Tuesday, March 25, 2008

One Minute Video: What is Packet Optical Convergence?






One Minute Video: What is a Carrier Ethernet Switch Router?

Presented by Rafael Francis

ECI Telecom

NTT DoCoMo Achieves "Super 3G" 250 Mbps Downlink

NTT DoCoMo has demonstrated a downlink transmission rate of 250 Mbps

over a high-speed wireless network in an outdoor test of an experimental Super 3G system for mobile communications. The "Super 3G" system trial has been underway using an actual wireless environment near its R&D labs in Yokosuka, just south of Tokyo, since February. The test involves four Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antennas for base-station transmission and mobile-station reception in the 20MHz bandwidth, the maximum under new Super 3G standards.


DoCoMo said it is continuing to test connection handover from one base station to another, and the functionality of applications in indoor and outdoor environments.


Super 3G, which features low-latency data transmission and high spectrum efficiency, is an evolution beyond the High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) protocols of W-CDMA, an original technology for 3G packet transmissions. Super 3G, also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE), is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and core specifications have been approved already.


http://www.nttdocomo.com
  • In September 2007, NTT DoCoMo announced a milestone of the way to "Super 3G" wireless, also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE) in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) -- the company has developed and successfully tested a trial large-scale-integration (LSI) chip incorporating advanced power-saving signal-processing technologies that enable the chip to work at a sufficiently low power consumption and to be made small enough to fit into forthcoming Super 3G handsets and beyond.


    DoCoMo reports that its LSI achieved a transmission rate of 200Mbps with high precision over a high-speed wireless network, while power consumption did not exceed 0.1W thanks to its proprietary signal-processing technology.


    The company said its LSI demodulates and separates MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output)-multiplexed OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) signals transmitted in the 20MHz bandwidth from four antennas. Signal processing is based on MLD (maximum likelihood detection) technology that DoCoMo has originally developed for 4G wireless access. Redundant circuits have been eliminated in the experimental chip, which was made with 65 nanometer processing.


    DoCoMo plans to continue to develop Super 3G and 4G technologies in combination with its LSI technology, as well as cooperate in the establishment of related international standards.

mimoOn GmbH Demos 3GPP LTE on Software Defined Radio Platforms

mimoOn GmbH announced the implementation of an end-to-end LTE software solution. The company said its platforms offer the high processing power required for LTE, but instead of using high clock frequencies, use parallel processing technology in order to keep power consumption low. The software solution also offers key features such as reconfigurability, which is key for supporting legacy mobile standards such as 3G and 2G whilst LTE evolves. The mimoOn SDR LTE platform supports the optional features of LTE, and it is future-proof and scalable to meet the processing requirements of future releases such as Advanced LTE and MIMO in the uplink.


mimoOn offers two versions of its SDR LTE product: one customized for base stations, picocells, and femtocells; and the other for client devices such as data cards, mobile phones, wireless modules and wireless modems. http://www.mimoOn.de

BigBand Selected by China's Zhongshan Cable

China's Zhongshan Cable is deploying BigBand Networks' Broadband Multimedia-Service Router (BMR) to process, manage and deliver digital television services, including HDTV and video-on-demand (VOD). Zhongshan Cable serves approximately 300,000 subscribers in the city of the same name, among the larger urban centers in China's Guangdong Province. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Zhongshan Cable is using the BMR as a digital "headend-in-a-box." BigBand's "RateShaping" capability leverages advanced algorithms to allow Zhongshan to increase the amount of standard and high-definition digital video that can be delivered over its cable network without using additional bandwidth. The BMR also performs quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), scrambling and acquisition functions to allow video content acquired from satellites to be delivered over Zhongshan's network.http://www.bigbandnet.com

Lockheed Martin Announces Milestone for Navy's Next-Gen Satellite

Lockheed Martin announced a key milestone in the development of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)

with the successful completion of static loads testing of the first satellite in the program constellation. MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system. The new satellites, which will deliver simultaneous voice, data and video in real time to mobile terminals around the globe, will replace the current narrowband tactical satellite communications system known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system.


Lockheed Martin said the test validated the satellite's strength and ability to sustain its launch weight of over 13,000 pounds, proving that the structure can carry the physical loads it will experience during the satellite's manufacturing, launch and operation in geosynchronous orbit.


MUOS satellites will be the largest of Lockheed Martin's flight-proven A2100 spacecraft series. The first MUOS satellite along with the associated ground system are scheduled for on-orbit hand over to the Navy in 2010.


Lockheed Martin Space Systems serves as prime contractor and systems engineering lead for the MUOS program. The company is under contract to design, build and deploy the first two MUOS satellites and the associated MUOS ground system.http://www.lockheedmartin.com

Ceragon Unveils Wireless Ethernet Platform Supporting TDM

Ceragon Networks introduced a new family of carrier-grade wireless Ethernet platforms that combine advanced IP and TDM networking. The new, versatile FibeAir IP-10 family features an integrated Ethernet switch, optional stackable radios with TDM cross-connect for nodal site applications, and advanced service management and Operation Administration & Maintenance (OAM) tools. It offers a capacity range of 10Mbps to 500Mbps over one radio carrier, using a single RF unit, across the entire licensed frequency spectrum - from 6GHz to 38GHz.


In addition, FibeAir IP-10 incorporates Ceragon's Native2 concept to support a native TDM and native Ethernet hybrid architecture - as well as all-IP and pseudowire architectures.


The FibeAir IP-10 family builds on the wide experience gained with Ceragon's FibeAir IP-MAX solutions family which will continue to serve private network and other applications. FibeAir IP-10 solutions will be available in both Native2 and Native Ethernet variants. First commercial release will be available during Q2 2008. http://www.ceragon.com





Building
Migration-Ready Mobile Backhaul Networks with High-capacity Microwave


Mobile networks, which today
are based almost entirely on TDM, will gradually become all-IP/Ethernet.
But what is the best migration strategy for getting there? Can
Point-to-Point Microwave support this migration path?

Motorola to Split into Two in 2009

Motorola announced plans to split into two independent, publicly-traded companies in 2009. The split would occur as follows:

The Mobile Devices business will continue to supply multi-mode, multi-band communications products and technologies. The business designs, manufactures and sells mobile handsets and accessories globally with integrated software solution. It also licenses a portfolio of intellectual property. Motorola is currently searching for a new CEO for this business.


The Broadband & Mobility Solutions business includes Motorola's Enterprise Mobility, Government and Public Safety, and Home and Networks businesses. These businesses manufacture, design, integrate, and service voice and data communication solutions and wireless broadband networks for enterprises and government and public safety customers worldwide. These businesses also provide end-to-end digital and IP video solutions, cellular and high speed broadband network infrastructure, cable set-top receivers, and associated customer premise equipment for residential and commercial wireless network system access.http://www.motorola.com
  • Earlier this month, Motorola announced the resignation of Stu Reed, president of its Mobile Devices business, effective immediately.




  • On January 31, Motorola confirmed that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its Mobile Devices business. Motorola said at that time that its alternatives may include the separation of Mobile Devices from its other businesses in order to permit each business to grow and better serve its customers.

  • Also in January, Motorola reported Q4 2007 sales of $9.65 billion and net earnings of $0.04 per share, which include $0.05 per share from continuing operations and a net loss of $0.01 per share from discontinued operations. The company said its Mobile Devices business remains challenged, with sales declining 38 percent versus prior-year quarter, while its Home & Networks Mobility and Enterprise Mobility Solutions business continued to deliver strong results.

Motorola to Offer Common Wireless Broadband Platform to Support WiMAX and LTE

Motorola outlined plans for a new common wireless broadband platform that will be used to support both WiMAX 802.16e access points and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) evolved Node-B (eNodeB). The new common platform will be physically smaller than the first generation WiMAX product, and it will be software configurable to support either WiMAX or LTE.


Motorola's LTE solution is comprised of the common wireless broadband wireless platform and a selection of radio options that include MIMO and smart antennas. The portfolio includes frame based-mounted radios, remote radio heads and tower top radios to support a wide variety of LTE deployment scenarios across newly available spectrum as well as existing GSM and CDMA spectrum.


Motorola's WiMAX solution is comprised of a number of tower top and ground based access point configurations utilizing MIMO B or smart antenna technology and can be operated in the 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5 GHz frequency bands.


Motorola will showcase the new wireless common broadband platform at next week's CTIA Wireless 2008 in Las Vegas.http://www.motorola.com/experiencelte

Motorola Introduces WiMAX Indoor CPE

Motorola introduced its desktop CPEi 150

for indoor fixed WiMAX deployments, the latest 802.16e-compliant Wave-2 ready addition to Motorola's award-winning WiMAX consumer product portfolio. The new CPEi 150 features one data port, supports remote management and operates in the 2.5GHz band. The CPEi 150 automatically connects to the WiMAX network and authenticates itself for easy setup. Motorola will begin shipments to service providers during Q2 2008.


At the upcoming CTIA Wireless 2008 show in the Las Vegas, Motorola is participating with ecosystem partners Intel, Clearwire and XOHM to offer mobile WiMAX "test drives".http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/motowi4

Motorola Unveils DVB-HB Mobile TV with PVR, GPS, HSDPA

Motorola unveiled its Mobile TV DH02

-- a personalized TV and navigation device featuring a touch screen user interface. It offers an HSDPA/GPRS back channel support offering mobile operators the potential to deliver 2-way entertainment and navigation services.


Additional features of DH02 include:

Live DVB-H TV with PVR capabilities -- timeshift, live pause, frame grabbing
  • Advanced navigation capabilities with GPS and Tele Atlas map views, points of interest and voice-activated directions, and handsfree calls to points of interest.


  • Automatic channel scan and listing


  • High resolution WQVGA display


  • Digital video quality @ 25 fps


  • Personal content like video, music and pictures on microSD cards


  • Five-minute memory buffer for live pause and time shift of TV channels


  • Points of Interest with voice assisted guidance, real-time traffic information and speed alerts


  • E-call (Emergency Calls) and SMS support


  • Bluetooth and earphones


  • Portrait and landscape auto-flip -- use portrait view for navigation and POI calls, and landscape for mobile TV and personal media entertainment


  • Motorola also supplies mobile TV solutions, including network infrastructure (DVB-H transmission network equipment, video headend center equipment, interactive application services delivery platform), services (to design, deploy and optimize the network in addition to application services); and the devices themselves.http://www.motorola.com

    Motorola Demos CDMA/EV-DO Rev-A to LTE Handoffs

    Motorola announced the first successful packet-switched network handoff between CDMA EV-DO Rev-A and Long Term Evolution (LTE) technologies in a demonstration with VoIP calls and streaming video. In the Motorola demonstration, laptops and mobile devices are equipped with dual radio transceivers that support both CDMA/EV-DO Rev-A and LTE and are active during the packet handoffs. As a device loses LTE connectivity, it automatically switches to EV-DO to ensure consistent streaming without dropping IP packets. The process is then reversed, and devices switch back to LTE when LTE connectivity is restored. Motorola noted that the handover mechanisms employed in this demonstration leverage concepts which are part of the non-optimized handover procedures in LTE core network SAE standard 3GPP TS 23.402.


    Motorola said its handoff technique illustrates how service providers using CDMA-based networks can smoothly integrate broadband OFDMA and IP packet-based wireless broadband technologies like LTE into their network.


    http://www.motorola.com

    Verizon Lobbies for Faster Disconnects from Cable TV

    Verizon has asked the FCC to require the cable industry to make it as easy for consumers to choose a new video provider as it already is for them to switch voice providers. Verizon argues that the currently many cable companies refuse to accept video service cancellations from a new provider, creating extra work and confusion for consumers. However, long-established procedures enable a new provider to submit a voice disconnection order on behalf of the customer.


    "The process to switch video providers is more cumbersome for consumers," Verizon wrote in a petition filed with the FCC today to request a declaratory ruling. "Cable incumbents do not accept disconnect orders from the new provider; instead, they require the customer to contact them directly to cancel service after choosing a new video provider and to return equipment.


    In a separate filing with the FCC earlier this week, Verizon said that the cable industry delays its customers' switches to competing voice providers by regularly failing to meet the commission's timing requirements for local number portability.
    http://www.verizon.com

    RMI Expands its Board of Directors

    RMI Corporation, which supplies multi-core, multi-threaded processors for communications and consumer applications, has expanded its Board of Directors to include Michael Thurk, chief operating officer of Avaya. RMI recently expanded the size of its board of directors to seven members. In addition to Mr. Thurk, RMI's board includes newly appointed members, Donald Schrock, former group president, Qualcomm, and Richard F. Wallman, former chief financial officer at Honeywell International, as well as existing members, Behrooz Abdi, president and chief executive officer, RMI Corporation, Joe Landy, co-president, Warburg Pincus, Bruce Dunlevie, senior partner at Benchmark Capital and Henry Kressel, partner and a senior managing director of Warburg Pincus..http://www.RMICorp.com