Wifi Revolution

NEC (News - Alert) Corp. has reportedly started shipping its new line of 3G (W-CDMA) infrastructure equipment, which is said to radically improve coverage for 3G networks.

 

The company’s new “Node-B Series” — starting with the RS381, RS880 — features Remote Radio Head (RRH) architecture, which divides the Node B into a main controller and a compact RRH outdoor unit. The RRH outdoor unit can be installed within several dozen kilometers of the main site for the purpose of improving signal strength in areas where there are impedances. Typically, the main controllers are installed with a central switching system and the RRHs are deployed in each of the service areas, however, network operators have the option of installing numerous RRH units indoors to improve coverage inside buildings as well (making it a great solution for enterprises seeking better indoor wireless coverage). The solution’s flexible design is said to reduce deployment time by as much as 75 percent.

 

The new Node B series was developed jointly by NEC and Siemens (News - Alert).

 

According to a press release, Tokyo-based Softbank Mobile, one of Japan’s largest wireless companies, has been testing the new series, and is already planning to increase the number of Node Bs on its network by March 2007.

 

NEC’s new line of 3G infrastructure equipment features the APP300 (Advanced PayloadPlus) network processor from Agere Systems (News - Alert), as well as the associated software, reference designs and development platforms. Agere announced that NEC had selected its chipset for the new series in June.

 

The APP300 offer powerful and flexible classification, traffic management for complex IP protocol processing, such as IPV4 and IPV6 support, as well as robust IP Quality of Service (QoS).

 

“Agere’s APP300 processor continues to demonstrate its successful momentum in access networks within both the broadband and wireless infrastructure,” said Mark Cieri, director of service provider networks in Agere’s Networking Division, in a press release. “Key engagements such as this one with NEC underscore Agere’s focus on supporting deployment of reliable and enhanced networking intelligence into the packet network. This enables a service evolution for many network equipment manufacturers and their service provider customers today.”

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