Etheric Networks - History

History

March 2003

Etheric Networks launches ISP service via its first generation broadband fixed wireless local loop WLL access network, via the Qwest colocation center in Sunnyvale and Black Mountain, a communication tower complex at 2,800 feet above sea level, overlooking Silicon Valley and the Peninsula.

August 2003

Network expanded to five long range (12 mile radius) base stations providing line of sight coverage to approximately 65% of Silicon Valley and Peninsula buildings. Company is cited in Silicon Valley Business Journal. Etheric enters ranks of top 10 fastest ISPs recorded by user tests on broadbandreports.

2004

Etheric deploys broadband fixed wireless self-contained base station at a height of 750 feet above ground level, the highest known self-contained license free broadband fixed wireless base station. Etheric Networks is cited in the Gilroy Dispatch and the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Network extends to cover Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and most of San Mateo counties, as well as pilot service in Alameda and Monterey Counties.

Spring 2005

Etheric deploys its second generation network. The second generation has much improved error correction, higher peak data rates (up to 25 megabits per second), and greater frequency range. It also supports both smaller (10 MHz) and larger (40 MHz) channels and is based on 802.11 OFDM using a switching MAC.

December 1, 2005

Etheric Networks primary communications tower overlooking Silicon Valley suffers massive electrical overvoltage in the most severe winter recorded in California in 100 years. Dozens of systems are destroyed, Antenna elements fuse. Even the Cisco 3550 is destroyed from the power surge. Company focus shifts to electro-mechanical survival in the most punishing conditions. All towers are overhauled, all systems upgraded — to ensure survivability. Work also substantially boosts network performance and throughput as unexpected by-product.

2006

Etheric develops automated network fault detection and self healing. Of the 10 wireless local loop startups in the Bay Area, the largest remaining ISP focused on ISM and U-NII band high speed wireless local loop service.