Motorola introduces WiMAX USB adaptor

Model USBw 100 supports 2.3, 2.5 or 3.5 GHz bands for laptop mobile broadband services.

Motorola, Inc.  announced Tuesday its first WiMAX USB adaptor, the model USBw 100.  At the size of a thumb-drive, the diminutive device packs a lot of broadband performance into a small space.  Three versions of the stick will be available, depending on the supported frequency band -- 2.3, 2.5 or 3.5 GHz.  The Motorola USBw 100 plugs directly into laptop computers to provide mobile and nomadic wireless broadband connectivity, both indoors and out.  It is expected to be available in Q4 2008.
 

Motorola's wi4 WiMAX USB adaptor has been designed with multiple antenna technology for improved signal coverage in tough to reach places.  The company offers an additional performance boost if the USB dongle is connecting with either the dual antenna Diversity Access Point (DAP) or Wireless Access Point (WAP) 400 Series.  In that configuration, both the uplink and downlink performance for the customer are significantly enhanced.

"Our new USBw 100 adaptor will let people enjoy desktop-like performance while on the go with their laptop computers by giving them wireless connectivity to a WiMAX service provider's broadband wireless network," said Charles Riggle, senior director of strategy and business development, WiMAX devices, Home & Networks Mobility.

The USBw 100 is expected to be the mainstay laptop peripheral for Clearwire USA's WiMAX launch later this year in Portland, Oregon and could also make the rounds at Sprint Nextel's XOHM network and other networks where Motorola is providing infrastructure.  The development of additional sales channels for retail and e-commerce are necessary for would-be WiMAX users to gain quick and easy access to WiMAX devices such as this USB adaptor.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 in Equipment  | Permalink |  Comments (1)