VT Miltope and Colubris Networks announced today the joint development of the first 54 Mega bits per second (Mbps) in-flight
Wi-Fi device. Using Colubris’ CN3200 integrated Wireless Services Controller/access device as the platform, the new device is called the Miltope Cabin Access Point (CAP) and was designed to be installed on commercial airlines worldwide.
The Cabin Access Point provides high speed, secure, wireless network connectivity for aviation applications allowing airline passengers to send and receive emails and access the Internet for work or entertainment at higher speeds — comparable to their home or office connections — than currently available.
The Cabin Access Point using Colubris’ technology is the most advanced aviation wireless product of its kind with two tri-mode 802.11a/b/g radios and the latest Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security. It was the only product of its type to pass rigorous aviation environmental stress testing.
“VT Miltope and Colubris worked together developing the products (Partnership announcement 12/03 htp://www.colubris.com/NewsItem.aspx?id=16) that handled the first successful in-flight VoIP phone call and video conference earlier this year on a Lufthansa Airline flight,” said Barry Fougere, president and CEO, Colubris Networks. “Now, we are working to improve network speeds while meeting or exceeding aviation quality guidelines. Our product was tested under extreme conditions. It was baked, frozen, drowned and survived a brutal vibration test – like getting hit with a hammer over and over again. It still worked flawlessly.”
About Cabin Access Point
The CAP is a next-generation 802.11a/b/g platform that integrates advanced access device and access control functions within a single, easy to deploy platform for the aviation industry to deliver public Internet access and other high-value services. It provides reliable and secure user authentication, service presentation and per-user billing support. Its flexible feature set supports networks with either centralized or distributed access control and service management functions.
“The great support that we have received from Colubris has enabled VT Miltope to continue to provide Connexion by Boeing with the most advanced wireless access point technology available in the aviation industry. The CAP will be instrumental in defining how services are brought to the passengers wirelessly in the near future,” said Tom Dickinson, president and CEO, VT Miltope.
About VT Miltope
VT Miltope, part of Vision Technologies Systems, specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of distinctive computers, computer peripheral, and networking equipment for rugged applications in both commercial and military markets for over 30 years. Commercial airborne customers benefit from VT Miltope’s ability to leverage its long established history of designing reliable equipment for military applications where reliable operation of equipment under demanding environmental conditions is paramount. VT Miltope’s line of airborne data management and communication products include data and video servers, wireless access points, printers, in-flight workstations, laptop computers, and mass memory storage. Please visit www.miltope.com.
About Colubris Networks
Colubris Networks manufactures and sells an award-winning WLAN product family to service providers and enterprises worldwide. Its WLAN System enables superior customer flexibility and control in the secure delivery of voice, data, and multimedia Wi-Fi applications and services to mobile workers, customers, partners, suppliers and guests. Colubris Networks’ equipment is deployed by more than 1,000 organizations worldwide.
