Fraunhofer WiBACK
Fraunhofer WiBACK

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How to get your WiBACK Network?

You are an Internet service provider and want to serve the supply bottlenecks of your region or sell Internet services outside the price-performance sweet spot of your current infrastructure?

Wherever a reliable and cost-effective solution is needed to provide connectivity temporarily or over an extended period of time, WiBACK is the solution.

To purchase equipment for a WiBACK network, please contact our worldwide distributor DeFuTech.

If you would like to license the WiBACK technology or integrate it with your other components, please contact Fraunhofer FIT at info@wiback.org. 

 

Distribution Partner

DeFuTech UG – Deutsche Funktechnik is the main associate and spin-off company of Fraunhofer FIT’s WiBACK team and is responsible for production, distribution and support. This makes them the central contact point and supply partner for the implementation of WiBACK networks worldwide.

DeFuTech

Partners wanted

The availability of broadband Internet cannot be taken for granted today, especially because of the high costs of building and operating the infrastructure. WiBACK technology offers high-quality plug-and-play wireless networks for cost-effective broadband connectivity beyond city limits.

In addition to worldwide partners in Germany, Portugal, Central America, and India, we are looking for more partners to bring Internet access into underserved areas and to close the Digital Divide using WiBACK Technology.

For more information, please contact us (mailto:info@wiback.org).

For first timers: how to set up your WiBACK network

In four steps to your WiBACK network: planning, site survey, set up and operation.

We are pleased that you are interested in the further procedure of setting up your WiBACK network. If you want to make it your goal to ‘connect the unconnected’ and perhaps do not yet know what the steps from the basic concept to the finished network look like, we will be happy to help you on your way. 

1. Network planning 

With the premise that you know where you want to build your network, you can plan a network in just a few steps by using Google Earth. This will give you a good first overall impression of which network structures are feasible without the need for costly on-site planning. 

On faithful maps, place markers can be added for the desired positions where the network nodes will later be located. After the place markers have been set, possible radio links can be identified. In addition to their linear distance, the terrain profile between two nodes needs to be examined. It is imperative to ensure that the nodes are not too far apart and that a line of sight (LOS) is maintained between them. If this is not the case, a possible bypass solution must be sought. This can range from an additional repeater between the two nodes, mounting the WiBACK module at a high position, or to searching for a new route. If the connections between all nodes of the planned network meet the technical requirements, you must visit the sites and check whether the concept works in practice. 

Note: We recommend clarifying the project with the responsible authorities. As flexible as our system is, legal requirements might impede the establishment and operation of the network.

2. Site survey 

On-site, it is necessary to find out again whether the topographical structure allows a free line-of-sight (LOS) between the nodes or whether buildings and/or terrain hinder this. At the same time, it can be checked whether there are local superstructures to which the node can be mounted, or whether the erection of a mast is necessary; in either case, approval must be obtained before assembly, and some form of rental agreement may be required. We recommend a detailed photo documentation of the locations, which is very helpful for further planning and coordination of your own network; it is also advisable to indicate several alternative locations per network node. Furthermore, if already possible, it can be checked whether the device to be connected will have access to the local power grid; alternatively, it should be discussed whether battery operation and/or a supply via solar power would be possible. 

3. Network setup 

The physical assembly includes the selection of a suitable supporting structure, the construction of a mast or the selection of the structure to which the module is finally to be attached. The product can be mounted to a flat wall or other pipes or poles of a reasonable thickness. In any case, it must be ensured that the construction can withstand both the total weight and the wind load; in addition, it must be avoided that the device is exposed to overvoltage (e.g. lightning). The device can be mounted on the structure in compliance with these protective measures; then align the antennas. Coarse alignment is achieved by pointing to adjacent nodes, landmark orientation or using a compass; fine adjustment is made while the system is running. 

4. Operating the network 

Since WiBACK is already turnkey, the network can be used immediately after connecting the devices and aligning the antennas. WiBACK recognizes exactly which network structure is optimal and connects the nodes autonomously.