Sunday, October 17, 2010

BelAir Simplifies Metro Pico Cell Networks, Adds CDMA

BelAir Networks is introducing several tools for managing metropolitan pico cells -- the small cell network architecture often used in large-scale and multi-location Wi-Fi networks but which is now being adopted in the licensed band space for 3G/4G deployments. BelAir also announced that its BelAir100SP Strand Picocell now supports CDMA2000. The BelAir100SP is a small cell base station that can be deployed from aerial strand, and in pedestals, cabinets or vaults to augment or extend existing mobile broadband coverage. It supports a range of licensed 3G radios, with a migration to LTE, along with dual 802.11n Wi-Fi radios. It also includes a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, plant power supply, and power protection/splitter.


The new management capabilities are enabled by BelAir's BelView 6 Network Management System (NMS), along with TR-069 support on BelAir Networks entire portfolio of indoor access points and outdoor picocell base stations.
Key features of BelView 6 include:


  • Real-time Business Intelligence: Web-based monitoring and dashboard tools provide real-time network statistics to remote devices including iPhone TM and Android-based Smartphones.


  • Scalability: The number of base stations supported in a single network, both for monitoring and provisioning, increases from 25,000 to 50,000.


  • Provisioning: BelView 6 makes it faster and easier to operationalize and modify the network. Changes (such as channel allocation or new SSID activation) can be automatically activated on individual base stations, groups or the entire network.


"With data capacity requirements increasing exponentially, small cells, deployed using Wi-Fi, 3G, LTE -- or a combination of these -- are key to delivering a true mobile broadband experience. But, to ensure cost effective deployment, operation and expansion, these small cell networks must be easy for operators to provision, monitor and integrate with their existing network, back office and management systems," said Stephen Rayment, Chief Technology Officer, BelAir Networks. "With BelView 6 and TR-069 support, BelAir Networks addresses the management, operation and integration challenges inherent in large-scale small cell networks."http://www.belairnetworks.com

Proxim Re-Enters Licensed Wireless Market with 622 Mbps Backhaul

Proxim Wireless, which was a pioneer of the point-to-point microwave market, has re-entered the licensed wireless backhaul market with the introduction of its Tsunami GX800 licensed point-to-point microwave backhaul radios.



Proxim's IP-centric GX800 is a compact form factor radio delivering up to 622 Mbps of out-of-the-box aggregate capacity with a wide range of frequency band support from 6-38 GHz. Channel bandwidths are configurable from 7-56 MHz, enabling the very high data rates. Proxim claims extremely low latency at less than 100us -- enabling the platform to be used for voice and video backhaul in carrier, enterprise, video surveillance and other deployment scenarios. The GX800 can transmit at 6-28 dBm for greater distance and coverage.


The GX800 utilizes advanced modulation techniques -- including adaptive code modulation (ACM) with modulation rates of QPSK to 256 QAM. Proxim is also introducing a priority-based packet transport system to ensure proper TDM and data handling. The GX800 features extensive Layer 3 protocol support including 802.1q VLAN and 802.1p QoS.


The GX800 utilizes a split-mount architecture consisting of a compact indoor unit (IDU) and outdoor unit (ODU). The product has an extremely small footprint, with the ability to install two IDUs in a single 1U rack. The compact IDU features a universal modem, is frequency independent, includes a Gigabit IP interface, a second 10/100 Ethernet port, USB port, and in/out of band management. Furthermore, it also includes simple plug-in modules for SDH/PDH interface expansion. The ODU is also simple to deploy, with both direct mount and remote mount antenna options.


The GX800 also includes a free link design and optimization tool to optimize the planning and deployment of every link.
http://www.proximwireless.com

NSN Unveils Energy efficient Flexi Network Server

Nokia Siemens Networks introduced its Flexi NS (Network Server) designed to serve both as SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) for 2G/3G/HSPA networks and as MME (Mobility Management Entity) for LTE. The Flexi NS is an ATCA-based platform for the packet core. NSN said that by using the latest hardware technology advancements it has been able to achieve the lowest power consumption on the market for this type of equipment -- only 59 watts per 100,000 subscribers. Flexi NS also allows operators to serve more smart device users, thanks to its market-leading signal handling capacity. The new Flexi NS will be available for commercial deployment by the end of 2010.


Nokia Siemens Networks noted that it is the leading SGSN vendor with an installed base serving more than 750 million subscribers across the world.


"With the increasing adoption of smart devices, operators are required to reduce power consumption and handle an ever growing signaling load, while still providing an enhanced user experience," said Petri Pöyhönen, head of converged internet connectivity at Nokia Siemens Networks. "Our new Flexi NS not only addresses these issues, but also helps operators lower investment, as a single network server allows them to serve more smart device users."http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com/

CableLabs Develops DOCSIS Provisioning of EPON Specifications

CableLabs is developing new specifications for DPoE (DOCSIS Provisioning of EPON) for Business Services that will give cable operators a common method of using DOCSIS back office specifications and service concepts to provision and operate EPON-based (Ethernet Passive Optical Network) products when delivering IP and Ethernet services. Future versions of the DPoE specifications will add support of a greater variety of data and voice services in the commercial space.


In addition to CableLabs participation in this initiative, Broadcom, Hitachi-CTA, ZTE and Finisar (formerly Broadway Networks) served as vendor members of the development team, and were also directly involved in writing the DPoE specifications.
http://www.cablelabs.com

WCAI Announces 3.65 GHz Channel Plan for U.S. Market

The Wireless Communications Association International (WCAI) has adopted and released the 3.65 GHz Channel Plan to minimize harmful interference among operators in the band.


"This channel plan was finalized after multiple iterations and was the result of collaboration among some of the leading vendors, engineers and operators both in the U.S. and abroad," said Jason Lazar of KeyOn Communications, who chairs the WCAI 3.65 GHz Working Group. "We offer special appreciation to those who participated in the process. More importantly, we feel that this channel plan is an example of the type of work that can be accomplished through collective efforts and within the WCAI to facilitate future commercial successes in the band."


"We initially focused on developing the channel plan, because we saw it as a critical component of the best practices that are essential to the full utilization of the 3.65 GHz band in the U.S. and around the globe," said WCAI President Fred Campbell, who played an instrumental role in developing the rules for the 3.65 GHz band in his previous position as an FCC Wireless Bureau Chief. "As we continue to work on best practices, we will consider whether regulatory changes are also required to unlock the band's potential for the benefit of the industry and consumers alike."http://www.wcai.com/

Clearwire's Upcoming 4G Launches in NYC, LA, SF

Clearwire will launch its 4G WiMAX service in New York City on November 1 in partnership with Sprint and Time Warner Cable. Each of the companies will offer 4G services under their own 4G brand.


Clearwire and Sprint will both launch commercial 4G service in Los Angeles on December 1 with official launch events and retail store openings to follow.


Clearwire also confirmed pland to launch in the San Francisco Bay Area in late December. Sprint and Comcast will also launch 4G services under their own 4G brands.
http://www.clearwire.com

ABI Research Forecasts 297 Million Cellular M2M Connections in 2015

ABI Research is forecasting that cellular M2M (machine-to-machine) connections will exceed 297 million in 2015. Europe is predicted to account for the largest regional share with 110 million connections in 2015; North America will rank second with 79 million and the Asia-Pacific region third with almost 66 million.


According to ABI Research practice director Sam Lucero, "The major world regions show different drivers for cellular M2M markets. The European market is the most diversified and has the most mature deployments. The EU benefits from regulatory mandates surrounding eCall and smart energy. In North America the focus has traditionally been more on telematics, although M2M is now growing strongly in other areas including smart energy. Both telematics and energy are providing impetus in Asia-Pac, but the markets are less mature, outside of key countries such as Japan."http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1003047)

ZTE Launches the WiMAX/TD-LTE Dual-mode RRU

ZTE introduced a WiMAX/TD-LTE dual-mode Remote Radio Unit (RRU) -- the first such dual-mode model on the market. Supporting 2.3G/2.5GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum band, the R9110 has a unique 4T8R design and advanced antenna technologies such as multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and beamforming (BF). The product is designed for North American operators contemplating a migration from WiMAX to LTE.


Earlier this year, ZTE was the first vendor to offer a smooth evolution from TD-SCDMA to TD-LTE with the ZXTR R8928 TD-SCDMA/LTE dual-mode Remote Radio Unit.


"Without a doubt, it's an exciting time in the U.S. telecom market. Many operators are embracing LTE and several have announced plans to launch commercial deployments through 2011," said Songpu Zhao, vice president, ZTE.
"Operators are facing the challenge of how to leverage their existing technology investments while remaining competitive, and ZTE is addressing this market need with the R9110. In addition to improving the speed of network deployments and significantly reducing the network total cost of ownership, it provides operators with a smooth migration path towards 4G."http://www.zte.com.cn

Aptilo to Add LTE Policy and Charging Control

Aptilo Networks, which supplies pre-integrated solutions for control of billing, user services and access in WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks, is now adding LTE to its portfolio of service management and policy control solutions for operators.


Aptilo's new 4G service management platform with LTE support has a purpose-built PCRF (policy charging and rules function) that is pre-integrated with optional Aptilo modules for prepaid systems, subscriber database, WEB portals, statistics and reporting, voucher management, etc.


Aptilo said its system allows operators to change QoS in real time, and charge online on a per application basis to offer flexible service plans and increase the revenue potential with their 4G data services.


Aptilo's LTE solution will be available in early 2011. http://www.aptilo.com

CANARIE Tests 100G across Canada with Ciena

Canada's Advanced Research and Innovation Network (CANARIE) and Ciena have conducted a successful 100G demonstration running over CANARIE's production network.


Using Ciena's ActivFlex 6500 and ActivSpan Common Photonic Layer, the demonstration originates from Chicago's StarLight GIGApop and includes uncompressed HD video data streams from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the International Center for Advanced Internet Research (iCAIR) and other sources, along with the CANARIE applications. Using Ciena's 40/100G Adaptive Optical Engine technology -- which includes coherent optics, electronic dispersion compensation, and directionless and colorless ROADM functionality -- the 100G wavelength travels 1,300 km to Ciena's Ottawa labs for displaying the video content.


The demonstration showcases two CANARIE-funded research projects that use the CANARIE network to accelerate medical discoveries and innovations in brain research, and help eliminate the challenges of geography in delivering medical education to remote and rural areas. The live demonstration will be operational throughout the month of October.
http://www.ciena.com
http://www.canarie.ca/

MetroPCS Employs Bridgewater for LTE Policy Control

MetroPCS Communications is using the Bridgewater Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and Policy Controller (PCRF) for its newly launched LTE service in the U.S.. Bridgewater is supplying the independent, high performance control plane to manage mobile data traffic, subscribers, devices and applications and personalize services.
This installation includes:

  • The Bridgewater Policy Controller, which supports 3GPP PCRF Release 7, 8 and 9 standards on the same platform, provides real-time network, application, and subscriber policies to manage mobile data growth and deliver personalized services; and


  • The Bridgewater Home Subscriber Server, a master repository that contains subscriber and device profile and state information, and manages subscriber identities, service profiles, authentication, authorization, and quality of service in real time.


In addition Bridgewater announced that Cellcom, a leading provider of communications services throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, has selected its EPC 500 system to deliver IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) femtocell services and for its LTE network rollout. http://www.bridgewatersystems.com/LTE.aspxhttp://www.metropcs.com

Sierra Wireless introduces new LTE wireless modules

Sierra Wireless announced three LTE product additions to its AirPrime MC Series of Intelligent Embedded Modules: the AirPrime MC7750, MC7700 and MC7710. The three variants offer different network technology and frequency band combinations, as well as support for both Linux and Windows. The AirPrime MC7750 module supports LTE, EV-DO and HSPA+ networks, while the AirPrime MC7700 and MC7710 modules support LTE and HSPA+ in different frequency bands. The modules deliver up to 100 Mbps download speeds and 50 Mbps upload speeds, integrated GPS capabilities, and broader compatibility than previous technologies. Compatibility with existing 2G and 3G networks ensures users stay connected whether they're in major cities or traveling across the country, and supports international roaming.


The AirPrime MC7750 and MC7700 modules are now sampling. The AirPrime MC7710 module is expected to be available for sampling during the first half of 2011. Test samples of Sierra Wireless' new LTE AirCard products are expected to be available to operators and network infrastructure partners by end of 2010. http://www.sierrawireless.com

Lantiq Intros GPON Chip with ONT Capability

Lantiq introduced a GPON System-on-Chip (SoC) with integrated optical control circuitry for Optical Network Termination (ONT) applications. Lantiq said its first-of-a-kind integration enables GPON ONT manufacturers to reduce Bill of Material (BOM) cost for optical components by up to 40 percent while reducing system power consumption, improving overall robustness of the optical network and reducing the footprint of ONT network equipment.


The power consumption of Lantiq GPON SoC based ONT equipment is 65% below the European Code of Conduct (CoC) requirements for 2011 and is lower than the currently proposed efficiency requirements for 2013. With a chip package-size of just 17 x 17 mm, the devices also enable very small footprint solutions. This small footprint enables a complete SFU (Single Family Unit) with a 1000 Base-T LAN port that is smaller than a business card (50 x 80 mm).


The FALC ON family includes SoC devices for multiple FTTH/FTTB applications. The FALC ON-D (PEF98010) focuses on data-only GPON SFU devices; the FALC ON-V (PEF98020) focuses on GPON voice and data SFUs, and the FALC ON-M (PEF98030) is well suited for MDU (Multi Dwelling Unit) and CBU (Cellular Backhaul Unit) applications. All three members of Lantiq's new GPON chipset family feature integrated burst mode Laser Driver and APD/PIN-receiver-control circuitry which allows direct interfacing to a low-cost BiDi Optical Sub Assembly (BOSA). This industry-wide unique approach allows system integrators to offer GPON ONT solutions without the need for costly and area-consuming optical transceiver modules.


Sampling begins next month.
http://www.lantiq.com/Falcon

Telmex Chile Picks Tellabs 7100 Optical Transport System

Telmex Chile will build a new ROADM DWDM network using Tellabs' Optical Solutions, with the help of Raylex, a local partner. The network will include the Tellabs 7100 Optical Transport System and the Tellabs 7100 Nano Optical Transport System. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.tellabs.com

Alcatel-Lucent Boosts Mobile Backhaul with New Aggregation Router

Alcatel-Lucent is expanding its mobile backhaul portfolio with a new 7705 Service Aggregation Router (SAR)-18 optimized for large aggregation sites or smaller central hub sites.


The Alcatel-Lucent 7705 SAR-18 is a 10-rack unit (RU) platform offering up to 140 Gbps of scalable capacity for backhauling traffic from "‘AnyG to LTE" (2G, 3G and LTE) radio access networks. It supports the same services as Alcatel-Lucent's flagship 7750 Service Router, but to meet the price points required in mobile backhaul applications, the 7705 employs commercial silicon. Serving at key aggregation points, the 7705 router supports all packet-based timing/synchronization mechanisms and offers sophisticated Ethernet OAM.


Along with the new platform, Alcatel-Lucent is offering end-to-end, unified network and policy management from the Radio Access Network (RAN) to the packet core. The Alcatel-Lucent 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM) now provides seamless end-to- end IP/MPLS-based management for the entire wireless network domain. With the 5620
SAM, Alcatel-Lucent brings the strength of its IP/MPLS management expertise to simplify provisioning and operations and accelerate faulty detection and rectification. Furthermore, the Alcatel-Lucent SAR family of products is now integrated with the Alcatel-Lucent 9500 Microwave Packet Radio (MPR) family, for seamless microwave-based backhaul.


Alcatel-Lucent also noted that it also moved into the number one market share position with 23% of worldwide Ethernet cell site gateway and router revenue for the first half of 2010, according to data published by Infonetics. To date, Alcatel-Lucent is involved in over 50 LTE trials and has won seven LTE contracts worldwide.

http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

KDDI to Integrate Skype Across its Services

KDDI and Skype announced a strategic alliance that will integrate Skype across KDDI's services, starting with its "au" mobile offerings. Skype will initially be made available on the au Android smartphone (IS03 and IS01) starting in November. KDDI plans deeper Skype integration on a range of au Android devices as well as BREW devices in 2011.



The companies said they are working to offer a whole new communications experience. Japanese customers on the KDDI network can bring their Skype conversations with them wherever they go and stay connected with their friends at all times by sending and receiving Instant Messages with the Skype app running in the background. At launch, users will also be able to make unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user in Japan and around the globe without being charged against their monthly minute allowance or data plan.


Skype uses KDDI's voice network for Skype-to-Skype calls. KDDI customers with data plans will have the Skype app "always on" and be able to see friends' online status at any time. International calling is billed at competitive Skype Out calling rates.



"Skype on au is a breakthrough in giving customers in Japan unlimited, global communications options, while expanding their calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users worldwide," said Mr. Takashi Tanaka, Senior Vice President, member of the board of KDDI. "We look forward to working closely with Skype to extend these benefits beyond mobile to broadband, fixed line and cable, and thereby maximize the satisfaction of our customers in every area of our business."http://www.skype.com

Cisco: Rapid Improvements in Global Broadband Quality

Global broadband quality has improved by 50% in just three years and penetration of broadband continues to improve, according to a newly published annual study from Oxford University's Saïd Business School. The study, which was sponsored by Cisco, examined broadband quality in 72 countries and 239 cities using the data from 40 million tests on speedtest.net. Some key findings include:

  • The average global download speed has increased 49% in just three years (3,271 Kbps in 2008, 4882 Kbps in 2009 and 5,920 Kbps in 2010).


  • The average global upload speed has increased 69% in three years (794 Kbps in 2008, 1,345 Kbps in 2009. 1,777 Kbps in 2010).


  • Average latency has fallen by 25% to 142ms. This is slightly up from 140ms in 2009, but still significantly lower than 189ms in 2008.


  • South Korea tops the broadband leadership list for the second year in a row. The country enjoys an average download throughput of 33.5 Mbps, an increase of 55% from 2009. Average upload throughput is 17 Mbps, an increase of 430%, and average latency is 47ms, an improvement of 35% vs. 2009 figure. South Korea also boasts 100% broadband penetration.


  • The next fastest countries/territories on the list include Hong Kong, Japan, Iceland, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Malta, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Sweden, and Denmark.


  • Hong Kong, Iceland, South Korea, Luxemburg and Malta lead in broadband penetration with take-up reaching 100% of households.


  • Sweden, Denmark, USA, and Spain are the world leaders in mobile broadband quality. Sweden and Denmark are also in the leading group in fixed-line broadband.


  • The latency of mobile broadband, one of the biggest weaknesses of mobile Internet access, has improved by 45% in just one year, from 1313ms to 724ms. Average download speed is now 936 Kbps, up 35% from 2009 and upload is now 277 Kbps, an increase of over 100% from 2009.
http://www.cisco.com