[RTC List] Time for Solutions to Redundant Internet Connectivity

[Jim Carlson]

There are several near term solutions available for redundant internet 
connectivity that can address immediate issues while building toward long 
term, sustainable broadband development for the future.

The ideal scenario would be that a peering point (load sharing switch) would 
be added here on the North Coast and ATT would feed their outside data into 
it along with alternative providers (currently 101 Netlink). The switch 
would then distribute to ATT, Suddenlink and 101 Netlink's customers.  This 
is not an expensive proposition. The sharing switch will be necessary when a 
2nd fiber is added in any case.

The caveat is in getting the separate providers to cooperate on altering 
their business model, which is currently based on continuing broadband 
scarcity and monopoly/duopoly operations.


One would hope that the economic damage and safety risk occurring from the 
repeated outages should prove sufficient merit to justify a unified front to 
leverage the service provider's cooperation.  At the very least our elected 
and appointed officials can be enlisted to bring political pressures to bear 
on the State administration (Governor's Office, CPUC, etc.)


There are several sub versions of this scenario also that can occur in the 
case that one of the providers would not be willing to agree. Obviously the 
2nd fiber is necessary at some point in the future and should be pursued, 
however, in the interim, the situation can be mitigated using bandwidth from 
the alternative provider (101 Netlink) OC3 that is currently available. 
Using existing technology, an economically feasible OC12 link over a 
redundant wireless path can be established as soon as the existing OC3 is 
utilized. This would alleviate the IP failure concerns for some time until a 
2nd fiber is installed.

Keep in mind that the near and long term interests of our community will 
best be served by organized public and private support for both wireless and 
fiber solutions.  The goal for our region must be far sighted with 
thoughtful planning for the future, not merely catching up with the present 
day.

Sincerely,

Jim Carlson
CEO & President, Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc.
1385 8th St.
Arcata, CA 95521
office direct 707 822 4100 video conference 75.52.142.172

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