sweep and greater RF engineer involvement to protect the integrity of the link.