[Commotion-discuss] Interesting discussion on WISPA listserv about the cable ISP hotspots

[Ben West]

There is an interesting discussion going on right now on the WISPA listserv
(Wireless Internet Service Provider Association) about the hotspots being
hung on coax lines by US cable ISPs like Comcast, Time Warner, etc to
distribute service via 802.11 to existing subscribers.

This was brought about by Comcast's recent appeal to the FCC to free up
more of the 5.GHz band for more "unlicensed" use (aka so they can use the
band for cheaper):
http://corporate.comcast.com/comcast-voices/comcast-testifies-to-congress-today-in-support-of-gigabit-wi-fi-2
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/496570-Comcast_to_Congress_Freeing_Up_More_5_GHZ_WiFi_Spectrum_Is_Crucial.php?rssid=20065

The WISPA discussion archive is only visible to list members, but those
interested should be able to subscribe here:
http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless

The actual hotspot being deployed is a product made by Ruckus, which
apparently retails for a thrifty 5000$US.
http://www.ruckuswireless.com/press/releases/20130610-ruckus-adds-zoneflex-7781cm-access-point-to-its-portfolio
http://www.ruckuswireless.com/products/zoneflex-outdoor/7781cm

Much of the discussion on the WISPA lists includes concern over the cable
operators' apparent apathy over the spectrum pollution they cause (possibly
in 2.4GHz *and* 5.8GHz) by scattering these devices all over creation.  It
would seem that ensuring appropriate TX power levels, so that even the
cable operators' own subscribers get good connection to the APs, may not be
a high priority. :(

A potential upshot is that the very high price for the Ruckus unit could be
used by listmembers here for their own funding applications, to the effect
of, "the cable company pays $5000 for just one of their fancy hotspots!
The same funds could build a mesh across this entire block."  Member of the
WISPA list have already jumped on this very fact, too.


-- 
Ben West
http://gowasabi.net
ben at gowasabi.net
314-246-9434
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