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What is WDSL?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is WDSL?

A: WDSL stands for Wireless Digital Subscriber Line, and is an innovative, new method of delivering high speed broadband Internet access to residential and business customers. It utilizes new technologies such as MMDS (Multi-channel Multi-point Distribution System) that delivers broadband over a secure, always on, reliable fixed-wireless network at speeds up to 50 times faster than a 56K modem.

Q: How does WDSL work?

A: WDSL is based on an innovative technology called "fixed wireless". Fixed wireless, unlike mobile wireless, uses a stationary digital transceiver placed on a roof that is pointed toward a radio transmission tower to send and receive a signal. The digital transceiver is a small 11"x11" square-shaped device, which is 33% smaller than the common 18" DBS satellite TV dish. The digital receiver receives data and sends it down a coaxial to a wireless cable modem. The broadband modem converts the radio frequency signal into an Ethernet transport layer that carries Internet Protocol (IP) packets to and from the Internet.

Q: Who will be the main users of WDSL?

A: WDSL services are targeted toward small-to-medium sized enterprises, small office/home offices, telecommuters, remote site corporate offices and residential consumers for the economical broadband service.

Q: How will WDSL compete with other broadband offerings?

A: WDSL will compete aggressively against cable modem and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband access by providing downstream burstable rates of up to 3 Megabits per second (Mbps), and average sustained download speeds of up to .5 Mbps. Now customers less likely to be reached by the local phone company will have an attractive option for local broadband access.

Q: Why would a business customer want WDSL?

A: WDSL offers a tremendous benefit to Small Offices/Home Offices (SOHOs) and small businesses by delivering Internet access traditionally enjoyed only by large corporations. WDSL enables smaller businesses to gain access to the same high speed Internet access that might not be available due to the lack of xDSL or two-way cable modem availability.

Businesses can utilize WDSL services to give employees remote access at similar speeds to what they are accustomed to on a corporate Local Area Network (LAN). The service is an excellent choice for companies to employ to create a Virtual Private Network (VPN) across multiple remote offices in the same metroplex. The service allows multiple users to share one high-speed Internet connection and Internet account. Since the connection is wireless, customers won't have to wait on the local telephone company to install new circuits to every location. Wireless World's commercial sales force will be available to assist customers in determining what the best combination of enhanced services is for their business.

Q: How would WDSL be used in the home?

A: With WDSL, residential customers have an instant, high-speed, Internet connection. This enables customers to send and receive e-mail, play games, view video clips and use the Internet at high speeds. WDSL will bring residential users speeds of up to 3 Mbps burst rates downstream, and sustained averages of .5 Mbps downstream and upstream. WDSL will make it possible for customers to access next-generation applications, such as distance learning and telecommuting.

Q: What is involved in the installation of WDSL?

A: Professional Wireless World installers will first conduct a free site survey to ensure availability of WDSL services in your area. Installers will then configure the service and ensure that customers receive the best signal possible. Installations will include mounting a digital transceiver on the customer's premise and running a coaxial cable from the digital transceiver to a wireless cable modem. The customer will be responsible for connecting the modem to a personal computer, which may include the installation of an Ethernet NIC – if needed – and the configuration of software to establish a network connection. Both Windows and Macintosh operating systems are supported.

Q: How can business and residential customers order WDSL?

A: WDSL is available for both business and residential customers. The service will be sold through Wireless World's retail outlets and via a web-based sign-up form on Wireless World's web site at www.wdsl.net.

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