AirFiber introduces hitless and fault-tolerant free space optics system

AirFiber Inc., developer of carrier class free space optical (FSO) access equipment, recently unveiled the AirFiber 5800, a protocol-independent product with capacity of up to 1.25 Gbits/sec. Incorporating what the company claims is a breakthrough fault-tolerant system, the AirFiber 5800 guarantees carriers the capacity and service quality previously only available via fiber and enables carriers to write customer service level agreements using FSO products.

The AirFiber 5800 is the first FSO product to incorporate a proprietary "Redundant Link Controller" technology, assert company representatives. Carriers can now deploy wireless links that are immune to data loss and provide reliable optical bandwidth to buildings, cell sites, and other installations without the time and expense of fiber installation.

When configured with the Redundant Link Controller (RLC), the AirFiber 5800 has the ability to simultaneously monitor redundant links. If interference occurs on one of the links, the RLC maintains error-free communications by using data supplied via the redundant link. This patent-pending technology is completely transparent to the network and occurs with no loss of data.

"The AirFiber 5800 will change the last mile challenge as we know it today," contends Brett Helm, chairman and chief executive officer of AirFiber Inc. "As the first fault-tolerant product in the FSO industry, the AirFiber 5800 allows carriers to provide wireless service with the same quality and capacity as fiber."

The AirFiber 5800 complies with stringent carrier requirements and includes active monitoring and control mechanisms to automatically adjust for external environmental dynamics. AirFiber's patent-pending active tracking system maintains beam alignment to adjust for building or site movement while improving link distances and signal quality. A simple and quick automatic acquisition capability dramatically decreases installation time and provides increased scalability. Active environmental controls and a rigid equipment design ensure reliable operation during extreme temperature and weather events. All of these features help reduce carrier operational expenditures and ensure reliability.

For more information about AirFiber (San Diego), visit the company's Web site at www.airfiber.com.