Minneapolis Network Has Highest Speeds of Any Metro Wi-Fi Network in The U.S.

USI Wireless is delivering the highest speeds of any metro Wi-Fi network in the U.S. according to preliminary testing by independent third party consulting firm, Novarum. The testing took place in December, 2007.The Minneapolis wireless network, powered by BelAir Networks wireless infrastructure equipment, has consistently delivered industry-leading speed and reliability and was widely applauded by the city for its performance in supporting recovery efforts following the tragic I-35W bridge collapse in 2007. The network was also recently recognized with a W2i Digital Cities Wireless Communities Best Practices Award.

"We committed to delivering the best wireless network possible to the City of Minneapolis," said Joe Caldwell, CEO, USI Wireless. "We have deployed a network architecture that delivers the country's highest performance and stands as a role model for successful municipal wireless networks."

USI Wireless Performance Leads Industry
The USI Wireless network delivered the highest network performance -- for both the 802.11n and internal 802.11g clients -- of any networks that Novarum has tested for the firm's Novarum Wireless Broadband Review (NWBR). Novarum's audit of USI Wireless' Minneapolis Network (Phase 1, Zones 1 and 5) also stated that "laptop clients operating on the network will have Service Availability rivaling 3G networks in the U.S. with twice the performance."

"Many cities are re-evaluating their requirements for citywide wireless networks and USI Wireless has architected and deployed a state-of-art network that truly delivers performance as advertised," said Ken Biba, chief technology officer, Novarum. "Our early tests of the USI Wireless network confirm the value that a well-designed wireless network can provide to a city -- wireless performance that rivals cable and exceeds both 3G and DSL."

Test results also revealed low Round Trip Delay (RTD). This result is consistent with the fact that the network has already proven itself in real-time video surveillance applications, which were used by emergency response teams to monitor the bridge collapse site.

"USI Wireless has set a new standard for citywide wireless networks -- both in their technology and their business model," stated Bernard Herscovich, president and CEO, BelAir Networks. "With Public Safety as a key driver of the Minneapolis network, both USI Wireless and the City understood the importance of deploying the highest-performing wireless mesh technology. We're honored to support this industry-leading network."

Novarum has developed the first standardized benchmarks for overall wireless network performance. The company tests wireless mesh networks world-wide with industry-standard tools and methodology to assess performance, availability and quality of service, from a user perspective. BelAir Networks contracted Novarum to conduct the independent testing of the USI Wireless Network.


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