Alvarion

LTE and WiMAX: You CAN Get The Best Of Both Worlds

Ahuva Zucker on August 17, 2010 | 7 comments

The Financial Times rolled out with an article yesterday telling Intel that investing so much money in WiMAX was a mistake. It goes on to support LTE technology over WiMAX and reported older news on the numerous companies that are either ending their agreements with WiMAX or running test trials with LTE. It’s old news with the same, wrong approach to the situation. Towards the end of the article, there is intelligence displayed in mentioning that WiMAX is unlikely to disappear completely. There is no reference to the fact that there are different versions of LTE and some of them shouldn’t even be comparable to WiMAX.

TD-LTE, the latest standard of LTE, operates on TDD, or time division duplexing, the same way that WiMAX does. This would mean that they would share a bandwidth and spectrum. TDD is superior to LTE’s previous usage of FDD, or frequency division duplexing, because TDD uses unpaired spectrum channels and is able to split up work from uplink to downlink. This is much better for data because uplink/downlink rates [of action] are not fixed. FDD is better for mobile operators because uplink/downlink occurs on a paired spectrum channel and voice is symmetric in both directions.

Many companies, like Alvarion, use both TD-LTE and WiMAX because they run on the same spectrum and are therefore interchangeable in a way that both can be used by the same device. It would mean better 4G access for all companies that are smart enough to be using both technologies. Infrax just announced today th first upgradeable WiMAX/LTE base station. They seem to be getting at what most markets are looking for; people want the best everything and now they can get the best of both worlds.

The Financial Times failed to even point out the significance of 4G for non-mobile services. Clearwire, a popular WiMAX provider, isn’t even focusing their advertising campaign on wireless phones, rather they are trying to take control of offering coverage for all internet services, home and mobile. Clear doesn’t plan on disassociating themselves from the technology they were founded on. Rather, if they can improve their services they will, unlike the LTE snobs like the ones at the Financial Times who refuse to see the benefits of the “competition”.… Read the rest

Alvarion to Showcase WiMAX Equipment at UTC Telecom

Michael Licata on May 17, 2010

Alvarion will showcase its WiMAX infrastructure at UTC Telecom 2010 from May 23-26. The company will also show off its optimized smart grid connectivity solutions at the event in Indianapolis.

Director of Business Development, Eedo Liftshitz will be part of a discussion entitled: “4G WiMAX for the smart grid – why WiMAX?”, moderated by Monica Paolini. The discussion will focus on smart grid solutions, addressing wireless architecture, communications infrastructure and end-to-end system integration. Experts on the panel also include vendor experts on smart meters, distribution automation and complete integration.

“Our all-IP end-to-end 4G WiMAX and wireless broadband portfolio for smart grid connectivity exemplifies innovation and leadership in this growing market,” Ashish Sharma, VP of marketing for Alvarion said, “As the utilities look to create their smart grid architecture, our field proven solution based on the latest 4G technology will provide them with an optimal business case.”

Alvarion will also partake in a panel that will discuss “4G emerging technologies – what’s right for you? – Part 2.” It will be hosted by Sharma. It will offer an opportunity to ask questions regarding the next type of technology from equipment manufacturers, operators and utilities companies.

Alvarion’s WiMAX equipment for licensed and unlicensed frequencies include the BreezeMAX and BreezeMAX Extreme 3650. They are perfect for implementing smart grid infrastructure. The equipment provider’s all-IP solution provides features like low latency, enhanced security based on standardized WiMAX protocol and quality of service. It’s a greatopportunity for utility companies, operators and equipment manufacturers to get together and make deals regarding smart grid build out and the future of smart grids in America.… Read the rest

NGI Chooses Alvarion For Continued Network Build Out

Michael Licata on May 11, 2010

NGI will use Alvarion equipment to expands its WiMAX network in Italy. The BreezeMAX Extreme 5000 is the first mobile WiMAX solution for a license-exempt frequency.

NGI offers WiMAX in the 5.4GHz band, offering high speed internet to Italian residents and businesses in under-served areas of the Boot. NGI has offered broadband internet since 1999. Their WiMAX network covers 20,000 potential users. The expansion project will cover Lombardia, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Liguria, Friuli Venezia Guiulia, Valle d’Aosta and Piemonte regions of Italy.

The coverage area is about 100,000 kilometers and it covers areas where wired access cannot reach. Alvarion’s BreezeMAX Extreme solution will also be used in the entire expansion project.

“We are confident that the new network based on Alvarion’s 802.16e WiMAX technology will provide significant benefits to the residents of Italy,” said Luca Spada, CEO of NGI. “Alvarion was the natural choice for this expansion, given our excellent experience with their equipment and their leadership position in building WiMAX networks in challenging environments. The BreezeMAX Extreme 5000 provides an attractive business case, giving us the flexibility to increase the network capacity and allow us to add more subscribers per sector with improved quality of service and customer experience.”

The BreezeMAX Extreme package standardizes mobile WiMAX technology to license-exempt frequencies. It enables operators to use unlicensed spectrum to deploy mobile WiMAX. BreezeMAX provides an enhanced quality to interference prone frequencies.

This is a good sign for Alvarion. Their first quarter earnings report was worse than most experts predicted. Alvarion will have to cut 20 percent of its work force to accommodate the financial losses. It’s a good rebound to announce a deal that would expand the coffers. This is the right step towards reorganizing and figuring out where to go as a WiMAX equipment provider.… Read the rest

Alvarion Reports Losses for 1Q 2010

Michael Licata on May 4, 2010 | 2 comments

Alvarion reported worse than expected first quarter 2010 results. The WiMAX solution provider saw a 5.9 percent sequential decline for shipments of equipment and a 13.8 percent sequential decline in revenue. It’s expected that the company will reduce work staff as a result of the poor showing.

The net loss was $0.08 per share. The total revenue in 1Q was $51.9 million, a 23.5 percent decrease from the first quarter of 2009.

“Q1 results were within the range of our guidance and, as expected, reflect continued delays in several business catalysts,” said Eran Gorev, President and CEO of Alvarion. “Meanwhile, we continued the expansion of our business with several existing customers and made important progress toward securing several major projects in Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America. The timing of actual orders is difficult to anticipate, but we hope to see some impact from these developments in 2010. We are using the delay in the business catalysts to strengthen our capabilities in order to capture a larger share of the projects once the vendor selection processes move forward.”

The company spent $9.1 million, with a cash equivalent and investment total of $103 million as of March 31,2010. Alvarion sees opportunity in the WiMAX carrier market, along with the Enterprise space. The company completed a business review for near-term initiatives, including becoming a full solution solution provider by adding professional services capabilities. Alvarion will expand local presence in key markets.

The company will reduce expenses by more than $30 million annually. It involves a staffing reduction of around 20 percent during the second quarter of 2010.

This is not good for Alvarion. Many analysts expected the company to report poor results, but not this bad. It’s not a good sign if the company has to reduce workforce. It is going to take time to recover, at least a half a year after not reporting a forecast for the second quarter of 2010. I’m sure they will stabilize their company after reporting poor finances, but it might too late to get back into some key markets. Focusing on getting into local markets should help, but identifying the markets to go into will be harder.… Read the rest

Top WiMAX Vendors Team For WiMAX 2.0 Development

Michael Licata on April 14, 2010

Wireless industry leaders will team up to develop the next-generation of WiMAX. The grouping will be called the WiMAX 2 Collaboration Initiative and it will speed up the standards and devices that will be part of WiMAX 2.0. The testing will be based on the IEEE 802.11m standard. It will be peak data rates of more than 300 Mbps. It allows operators to keep the spectrum supply meet the every increasing demand of wireless data. The testing is expected to be complete by the second half of 2010.

Alvarion, Beceem, GCT Semiconductor, Intel, Motorola, Samsung, Sequans, XRONet and ZTE will help foster the evolution of WiMAX by providing a better value chain for service providers. The group will work with the governing body, WiMAX Forum on interoperability and establishing standards for WiMAX 2.0. The objectives include developing the technology, testing 4G applications for WiMAX 2.0, interoperability testing and preparation for WiMAX Forum certification.

WiMAX is not seeing a linear shift in mobile broadband usage. Operators are trying to satisfy hungry data consumers and the spectrum advantage is the most important part. Users on some networks use 7-10GB of data a month. The first edition of WiMAX showed how there can be an open model for high speed wireless internet. WiMAX 2.0 will continue to grow the model, along with providing faster speeds and keep up with the ever growing data demand.

“The wireless industry is convinced that the growing volume of data consumers are eating up is a bad thing,” said Mike Sievert, Chief Commercial Officer, Clearwire. “But for us, our spectrum position gives us tremendous capacity and the ability to meet the explosive demand for mobile broadband. Today our CLEAR mobile customers are using an average of more than 7GB of data per month on our network. And while other companies are considering how to curtail usage, we simply say to our customers, here’s the Internet: the world in the palm of your hand – enjoy it.”

Over the next few months, the group will provide detailed updates, so that the WiMAX Forum can certify commercial-ready products by late 2011. In a keynote address at WiMAX Forum Congress Asia, Samsung Executive Vice President and Head of the Telecommunications Systems Business, Samsung Electronics Woonsub Kim stressed the importance of mobile WiMAX is the 4G technology now, and that Samsung is committed to expanding WiMAX 2.0.

“In both standardization and

… Read the rest

SIA Awards Alvarion’s BreezeMAX

Michael Licata on March 26, 2010 | 1 comment

The Security Industry Association awarded its Best in Public Safety Solutions award to Alvarion’s BreezeMAX Extreme 5000 wireless broadband solution. The event took place at the 2010 New Product Showcase at ISC West in Las Vegas.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our innovation and commitment to the public safety market through our efficient and cost-effective wireless broadband solutions,” Mohammad Shakouri, corporate VP, Innovation and Marketing of Alvarion said. “Our state of the art BreezeMAX Extreme solution includes advanced capabilities of standardized 802.16e WiMAX technology.”

The device is the first mobile WiMAX base statioin that broadcasts in the 5 GHz frequency. The solution provides advanced air-protocol capabilities that lowers costs included high-bandwidth, carrier-class broadband connectivity for many different WiMAX uses.

The New Product Showcase goes hand-in-hand with ISC West in Las Vegas. It showcases the best security product innovations for the upcoming year. The ISC West provides a good platform for solution providers like Alvarion to demonstrate how WiMAX helps other industries. With Proxim’s announcement of smart meters for customers in Michigan, WiMAX is finding another market to branch out into.

“The Security Industry Association is proud to promote the development of products that make our world safer,” Jennifer Martin, NPS Committee Chair said. “We congratulate Alvarion for their technological achievement by recognizing their BreezeMAX Extreme 5000 for Best in Public Safety Solutions, and we are thankful for their important contribution to the industry.”

… Read the rest

Alvarion Sets up WiMAX in Brazilian Cities

Michael Licata on March 23, 2010 | 2 comments

Alvarion connected 90 digital cities in Brazil. The solution will be used to enhance municipal services and the key city in the plan is Feira De Santana. The WiMAX network connects 300,000 residents in the city.

Some applications for the WiMAX network being used in Feira De Santana include free Internet access for the public, e-healthcare for hospitals, online government services, video surveillance for the police, and intelligent traffic and transportation control.

“Through Alvarion’s robust and high quality of service (QoS) solutions, we are able to provide a variety of broadband services to our residents,” said the Doctor and University professor Tarcízio Suzart Pimenta Júnior, mayor of Feira De Santana City in Bahia State, Brazil. “Innovative services such as the ability for parents to monitor their children at schools through web, free Internet and the online clinical story available for all the citizens, are very valuable for our city. The level of connectivity in the city will change the way people interact and will improve the access to broadband services.”

It’s a small scale of how much impact a WiMAX network can have on a town. It also shows all the applications that the network can be used for, including free Internet access that provides learning to the Brazilian citizens. Brazil is quickly becoming an important market for 4G deployment. RDL is using Proxim’s equipment to deploy a network in Brazil.

Photo Courtesy of Fotos Govba via Flickr… Read the rest

Alvarion to Present at Two Conferences

Michael Licata on March 17, 2010

Alvarion will showcase its latest WiMAX solutions at ISC West 2010 in Las Vegas and Convergence India in New Delhi. Alvarion will highlight the newest offerings and a login with its proven portfolio that serves several wireless broadband purposes.

Alvarion will showcase point-to-multipoint and point-to-point solutions for licensed and unlicensed frequencies for video surveillance and public safety. BreezeMAX Extreme 5000 and 3650 base stations will be displayed at Alvarion’s booth. They will also show new features tailored for wireless broadband video surveillance. Alvarion will host a round table discussion moderated by Monica Paolini about wireless broadband video surveillance with WiMAX. Alvarion will demonstrate its wireless video surveillance for attendees. The event takes place from March 23-26 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

At Convergence India 2010, the company will display its portfolio of WiMAX equipment including several end-user devices. Ashish Sharma, vice president of marketing for Alvarion, will speak about “Defining the Need for Wireless Broadband” on March 23. The event takes place from March 23-25 at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

“Wireless broadband is opening new market opportunities as it becomes an integral part of next generation infrastructure buildout. We are demonstrating our latest technology at these two unique events,” said Mohammad Shakouri, corporate vice president of innovation and marketing for Alvarion. “Alvarion has led the wireless broadband and WiMAX industry from the early stages with new innovations and we will continue to tailor our solutions for regional market requirements. “

Photo Courtesy of takomabibelot via Flickr… Read the rest

Alvarion to Lead Quest for 5G

Michael Licata on March 10, 2010

Alvarion will lead a group of European Countries with lofty objectives. Beyond Next-Generation Mobile Broadband will increase the mobile broadband infrastructure capacity density. The 4.7 million Euro initiative will be funded almost exclusively by the European Commission.

The BuNGee will focus on increasing the overall mobile network infrastructure capacity density beyond what current technologies are offering. Their goal is 1 Giga bit per second per square kilometer. The BuNGee project will continue through June 2012.

Alvarion‘s CTO, Dr. Ze’ev Roth will serve as project coordinator. Other members include Centre Tecnologic de Telecommunicacions de Catalunya, Cobham Antenna Systems, Microwave Antennas, University of York, Thales Communications S.A., Universite catholique de Louvain, Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa, Siklu Communications, and ARTTIC.

“We are thrilled and honored at the opportunity of working within the framework of a European Union’s FP7 project. We look forward to collaborating with our fellow colleagues to take on the challenge of increasing the capacity density to 1 Giga bit per second per square kilometer for the mobile broadband networks of tomorrow,” said Dr. Roth.

The BuNGee project will focus on breakthroughs in joint design of access and backhaul over licensed and license-exempt spectrum. The unconventional below-rooftop backbone solutions exploit natural radio isolation. They will be looking into 5G networked and distributed MIMO and interference techniques. Autonomous architectures will be capitalizing on an aggressive spatial and spectral reuse.

A live test will occur towards the end of the project in Barcelona that will include real life scenarios. It will be based on below-rooftop deployment of access base stations leveraging current buildings as utility poles. It includes self backhauling these base stations by wireless link.

It’s a bold undertaking by wireless companies to create the fifth generation of wireless It’s a bold undertaking by wireless companies to create the fifth generation of wireless technology. 4G technology is still not widely used, with only WiMAX being deployed commercially. It would take about a decade for 5G to be readily available to most of the world’s population.

… Read the rest

WiMAX Companies Preparing for Increase in Subscribers

Michael Licata on March 10, 2010

WiMAX operators are gearing up for an increase in data demands by teaming with backhaul solution providers to increase network capacity. Alvarion teamed with Saguna Networks to provide faster speeds and to account for an increase in data traffic. Mobily, a leading WiMAX provider in the Middle East, partnered with Bridgewater in preparation for more WiMAX subscribers.

WiMAX continues to be rolled out, as Vivid Wireless began services in Perth, Australia using equipment from Huawei. Nokia Siemens Network was contracted by Wi Tribe to help with its continued roll out in Pakistan as well.

In an interesting roll out method, Taipei City will soon have a fleet of WiMAX-enabled taxis, with the free service provided by VMAX Telecom. A big shocker came this week when Cisco announced it would leave the base station building market. Proxim released its finances for the 4Q and year end 2010 and Intel announced some of its study findings on WiMAX 2.0, including tentative deployment dates and upload/download speeds.

The downside of Cisco leaving means that a great deal of money won’t be spent on developing base stations. This being said, it is a good thing for companies like Pure Wave and other smaller operations who will now have the opportunity to expand.

CTIA Wireless International takes place from March 23-25 in Las Vegas. It’s another showcase experience where consumers meet and greet with insiders on the future of the wireless industry. Some key note speakers include Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, Clearwire head Bill Morrow, and Academy Award winning director James Cameron.

With Wi Tribe and Mobily contracting out work to accommodate the increase in subscribers, a good forecast for the future of WiMAX can be seen. Deployment internationally will continue to out pace Clearwire’s attempts to launch a complete network in the U.S. and it has actually been a rather quiet time for Clearwire since releasing their finances a few weeks ago. Maybe they’re waiting for a big announcement from Sprint, their majority stakeholder, before deciding on how to increase their visibility. Sprint has two rumored smart phones that are WiMAX-enabled, the HTC Supersonic and possibly one from Palm.

Devices will drive the demand for WiMAX and fast speeds should sell the service in major markets. Though India hasn’t made much WiMAX news in a few days, the country has the largest population of mobile subscribers in the world and will become a major … Read the rest

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