Alternatives for community metropolitan networks for the major cities of the Amazon region of Brazil: the case of Belém

Abstract: We conduct a comparative analysis of two proposals for establishing a facilities-based metropolitan network to serve the education and research community in the city of Belém do Pará in Brazil, utilizing the “do-it-yourself” (DIY) model for building infrastructure, and benefiting around a dozen research and education institutions. The first alternative involves constructing a fiber optic network using Gigabit Ethernet technology. The second option employs a metropolitan wireless network based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, examining the feasibility of this technology in a context with the unique characteristics of the Amazon region. In both cases, we demonstrate that the capital cost for each institution is feasible, and that the total cost in the medium term is lower than the recurring costs associated with maintaining the traditional model reliant on telecommunications provider services.