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DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION
FOR THE GLOBAL GRID COMMUNITY / SEPTEMBER 15, 2003: VOL. 2 NO. 37
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Breaking News -
Networking:
SiriCOMM Network Technology Under
Evaluation
SiriCOMM Inc, an applications service provider and nationwide broadband
wireless network operator serving the highway transportation industry,
announced that Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is evaluating the
Company's network technology for use within state Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS) solutions. A SiriCOMM network has been installed since early
summer at VTTI's facility.
"VTTI is always looking for innovative technologies that have potential to
impact ITS," said Dr. Aaron Schroeder, director of the Center for Technology
Deployment at VTTI. "SiriCOMM's technology is an exciting solution capable of
influencing many areas within state ITS programs. One area of particular
interest is remote traffic management systems, which includes cameras and
detectors to monitor traffic."
VTTI is developing a multi-hop Wi-Fi solution that would be used in place
of
fiber networks. States spend millions of dollars each year building or
extending existing ITS infrastructure. This solution would enable continued
growth at greatly reduced costs.
"VTTI will be testing the network's ability to integrate with our multi-hop
solution. Successful results will enable our technology to be installed in
even remote locations," added Schroeder.
SiriCOMM's network solution is an industry-leading convergence of IEEE
802.11
wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networking and satellite communications. The
technology combination creates a unique opportunity capable of serving any
North American location with cost efficient, high-speed Internet access. The
satellite channel utilizes patented and patent pending processes that make
available higher than normal data transmission rates while reducing latency
delays. The system is capable of transmitting data at up to 48 megabits per
second and has response times that typically are one-third less than that of
traditional satellite data solutions.
SiriCOMM's high-speed satellite data service delivers key advantages, e.g.
location, throughput and cost, over conventional Wi-Fi hot spots. The primary
benefit is that a hot spot can be set up virtually anywhere. Location is no
longer determined based on access to communication services. In addition, the
high data rate alleviates network congestion problems. Typically, Wi-Fi
networks are serviced by T1, which provides 1.544 megabits per second
throughput. Those connections become major bottlenecks to 11-megabits per
second (802.11b) or 54-megabits per second (802.11a,g) wireless radios.
Furthermore, SiriCOMM's satellite-based Wi-Fi hot spots are on average less
expensive to operate than those serviced by T1.
"We are excited to be working with VTTI and anticipate many successful
outcomes. Our network is an ideal solution for remote traffic monitoring and
communications systems," said Kory Dillman, SiriCOMM executive vice president
and chief information officer. "The satellite backhaul makes possible cost
efficient broadband communications in locations that typically would be
difficult to service with traditional land-based solutions."
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