Newark, NJ startup Low Latency Group is recruiting trading firms to fund development of a hybrid microwave and fibre network, using a crowdfunding model that could appeal to smaller operations that are looking for lowest latency but at a lower cost.
True, the $5 million that the group is seeking – from just eight firms – isn’t your average Kickstarter.com crowdfunded music project, but there are some similarities – most notable being that the funds advanced will not be tapped until the total spend is covered and build out is set to begin.
According to the group’s web site: “We are forming a coalition of smaller firms to construct a private network. High Speed Traders need light speed but in reality they do not move large amounts of data compared to the capability of a private microwave network.”
Microwave will be used where possible since it is faster than fibre. And eight is the goal for participants because it is estimated that there will not be a performance impact on any one, given the bandwidth that will be deployed.
The initial focus for the network will be connectivity from NY-area equities markets to currency and options hubs in Chicago, and also delivery of economic news from Washington, DC to those markets.
The design and build out of the network will be led by the Low Latency Group’s engineers, and the group will also provide ongoing maintenance, for a monthly fee.
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