June 28, 2006 Pasadena, CA -- ClearMesh Networks today announced the launch of its next-generation wireless optical mesh portfolio, the ClearMesh Metro Grid, which enables service providers to roll out business-class 5- to 100-Mbit/sec services to the small and medium business (SMB) market. For the first time, say company representatives, service providers can leapfrog legacy copper and economically roll out a fiber-grade wireless infrastructure without trenching fiber.
ClearMesh Metro Grid technology extends the reach of metro Ethernet networks where lateral expansion of fiber would require significant upfront investment and months for deployment. According to the company, its Metro Grid complements existing WiFi and WiMAX service deployments by infusing additional bandwidth in high-density metro areas, expanding the customer base for wireless networks.
For wireless Internet service providers, the ClearMesh Metro Grid provides the ability to serve the dense metro SMB market with high-bandwidth, business-grade services beyond those offered by WiFi or WiMAX. Operating in the license-free band, the ClearMesh offering enables wireless service providers to overcome the crowded RF spectrum and deliver high-quality services in dense metro areas.
Moreover, metro Ethernet service providers now can cost-effectively deliver business-class Ethernet services in a matter of days and at a fraction of the cost of trenching fiber, says the company. This extends the fiber service providers' market by enabling them to reach a large number of medium-sized businesses and "light-up" underutilized core fiber.
"Small and medium sized businesses increasingly rely on broadband connectivity for Internet-based, mission-critical applications," explains Suresh Nihalani, president and CEO of ClearMesh Networks. "We provide a truly scalable access network solution, enabling service providers to deliver the necessary bandwidth to support high-margin service bundles, including VoIP, network backup, video conferencing, multimedia, and security at an affordable price."
Service providers immediately can begin to market fiber-grade Ethernet services and extend the physical reach of the Metro Grid as more customers sign up.
The Metro Grid portfolio is available immediately and is comprised of two products: the ClearMesh 300 (CM 300) node and the ClearMesh Management System (CMS). Pole- or roof-mounted, the ClearMesh 300 integrated networking platform combines high-capacity Ethernet switching and low-cost wireless optical transport with business-grade Ethernet service delivery interfaces. Using secure optical transmission, the CM 300 can distribute up to 300 Mbits/sec of wire-speed, ultra-low latency, and full-duplex service capacity, enabling service providers to deliver enough capacity to concurrently serve thousands of VoIP calls, video streams, and Internet sessions.
The ClearMesh Management System (CMS) gives service providers carrier-class tools for mesh-wide installation, diagnostics, service analysis, and provisioning to support fast and efficient service deployment across the Metro Grid, reports the company.