LightPointe’s CeBIT exhibit showcases new 4th generation Free Space Optics bridges and 60/70/80 GHz radios, as recent sales hit 15 year record

Hannover, Germany (March 7, 2012): – LightPointe, a manufacturer of 4th generation Free Space Optics (FSO), Hybrid Optical-Radio wireless bridges, and 60/70/80 GHz millimeter wave backhaul solutions, announced that it is exhibiting at the CeBIT tradeshow in Hannover, Germany through March 10th in Hall 13, Stand B10. In addition, the company announced that it has added a new model to its HyBridge Series, which utilizes a combination of optical laser technology combined with radio frequency electronics for transmitting data or video at over one Gigabit per second. The new HyBridge LXR-5 includes built-in failsafe features for optimum performance and reliability under all weather conditions.

Due to the exponential growth in wireless broadband demand from mobile devices such as the iPhone, Google Android smartphones and the iPad tablet, the need for point-to-point backhaul solutions, which are also used for building connectivity in school and business campuses, has risen sharply. Such wireless bridges as the HyBridge LXR-5 enable super-fast throughput for backhaul networks supporting such devices and Enterprise data needs.

“When the numbers came in for last year, and we finished 2011 with the strongest December in our 15 year history, we decided to build on our strategy of offering customers the best choice of Millimeter Wave Backhaul Solutions, Free Space Optics and Hybrid Optical-Radio Bridges,” said Dr. Heinz Willebrand, president and CEO of LightPointe. “The popularity of our first model in the HyBridge Series, the affordable single-beam SXR-5, has encouraged us to add the LXR-5 to the model lineup. The HyBridge LX models utilize LightPointe’s exclusive 4-beam auto tracking technology, with overlapping beams to multiple receivers for redundancy. The units also feature our DualPath™ architecture and patented AirePex™ intelligent switching, which includes an algorithm to automatically choose between optical and RF modes depending on conditions. The combination of four redundant optical transmission beams with RF backup creates a reliable high performance Ethernet bridge. In addition, the HyBridge units are easy to install with Cat5e or 6 and PoE, so there’s no cost running AC power to the units, and a fiber interface is optional for longer cable runs.”

For organizations concerned about data security, optical technology is regarded as one of the most secure solutions available, offering literally pin-point transmission without the high installation and recurring costs associated with alternatives such as leased-line services or radio frequency licensing. LightPointe’s HyBridge Series utilizes license-free fiber-like optical wireless and radio technology, for fast and cost effective installation without the need to trench for fiber optic cables or pay monthly leased-line T1 rates.

The HyBridge LXR-5, which includes an integrated radio, is also joined by the HyBridge LX, a “radio ready” bridge enabling customers to add their own new or legacy radio. LightPointe has tested or plans to test certain product models of sub-Gigabit backhaul and LAN bridges from companies including Lancom, Tranzeo, RAD, Ubiquiti and others.

“The industry has come full circle with regard to Free Space Optics bridges,” said Todd Easterling, principle at Easterling & Associates, which provides research, strategy and corporate development services. “LightPointe, which pioneered affordable FSO products for telecommunications beginning in 1998, has emerged once again as a key manufacturer in the sector, with half a dozen new 4th generation Gigabit bridges introduced the past six months. Free Space Optics bridges have gained momentum due to four main reasons. First, the technology has improved. Some units utilize four overlapping laser beams with auto-tracking, which provides superior reliability, and equipment latency in some models is less than 20 nanoseconds. That, combined with the speed-of-light advantages of laser technology, has made the newest equipment ideal for Carriers needing small cell backhaul solutions and bandwidth for the proliferation of cellphones, tablets and other devices. That demand simply wasn’t there when Free Space Optics originally came on the scene. Likewise, businesses, hospitals and schools also have to deal with building and campus connectivity challenges due to ever-increasing requirements to store and transmit extremely large files for data and video. The industry has also recently seen demand from unique market segments, such as for High Frequency Computerized Stock Trading, where Free Space Optics technology can outrun fiber optics and RF transmission techniques. Equipment latency is so low—and the speed-of-light performance advantages of Free Space Optics transmission are so great—that the signal from the most advanced FSO bridges traveling at 300,000 km/s through the air will outrun a fiber optics cable signal traveling at 200,000 km/s in less than 20 meters. And in another example, when compared to traditional Layer 2 radio frequency bridges with ~50 microseconds equipment latency on the transmission side alone, light can travel 10 miles before the RF signal even leaves the Layer 2 radio. The design of today’s best Free Space Optics units is so advanced, the units on each side of a link, combined, add less than 1% delay to the speed-of-light transmission for a one mile link.”

“The second reason Free Space Optics is gaining market share is that radio frequency congestion, interference and licensing costs have made it more and more difficult and costly to deploy radios in many frequency bands used for point-to-point communications. Thirdly, Free Space Optics technology has come down in price since the early days, with Gigabit capacity systems hitting a street price of less than US$10,000 for a complete Ethernet bridge. Lastly, organizations deploying wireless bridges are more concerned today about security issues, and Free Space Optics is regarded as one of the most secure wireless point-to-point solutions available. The laser signals are virtually impossible to successfully intercept. Clearly there is need for a full spectrum of point-to-point technologies, and the companies which can offer a combination of radio frequency, Free Space Optics and hybrid-optical bridges can best provide their customers with the ideal solution based on performance needs and ROI.”

About LightPointe Communications, Inc.
LightPointe, a pioneer in outdoor wireless connectivity since 1998, manufactures high-speed wireless point-to-point solutions based on patented free-space optics (FSO) and millimeter wave (MMW) technology. The products are optimized for carrier networks (LTE, cellular, mobile) and enterprise building connectivity, including private networks, WiFi backhaul and security (video) surveillance transmission. LightPointe is headquartered in San Diego, California and is privately held. The company is majority-owned by Berg & Berg Enterprises, a leading Silicon Valley investment firm with holdings of ~$550,000,000.

LightPointe Communications, Inc.
11696 Sorrento Valley Road, Ste 101
San Diego, CA 92121
+1 858.834-4083
Fax: 858.430-3458
Contact: Todd Easterling

This release was published on openPR.