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Airspan Networks introduces WiMAX into the 1.4~1.5 GHz bands
Spectrum allocated for legacy TDM radio relays get new legs in the broadband era.
Airspan Networks has introduced a new fixed WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2004) system that
supports the 1.4~1.5 GHz frequency bands. The solution includes base station
equipment and a suite of subscriber devices including models with support for
Voice over IP and Wi-Fi.
Legacy TDM radio relay systems in 1.5 GHz were often deployed for voice services
by operators with universal service obligations. Now, many countries are
pursuing those same obligations for broadband. The Airspan introduction provides
a broadband product in the same frequency and offers lifeline quality voice when
coupled with the company's VoiceMAX box for VoIP (Voice over IP) QoS (Quality of
Service) over a WiMAX network.
"Legacy systems were providing line-of-sight connectivity with a very low
spectral efficiency," said Paul Senior, Airspan's CTO. "Our new WiMAX solution
solves these problems and significantly increases the coverage and capacity."
The company said its new product offering includes a MicroMAX Base Station model
and subscriber units in the EasyST, ProST, and ProST-Wi-Fi families.
While WiMAX Forum has not blessed the lower spectrum with a coveted
certification profile, countries with an existing allocation at 1.5 GHz could
realize several benefits. "For example, there is a range increase of about 40
percent for 1.5 GHz compared to operating at 2.5 GHz that translates to half the
number of base stations required for the same coverage area," adds Senior.
Re-use of existing allocations for broadband and voice services provides a boost
for the entire ecosystem.
By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC
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