AN-50 Feature Description

AN-50 System Description

(Including Point to Multipoint)
(Release 2.02)

December 2003

Redline Communications Inc.

302 Town Centre Blvd.
Suite 100
Markham, ON
Canada L3R 0E8

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INTRODUCTION
Redline's award winning AN-50 system is a
broadband fixed wireless Ethernet bridge
configurable for Point-to-Point (PTP) and Point
to
Multipoint
(PMP)
operations.
Accommodating backhaul and access functions,
the AN-50 system is the Industry's first true
high-performance cost-effective multi-services
platform that allows operators to quickly
maximize their return on investment (ROI). Its
intuitive remote management system adds to a
system that's remarkably easy to use and install.
The AN-50 system delivers an over-the-air rate
of up to 72 Mbps, providing up to 48 Mbps at
the Ethernet level. With a robust non-line-ofsight (NLOS) capability, IF design with extra
length cable support (up to 500 feet), audible
antenna alignment and diagnostic capabilities
for Ethernet and wireless ports, the AN-50
addresses the most challenging of deployment
scenarios and makes installation and support
hassle free. Unlike other systems, the AN-50
features nine user selectable channels that can be
assigned during deployment on a bestperformance basis. The system also features a
proprietary private key 64-bit encryption scheme
to enhance security over the air.

antennas to provide high directivity for longrange operations beyond 80 kilometers (50
miles) in line-of-sight conditions, and over 10
kilometers (6 miles) in NLOS. The PMP mode
features 90 and 60 degree antennas to provide
sectorial coverage out to ranges beyond 25 km
(15 miles), depending on the permitted
regulatory power limits. For customers who
have existing PTP systems, the units can be
easily upgraded to a PMP variant through a
software upgrade and a sector antenna at the
base station.
The AN-50 system provides these unique
advantages:

High data rates

Robust performance in LOS, Optical Line of
Sight, and Non Line of Sight applications
through the use of OFDM technology
Very low latencies
Extended range (links beyond 50 miles or 80
km are possible in point to point mode)

The AN-50 system operates in the licenseexempt band of 5.8 GHz. Maximizing spectral
efficiency is a critical factor that directly impacts
the bottom line. The AN-50 rises to this
challenge by supporting up to eight modulation
schemes (from BPSK to 64 QAM) in order to
adjust to link quality to provide the highest
throughput for a given deployment scenario.
In PTP mode, the AN-50 system is equipped
with a selection of flat plate and parabolic

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW

density per cell through frequency reuse,

provides higher spectral efficiency through
frequency reuse, higher gain (at greater
distances) and provides greater flexibility in
dealing with external interference. In terms of
capacity, the 60 -degree pattern can provide a
sixfold increase in bandwidth over an omni
pattern, while at the same time providing a
threefold improvement in spectral efficiency. A
90 degree sectorization scheme can four times
the bandwidth, and also provide a doubling in
spectral efficiency. This is achieved by reusing
the bandwidth for example, assume there are
two channels, A and B. In terms of interference,
a narrower sector provides finer granularity in
isolating and re-allocating channels to avoid the
problem, whereas a larger sector has less
flexibility. This is an important consideration
when trying to limit the initial capital
expenditure necessary to create and grow the
network

The AN-50 system for both the Base Station (BS)

and Subscriber Station (SS) is comprised of an
indoor terminal and outdoor transceiver/
antenna connected by an IF Cable. The cable can
extend up to 500 feet using standard RG-11
Commercial Cable wiring.

Outdoor Transceiver
& Antenna

Indoor Terminal
In PTP mode, only two stations can
communicate with each other, while in PMP
mode, multiple Subscriber Station(s) can
communicate with the Base Station. In PMP
mode, the Redlines advanced Media Access
Control (MAC) incorporates a polling algorithm
to support different throughputs to each
individual subscriber station from a single base
station sector. Note that multiple sectors can be
installed on a single roof-top or tower to provide
multi-sector coverage.

Another means of gracefully growing the

network, using narrower sectors, is to begin with
a single sector, and then, as the customer base
grows in other directions, to add sectors until
full coverage is achieved. This is shown below,
starting with one sector, to three and then to the
full 6 * 60-degree sectors in final deployment.

The AN-50 base station PMP system supports

both 60 and 90 degree cell sectorization, as
illustrated below.

Growing the Network.

Illustrated below is a sample hybrid PTP/PMP
sectorized multi-cell deployment constructed
using 60-degree antennas. In this configuration,
the same system is used to support selfbackhaul, leveraging common equipment and
network management assets. In multi-sector or

The advantage of the narrower 60 -degree beam

antenna is that it achieves higher subscriber

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multi-cell deployments, proper frequency

planning is essential in order to avoid the
possibility of co-channel interference.

Educational Institutions and Campuses

Public Security & Surveillance

Single Sector PMP Deployment.

A) Carriers
Hybrid PTP/PMP.

The AN-50 system provides benefits to carriers.

Although carriers provide services over their
own wireline infrastructures within a specific
geographical area, they are faced with the
challenges of reaching outlying regions suffering
from poor to no service. Traditionally,
incumbents are usually compelled to provide an
expensive solution using a series of PTP radio
links, with low throughput (e.g., T1) and costly
license fees and network interfaces including T1
multiplexers. The AN-50 system provides a costeffective alternative, by connecting a remote site
from the local Central Office (CO) as shown
below. Additional remote sites can be deployed
using the PMP variant.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE AN-50 SYSTEM?

This section describes various applications
addressed by the AN-50 system. All applications
are applicable to both PTP and PMP
deployments. Although PMP offers significant
cost saving benefits over PTP deployments, this
must be balanced against throughput and range
trade-offs associated with PMP. The figure
below illustrates a typical single sector PMP
deployment. As shown, a single BS can service
multiple subscriber stations within its antenna
coverage area.
CoS/QoS is guaranteed in terms of Committed
Information Rate (CIR) at each SS.
The AN-50 system is an ideal solution for:

Carriers

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Enterprises

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Wireless Extension for Carriers.

secure format using encryption to protect

sensitive information.

The same challenges are faced by CAPs and

CLECs, who can use the AN-50 system to:
Extend their existing fiber network, and
Establish a remote Point of Presence
(POP).
B) Internet Service Providers
The AN-50 system is perfect for ISPs looking to
provide cost-effective broadband solutions to
demanding business customers. As well, the
AN-50 is well suited for Multiple Tenant Units
(MTU) and backhaul for Hotspots/Internet
Cafs. High-speed leased lines are expensive
and hard to obtain, especially from local
telephone companies. Wireless access provides
a reliable quality of service over longer
distances, while avoiding Telco access fees.

Wireless Solution For Enterprise.

D) Educational Institutions and Campuses
The World Wide Web is a key element within
the education system today, with fixed wireless
access systems serving as an important enabler
in bringing Internet content to the student body.
Fixed wireless systems such as the AN-50
provide a cost effective means of creating a
backbone for connecting existing and new
campus
buildings
to
the
educational
infrastructure to support distance learning and
two-way interactive training.

Wireless Solution For ISPs.

C) Enterprises
Enterprises, including commercial entities,
municipalities, utilities, hospitals, etc., are
particularly frustrated by the lack of broadband
connectivity to remote offices, factories, or
warehouses. Establishing a LAN solution over
several remote locations presents a significant
inter-network challenge using conventional
wireline solutions. The AN-50 system is well
suited
for
addressing
LAN
extension
requirements, offering superior data rates in a

Redline Communications Inc.

Wireless Solution for MTUs.

E) Public Security and Surveillance
Public service and security organizations such as
police and fire departments frequently require
high-speed data collection for the fixed links to
remote branches and for nomadic links for

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temporary field locations.

The AN-50 system
can be set up in a field location in a matter of
hours, in less than ideal antenna locations.
Nomadic mobility is enhanced by the automatic
frequency scanning feature that allows a remote
subscriber station to scan frequency channels

Some features differ in point to multipoint

mode:

Supports up to 256 SS per sector

Up to eighteen different 18 levels of

committed information rates (CIR) can be
configured for each subscriber station

Up to 8 modulation/coding combinations
are preselected and fixed for each subscriber
station

when connecting to a different base station.

Video surveillance cameras providing high
quality images require high speed data
transport. The AN-50 can provide transport for
surveillance video under a variety of harsh
deployment conditions.

In Point to Multipoint Mode the operator assigns

each user the most appropriate level of
modulation and coding to optimize speed and
link quality based on signal strength and signal
to noise variables.

AN-50 System Features

The Redline AN-50 system includes several key
features to mitigate the effects of interference
arising from other systems operating co-channel
in the vicinity, as well as coping with
propagation anomalies such as multipath. These
features include:

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex

(OFDM) Processing
The Redline OFDM technique offers tremendous
robustness in the presence of harsh multipath
interference and non-line of sight deployment
conditions.

The AN-50 system delivers an industry leading

over-the-air rate of up to 72 Mbps in PTP mode,
equivalent to 48 Mbps at the Ethernet level.

The ability to operate in the presence of

extensive multipath allows the AN-50 to achieve
a reliable link even when the link has a partially
obstructed fresnel zone. This allows the AN-50
to be installed in many locations that would not
be available with conventional LOS-only
technologies.
For example, operators can
frequently utilize lower antenna locations. The
ability to use smaller towers, lower tower
locations, and smaller building roof-tops
represent significant cost savings.

Other key features:

OFDM technology for multipath interference

tolerance, and protection from frequency
specific fading
Field proven robust 5.8 GHz non-line-ofsight (NLOS) capabilities and unrivalled
range, even when the fresnel zone is
obstructed
Dynamic Adaptive modulation in point to
point mode selects from a possibility of eight
different modulation/coding combinations
Advanced interference rejection technologies
Automatic Frequency Scanning
Built-in support for dual AC/DC power
supply option

Redline Communications Inc.

Over the air data encryption

The robustness of OFDM is also enhanced by its

tolerance to frequency selective fading.
The
data in an OFDM system is transmitted over
multiple carriers. A frequency selective fade will
usually only affect a small number of carriers.
Through the use of redundancy techniques the

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Typical Ethernet Data Rates and Ranges for

Point-to-Point applications
RANGE*
DATA
(Mi/Km)
RATE
Point to Point
(Mbps)

OFDM system can compensate for the loss of a

carrier.

Adaptive Modulation and Coding

In Point to Point mode, the AN-50 terminal
automatically selects a modulation and coding
scheme in both upstream and downstream
directions on a burst-by-burst basis to maximize
spectral efficiency based on a patented feedback
process.

BPSK
QPSK
QAM16
QAM64

LOS

OLOS

8.

31/49

24/38

17

27/43

20/33

33

24/38

18/29

48

10/16

6/10

*Range assumes 4.5 degree PTP antennas

LOS = Line of Sight
OLOS = Optical Line of Sight

Adaptive modulation will also allow a point to

point link to run at the highest available speed at
all times. Thus data speeds consistent with
conservative link budget estimates are
frequently exceeded during periods when link
conditions are excellent.

Greater point to point ranges are available using 3 and 4

parabolic antennas.

Typical Ethernet Data Rates and Ranges for

Point-to-Multipoint applications
DATA
RANGE*
RATE
(Mi/Km)
(Mbps)
Point to
Multipoint

Redlines Adaptive Modulation and coding

technique is based on maintaining an industryleading bit error rate (BER) of 1x10-9, meeting
carrier-class reliability specifications.
In point to multipoint mode, the preferred
modulation and coding type is pre-selected as
each subscriber station is configured.

BPSK
QPSK
QAM16
QAM64
2/3
QAM64
3/4

Advanced Error Correction

In addition to conventional forward error
correction techniques, the AN-50 terminal uses
an Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) scheme to
dramatically reduce errors from interference and
multipath.

LOS

OLOS

8.6

18/29

13/21

17

15/25

8/12

33

13/21

9/14

43

5/8

3/5

47

4/6

2/3

*Range assumes 4.5 degree antennas on subscriber end and

16 dB sector antenna on the base station end
LOS = Line of Sight
OLOS = Optical Line of Sight

Maximum ranges in NLOS configurations are

heavily dependent on the local conditions.

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associated antennas as well as the operational

expenditure of new antenna installations.

Narrow Beam Width

AN-50 customers will continue to enjoy all of the

AN-50 benefits, including robust NLOS
operation and industry leading data
throughputs, while taking full advantage of the
cost savings associated with distributing
bandwidth across multiple subscribers.
Redlines PMP offering delivers one of the
lowest price per Megabit solutions in the
industry.

Narrow antenna beams considerably reduce the

probability of interference entering the system.
In addition to the anti-interference features
described above, the AN-50 system also holds
several other competitive advantages:

High Bandwidth Efficiency

"Over-the-Air" Security

Guaranteed Data Rates

AN-50 Point to Multipoint
The Point to Multipoint solution allows for easy
definition of customer Service Level Agreements
(SLAs), providing 18 different data rates in
terms of Committed Information Rate (CIR).

Redlines PMP solution offers a cost effective

alternative to the deployment of multiple PTP
links that aggregate at a common location. AN50 PMP is ideal for:

Multipoint backhaul applications

High performance access (eg. Banks,

MTUs, school boards, municipal
buildings.)

Essentially CIR guarantees to the user a specific

data rate on a continuous long-term basis under
normal conditions. One CIR level can be
associated per Subscriber Station and therefore
subtracts from the aggregate bandwidth
available for all other users in the sector.

Additional benefits are provided based on the

industrys highest bandwidth (up to 48 Mbps)
per sector:

Redlines PMP software uses unique Connection

Identifiers (CIDs), over the wireless link. CIDs
distinguish between individual services
terminating at subscriber stations. Data is
carried over these CIDs that form dedicated
pathways through the network. In Release 2.01,
by default 1 CID is assigned per SS. In
subsequent releases the number of CIDs
available to each SS will increase.

Fewer channels more flexible frequency

reuse scheme
Fewer antennas less Capex / Opex
Fewer devices greater reliability

In PTP, on either side of each link, a dedicated

AN-50 terminal is needed to interface to the local
networking equipment. In PMP, one side is
designated as the Base Station site, and is shared
by all the wireless links serviced in the BSs
antenna coverage area. When compared with
PTP, this results in dramatic overall savings, at
the BS site, by eliminating the capital
expenditure on new terminals and their

Redline Communications Inc.

The amount of data allowed onto the network is

regulated by the AN-50 Base Station. Traffic
contracts can be asymmetric, allowing operators
to tailor service levels to their subscribers
unique traffic requirements.

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The mappings of CIDs are provisioned through

network management using a web based
Graphical User Interface (GUI). In subsequent
releases support will be introduced for a
Command Line Interface (CLI), remotely via
telnet, or locally via the serial port, as well as for
RedAccess, Redlines SNMP based Network
Management System.

Disaster Recovery - immediate recovery

of data from a backup site
Offsite Data Mirroring - saving data to an
offsite backup server simultaneous with
normally scheduled backups.
Alternative to fiber optic extension links

With its capacity for high throughput and

guaranteed data rates, as described below, the
AN-50 is also ideally suited for the delivery of
real-time, delay sensitive, services that include:

The AN-50 MAC uses a request/grant polling

mechanism to determine which subscriber
station requires bandwidth. This is achieved by
periodically polling each subscriber station to
determine if there is a request for bandwidth. If
the SS requests bandwidth then the MAC
allocates the appropriate number of time slots, in
both the downstream and upstream direction, in
accordance with specific Class of Service (CoS)
requirements. The Committed Information rate
(CIR) parameters define the minimum rates
allowed for each SS.

VoIP
Video Conferencing
High Definition Video Surveillance

For the service provider, the AN-50 addresses:

With multiple subscriber stations vying for

bandwidth, the MAC ensures that time slots are
allocated in a balanced manner. The MAC will
allocate bandwidth in a proportional manner to
the subscriber stations according to their varying
QoS priorities.

Backhaul for ISPs and Wireless ISPs

Hotspot Backhaul
Access solutions to High density MTU,
and MDU sites

Product Migration
Previous Generation AN-50 terminals are field
upgradeable to the present AN-50 Base Station
functionality level by upgrading to system
software Release 2.02. Some installed system
will need to install an interim release 1.12 .
Contact your technical support representative
for planning assistance.

AN-50 Point to Multipoint - BENEFITS

Some of the many value added services
available include1:

TLS (Transparent LAN Service): Layer 2

bridged interconnection, including the
transfer of large volumes of traffic such
electronic mail with attachments, file
directory sharing, and database enquiries

3rd party equipment may be required for certain

applications.
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Questions and Answers

install antennas at lower heights due to our

OFDM technology. This translates into simpler
and much less expensive rooftop leasing
arrangements as well as faster system
deployments.

Q: How do I upgrade to PMP if I already have a

PTP version?
A: Upgrade is achieved by downloading, over
the air or directly to the AN-50, the PMP
software. As well, the AN-50 that will be
designated as the Base Station, will have to be
outfitted with a sector antenna, replacing the
original PTP antenna.

Q: What configurations tools does the AN-50

offer?
A: Several tools are provided to facilitate the
configuration and management of each AN-50
link. The Point to Point version is configurable
through Telnet, console port, CLI SNMP and a
web based Graphical User Interface. When
SNMP support is enabled, Redlines RedAccess
Network Management System is also available.
On the Point to Multipoint version: Telnet,
Console Port, CLI and SNMP support will be
provided in a future release. With both the
PMP and PTP versions an audible antenna
alignment tone indicates signal strength through
varying pitch, right on the outdoor unit

Q: Will I be able to control bandwidth

individually to each end user?
A: The AN-50 PMP system features 18 levels of
unique CIR (Committed Information Rate)
values that allows data rates to be controlled to
each subscriber station. Different rates can be
defined in steps of 32 Kbps, to each subscriber
station.
Q: Do I lose anything in terms of performance
with the PMP variant?
A: Almost the same throughput and same robust
performance for which the AN-50 PTP has
become world renowned, is available in the PMP
version. Of course, with multiple subscriber
stations simultaneously sharing the aggregate
bandwidth, data throughput to each subscriber
station will be divided accordingly, depending
on the overall over-subscription strategy
adopted. Nevertheless, the overhead associated
with implementing the PMP version over the
PTP performance will introduce a maximum of
45 Mbps in PMP mode of operation.

Q: Why is TDD well suited to PMP?

A: The AN-50 uses time division duplex (TDD)
rather than frequency division duplex (FDD) to
communicate over the air. TDD involves
transmitting and receiving on the same channel,
unlike FDD which requires two dedicated
channels: one for transmit and the other for
receive. The advantage of TDD is that it
optimizes the use of the channel according to the
actual transmit-receive symmetry of the data
traffic flow, similar to the manner in which
Ethernet operates. This is significant in PMP
deployments where traffic patterns are most
likely to be asymmetrical. FDD, on the other
hand, has a fixed symmetry, so that spectrum is
wasted should the traffic symmetry not match
the FDD channel bandwidth allocation.

Q: How difficult is installation, in terms of time

and money?
A: The AN-50 is easy to install and maintain.
The system benefits from next generation
wireless technologies translating to a smaller
equipment foot-print including associated
antennas, faster installation through its
integrated antenna alignment tools, lower cost
and easy to install IF cabling, and the ability to

Redline Communications Inc.

Q: With multiple subscribers in a sector how is

traffic secured over the air?

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A: The AN-50 features a comprehensive

encryption scheme with private keys to ensure
the data traffic is protected.

the AN-50s low latency and ability to maintain

QoS, over the wireless link, makes it ideally
suited to time-sensitive traffic streams like VoIP.

Q: Does the PMP software support VoIP and

other services?
A: Yes, the AN-50 is essentially a layer 2 device,
and as such is transparent to all higher layer
applications, including VoIP. More importantly,

Q: Is the AN-50 supported by an Network

Management System?
A: Yes the AN-50 is supported by SNMP and by
Redlines own NMS: RedAccess.

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AN-50 System Specifications

AN-50 System Specifications
System Capability
RF Band
Channel Center
Frequencies
Channel Size
RF Dynamic Range
Modulation/Throughput

Maximum Tx Power
Rx Sensitivity
IF Cable
Network Attributes

Provisioning
Modulation

Over The Air Encryption

Nomadic Feature
System Latency
MAC

Max Range

Non-line-of-sight operations, PTP / PMP mode

ISM Band - 5.725 - 5.825 GHz
17 Center Frequencies spaced at 5 MHz increments
20 MHz
> 50 dB
Modulation

Coding Rate

BPSK
BPSK
QPSK
QPSK
16 QAM
16 QAM
64 QAM
64 QAM

Over The
Air Rate
(Mbps)
12
12
24
24
48
48
72
72

Uncoded
Burst Rate
(Mbps)
6
9
12
18
24
36
48
54

Average Ethernet Rate

(Mbps)
Point to Point
5.7
8.6
11.5
17
22
33
43
48

+20 dBm (region dependent)

-86 dBm at 6 Mbps (based on BER of 1x10-9)

Maximum length up to 250 ft (76m) using RG6U / 500 ft (152m) using high-grade
RG11U
Transparent bridge
DHCP passthrough
VLAN passthrough
802.1q (point to point mode)
Best effort, Committed Information Rate (CIR) (point-to-multipoint)
Dynamic Adaptive Modulation (bi-directional) auto selects:
BPSK QPSK 16 QAM 64 QAM (Pt-to-Pt Mode)
Dynamic Adaptive Coding (bi-directional) auto selects: , ,
64-bit private key encryption
Automatic Frequency Scanning (Pt-to-Multipoint mode)
Typically <2 ms Point to Point
Point to Point or Point to Multipoint
Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) error correction
Concatenation/Fragmentation
Range varies with each antenna gain, and modulation rate selected.
Over 10 km / 6 miles non-line-of sight
Over 80 km / 50 miles line-of-sight
Up to 30 km / 19 miles Point to Multipoint

Network Services
Duplex Technique
Wireless Transmission
Backhaul Connection
System Configuration
Redundant power

Transparent to 802.3 services and applications

Dynamic TDD (time division duplex)
OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing)
10/100 BT Ethernet (RJ45)
Web interface (PMP)
Web interface, SNMP, Telnet, CLI, Console port (PTP)
Optional Dual AC/DC Power Supply, with automatic fail-over

*Note Max. Operational Power Per Channel depends on Country regulatory limits.
**Specs subject to change.

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AN-50 System Specifications continued.

Power Requirements

110/220/240 VAC (auto-sensing) 50/60 Hz, 48 VDC, 39W maximum

Operating Temperature
Range

AN-50 (Indoor Unit)

0C to +55C
T-58: (Outdoor Unit) -40C to +60C

Wind Loading

AN-50 Radio: maximum loading 137 mph/220 km/hr

AN-50 Dimensions

17 x 12 x 1.75 / 431.8 mm x 304.8 mm x 44.45 mm

Component Weights

AN-50 Terminal . 2.0 kg

T-58 Transceiver 1.0 kg
Vertical Mast Bracket Kit .. 3.0 kg
Vertical Mast Bracket Hardware Kit 0.5 kg
Universal Mast Bracket Hardware Kit 0.5 kg
Cable, F Male/F Male, RG6, Messenger Wire, 100 ft
1 to 16 kg
Antenna (depends on specific type)

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