Richardson to get free wireless network

by PegNews wire

RICHARDSON — MeshLinx Inc. a provider of citywide Wireless Mesh Networking Solutions, today announced that Richardson will be home to the most advanced wireless mesh network deployed. It will feature software configurable, silicon chip radios delivering high-speed internet service to the entire city.

Richardson will receive the network at no cost to the city and their residents will be offered a free service with burst rates up to 768Kbps. MeshLinx will also offer a high-speed fee-based service to all residents with speeds up to 5Mbps and with power users and corporate solutions up to 20Mbps.

MeshLinx, using standard 802.11 technology, will offer a network that will travel seamlessly with the subscriber everywhere within the city in both a fixed and mobile environment. The multi-radio network will operate simultaneously in both 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi) and 4.9 GHz (public safety) spectrums on the subscriber side allowing first responders and city services their own frequency which can be encrypted to the highest levels for security.

The deployment will be accomplished in multi-phases with individual sections deployed and operational without waiting until the whole network is complete. This approach allows parts of the network to be operational by the end of 2007 with full deployment in the first half of 2008. It will have approximately 600 Access Points (AP's) placed throughout the city offering a "blanket" of broadband wireless coverage providing high resolution streaming video, quality voice over the Internet, and high-speed Internet access throughout the city.

The network will provide a signal to every home and business within the city limits. If needed, residents can purchase off the shelf 802.11 b/g routers to bring the signal to every room in their home or request low cost professional installation to cover their home. Outdoor coverage will allow residents to log on anywhere within the city limits.

Mayor Gary Slagel says, "With this network, Richardson, with one of the highest concentrations of telecom businesses in the country ("telecom corridor") will continue to stay on the cutting edge of communication technology. The network will provide a wonderful quality of life feature for all our citizens. It will promote digital inclusion, beneficial competition and provide an additional economic boost to the city of Richardson."

Source: MeshLinx, City of Richardson