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Summer 2004 Issue |
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The
Frontlines: HSMM |
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In the Winter 2004 issue of CQ VHF we
discussed High Speed Multi-Media (HSMM) applications (Part 1 of “The
Frontlines”) and in the Spring 2004 issue we covered operational
considerations (Part 2). In this concluding part we will now look into our
crystal ball and try to predict how the proposed HSMM Network
Infrastructure (also affectionately know as the Hinternet), may emerge in
the 21st century. The HSMM Working Group is following a systems engineering approach toward the development of a nationwide amateur radio HSMM digital network, as directed by its ARRL charter. Why? The existing amateur radio data networks primarily consisting of 1200- and 9600-baud AX.25 packet radio are becoming totally inadequate to meet the growing requirements of modern mobile computing applications for the following reasons: • Insufficient spectral efficiency—multiple users cannot simultaneously use the same frequency. • Excessively slow data rates —far less than even the typical Internet dial-up speed of <56 kbps. • Very limited linking capabilities—communication should be possible with any station on the air and on the network (or Hinternet, in this case) regardless of location. • No combined, simultaneous data and voice and video capabilities. Although the initial draft of the Hinternet has not yet been approved by the HSMM Working Group and subsequently opened for public comment, we can discuss some of its planned key provisions. Essentially, the Hinternet is intended to be similar to the Internet, but entirely (or at least primarily) for amateur radio.
One key element of the infrastructure
specification and design is linking fixed EmComm sites in a metropolitan
area which will be utilized in emergency settings by radio amateurs. This
entails fixed path links, accessible solely by the target endpoints. Click here to return to Summer 2004 highlights Click here to subscribe to VHF _________________ © Copyright 2004, CQ Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or republished, including posting to a website, in part or in whole, by any means, without the express written permission of the publisher, CQ Communications, Inc. Hyperlinks to this page are permitted.
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