Point-to-multipoint communication
In telecommunications, point-to-multipoint communication (P2MP, PTMP or PMP) is communication which is accomplished via a distinct type of one-to-many connection, providing multiple paths from a single location to multiple locations.[1]
Point-to-multipoint
Modern point-to-multipoint links
In contemporary usage, the term point-to-multipoint wireless communications relates to fixed
frequencies in the gigahertz range.Point-to-multipoint is the most popular approach for wireless communications that have a large number of nodes, end destinations or end users. Point to Multipoint generally assumes there is a central base station to which remote subscriber units or customer premises equipment (CPE) (a term that was originally used in the wired telephone industry) are connected over the wireless medium. Connections between the base station and subscriber units can be either line-of-sight or, for lower-frequency radio systems, non-line-of-sight where link budgets permit.[2] Generally, lower frequencies can offer non-line-of-sight connections. Various software planning tools can be used to determine feasibility of potential connections using topographic data as well as link budget simulation. Often the point to multipoint links are installed to reduce the cost of infrastructure and increase the number of CPE's and connectivity.[2]
Point-to-multipoint wireless networks employing directional antennas are affected by the
The
Point-to-multipoint systems can be implemented in licensed, semi-licensed or unlicensed frequency bands depending on the specific application. point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links are very popular in the wireless industry and when paired with other high-capacity wireless links or technologies such as free space optics (FSO) can be referred to as backhaul.
The base station may have a single omnidirectional antenna or multiple sector antennas, the latter of which allowing greater range and capacity.
See also
- Backhaul (telecommunications)
- Broadcasting (networking)
- Local Multipoint Distribution Service
- Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service
- Wireless access point
References
- ^
M. Cover, Thomas; Joy A. Thomas (1991). Elements of Information Theory. ISBN 0-471-06259-6.
- ^ ISBN 0-470-84438-8.
- ^ "Point to Multipoint Wireless". fluidmesh.com. Retrieved 2015-08-12.