The Wireless technology used in the Similkameen Valley network is state of the art, second generation radio equipment in the 5.3 GHz and 5.8 GHz unlicensed frequency bands.

First generation wireless networks used 2.4 GHz radio technology originally designed for in-building wireless local area networks (WLANs) using IEEE 802.11b technology. This technology works well in a small area with a small number of users, but can get congested with a larger number of users over longer distances. The 2.4 GHz spectrum is also getting crowded with portable phones and other short range wireless applications.

The 5.3 and 5.8 GHz technology is used by several suppliers of broadband wireless equipment using proprietary protocols to manage network traffic in a Municipal Area Network (MAN). This allows greater bandwidth to the individual subscriber (up to 10 mbps) and less congestion and interference.

For a more detailed introduction to fixed wireless technology, download this PDF file from the Industry Canada Broadband site: Broadband Technology