As we move into the next generation of telecom, governments around the world are working to ensure that their nations are able to realize the benefits associated with a strong communications infrastructure − especially regions where economic development is very slow as they remain largely disconnected from the rest of the world due to lack of communications infrastructure.

A number of countries have already adopted WiMAX (News - Alert) –the shorthand name for the IEEE 802.16 standard ‘Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access’ –as a wireless broadband Internet technology as it can facilitate rapid economic development, especially where traditional cellular networks are not as pervasive. WiMAX is now offered on networks covering 620 million people in 147 countries according to the WiMAX forum. By the end of 2010, 800 million people are expected to be covered, with 1 billion by the end of 2011.

But when it comes to investing in WiMAX a number of questions remain: How quickly will mobile WiMAX be adopted? How will it be implemented? And what is the most competitive technology out there to ensure a timely return on investment?

WiMAX has been especially appealing in areas with little to no existing infrastructure and sparse populations. Readily Deployable Networks (RDNs) based on integrated but scalable platforms are particularly attractive for these markets. Solutions such as these are offered by RadiSys (News - Alert) (News - Alert), a provider of hardware and software platforms for IP-based wireless, wireline and video networks.

Today, RadiSys offers application-ready Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) platforms and what it calls “the broadest portfolio of ATCA products including switching, x86 based, packet processing and media processing boards with the latest silicon technologies to deliver optimal configurations for WiMAX.”

RadiSys’ solutions use WiMAX framework based on Carrier Grade, scalable-modular COTS platforms, combined with field proven technologies from its rich ecosystem. These solutions enable network elements such as eHA, eAAA and ASN GW, with pre-integrated frameworks based on Carrier Grade COTS platforms, all while allowing scalability and modularity for future upgrades and subscriber growth.

RadiSys’ ATCA application-ready platforms also include integrated chassis, OS, diagnostics, system manager and high availability middleware. These platforms can be configured for robust performance in WiMAX for both 10G and 40G technologies.

“WiMAX is a cost-effective and relatively more mature solution for establishing both voice and broadband access, creating opportunities for economic development and growth,” says Chandresh Ruparel, senior product line manager, RadiSys. “RadiSys’ industry expertise and expansive product line allows us to provide customers the tools they need to deploy this technology with a much shorter development and deployment cycle, and realize service revenue a lot quicker .”

RadiSys has written up several white papers as supplements to its technology offerings to educate investors and developers alike.

RadiSys' white paper “Mobile WiMAX ASN Gateways: Design & Implementation Considerations,” available for immediate download, uses Access Services Network (ASN) Gateways to illustrate the role of Quality of Service in WiMAX, including how TEMs can use ATCA to provide the carrier-class reliability and performance that WiMAX operators require.