Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) announced today the availability of its Public WLAN end-to-end solution for fixed and mobile operators, from WIFI radio access, authentication network elements, up to value-added applications, designed to address small to large scale public hot spots.
The solution features seamless standard authentication (DSL based, Web-based, SIM or virtual SIM based, One Time Password based) towards Fixed or GSM/CDMA/GPRS/UMTS Mobile networks. Seamless hand-off between GPRS and WLAN is also part of this solution that also provides high security features including VPN (Virtual private Networks) support as well as full roaming support whether it is (RADIUS or SS#7 based). Furthermore, it comprises end-user value added applications such as messaging, infotainment and video, together with highly flexible pre and post-paid charging mechanisms.
Alcatel has signed OEM agreements with Colubris Networks, the Canadian based company, for the full fledged & secure WIFI radio access part and with the innovative US based Adjungo Networks providing its mobile network (HLR) inter-working.
Through its partnerships and its own position in the telecommunication world, Alcatel fulfils the needs of both mobile and fixed operators expressed on WLAN. Mobile operators on the one hand, have a strong demand to complement their GSM/GPRS and UMTS service offerings with Public WLAN services, primarily for business users requiring high-speed data access even in hot spots. On the other hand, Fixed service providers can leverage their existing xDSL network for the hot-spot back-haul and cost-effectively provide a national hotspot coverage whilst extending their broadband offering to the end-user market.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer a complete Public WLAN solution expected by our fixed and mobile customers on this market. Public WLAN is a natural extension and an ideal complement to their current and planned service offering, whether it is for GSM, CDMA, GPRS, UMTS or xDSL based areas in which Alcatel plays a major role, not only as telecom equipment supplier but also as a solution supplier” Marc Rouanne, COO of Alcatel’s Mobile Communications activities.
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides end-to-end communications solutions, enabling carriers, service providers and enterprises to deliver content to any type of user, anywhere in the world. Leveraging its long-term leadership in telecommunications network equipment as well as its expertise in applications and network services, Alcatel enables its customers to focus on optimizing their service offerings and revenue streams. With sales of EURO 16.5 billion in 2002, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
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 embeds strong tools such as Virtual Private Networking, enhanced security and firewall technologies into its open, industry-standard solutions. For more information visit the company Web site at www.colubris.com or contact us at info@colubris.com.
