Line of Sight Verification - This is job one. If you're not sure if you have line of sight or how to verify it and you'd like more information on the subject, read: "What Constitutes Line of Sight" and "Verifying Line of Sight". We can also verify line of sight for you.

If you don't have direct line of sight, then your options might include installing a ground based tower or finding a repeater site. The most common repeater sites are taller rooftops, radio and water towers. In most cases, options are plentiful and our experience in drafting lease agreements lends to a successful outcome.

FCC Licensing - Next is to select and reserve a set of frequencies for your FCC license application. You need a "frequency pair" because microwave radios in WAN applications are full duplex and so there's one transmit frequency from A to B and a different transmit frequency for the return path, B to A. For example, a frequency pair in the 23 GHz band would look like this: 23.225, 23.575. The "23" is gigahertz and ".225" is in megahertz.

The license process is in three parts. For those who are interested, here's an overview:

1. Your path data, coordinates, building heights, antenna and radio specifications are entered to the FCC database from which an available set of frequencies is culled. This part of the process is known as "frequency coordination". Available frequencies may be confirmed in as soon as 48-hours, after which they're reserved for your license application.

2. While the reserved frequencies are held in your name, they aren't officially yours until the end of a 30-day notice period called "the PCN" (Prior Coordination Notice). The PCN consists of a mailed form letter, giving thirty day notification of your frequency assignment to other license holders in your area. This gives them an opportunity to dispute any frequency assignment that may have been made in error. While the PCN is important, it shouldn't be cause for concern. Point-to-point licenses for short haul (low power) microwave radios are uncontested. For one, they're not in short supply and second, these are not the same as regional licenses, which are coveted by common carriers and broadcasters.

3. Following the PCN period, we complete your license application form and submit it on-line with the FCC. Once granted, the license is good for 10-years and renewable thereafter.

Pre-Installation - While the PCN is pending and about 30-days prior to equipment delivery we meet with your building manager for guidance in developing an installation plan. In particular, we collaborate on the most suitable antenna location and type of mount (e.g., wall mount, tripod, etc.), drawing from experience and a host of installation drawings, specs and photos. During this visit the cable path is also verified and the distance measured from outdoor to indoor equipment. Upon completion, we're ready to order cable and mounts and schedule your installation.