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Outdoor wireless systems that are properly engineered and designed can provide 99.999% predictable uptime reliability. When wireless backhaul networks are designed factors like path loss, Fresnel Zones, and weather are calculated to provide an accurate determination of which frequency is to be used, antenna output gain, transmit power of the radios, antenna heights, and modulations.

Properly designed systems use the correct antennas, frequencies, and transmit power to overcome the Path Loss and account for weather conditions to get the desired Receive Signal Level ("RSL" measured in dBm). Radios are designed to operate with a certain level of "Fade Margin" that allows the system to operate at a predictable reliability (for most systems 20 to 25dB of Fade Margin is recommended).

Wireless backhaul, whether you are talking about wireless mesh, WiMax, point to multipont wireless, or point to point wireless backhaul, systems can function with extreme reliability and predictability if installed correctly. Proper installation is a critical component of the success and longevity of an outdoor wireless system. One of most important parts of the installation process is performing quality weather proofing of all components.

Weatherproofing gets overlooked all the time. When a system is working a broadband wireless network gets forgotten about and really inspected. Weatherproofing doesn’t last forever and needs to be inspected annually and should be replaced if any deficiencies are found. All cable connections, whether at the termination of the radio, at the lighting surge arrestors, or at any other junctions.  

Proper weatherproofing is done using butyl tape and high quality polyurethane UV resistant tape. Good practice is to apply tape first, then apply butyl (which prevents any moisture to get through), and then an outer layer of tape. Tape should be wrapped in an overlapping shingling fashion. Over time though even though resistant to UV, tape can loose its adhesive and peel away. Annual inspection and re-taping should be performed.

One of the most difficult problems to troubleshoot on an outdoor wireless backhaul system is failure due to moisture in a connection or water that gets in a cable. Many times this issue cannot be easily visible on a surface inspection. The best way to avoid issues caused by weather is to maintain proper weatherproofing from the beginning.  

Properly maintained outdoor wireless bridge systems should remain functioning as originally designed and specified. By performing periodic maintenance and re-certification a properly designed and installed system should perform exactly as it did on the original install date.

Joe Wargo, President/CEO of Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc., has joined the board for Well Aware. Well Aware is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with headquarters in Austin, Texas that provides innovative and sustainable solutions to water scarcity and contamination in Africa. They fund and implement life-saving water systems to drive economic development and build self-sufficient communities.

At Well Aware, their responsibility to the communities in which they work goes far beyond the drilling of a hole. More than 60 percent of existing water wells in Africa currently do not work. Well Aware’s water systems work and they last because of realistic and responsible planning and collaboration. And, their partner communities are thriving as a result.

Since Well Aware’s first project was implemented in 2010, they have doubled their project capacity every year, and they have growing teams of experts who ensure their projects are completed on time, with integrity, and with the most cost-effective use of donor dollars. Well Aware’s project planning and execution includes thorough technical evaluation and oversight, strategic nonprofit partnerships to further community success, hygiene and sanitation training, and community empowerment and support.

Joe is the President / CEO of a Wireless Integration company called Alpha Omega Wireless. He has over 20 years of technical and sales experience in the technology sector and has held the role as CEO and Vice President of Sales for a technology services and reseller company prior to starting Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc. 


Joe is an active member of EO (Entrepreneurs Organization) since May 2011 and is a US Army Veteran that served as a Nuclear Electronics Specialist, on the Pershing II Intermediate Range Nuclear Missile System. Joe holds a B.S. Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Computer Science from Oregon State University, and is also a Certified Wi-Fi Engineer and a Certified Wireless Broadband Engineer.

Joe lives in Austin with his wife Gina and two children. He and his family are active in their church and have a strong belief in giving back and serving others and they currently support an orphanage in Honduras along with 10 other children around the world.

Joe Wargo says, "I wants to take my philanthropy service to a higher level and father reaching impact. I have a strong passion for water and wells ever since we bought our home that is on a well system. I’ve learned the necessity and importance of our own well. I’ve also had a passion for clean and waste water systems from my clients with my company. Yearly my family and I support non-profits that provide clean water well drilling. I am passionate about what Well Aware is doing and believe I could bring my talents to the organization to further Well Aware’s long-term goals.”

Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc., headquartered in Austin Texas, was hired for the forth year in a row by SXSW and RightRound to provide wireless Ethernet backhaul and outdoor Wi-Fi to multiple venues around Austin for the 2014 SXSW Film, Interactive, and Music Festival.

President Joe Wargo says, "We were excited to be asked by SXSW and RightRound to return to help them provide critical bandwidth to their major venues and some outdoor Wi-Fi at select special events. This year we have seen a huge increase in the bandwidth requirements of SXSW and their sponsors. In years past some of the major events only needed upwards of 50Mbps, but now the minimum has been 100Mbps+. This year we have several events that need GigE bandwidth. More and more live streaming is going on this year.

Overall, AO Wireless has deployed over 5Gbps+ of carrier grade point to point wireless backhaul and point to multipoint wireless Ethernet bridges. RightRound has brought in multiple multi GigE fiber internet POP’s around Austin that AO Wireless then created the last mile wireless connectivity off the fiber to the venues. I was amazed on how much redundancy that RightRound has created this year.

This year because of the high bandwidth requirements we expanded multiple point-to-point wireless backhauls to concert venues and outdoor event locations. We had to use more point-to-point microwave links, rather than using traditional point-to-multipoint wireless Ethernet bridge systems because of the amount of unlicensed wireless interference. Other major accomplishments this year was providing high speed Wi-Fi, to some high profile, outdoor party events and outdoor meeting events. For the outdoor Wi-Fi applications we used Xirrus Wi-Fi array systems in order to handle the high density of Wi-Fi users and devices.

This year we used a wide variety of radio systems ranging from Xirrus for the high density Wi-Fi and Proxim, Radwin, Exalt, Siklu, and SAF Tehnika for our outdoor wireless Ethernet bridges. We used a lot of 24GHz point-to-point microwave radio links for our mission critical wireless backhauls. The SAF Lumina 24GHz radios help us avoid wireless interference and provide us 366Mbps full duplex (732Mbps aggregate) throughput. The advantage of these wireless frequency platforms was to help avoid interference. Plus they could be deployed immediately under FCC regulations. We even introduced the new SAF Integra radio for our most important venue.

Deploying wireless around Austin during SXSW can be very challenging. There is a lot of people that deploy unlicensed, value line, radio systems and outdoor Wi-Fi around Austin for some of the events. AO Wireless’ challenge was to deliver 99.999% reliable wireless backhaul to SXSW and RightRound clients.”

About Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc.
Alpha Omega Wireless is an experienced integrator of broadband wireless network technology and complete end-to-end wireless backhaul  solutions. We provide a full range of point to point wireless backhaul, point to multipoint wireless bridges, WiMax backhaul, LTE networks, wireless mobility, wireless repeaters, Smart Grid wireless backhaul, indoor, outdoor, and municipal Wi-Fi, and wireless mesh products and services.

About RightRound
RightRound (www.rightround.com) specializes in Internet connectivity anywhere, high-density WiFi solutions and video streaming for live events, festivals and conferences. The goal of RightRound is to solve technology problems, and make event technology work while making it feel easy and seamless. RightRound recognizes that the events industry is facing major changes, and being connected to the Internet is no longer a luxury. Bandwidth dependent solutions are now as critical as power and water.

About South By Southwest
SXSW 2014, the world's leading music industry event, offers attendees the opportunity to explore the future of the music industry during the day at panels, talks, the Trade Show, Music Gear Expo and other conference activities at the Austin Convention Center. At night, the absolute best mix of musical performances from over 2,000 regional, national and international acts will take place at the nighttime music festival. Altogether, SXSW presents unmatched networking opportunities, career-building conference programming and over 100 stages of music for showcasing bands and conference attendees. SXSW takes place in Austin, Texas. For more information on every aspect of SXSW and to register to attend, please go to http://www.sxsw.com.

Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc. ("AO Wireless") has recently hired on its team Mark Warren, a seasoned Project and Operations Manager, to bring ore efficient processes and management to our service delivery teams. Mark will take on the role of Operations Manager and is based out of our Austin, TX office location.

Mark comes to Alpha Omega Wireless with 7 years construction management experience in the wireless communications sector. He has helped manage major market 3G and 4G build outs for AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Mark served 6 years in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman where he conducted several deployments as a platoon medic with the U.S. Marine Corps. Mark is also an American Heart Association CPR and First Aid instructor and has a strong background in Construction Safety Management.

At Alpha Omega Wireless Mark is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of all field services and staff. Mark is heavily involved in process improvement and maintaining a strong and knowledgeable staff.

President Joe Wargo says, "We are excited to have Mark Warren as part of the team. He brings a lot of experience to the organization. He has extensive background in building efficient field teams and managing the processes that are critical to a project’s success. Because Mark comes from a wireless services background and has worked in the wireless industry for many years he is familiar with most of our wireless backhaul systems which is a huge advantage to our employees and clients. We believe Mark will help us be more efficient in the field and help us hold true to our processes which provides us greater success than that of our competitor.

As Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc. continues to grow the need to make sure we have the right people on board and that we have the right supervision, project management, and quality control is vital. Too often companies in growth mode fail because they don’t invest into its leadership. Mark will be a huge asset in making sure as we grow we grow properly."

About Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc.
Alpha Omega Wireless is an experienced integrator of broadband wireless network technology and complete end-to-end wireless backhaul  solutions. We provide a full range of point to point wireless backhaul, point to multipoint wireless bridges, WiMax backhaul, LTE networks, wireless mobility, wireless repeaters, Smart Grid wireless backhaul, indoor, outdoor, and municipal Wi-Fi, and wireless mesh products and services.

Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc. installs the new high performance SAF Integra point-to-point licensed microwave wireless backhaul system in the USA.

SAF Tehnika JSC - one of the pioneers of compact full outdoor point-to-point microwave technology announced Q3, 2013 the launch of Integra – ultra light, energy efficient and powerful all-in-one carrier-grade microwave data transmission system.

Integra is a natural step forward in the evolution of user-friendly full outdoor microwave systems design. Integration of next generation microwave radio with high and super high performance antennas into a single unit means less time spent on the installation site, better availability and reliability of the link even in densely served areas, all of which translates into a lower total cost of ownership. The new Integra exemplifies an outstanding return on smart engineering - the synergy of high competence in radio electronics and materials science. 

Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc. President Joe Wargo says, “I'm extremely excited about SAF Tehnika’s new Integra platform. We have been recommending and deploying hundreds of SAF radios for our clients over the last 6 years. Out of all the licensed radios we have installed we have had less than 1% failures. All of which where due to damage in shipping which is to be expected. Even so SAF wasted no time in replacing the units. From a performance perspective the wireless backhaul has been flawless. A true fiber replacement for our clients. Honestly it’s the only radio I’d use on our own network.

I was able to work on the Integra first hand back in September 2013 when visiting the SAF Headquarters in Riga, Latvia. Immediately I knew this would be a hot product. We have been asking for a higher bandwidth radio in the licensed frequencies and SAF delivered. Once you see it you become impressed on every little detailed and thought process that went into the Integra platform. From performance, the user interface, military grade quality, and even to the installation components, this product is different from the rest.

We are excited to have such a great product to offer our clients that need 99.999% reliable high-speed networks. The Integra is a great wireless point-to-point system for our government and ultility clients that need superior quality and AES encryption. Not many new wireless systems impress me but the Integra sure does!“

Perfect for small-cell, RAN and HetNet backhaul where aesthetics in a metropolitan area are a key concern, Integra delivers ambitious performance in a compact package never before available in licensed microwave market. Integra’s embedded software takes full advantage of its cutting edge network processor providing Synchronous Ethernet and 1588 v2 PTP support for LTE network builds, Layer 2 header compression and 256-bit AES encryption for public safety, government, and enterprise networks. Thanks to a convenient design and its solid functionality the Integra is an industry-unique, right-out-of-the-box microwave system with a superior radiation pattern and payload capacity of up to 420Mbps per channel / polarization.

Integra – by its form and specification – is created to be a proper building block for a variety of modern wireless networking applications. To stay advanced and competitive in the telecom world that will increasingly depend on seamless integration and interoperability of synchronization-sensitive systems, it is smart to invest in technology that takes the right direction.

Normunds Bergs, CEO  & Chairman of the Board of SAF Tehnika: “Industry has new standards, demands higher capacities and lower price and SAF has a great solution for that. Integra will be just a first stage in a new product line, providing remarkably comfortable installation process and great capacity together with very attractive price.”



Some of the features of Integra: integrated antenna with next-generation microwave radio, industry leading compact form factor, easy to install, competitive price, with Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE 1588 v.2 PTP, up to QAM1024 etc.

About Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc.
Alpha Omega Wireless is an experienced integrator of broadband wireless network technology and complete end-to-end wireless backhaul  solutions. We provide a full range of point to point wireless backhaul, point to multipoint wireless bridges, WiMax backhaul, LTE networks, wireless mobility, wireless repeaters, Smart Grid wireless backhaul, indoor, outdoor, and municipal Wi-Fi, and wireless mesh products and services.

About SAF Tehnika 
SAF Tehnika is among the world's top microwave carrier-class point to point radio manufacturers, with capacities up to Gbps+ solutions meeting ETSI, FCC and Industry Canada standards.  SAF Tehnika is committed to providing an exceptional customer adapted wireless solution that empower carriers and servicers the level of connectivity demanded in today's competitive environment.  SAF Tehnika has installation in nearly 100 countries around the world in the most challenging of environments and extreme temperatures. www.saftehnika.com

Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc. ("AO Wireless") will be attending the DistribuTECH Conference in San Antonio Texas, Jan 28th to 30th, 2014. Please visit us at booth 3910.

AO Wireless President Joe Wargo says, "Alpha Omega Wireless works with many client partners in the Utility Industries provideing wireless communications for point to point wireless backhaul, point to multipoint wireless Ethernet bridges, wireless SCADA telemetry, licensed WiMax, LTE, tower construction, wireless engineering, network design, and wireless installation. We are pleased to be invited to be at the conference and work with many of our client partners and other Utility Industry organizations. This will be a great show!"

About Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc.
Alpha Omega Wireless is an experienced integrator of broadband wireless network technology and complete end-to-end wireless backhaul  solutions. We provide a full range of point to point wireless backhaul, point to multipoint wireless bridges, WiMax backhaul, LTE networks, wireless mobility, wireless repeaters, Smart Grid wireless backhaul, indoor, outdoor, and municipal Wi-Fi, and wireless mesh products and services.

About DistribuTECH
DistribuTECH is the utility industry’s leading annual transmission and distribution event, covering automation and control systems, energy efficiency, demand response, renewable energy integration, advanced metering, T&D system operation and reliability, power delivery equipment, commercial and industrial energy management technology and water utility technology.

SXSW® Doubles Bandwidth from Alpheus Communications for 2014

2GB of bandwidth for SXSW 2014 needed to meet unprecedented demand for Internet access

HOUSTON and AUSTIN, Texas – Dec. 4, 2013 – South by Southwest® (SXSW®) 2014 event organizers are preparing for unprecedented demand for high-speed Internet access from attendees, exhibitors and sponsors who will stream live video and connect with social media outlets from throughout Austin during the 2014 event.

To fulfill this bandwidth need, the legendary entertainment event is again turning to Austin-based RightRound LLC and Alpheus Communications to design and implement a 2GB data circuit to support SXSW events, exhibitors, and attendees. Based on experience from the 2013 event and the already high interest in obtaining Internet access for SXSW 2014, vendors, exhibitors and sponsors are already signing up for Internet access so they’re better prepared to meet the needs of SXSW attendees in March.

“South by Southwest presents new challenges each year, and it’s great to have partners like RightRound and Alpheus that we can rely on to help us adapt and succeed in keeping our network, and attendees, connected,” said Scott Wilcox, Director of Technology for SXSW LLC.

Alpheus will deliver 2GB Internet access, double from 2013 levels, from its network hub/data center on East 6th Street in Austin and deliver connectivity directly to many venues. In addition, Alpheus’ bandwidth will be extended wirelessly via Alpha Omega Wireless to venues beyond the SXSW host hotel in downtown Austin. RightRound will provide IT strategy, planning and overall project management, along with services and equipment that exhibitors, sponsors, and performers need to properly deploy for streaming their events and performances.

“Every year more bandwidth is needed to fulfill the demand of SXSW exhibitors, sponsors and attendees, particularly as more performances are streamed live online,” said Cliff Skolnick, director and network architect at RightRound. “Working with a local, carrier-grade network provider such as Alpheus makes this immense task much easier, as the company implements its high-performance Internet connectivity and taps into its Austin-based staff who can pivot at a moment’s notice to expand networks as necessary.”

Understanding that a number of the SXSW venues are temporary with clients who only need Internet access for 24 hours or less, Austin-based Alpha Omega Wireless will deliver Alpheus’ Internet access via a microwave, point-to-point connection from the Alpheus network hub/data center to the SXSW host hotel in downtown Austin. In addition to using this 31-story hotel as was done in 2013, Alpheus, RightRound, and Alpha Omega Wireless will collaborate to provide an additional antenna downtown along with building out a network on Rainey Street that will cover all of the activities in the bars in that area. Another network site will be added in the area west of Congress Street to enable sponsors, performers, and attendees to tap into free Internet access using high-density Wi-Fi.

Demand for Internet access during SXSW shows continued growth year over year. Typically, most attendees have at least two IP-enabled devices for watching and uploading streaming video, blogging and posting commentary to their favorite social media sites.

“Alpheus recognizes how critical Internet access is to SXSW. The high-performance network service that Alpheus will provide to SXSW 2014 will likely be exceeded quickly as the event, its attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and performers all demand more bandwidth,” said Scott Widham, CEO of Alpheus Communications. “With the terrific collaboration of Alpheus, RightRound and Alpha Omega Wireless, we believe that SXSW will continue to set the standard for interactive entertainment events.”

To find out more about Alpheus Communications’ service, contact Enterprise Account Director, Chase Sadler at 512-992-8280 or chase.sadler@alpheus.net.

About Alpheus Communications
Alpheus Communications (www.alpheus.net) is a leading provider of Texas metro-regional fiber and networking solutions. With owned facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley, Alpheus is flexible, content-neutral and responsive to customer needs when low-latency and uptime are essential. As the preferred fiber backbone for Metro Texas, Alpheus is in a unique position to support mission-critical information technology functions and cloud computing solutions through its resilient SSAE 16-compliant data center platforms for colocation and disaster recovery.

About RightRound
RightRound (www.rightround.com) specializes in Internet connectivity anywhere, high-density WiFi solutions and video streaming for live events, festivals and conferences. The goal of RightRound is to solve technology problems, and make event technology work while making it feel easy and seamless. RightRound recognizes that the events industry is facing major changes, and being connected to the Internet is no longer a luxury. Bandwidth dependent solutions are now as critical as power and water.

About Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc.
“AO Wireless” (www.aowireless.com) is a leading integrator of complete end-to-end wireless backhaul networking technology and solutions. Alpha Omega Wireless provides wireless site surveys, feasibility studies, engineering, spectrum analysis, path calculations, design, wireless installation, equipment sales, radio repair and maintenance, support, troubleshooting, and ongoing management & monitoring of point to point wireless links, point to multipoint wireless systems, WiMax backhaul, LTE, Wi-Fi, and wireless mesh. As well as SCADA telemetry radio, wireless video surveillance, and indoor RF. Alpha Omega Wireless works with unlicensed wireless Ethernet bridges and licensed microwave links.