Studio-to-Transmitter Links (STLs) are critical for broadcasters. The process of delivering audio and/or video data from the station to the transmit tower has traditionally been accomplished using uni-directional microwave. However, over the last 10 years, this legacy form of STL has been increasingly replaced by wireless links utilizing Internet Protocol (IP). These IP STLs represent an exciting alternative for savvy broadcasters to exploit.
DoubleRadius, Inc. has been designing wireless networks since 2001 and engineering IP STLs since 2007. Over the years, we’ve gained invaluable experience working with a host of broadcasters around the country. These critical insights have now been gathered here for you in our IP STL : A Broadcaster’s Guide, which outlines ways to effectively set up and operate an IP STL. You can download the full guide here or keep reading for a sneak peek of Chapter One : Understand FCC Part 101.
"The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) governs all wireless communications, including IP STLs, which are considered fixed microwave. These systems exchange information and data between two points, or multiple points. FCC Part 101 rules pertain to the operation of fixed microwave services, which have been utilized by thousands of private enterprises, across a broad spectrum of industries, for many years.
"Key changes to FCC Part 101 rules in 2011 opened up the technological and financial benefits of fixed microwave to broadcasters that many other markets previously enjoyed. Specifically, the “last link” rule was vacated. The dissolve of this rule allowed broadcasters to utilize licensed microwave for station-to-transmit locations."
Download the IP STL : A Broadcaster's Guide to read more about how broadcasters across the country are taking advantage of the dissolve of the the "last link" rule.
The IP STL : A Broadcaster's Guide covers not only how to understand FCC Part 101 rules, but also touches on the following:
- License Away Interference
- Know Your Terrain
- Study Your Path
- And 5 other helpful steps to operating an IP STL
