Broadband Gets Boost From Canon's Proven Optical Technology, Canobeam

Business Wire, July 10, 2000

Business Editors, High-Tech Writers

ENGLEWOOD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 2000

As more telecoms and Internet companies begin to look into the re-emergence of fiberless optics or "free-space optics," as a communication alternative, a world leader in optical technology, Canon, unveils the third generation of a product line with proven effectiveness: Canobeam.

Canobeam III (model DT-50), the latest version of Canon's advanced optical beam transmission system, is available for immediate delivery, and has drawn considerable attention from bandwidth hungry telecommunication service providers. It features the fastest transmission speed of any wireless system (OC-12), and Auto-Tracking for reliable transmission, two critical benefits available for the first time at around $50,000 per pair.

"Canobeam III was developed in response to the growing needs of the telecommunications and Internet industry to transmit a wider range of digital information, faster. Since its introduction earlier this year, response has been highly enthusiastic. The market recognizes the need for immediate bandwidth supply and Canobeam III meets that requirement, while incorporating Auto-Tracking into an affordable package," says Ken Ito, Product Manager. "Canon has been involved with optical transmission technology for many years, and Canobeam III represents the best technology package we've ever offered."

With Auto-Tracking, Canobeam III features a narrower beam which is more powerful (Canobeam III transmits over 2 kms), and less susceptible to weather conditions. To save money, competitors have eliminated this valuable feature, and instead spread their beams to try and compensate for normal conditions such as building vibration, sway and wind factors. Spreading the beam weakens the signal, the distance it can travel effectively, and may increase the potential for down transmission due to environmental factors.

Canobeam III is also faster and more flexible. It has the top speed of any wireless transmission system (ATM/OC-12, or 622 Mbps), and can be configured as low as 25 Mbps with interchangeable cards to accommodate a wide range of transmission speeds. These include Fast Ethernet, FDDI, and ATM/OC-3.

Canobeam III also features a one-piece design, where the controller is built into the head unit, as well as optional SNMP. For more detailed monitoring, the unit is equipped with a Remote Monitoring Function, allowing it to be fully monitored when connected to a PC with an RS-232C cable.

Canobeam III requires no licensing or channel allocation, can be set up in minutes, and operates interference-free assuring reliable, confidential transmission.

For more information about Canobeam III, call 800/321-4388.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc., is a top patent-holder of imaging technologies. The company 's comprehensive product line includes networked multi-function devices; digital and analog copiers (color and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems, and facsimile machines; camcorders, cameras and lenses; and semiconductor, broadcast and medical equipment. Canon employs 12,000 people at more than 30 facilities throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective companies.