The research activity includes design, implementation and experimental validation of a wireless data network with star topology.
The main characteristic is the use of easy-to-manufacture low cost terminals, able to carry large bandwidths over huge distance.
The centre of the star is made up of three access points joined together and located on the Monte Rosa peak “Punta Gnifetti”, the third crest of Monte Rosa, the second highest mountain in Europe, at 4556 m osl. The terminals are located in the following positions:

1. Monte Cimone, Sestola, Emilia Romagna, Italy
2. Arcello, Pianello Val Tidone, Emilia Romagna, Italy
3. Valluga Berg Station, Sankt Anton am Arlberg, Tyrol, Austria
4. Verrua Savoia, Piemonte, Italy

Due to the planning difficulties in climbing mountains higher than 4000 m osl, two more terminals, useful for preliminary studies, are temporary hosted in the following positions:

1. Punta Indren, Alagna Valsesia, Piemonte, Italy
2. Politecnico di Torino, Electronic Department, Torino, Piemonte, Italy

The technology used to implement the network is Hiperlan type 2 and Wi-Max 802.16. EIRP regulatory requirements limited to 30 dBm is satisfied.
All transmitters are being assembled in iXem Labs using commercial low cost components; antennas are provided by Andrew. Hardware setup and installation is carried out on site by iXem Labs personnel and local partners resources.