Wi-Fi technology is advancing beyond the usage model of providing indoor, short-range wireless Internet access to mobile computers. The extended range of Wi-Fi access points developed by Xirrus now provides indoor/outdoor coverage across entire campuses, and this will also eliminate data wiring infrastructures for other types of electronic equipment, such as advanced security cameras, in those environments, according to John DiGiovanni, director of marketing for Xirrus.

Xirrus has revealed that its XS-3900 Wi-Fi Array significantly outperformed a leading Enterprise-class access point in outdoor range tests performed by The Tolly Group. Outdoor range tests were conducted between a pair of Xirrus XS-3900 Wi-Fi Arrays, which each have 16 high-gain, multi-sector antennas. Another set of range tests were conducted between a single Wi-Fi Array and an end-user station using a standard 802.11a/b/g wireless card.

The highlights of the tests revealed that Xirrus’ Wi-Fi Array:

• Provides up to 48 Mbps data rate connection from a distance of 2700 feet in Wireless Distribution System mode
• Covers an actual distance of 1700 feet using a single Xirrus XS-3900 Wi-Fi Array
• Delivers up to 15 Mbps of TCP throughput over a distance of 2700 feet in Wireless Distribution System mode
• Provides up to a 6 Mbps data rate connection from a distance of 1700 feet using a single Xirrus XS-3900 Wi-Fi Array

By providing aggregate throughout of 15 Mbps at distances over a half mile, Xirrus’ Array functionality also makes it an ideal solution for many network managers charged with delivering connectivity in large city environments where cabling is either impractical or impossible. To operate in these potentially harsh environments, the Wi-Fi Array is installed in a weatherized, environmentally controlled enclosure.

While outdoor environments present many challenges, certain indoor environments present their own unique set of difficulties. Hospitals, for example, can in some cases cover as much area as an outdoor campus, yet present harsh or sensitive RF environments that inhibit wireless communications.

DiGiovanni stated that Xirrus is exploring deployment options for its Wi-Fi technology in hospitals. Two major issues encountered deal with seamless coverage and providing voice applications support to the hospital staff.

Achieving the goal of full Wi-Fi deployment in hospitals will benefit from basic advances in the indoor performance of Wi-Fi equipment. One potential milestone in this effort may have been at Interop New York 2006. Here, 11 Wi-Fi Arrays from Xirrus provided wireless access coverage across an area of over 350,000 sq. ft. to 2000 people. The previous year, a different vendor required 70 conventional access points to provide Wi-Fi services.