Networking Q&A: BigAir

What networking solutions do you deploy?

Ruckus wi-fi and AP controller, switches from Allied Telesis and Cisco and our own P2P fixed-wireless links. BigAir is a wholesale licensed carrier and we own Australia’s largest fixed-wireless network. We have our own network operations centre and back-end solutions.

When did your company first get involved in networking?

The core group was founded 11 years ago and was building our network from day one; however, we have wholly-owned subsidiaries that are over 24 years in operation (Star-Tech Communications).

What networking certifications and/or credentials does your company have? 

Our radio-frequency and internet protocol engineers are trained and certified by many vendors and technologies. BigAir designs, installs and maintains custom solutions to meet the many unique requirements of our customers and channel partners.

Who are your main distributors for networking technologies? 

Connector Systems, Lan1, Duxtel, Curvature, 4cabling, Westcon Group, WhiteGold, IP Trading and Streakwave.

What cool or interesting recent networking technology is occupying your thoughts?

Ruckus SPoT (smart positioning) for location-based analytics over wi-fi. BigAir recently delivered the first SPoT deployment in Australia for a major shopping centre operator. SPoT uses latency-based triangulation to determine where customers are, where they dwell and where they move by using their mobile device’s active and passive wi-fi. The customer does not need to associate to an access point to be tracked. 

Can you tell us about a recent networking deployment you have done? 

BigAir installed a wi-fi network at St Andrew’s and Wesley colleges at the University of Sydney to provide internet TV and voice on internet protocol telephony to 545 residential students. The ubiquitous wireless overlay works through heritage buildings, many with three-feet thick sandstone walls. 

What is driving customers’ networking projects? 

As the demand for wi-fi grows so, too, does the expectation that it is available everywhere. We see strong wi-fi demand from councils, retirement villages, shopping centres, universities, stadiums, the corporate sector, and all forms of residential communities.

Networking is ...?

Keeping BigAir very busy.