Applications
Applications for this new wireless technology include e-mail in trucks, credit card
machines at flea markets, in taxis, in Stokvels, and wireless burglar alarm systems. Fast
Net is operated by SwiftNet, in which Telkom has a shareThe Radio Pad
Installation is as simple as connecting the antenna and the 12 V power source.
Users then simply attach their computing device to the Radio Pad which
then instantly connects them to the Telkom (x.25) packet data network. This in turn
connects the user to a linked organization, be it a bank, credit card company, or burglar
alarm company.
Network Topology
The Pads are linked to via cellular-like topology to a number of "base
stations" - currently numbering over 35 - dotted around the Western Cape, Gauteng and
parts of Natal. The Fast Net base stations, each of which have a range of 25 km, are
linked via high speed leased lines to Telkom's existing x.25 fixed line packet data
system. Each base station is capable of supporting 800 simultaneous users in peak access
periods and around 1,200 in off peak periods.
Fast Net, while it has it's advantages, is limited in
many respects in terms of the mobility of the Radio Pads. While it shines as an
affordable, portable, short duration - "bursty" - wireless data transfer
service, unlike GSM cellphones and their concomitant data/fax facilities, a Radio Pad
cannot roam simply because it is not on a circuit switched network.
To "roam", Fast Net users must first log off
from the system then log on again as they approach the coverage of the next base station.
This makes it impractical for applications such as real-time tracking of cargo and
vehicles. Taxis however could stop and then log on and off for to verify a cheque or
credit card used as payment for that journey.
Tarrifs
Costing for the service has been kept relatively low. Costs per verification are
largely the same as calling the bank using a fixed line phone.
But for a more detailed tariff structure, click here.
All picture & tariffs are from the SwiftNet Web
site.
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