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Metropolitan WiFi Network

• Client / Company: MAPSAT Communications S.A.

• Country: Bolivia

• Website: http://www.mapsat.com.bo

• Solution: Wireless Internet Service in La Paz using the 5.8 GHz ISM Band.

This solution consists on two types of wireless links: one backhaul wireless link carrying the Internet signal from the Main Office to a strategic place using a Point-to-Point Kit and a second wireless link to implement a point-to-multipoint scenario to give access to end users.
  Diagram of MAPSAT’s Solution
--MAPSAT Network Bolivia--
   
MB-ROMB
Multiband Backhaul
AP/Dual Radio
2 port radio slot AP/Bridge/Router with PoE
ISP-CPE500
Client CPE with Integrated
Antenna includes wireless
router with Power
 


Company Description

MAPSAT Communications S.A. uses a wireless digital technology to operate as a Wireless Internet Service Provider in La Paz - Bolivia thanks to a 20 year concession contract to operate in the 5.8GHz ISM Band paying an annual tax according to the utilization of the spectrum and the amount of registered subscribers per year.

This system consisting on transmitters of IP packets with Ethernet Interfaces allows the transmission of the wireless signal to the subscribers with a 10Mbps of transmit rate giving the possibility of controlling the bandwidth of each subscriber.

Project Description

The physical geography of La Paz (Map) has permitted MAPSAT to implement a Point-to-Multipoint Topology to provide Internet Access in the whole city (Diagram).

• Backhaul Wireless Link: Since the Internet service is only offered in La Paz downtown and some surroundings, MAPSAT carries the Internet signal from its Main Office in the Central City to its headquarter located in El Alto from where there is an excellent view of approximately 99% of the whole city. The Backhaul Wireless Link is based on a Point-to-Point Kit AIR-PTPCPE500AH.

• Base Station: The Base Station located in El Alto consists of one MB-ROMBv2 with two MiniPCI modules MB-MAHP, and two 120° Sector panel Antennas installed on a 21 meter tower. Nowadays, MAPSAT has approximately 23 subscribers with a great possibility to grow even more in the near future. The Base Station is working as a Transparent Bridge Access Point.

  
Map of Bolivia.

• Subscribers: Each subscriber station includes a 3 meter pole as mounting structure and considers the ISP-CPE500AH radios configured in Routing Client mode. The furthest subscriber unit is located at 11km away from the Base Station.

In order to improve the service and reach a better performance, it was decided to send one of Netkrom engineers to give an onsite training for a couple of days. For this purpose, our engineer arrived in La Paz along with some wireless test equipment such as a spectrum analyzer, power meters, etc, as well as useful technical information.

DAY 1
  • Presentation: "Netkrom and Wireless Technologies".
  • Laboratory: Hot spot, routing and Quality of Service using the MB-ROMB.
DAY 2
  • Laboratory: Operation modes of the ISP-CPE500AH.
  • Onsite review of the Base Station and three subscriber stations.
  • Wireless test equipment management: Spectrum analyzer, Power Meter, Alignment tools and throughput meter.
The following observations were additionally remarked:
  1. Due to MAPSAT expansion plans, wireless network segmentation is recommended, in that sense all lab tests pointed to that direction.

  2. The Base station installation counts with an appropriate lightning conductor system, though it was found that both the communication equipment and the lightning conductor system shared the same grounding point. It was agreed to make the correction.

  3. The site survey of the electromagnetic spectrum near the location showed complete saturation of 2.4GHz band making this band unusable. This is due to an existing Television operator who has license for it. The 5.8GHz frequency was found free for operation, with detection of one or two more links besides MAPSAT’s using this frequency in the city.






Benefits:

• Internet Service for a rural area where there is not other companies willing to implement wired Internet Services.

• High reliability level of Internet access giving 24hrs, everyday, of continuous operation.

• Multiple built-in services that made low hardware requirements like wireless routing client mode.

• Easy Installation and management for customer equipment, since they have friendly user interface and antenna integrated .

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