Batboard

Just curious.
What is the use's for this new "Motorola Canopy" setup I heard about?

Canopy is product similar to what "breezecom" produces except the data unit and antenna are "all in one unit". It has a high data transfer rate and is extremely easy to setup, install and maintain. They can provide wi-lan service in up to a 360 degree pattern using a cluster module or "backhaul" service up to 34 miles. (under ideal circumstances, they actually have a system installed doing this). They operate in the 5 ghz range. Very well designed and thought out product. Can be used for sending a wide variety of digital data.

Ok, so if I was interested in sharing my High speed internet (cable connection). I would set up one of these canopy systems at my repeater site and it would share it in a 360º fashion? Up to 34 miles? That seems like the ticket for me to have Wireless net in my car! How expensive is it?

Neat-O!

Anyone see that guy on TV on the News that was putting an antenna out his window and allowing people on the street with PDA's to access the net for free? Bet the ISP was Pi$$ed!

Nick

Code3Response wrote:Ok, so if I was interested in sharing my High speed internet (cable connection). I would set up one of these canopy systems at my repeater site and it would share it in a 360º fashion? Up to 34 miles? That seems like the ticket for me to have Wireless net in my car! How expensive is it?

Nope....doesn't work quite that way. The 34 mile parameter is for "backhauls". There are several kinds of Canopy units. The 'backhaul" Canopy unit is used for sending data over long distances, up to 34 miles under ideal circumstances. If you used the "cluster module" and associated canopy units to cover a 360 degree pattern, your range would be much less and depend on a lot of factors. There should be a Canopy dealer in your area with a demo kit. Find that dealer and ask lots of questions.

Code3Response wrote: How expensive is it?

A lot more than most of us make in a year.....

I saw the specs on the canopy systems not too long ago. They look like interesting systems but don't seem very cost effective right now. Especially with broadband available through the satellites and such. Not to mention just about every cell provider now provides internet over their phones.

Personally I don't see it catching on.

http://www.canopywireless.com/

Canopy is easy to set up, does not cost a lot and can be used for other things besides internet. It is great for private networks between buildings as well.

Nand.

Well, I like the idea, but 2 miles is pretty wimpy! Anyone know of anything else similar, but lets say a 10 mile L.O.S. range?

HI
I WORK AT A MSS WE SELL AND INSTALL CANOPY GEAR PLUS OTHER
BRANDS.
WE HAVE INSTALLED SYSTEMS 21 MILES APART. ALSO SEVERAL COLLAGES . AND COUNTY GOVERMENT. THEY WORK VERY WELL.

DENNIS

My uncle was telling me about like in certain cities on streets they have "areas" marked with a circle or a diamond or a square that you can stand in or near and get internet access. I think that is cool!

Nick

Canopy is a neat idea for rural areas where high speed is not around. I know 2 dealers that are providing the ISP and generating monthly revenue. The cost of user equipment is high but will go down in the future. At this years IWCE, Motorola had several classes regarding canopy. Canopy if I can recall will perform over 7 miles LOS with proper equipment, similar to 18 inch dish hardware, plus modem interface. In addition, Canopy can be used for other devices such as video and monitoring, which several states and large universities are currently using for security around campus. Wi-Fi is what other items people are talking about. It is that 802.11 a, b, f, g device that you can plug into your laptop, PDA, or other devices for high speed connection within a limited local range. It is true there are "hot spots" across the US free internet service. You can research more on the wi fi craze and the hot spots just search "war driving". Yep, they tell you how to make a yagi out of a Pringles can, and how to snoop out open and private networks. Two points need to made when it comes to wi fi. They can be open and free (at large locations such as Airports and coffee shops), or closed and hacked (private wireless LAN). Nonetheless, this comparison is apples and oranges. I will predict that in the future there will be a compliant structure for Wireless Internet services. Until then Canopy can be a great for a revenue for wireless dealer. I live in a community of large homes and high speed cable internet. Now more than ever it is very easy to piggy back on your neighbor wireless LAN just by attaching an antenna to your Wi Fi device. It is interesting to see what people keep on thier computers..and hard drives wink, wink. That is why I went to Cat 5 for networking my home. Hope this input helps...

Be Well
Steve
Crimestopper