On the heels of announcing its LTE research partnership with Sony, TD-CDMA technology inventor IPWireless introduced the availability of what it calls "Network in a Box," a self-contained modular mobile broadband network product that enables rapid deployment of a TD-CDMA network in the 2.5 GHz and entire 700 MHz range.
IPWireless is targeting rural network providers and public-safety users. Rural operators may not migrate to 4G let alone 3G networks in the near future because of the expense. The solution can operate as a standalone network supporting up to 16,000 users and enables operators to rapidly deploy a TD-CDMA network and test service concepts with consumers.
The system is also designed to provide emergency or temporary network to provide coverage after a disaster. It supports the 700 Public Safety Block (LTE Band 14), allowing cities and other local governments to quickly deploy a mobile broadband system, IPWireless said.
New York City and Gillette, Wyoming, have deployed permanent TD-CDMA systems for public-safety and government use. IPWireless' two other U.S. customers are Southern Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority (SGRITA), which is building a wireless broadband network for rural residents and businesses in Georgia, and Pennsylvania-based ISP USA Choice Internet Services, which is deploying a multi-service communications network with plans to offer fixed and mobile applications for public safety, mobile data and voice capabilities along with video surveillance services in Crawford, Forest, Venango and Warren counties in Pennsylvania. Both companies won spectrum in the 700 MHz auction.
Though created for the unpaired time division duplex bands, the TD-CDMA network can operate in paired band spectrum, known as frequency division duplex (FDD) by creating two TDD channels with one running over the uplink and the other over the downlink. IPWireless has promised that TD-CDMA offers a smooth migration path to TD-LTE.
"Mobile Broadband networks have proved to be a resounding success amongst both the general public, educational and the emergency services. However the barrier to entry for new providers or new networks is significant given the complexities surrounding deployment," said Dr. Bill Jones, chief executive officer of IPWireless in a release. "By drastically simplifying the process, networks can now be rolled out in a fraction of the time and with very little effort thereby facilitating a wide range of applications. These include time-sensitive situations such as disaster relief or public events where emergency extra capacity is required. We look forward to seeing these products being utilized in a range of deployments around the world in the future."
The solution includes a functional pre-configured core network that offers routing, authentication and radio access network management. Node B options and expansion kits allow customers to create a custom network that meets their needs. Expansion kits are available for deploying User Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) authentication, Voice over IP (VoIP), core network redundancy, a User Management System (UMS), or network management.
IPWireless and Sony, in a deal also announced last week, will focus on enhancing LTE for new applications and services and other 3GPP technologies with the goal of contributing their findings to the 3GPP standards body. R&D activity will be based at IPWireless' technology center in England.
For more:
- see this release
- check out this Rethink-Wireless article
Related articles:
Sony, IPWireless collaborate on 4G services
IPWireless private again and evangelizing TD-CDMA again
IPWireless Secures $15.5 Million in Funding
IPWireless makes two deals for TD-CDMA in 700MHz band