Broadband applications are increasing rapidly on new areas such as CCTV in metros, Wi-Fi access in public transport vehicles and new wireless applications in vehicular environments (DSRC/WAVE-Technologies). These new broadband applications are made possible with new radio systems and network technologies. Industries are moving rapidly towards standardised vehicular radio networks, which are needed for safety, traffic management and mobile payment arrangements. Current solutions and technologies for DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) and WAVE (Wireless Access for Vehicular Environment) are currently under standardisation by IEEE, ETSI and FCC. These new technologies are mainly used by automobile industry for vehicle to infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications. However, commercial development of this area suffers currently from a same problem as new 3G networks; a reliable and high performance solution for backhaul is needed. For this specialised segment of broadband technology, Airspan is proud to introduce a new generation of wireless backhaul technology. Airspan’s ViaNET product line is targeted for the needs of specific industrial and public transport applications, where higher capacities and alternative radio frequencies are needed.

Airspan has developed a pioneering new technology for enabling of broadband applications in vehicular systems. This technology is a robust Wireless Backhaul for Vehicular Environments (WBVE).

Airspan’s ViaNET product line is a unique WBVE technology, which can be used to support multiple applications. Wireless broadband backhaul with ViaNET brings mobility support for environments (underground tunnels, metros, mines, on the ground environments) where such high throughput data backhaul connections have not been possible before. ViaNET system is based on advanced OFDM radios, using both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. OFDM (Orthogonal frequency division multiplex) radio technology works well in both underground and on-the ground environments.

A prime example of ViaNET deployment enables high bandwidth CCTV security camera applications in an urban metro system. There passenger’s safety in metros is supervised via uninterrupted security camera transmissions. In other areas, ViaNET system is used for automation and security applications IP data transport from underground environment to centralised control room.

ViaNET product line is targeted as modular backhaul technology for intelligent transport systems (ITS), meeting demanding requirements for backhaul connectivity for broadband applications in transit and vehicular environments. Airspan’s WBVE technology is differentiated from other wireless technologies via its focus on requirements of effective backhaul solutions. Functional highlights of the system include make before break handovers, zero-delay uninterrupted backhaul connectivity, and high throughput performance with speeds up to over 200 km/h.

ViaNET network provides critical backhaul link and bridges between new on-board vehicular broadband applications (security, automation, Wi-Fi access, real-time marketing displays) and wired backbone for Internet connectivity.

Picture below represents a ViaNET network architecture.