Microwave Bypass (company)

Microwave Bypass, Inc. pioneered the first wireless Ethernet solution (WWAN) in 1987, dubbed the “EtherWave Transceiver.” It enabled 802.3 Ethernet data to travel between corporate networks at the then full speed of 10 megabits per second and for initial distances up to 4.3 miles.^{[citation needed]}

Microwave Bypass was incorporated in March 1985 by David S. Theodore (23), and established at One Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Microwave Bypass operated from March 1985 through December 2001, when it was renamed Meridian Microwave.

Microwave Bypass’ wireless Ethernet solution consisted of an FCC licensed, wideband microwave radio (23 GHz) from International Microwave Corp., modified from video and coupled with Microwave Bypass’ EtherWave Transceiver. The system met the then highest Ethernet throughput of 10 megabits per second, was protocol independent, and could transmit 4.3 miles, the limit being set by the 802.3 propagation delay allowance of 46.4 microseconds.

Beta testing of Microwave Bypass' wireless Ethernet technology occurred at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1987, at the invitation of network manager, David Murphy, and with Network World's Laura DiDio and representatives of Harvard University and Boston University in attendance. After a successful demo the first two production links were installed in parallel between Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Harvard's Cardiac Computer Center, 2.5 miles across the Charles River. This also marked the first wireless transmission of MR images.

In 1988, Microwave Bypass collaborated with Cisco Systems on a full-duplex EtherWave Transceiver to eliminate 802.3 collision detection and permit longer distance connections as far as the microwave could reach. This first full-duplex design was developed for an application at MIT, between its main campus and Lincoln Laboratories.

Microwave Bypass’ technology formed the core of New England's first Internet presence in the late 1980’s, early 1990’s, consisting of a high-speed wireless backbone between Harvard, MIT and Boston University and eventually becoming the New England Academic and Regional Network (NEARnet).

Microwave Bypass was selected one of the top ten industry leaders by “LAN Times,” in 1990 and was highly regarded by industry analysts, including the Aberdeen Group. Yet Microwave Bypass was unable to capitalize on its early market lead and converted to a more successful business model in 2001, becoming Meridian Microwave LLC and focusing on RF consulting, marketing and systems integration.

References

• "LAN Extension Using Microwave". DataPro Research. September 1986. 
  
• "An Unlikely Couple Form Company to Sell Microwave Ethernet Link". Communications Week. September 1986. 
  
• "Unlikely Pair Makes Waves at Microwave Bypass". Computer Systems News: 49–50. September 1986. 
  
• DiDio, Laura (February 1988). "Networking Strategies: LAN Users Look to Microwave Links". Network World. 
  
• Schnaidt, Patricia (May 1988). "Harvard and Boston University are Cooking with Microwave LAN Extensions". LAN Magazine: 128–131. 
  
• Darrow, Barbara (August 1989). "Microwave Link Runs at Ethernet Speed". Info World. 
  
• DiDio, Laura (August 21, 1989). "Microwave Technique Extends E-net Links". Network World. 
  
• DiDio, Laura (January 21, 1991). "Charting the '90s Top LAN Contenders". LAN Times VIII (2). 
  
• Theodore, David S. (July 1991). "LAN Interconnect Takes to the Airwaves". Data Communications. 
  
• Theodore, David S. (October 21, 1991). "Tech Tutor: Microwave Proves Beneficial for Networks". LAN Times. 
  
• Theodore, David S. (January 6, 1992). "Tech Tutor: Installation of Microwave Not a Mystery". LAN Times. 

External links

• Microwave Bypass is now Meridian Microwave LLC
• History of Wireless Ethernet. Copies of articles news articles prior to publication on the Internet.