25 November 2003 Lake Success, NY Lightwave -- Canon recently unveiled its forth-generation free space optics (FSO) transmission system, the Canobeam DT-100. The point-to-point optical beam transceivers feature built-in Auto Tracking throughout all three models, compact design, and exceptional affordability, say company representatives, who claim the new Canobeam is, on average, 33% less expensive than its predecessors.
The DT-100 Series transmits data at speeds from 25 Mbits/sec to 1.25 Gbits/sec over distances from 20 m to 2 km. It requires no FCC licensing and sets up in minutes. Canobeam technology provides a secure and reliable link, which has been proven at college and corporate campuses, government and military facilities, and other applications where telecom bandwidth is insufficient, fiber is cost prohibitive or logistically impossible, or a redundant/disaster recovery system is essential.
"The latest Canobeam line builds on Canon's reputation for innovation by delivering our most compact, feature-packed and cost-effective FSO system yet," reports Gordon Tubbs, assistant director for U.S.A. Inc.'s broadcast and communications division. "Canobeam DT-110, DT-120, and DT-130 models give network administrators an unmatched combination of dependability, performance, ease of use, and value."
Among the most notable advances featured in the DT-100 Series is Auto Tracking, which is now built-in to the complete line from the high-end DT-130 to the more economical DT-110. This Canon-engineered and developed feature maintains transmission during normal building sway and movement, automatically compensating for shifting of buildings and platforms due to vibration, wind, temperature changes, and other environmental conditions.
The DT-100 Series features a new compact optical module, resulting in size and weight reductions of up to 50% over previous models, says Canon. It features the same protocol-independent operation as fiber-optic cable, but with much lower installation and operating costs. The units are available in several fiber or twisted pair configurations. An expanded weatherproof specification is included in all three models for operation in temperatures from -4 to 131 ° F (-20 to 55 ° C).
The flagship of the Canobeam line is the DT-130 model, which achieves transmission speeds of up to 1.25 Gbits/sec for supporting Gigabit Ethernet networks and transmission distance up to 1,000 m. The DT-130 also incorporates a 3R Function (Re-shaping, Re-Timing, and Re-generating), allowing the data signal to be relayed without loss of strength or quality.
The Canobeam DT-120 unit transmits data from distances of 100 m to 2 km at speeds of 25 Mbits/sec to 156 Mbits/sec. The Canobeam DT-110 model offers outstanding value and performance for shorter distance applications from 20 m to 500 m at speeds of 25 Mbits/sec to 156 Mbits/sec. With the introduction of the DT-110 unit, built-in Auto Tracking is now standard with even the entry-level Canobeam product and allows the unit to transmit over 500-m distance in only 250-m visibility.