ADC (Nasdaq:ADCT; www.adc.com) and Colubris Networks (www.colubris.com) today announced that the companies have signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement that enables ADC to offer a complete span-powered Wi-Fi hotspot solution for wireline telecommunications carriers. By supporting Wi-Fi and DSL in a single device, carriers can fully leverage the value of their copper infrastructure and network assets to extend wireline broadband into the wireless world.
Under terms of the exclusive agreement, Colubris Networks, a global provider of intelligent Wi-Fi wireless networking devices, will supply equipment to ADC and assist with the creation and development of an integrated Wi-Fi/DSL access device for incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) worldwide.
This industry-first solution integrates Colubris Networks’ intelligent Wi-Fi access point technology into ADC’s LoopStar(TM) span-powered DSL equipment. The LoopStar’s span-powering feature allows the access point to draw power from the DSL connection, enabling carriers to install the solution where it’s needed. ILECs are able to reduce costs and installation time since there is no need to negotiate power access, and Wi-Fi equipment location can be optimized for maximum RF coverage.
Two Regional Bell Operating Companies will begin lab trials of the span-powered Wi-Fi solution later this year. Announced at SUPERCOMM 2003, the ADC LoopStar integrated Wi-Fi/DSL access device generated immediate interest among major telecommunications companies in North America and Europe.
“We selected Colubris Networks as our partner because of the company’s momentum in the hotspot market and its field-proven Wi-Fi hardware and software,” said Mike Pratt, president of the Wireline Systems Business Unit for ADC. “By integrating Wi-Fi and DSL access technologies into a unique, integrated single network element, we significantly decrease the cost of deploying Wi-Fi hotspots while maximizing existing DSL investments.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Colubris Networks will sell hardware and software technology to ADC based on its CN300 and CN3000 intelligent Wi-Fi access devices. The industry’s first access device to combine controller and access point functionality, the CN3000 is an easily managed, highly scalable hotspot-in-a-box. ADC integrates Colubris Networks’ Wi-Fi access equipment with its LoopStar span-powered DSL modem to provide ILECs with a complete wireless hotspot solution that draws power over the same copper pairs they use for central office data connection. The initial product supports the G.SHDSL standard for business-grade service, with additional DSL variations under development.
Public hotspots are rapidly becoming the focal point in today’s wireless industry. A recent study on Wi-Fi deployments by market research firm Gartner notes that by 2007, revenue from hotspot users is projected to equal $3.518 billion.
“ADC is an ideal partner for Colubris Networks because its presence in the carrier market opens significant new opportunities for our company,” said Barry Fougere, president and CEO for Colubris Networks. “By combining the complementary engineering expertise from our respective organizations, the partnership delivers an integrated Wi-Fi solution that’s easy to install in phone booths and other public places where DSL is available but AC power is not. Our exclusive agreement with ADC is a significant achievement for our company and we’re pleased to provide key Wi-Fi technology for this exciting new product line.”
“This solution provides telcos with a product that meets their needs in terms of operational and environmental features, while leveraging an installed base of DSL for transport and power,” said Peter Jarich, senior analyst for Current Analysis, in a research note published in June 2003. “Installation can easily become one of the biggest costs an operator faces – especially where additional powering is not readily accessible. ADC’s LoopStar DSL span-powering sidesteps the need to locate new powering and keeps costs low.”
About Colubris Networks
Colubris Networks is a global leader in providing highly secure, manageable and cost-effective Wireless LAN solutions for enterprise networks and carrier deployments. Its award-winning Wi-Fi certified product family of purpose-built enterprise and public access offerings seamlessly integrates into existing customer networks, providing maximum cost-effectiveness and management simplicity. Colubris Networks embeds strong tools such as Virtual Private Networking, enhanced security and firewall technologies into its open, industry-standard solutions. Colubris Networks’ products are deployed by more than 400 organizations worldwide, including Telecom Italia, NTT-ME, McGill University, Bangkok International Airport, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and three of the world’s largest hotel chains. In addition to ADC, the company’s strategic partners include Alcatel, Juniper Networks, Funk Software, Micromuse, and a worldwide network of value-added-resellers and systems integrators. For more information visit the company Web site at www.colubris.com or contact us at info@colubris.com.
About ADC
ADC is The Broadband Company(TM). ADC offers high-quality, value-added solutions of network equipment, software and systems integration services that enable communications service providers to deliver high-speed Internet, data, video and voice services to consumers and businesses worldwide. ADC (Nasdaq:ADCT) has sales into more than 100 countries. Learn more about ADC Telecommunications, Inc. at www.adc.com.
