Senior Editor Molly McLaughlin of ConsumerSearch.com breaks down the hottest 4G phones for 2011 and gives us a better understanding of the current battle between WiMAX, LTE and HSPA+.
Interviews
Last night on Fox Business, Quantum Networks CEO Ari Zoldan broke down the hottest gift items in the tech space. Need help choosing the right gift for the techie in your life? Watch the video above for information on 3G vs. 4G equipment, the iPhone vs. Android, how to create your own wireless ecosystem and much more.
Ari’s final picks for 4G Gift Items:
1. The Unlocked MiFi
Put your phone’s SIM card into the MiFi and instantly create your own wireless hotspot that can support up to five users. With the unlocked MiFi there are no additional fees or contracts to worry about.
2. The Cradlepoint 3G/4G Mobile Broadband N Router
This 3G/4G router allows you to blanket your entire home or office with wireless internet like you’ve never experienced it before.
3. The CLEAR Spot
Experience 4G internet in all CLEAR cities, plus 3G internet on-the-go everywhere else.
4. The Samsung Epic 4G from Sprint
Powered by Android and featuring a touch screen, full slide-out keyboard and the ability to create a 3G/4G network for up to five Wi-Fi devices, the Samsung Epic is a true mobile powerhouse. Operating with the Sprint 4G network, users can watch videos, play games and download applications at lighting-fast speeds.… Read the rest
Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint are the companies leading the way for this new product. They exude confidence during technology fairs concluding that the 4G revolution is upon us. They’ve developed products to help connect to the network such as portable modems, usb drives, and sim cards. They’ve even entitled their networks; Sprint’s being WIMAX (World-wide Interoperability for Microwave Access) while Verizon and AT&T’s shall be called LTE (Long Term Evolution). However, perhaps their confidence is missed guided and their promise of debuting in 2013 is unrealistic.
WIMAX developed by the Sprint and Clear companies respectively, seems to be losing ground in the United States amidst their attempt to bring WIMAX success domestically. Though they’ve raised 3.2 billion dollars in investments to produce the network, Sprint and Clear may have underestimated how expensive it is to blanket the country in connectivity. Sprint, the lesser of the three major telecommunications distributors in the country, may not have enough currency to continue production if the 3.2 billion isn’t enough, and investors Google, Time Warner, and Intel may grow weary of waiting and pull their investments early. Also those dependent on their WIMAX’s success is far less than those who are dependent on LTE”s success due to the fact that Verizon and AT&T are far larger companies. … Read the rest
GoingWiMAX.com recently interviewed Robb Henshaw, GoingWiMAX.com expert and Senior Director for Global Marketing and Communications for Proxim Wireless. He highlighted Sunrise Wireless deployment of Proxim equipment in San Francisco Bay. He also hinted about the future of the technology along with the current WiMAX developments.
Sunrise deployed two types of networks in the Bay. One networks is for commercial vessels in the Bay, used for live video, emergency services using unlicensed WiMAX equipment. The other network provides Wi-Fi access to recreational boaters in areas of the Bay.
1. How does the install in the San Francisco Bay showcase the versatility of Proxim’s solutions?
The San Francisco Bay installation showcases the versatility of the Proxim solutions because it utilizes multiple wireless broadband technologies from across our end-to-end wireless portfolio. In this case, they utilize a combination of our high-performance outdoor Wi-Fi solutions, our point-to-multipoint products, as well as our
point-to-point wireless backhaul products. The outdoor Wi-Fi products are used to provide the publically-accessible Wi-Fi network for recreational boaters. The point-to-multipoint products are positioned along the shore to provide long-distance, high-performance wireless connectivity from commercial ships (ferries, cruise ships, cargo ships, etc.) back to the shore. And the point-to-point wireless backhaul aggregates and backhauls all of the Wi-Fi and point-to-multipoint traffic back to the network operations center across the city.
Proxim is the only company that provides the ability to deploy this kind of integrated, end-to-end broadband wireless ecosystem. Other companies provide one or two pieces of the puzzle (Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or wireless backhaul), but then you have to find another vendor for the other pieces. Or worse, a vendor without all the pieces will convince you that you can use one technology for the entire deployment. Like the saying goes — if all you have is a hammer, then everything looks like a nail.
At Proxim, our complete wireless broadband portfolio gives our customers the freedom to pick and choose the right technologies (or mix of technologies) for any given application, rather than forcing them to compromise. And because all of our products — across the entire portfolio — were designed from the ground up to work together, they can rest assured that the system will integrate and work together seamlessly with one single management console.
2. How can operators learn and expand on the deployment?
Because of the interoperability and scalability of Proxim’s solutions, at any time the network … Read the rest
GoingWiMAX.com recently interviewed Senior General Manager of Greenpacket Berhad, Kelvin Lee. He provided insight into the latest offering from the WiMAX company, Interact Collabright. They worked with Intel to develop the latest in messaging software.
1. Tell us a little about your relationship with Intel?
We worked closely with Intel to develop Interact Collabright, which was fully built on Intel’s My WiFi technology SDK. Interact Collabright is an application that allows users to easily share files, screens, and chat with one another wirelessly via a personal area network (PAN).
Intel Capital, Intel’s global investment arm, is invested in Green Packet Berhad.
2. How does the Collabright platform complement your WiMAX technology?
Greenpacket is an end-to-end provider of mobile broadband and networking solutions. The introduction of Collabright complements our existing portfolio of wireless networking products which gives us a wider market reach. This way, we have a strong foothold in the wireless industry whether it’s WiMAX, WiFi, 3G or the like.
3. Could you explain, briefly, the advantages and benefits Collabright will provide customers?
Consumers are empowered to easily share information like files, folders and screens, chat, and even share their internet connection securely without conventional network infrastructure. We are shelving the need for hardware like routers, hubs, modems, cables and such. Consumers can form their own secure PAN workgroup within WiFi radius, wherever and whenever they want to as long as they have their My WiFi enabled PC with Interact Collabright installed. Simply put, we are innovating the way we communicate wirelessly.
4. How does this software further your broader technology and market strategies?
Interact Collabright widens Greenpacket’s reach as it allows us to penetrate into the huge notebook ODM/OEM market. Together with our ICMP and ISMP software solution and WiMAX devices, we can now cater to 3G and WiMAX operators, as well as notebook manufacturers. We will continue to innovate to entrench our position as a unique end-to-end solutions provider.
5. Who are the primary target customers for this independent, personal network?
Our customers are notebook ODM and OEM manufacturers. In a highly competitive market, these manufacturers are continuously searching for value-added features that they can give to their customers and Interact Collabright will appeal for both business and personal use.
6. So, in a nutshell, how does Collabright work?
Interact Collabright is an application built to unleash the capabilities of Intel My WiFi technology. A notebook … Read the rest
GoingWiMAX.com recently interviewed Joe Wargo, the CEO of Alpha Omega Wireless. The interview focused on the WiMAX backhaul networking technology and solutions.
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your company ?
Alpha Omega Wireless is a leading integrator of complete end-to-end wireless backhaul networking technology and solutions. Alpha Omega Wireless provides site surveys, feasibility studies, engineering, spectrum analysis, path calculations, design, wireless installation, equipment sales, radio repair and maintenance, support, troubleshooting, and ongoing management & monitoring of Point to Point wireless, Point to Multipoint wireless systems, WiMax, and wireless mesh, two-way radio, SCADA (telemetry radio), wireless video surveillance, and indoor RF. Alpha Omega Wireless works with unlicensed wireless backhaul and licensed microwave wireless network connectivity.
2. Please share a client story / case study that you have worked with in the past?
We have various case studies showcasing our capabilities available at aowireless.com.
3. How can wireless backhaul technology be considered a green technology ?
For years the USA has relied on fiber infrastructure to provide its broadband backhaul. Fiber deployments require installing fiber cable either by aerial means (strung from pole to pole along a particular route) or by trenching the ground to put fiber in underground conduits. Both impact the environment. Aerial fiber requires a lot of PVC and rubber based jacketing to protect the fiber. These materials are not good for the environment. Aerial fiber also requires poles, either metal or wood, to be placed every 100ft or so. Underground fiber is put into conduits which eventual have a soil impact. Plus the trenching of natural land impacts nature. One must also take into account CO2 emissions that are produced in the construction and deployment of fiber.
Wireless backhaul, such as a point to point wireless Ethernet bridge, can provide data connectivity over 50+ miles. A single communications tower can be a hub site for many fixed wireless backhaul antennas. Existing buildings offer rooftop space that can be used so no new mounting infrastructure needs to be constructed.
Today many point to point wireless Ethernet bridge systems operate at 20W to 35W (-48vDC). Most point to multipoint wireless Ethernet bridge systems can run on POE (802.3af) or POE+ (802.3at). These systems have such a low power draw they can easily be powered by solar or wind generation.
Take for example a solar powered repeater site used for a client’s video backhaul. On a hill … Read the rest
GoingWiMAX.com had the pleasure of interviewing Kelvin Lee, Senior General Manager of Green Packet Berhad. He highlighted Greenpacket’s latest home WiMAX modems along with his take on the future of the WiMAX industry.
1. How do the latest modems differ from the ones Greenpacket released at the WiMAX Forum Congress Americas in December 09?
The EX series is a part of our cost-effective range of WiMAX modems that specifically caters to the residential market segment which according to 4GCounts, accounts for 68% of WiMAX subscribers.
This is why the EX series is engineered to fulfill the fundamental broadband need of home users by offering one LAN and one VoIP port. Single users do not need to pay for what they do not use. However, they are still empowered with a choice of connecting a router to the modem if they need more ports.
There is also cosmetic difference between the EX series and the DX and UH series that we launched last December.
The benefits of our new cost-effective range also extend to Operators as they now have an option to lower their subscriber acquisition cost and the flexibility to expand their service offerings for diverse market segments.
It has to be highlighted that being cost-effective does not mean that the performance of the new modems is compromised in any way. The cost-effective range is still fully geared towards the delivery of high quality wireless broadband through the little attention to detail we put in that makes a huge difference. For example, WiMAX Forum specifies a level of receiver sensitivity and Greenpacket’s EX modems surpasses that mark by 7.5dBm.
2. What market segment are you targeting with the release of these new modems?
The EX range is targeted at Operators requiring basic modems as the cost for it is effective in reducing their OPEX for mass WiMAX rollout. This includes the pre-paid market segment for residential use. The EX range would also allow Operators to create packages that are price sensitive or create a wider range of packages to suit different connectivity needs of their customers.
3. Can you highlight the new features and capabilities of your latest modem?
Featuring data and voice ports, the EX series deliver superior indoor performance. This is possible via a high gain antenna which improves the reception of WiMAX signals, multi-directional omni antenna which allows flexibility of device placement and, Switched … Read the rest
GoingWiMAX.com had the pleasure of interviewing Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist.org . Craig established one of the most visited websites, craigslist.org. Almost everyone with a computer has browsed one of craig’s sub pages looking for a job, apartment or missed connection. He presented the idea of an online marketplace that’s completely free and patrolled by users. He still stays true to the original idea of an open marketplace where people can trade without being blasted by advertising and other offers.
1. How did the idea for craigslist come about? Has it remained faithful to its original mission?
Pretty much everything at craigslist (note lower case c) arises from community feedback. I just started in 1995 with a simple events mailing list, and listened and did what people say they need and want. That continues to this day, under the leadership of Jim Buckmaster.
2. What is your reaction to the success craigslist has had?
It feels good that we’ve helped tens of millions of people helping each other out. It’s flattering, that (we’re going) back (to) do work, working (at) customer service.
3. How do you feel about being regarded as a revolutionary web entrepreneur? Do you view craigslist as a business, like say, Amazon or eBay?
I’m not revolutionary, not an entrepreneur, not a visionary or anything like that. I guess I am more of a community organizer. Craigslist is a community service and a business, that simple.
4. What do you think distinguishes craigslist from similar concepts that haven’t been as successful?
I don’t know of any others, but craigslist was built on the intention of helping other folks out and that remains our focus to continue to treat people like we want to (be) treated.
5. What are your thoughts on looking to craigslist as a social and political model? Is self governance something you believe in outside of the web?
Tens of millions of people have used craigslist, and they’ve seen there it’s easy to help each other out, to connect, and that continues elsewhere, like on Wikipedia. I strongly believe in self governance, and the consent of the governed.
6. As a site that has been largely consistent, what do you see for the future of craigslist? What do you see as the future for self governing and collaborative sites in general?
Future of craigslist is more of the same, adding more cities … Read the rest
GoingWiMAX.com recently interviewed Johan Terve, the Vice President Marketing for Aptilo Networks. The interview focused on the innovative WiMAX Connector device that was recently used in Aviat’s launch in India.
Can you give us an overview of the Aptilo WiMAX Connector in terms of technical specifications and applications.
The Aptilo WiMAX Connector is a plug-and-play solution that allows operators to deploy WiMAX quickly and conveniently while utilizing existing broadband OSS/BSS infrastructure – infrastructure that does not natively handle WiMAX.
The WiMAX Connector seamlessly links the award-winning Aptilo WiMAX AAA+ core to any existing LDAP, Active Directory or legacy AAA user databases. It dynamically maps the subscriber services described in the existing OSS/BSS into WiMAX 16e service flows required by the ASN gateway.
The Aptilo WiMAX Connector also allows operators to use their existing subscriber sign-up, provisioning, billing and other processes with the new WiMAX service. This minimizes capital and operating expenses on new or upgraded OSS/BSS systems, new processes, training of staff, and maintaining and operating new OSS/BSS equipment.
The WiMAX Connector can also be used by WiMAX network operators to connect multiple virtual WiMAX operators that have no WiMAX capabilities.
What is the typical target market for the Aptilo WiMAX Connector?
There are really two main targets:
- Broadband operators that seek a fast and convenient path to integrate a WiMAX network with their existing OSS/BSS back-end – a back-end that does not natively handle WiMAX.
- WiMAX operators that want to start wholesale of their WiMAX services to multiple broadband service providers and connect them through the Aptilo WiMAX Connector as virtual WiMAX operators.
How does it fit into Aptilo’s development strategy in 2010?
This fits well with our overall strategy to provide solutions that make it easy, fast and cost-effective to deploy wireless services in a multi-access environment.
Is there any objective in terms of sales (US and international) for the Aptilo WiMAX Connector?
We believe this type of functionality will be attractive to a very broad market segment, which includes large tier 1 operators like BSNL (who deployed the solution via an implementation with Aviat Networks) to smaller ISPs as well as WiMAX network operators that want to wholesale their services to virtual WiMAX operators.… Read the rest
