A city-wide broadband wireless IP network has been
launched in Manchester, offering services such as wireless CCTV and
disaster recovery. If successful, the IT model could be adopted by
other cities as an alternative to leased lines.
The network, from Manchester Metronet, offers users network
speeds of between 64kbps and 155mbps or higher. Metronet said it
would link users to the service within five days of order, which is
likely to be faster than establishing private leased lines.
One of the first users of the service is Manchester-based
Community Security, which provides around-the-clock monitoring
services for property owners and schools. It is using the Metronet
service for high-quality wireless CCTV.
The Manchester Metronet service has 13 secure radio points of
presence built on top of high-rise buildings, which provide
coverage to users within the M60 ring road.
The points of presence are linked using a fault-tolerant fibre
optic ring, so network traffic can be rerouted in an emergency. The
Metronet network uses Cisco and Extreme routers and switches.
Users of the service become part of a wireless local loop, which
is delivered via a carrier-grade radio link. Users can access the
broadband radio link by installing a small radio on the exterior of
their building, which is cabled (using Category 5 cable) to their
IT department or monitoring room.
James McCall, director of Manchester Metronet, said the service
would offer users an alternative to BT's fibre optic cable
services, in particular.
Manchester Metronet worked with Manchester City Council, NCP and
Greater Manchester Police to deliver the service.
Manchester Metronet itself acquired £10m worth of network
infrastructure installed by Atlantic Telecom. It then redesigned
and expanded the network, enabling it to carry IP data traffic.
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