Atheros Communications introduced what it is billing as the world’s first single-chip IEEE 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN chipset. The AR5006X chip integrates a media access controller, base-band processor and radio capable of operating at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz in a low-cost CMOS design, the company said. It also supports the IEEE 802.11i security standard and has an AES encryption engine built into its hardware.
www.atheros.com
P2T optimization tools
Optimi unveiled a suite of products designed to help carriers improve and better manage their push-to-talk networks. The X Product Suite includes the X-Dimension solution, a simulation tool that enables engineers to determine the capital and operating expenditures needed to achieve a desired QOS level, and the X-Appmonitor solution, which measures and analyzes both network performance and customer use.
www.optimi.com
UWB test services
Tokyo-based TDK Corp. launched a suite of evaluation and measurement services for companies developing ultrawideband equipment. A unit of the company’s U.S.-based research and development subsidiary, Austin, Texas-based TDK R&D Corp., will conduct the evaluations. TDK Test Services uses methods that comply with the FCC’s Part 15 rules, the company said. The evaluations will cover the following: UWB frequency bandwidth, unintentional emissions from 9 kHz to 40 GHz, measurement of peak emissions in a 50 MHz bandwidth and AC mains disturbance.
www.tdk.co.jp
P2T interoperability solution
Nextel Communications and Raytheon JPS Communications said they would jointly develop a patch that would enable users of Nextel’s Direct Connect push-to-talk service to interconnect to land mobile radio systems via Raytheon’s ACU-1000 interoperability solution that uses IP-based networks to link disparate radio systems operating on different frequencies.
www.nextel.com
www.raytheon.com
Wi-Fi, Flash-OFDM combo
Netgear and Flarion Technologies announced a partnership to create a product suite that would integrate Netgear’s line of 802.11b/g products with Flarion’s Flash-OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) technology. The combined solutions are expected to enable end users to connect seamlessly to a mobile operator’s WAN through a Flash-OFDM to Wi-Fi connection, the company’s said. The first products are expected to be trialed in fourth quarter 2004.
www.netgear.com
www.flarion.com
Remote access router
Padcom introduced the 8100 Remote Access Router, which can be used to create a vehicle area network in order to enable multiple devices in and around a vehicle to communicate with each other. The router supports all wireless networks (IP- and non-IP-based) and features an embedded 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN capability, the company said. The router is powered by the company’s TotalRoam software that enables seamless roaming between disparate communications networks.
www.padcomusa.com
Passive intermodulation analyzer
Summitek introduced a passive intermodulation analyzer that covers the 138 MHz to 512 MHz frequency band. The SI-400C is capable of testing all components in the high-power transmission path of the network, including filters, antennas, cable assemblies, couplers and lightening protectors. It is suitable for testing components used in first responder communications systems in the U.S., TETRA systems in Europe and South America, and CDMA 450 networks.
www.summitek.com
Multi-mode, dual radio WLAN platforms
Colubris Networks unveiled wireless LAN platforms that support multi-mode 802.11a/b/g and provide support for high-capacity dual 802.11g or dual 802.11 radios in a single WLAN access device. The CN3300 WLAN services controller and the CN330 access device are software-configurable to operate as an access point, WLAN monitor or wireless distribution system bridge on either radio, the company said. That flexibility enables users to dedicate one radio either as a WLAN monitor — eliminating the need for access devices to simultaneously manage traffic and background scanning — or as a WDS bridge in order to expand capacity and coverage.
www.colubris.com
Enterprise-class digital assistants
Symbol Technologies introduced the MC50 mobile computer, an enterprise digital assistant that offers integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as bar code-scanning and voice-over-IP capabilities. The MC50 is targeted primarily to the retail sector but is suitable for any mobile worker needing to interact with enterprise systems in real-time, the company said. The device can be equipped with Symbol’s Mobility Services Platform, which provides unified enterprisewide management of mobile devices and wireless network infrastructure, including the ability to remotely perform diagnostics and provision software upgrades and fixes with a single command, the company said.
www.symbol.com
Debur and cable prep tools
Times Microwave Systems introduced the DBT-02 debur tool for use with the smaller range of LMR low-loss coaxial cables. The tool chamfers the center conductor to facilitate attachment of the center pin contact of both EZ no-solder and solder-type connectors. In addition, the company unveiled the ST-240EZ preparation and stripping tool for use with its LMR-240 low-loss coaxial cables. The tool prepares the cable to the exact dimensions in one step, facilitating the field installation of EZ no-solder connectors, the company said.
www.timesmicrowave.com
Wireless broadband platform adds VoIP
Motorola introduced the next generation of its Canopy wireless broadband platform, which now offers increased bandwidth and a voice-over-IP capability. Targeted to enterprise customers, the platform is based on software-defined radio technology and is upgradeable though software upgrades, the company said. A 900 MHz access point is the first product to be introduced and is currently available. Access points for 2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz and 5.7 GHz are expected to be released in Q4 2004. Motorola said it plans to introduce a subscriber module to the suite in Q1 2005 that will provide voice and data services at aggregate data rates up to 15 Mb/s.
www.motorola.com
