Motorola announced today that it is extending the reach of its Canopy wireless broadband system with the introduction of the 400 series of access points and subscriber modules in the 5.4 GHz spectrum.

Based on Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology, which provides improved near-line of sight (nLOS) and non-line of sight (NLOS) coverage, the Canopy 400 series allows service providers and enterprise network owners to extend broadband network coverage into urban areas where obstructions and foliage have limited system expansion.

By leveraging OFDM technology in the access and backhaul layers, the Canopy 400 series enhances overall network performance and reach. The modules offer higher throughputs, up to 21Mbps, and extended range, accompanied with GPS synchronization to mitigate self interference. The Canopy 400 series modules, part of the MOTOwi4 Fixed Point-to-Multipoint portfolio, are now available in Europe, Middle East and Africa and soon in Latin America. North America availability is pending final FCC certification.

With these capabilities, service providers can offer applications such as high speed data transfer, video surveillance, Voice over IP (VoIP), and gaming to subscribers who were not previously reachable. Enterprise network operators can also benefit from this series of products to extend connectivity to urban areas and business parks where line of sight is not always available or for inexpensive backhaul access.