LightPointe, a manufacturer of free space optics (FSO) and millimeter-wave backhaul products, has introduced a new point-to-point optical backhaul system. The AireStrata G contains new features aimed at businesses, carriers, and government agencies, including simultaneous four-beam transmission and reception with auto-tracking, and flexible fiber-interface options to suit 4G/LTE telecom, data, and video networks.
LightPointe says FSO technology is enjoying a renaissance in the backhaul sector, due to ever-increasing congestion in radio frequencies, the ability to deploy worldwide without licensing delays or costs, and dramatic increases in performance and reliability associated with fourth generation optical technology. The company also claims that the AireStrata G is virtually impossible to intercept, which makes it ideal for financial, medical, government, military, and other sensitive applications.
"The AireStrata G adds several features that make the links more flexible and easier to operate in a multitude of networks," said Heinz Willebrand, president and CEO of LightPointe. "The AireStrata G builds on the success of our FlightStrata Series, which has been proven in the most demanding enterprise and carrier applications around the world. With the AireStrata G, we've added multiple fiber and copper interfaces, an integrated and user-programmable Layer 2 Ethernet switch, an advanced integrated in-band or out-of-band Web browser and SNMP-based management platform, and high-quality German optical-grade lenses. Aside from carrier applications, the AireStrata G can be deployed in private networks, from hospitals to school systems to military theater of operations, where it is essential that transmission be undetectable."
LightPointe also unveiled an upgrade kit to help customers transition their legacy FSO bridges made by MRV Communications to LightPointe's fourth generation FSO and hybrid optical-radio products, often without requiring a new mount or realignment.
For more information on free-space optical systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyers Guide.