So many choices...?
Unfortunately, there is no single "best" one-size-fits-all in the point-to-point wireless tool bag yet. Some day there will be, but not today.
Each alternative has a place based on its + and - characteristics as to Speed, Distance, Latency, Security, Availability, and Cost.
But, to help with a 30,000 foot high-altitude picture of the issues, the below chart may be a useful starting point:
Scale of 1-10 (worst to best)
| Technology | Speed | Distance | Latency | Security | Availability | Cost |
| FSO | 9 | 4 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 7 |
| Telco | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 1 |
| 5.8 RF | 2 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 10 |
| 24 GHz RF | 5 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 5 |
| 60 GHz RF | 9 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 6 |
| 70-80 GHz RF | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 (w/available encryption) | 9 | 5 |
So, as an example, if speed and security are your hot buttons, FSO with a 9 and a 9 respectively is probably something to look at early on.
If speed isn't an issue and long distance and low cost are your main considerations, then 5.8RF with a 9 and a 10 respectively may be your ticket.
Or, a good way to quickly obtain an optimal recommendation is to just go to www.SystemSupportSolutions.com/Quote.htm
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What's HOT, what's not...
Auto tracking? >>
Single vs. multiple beams? >>
Hybrid FSO + RF? >>
850nm vs. 1550nm? >>
Passive vs. Active? >>
Wikipedia on FSO >>
FSO vs. RF? >>
Security? >>
Eye Safety >>
Tell me more!
>>
Where does Free-space Optics fit best? >>
Where does Free-space Optics not fit? >>
Competitive comparison of the major Free-Space Optics solutions. >>
Free-Space Optics White Papers. >>
Who are we, and what’s our motivation for supporting this web site? >>
And last but not least…here’s our Free-Space Optics commercial website for specific product and/or service inquiries. >>
...and our refurbished FSO equipment site. >>