Ricochet
A wireless Internet service from Ricochet Networks, Inc., Denver, CO (www.ricochet.net). Originally developed by Los Gatos, CA-based Metricom, Inc., Ricochet was the first high-speed, wireless Internet service for commuters. With some 50,000 customers in 17 cities, Metricom closed its doors in 2001. Its assets were acquired by Denver-based Aerie Networks and turned into a subsidiary company with service restored in 2002 in Denver and San Diego. In 2003, Ricochet was acquired by EDL Holdings, and once again in 2004 by Falls Church, VA-based YDI Wireless. YDI also purchased Terabeam in 2004, a maker of wireless communications gear led by former AT&T Wireless management. Ricochet operates as a subsidiary of Terabeam Wireless.
A Microcell Network
The Ricochet technology uses approximately 100 small "microcell" radio transceivers attached to utility poles within a 20-square mile cell. Each cell has one wired access point, which is a T1, frame relay connection to the Internet. Each microcell bounces digital signals from the mobile devices to other microcells and eventually to its wired access point. The transceivers in this MicroCellular Data Network (MCDN) employ 162 frequency-hopping channels in the 902-928 MHz band from user to microcell. The 2.4 GHz band is used in the rest of the system, and licensed spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band is used for its high-speed service. Ricochet modems attach to laptops and other handhelds via the serial port.
Ricochet 1 provided 28.8 Kbps service with access to stationary users, while Ricochet 2, introduced in 2000, offered 128 Kbps for the commuter in transit. See CDPD.
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| Ricochet System |
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| The microcells "ricochet" signals from the mobile device to other microcells and eventually to the wired access point which connects to the land-based Internet. There is one wired access point and about 100 microcells within a 20-square mile area. |