Faster than Fiber

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Until a few years ago, the use of these electromagnetic frequencies that have enabled Gigabeam to build a higher-speed network, were off-limits for two reasons. First, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) approved public use of these high frequencies only in 2003, says Wells. When the FCC finalized the agreement in 2005, GigaBeam began to ship prototypes.

Second, there was no cost-effective material for making transmitters at such frequencies. Wireless transmitters that send traditional signals are made of silicon, which can't operate at frequencies in GigaBeam's range. Within the past few years, Wells says, manufacturing techniques for making high-frequency radio transmitters out of gallium arsenide have improved significantly, making the technology less cost prohibitive.

While working at these frequencies permits high-speed data rates, there's an intrinsic physical challenge: molecules in the atmosphere absorb energy at certain frequencies. To deal with this, GigaBeam exploits those frequencies that are less susceptible to absorption by air and water molecules.

But the technology is still susceptible to heavy rains. In arid conditions, Gigabeam's signal can travel about 10 miles, but in areas where heavy rains occur, says Wells, the company's radios are only guaranteed to push a signal for about a mile, with the transmission will be down for a maximum of only five minutes per year.

Even with its advances, though, Gigabeam faces the same problem as other point-to-point technologies: creating a network with an unbroken sight line. Still, it could offer some businesses an alternative to fiber optics. Currently, a GigaBeam link, which consists of a set of transmitting and receiving radios, costs around $45,000* ($30,000 for 20 or more). But Krzywicki says that improving technology is driving down costs. In addition to outfitting the Trump towers, the company has deployed a link on the campuses of Dartmouth College and Boston University, and two links for San Francisco's Public Utility Commission.

*Correction: We originally stated the cost of a link to be $30,000.