[Lucent Technologies Introduces OnDemand Wireless Access Family As Complete Solution for 'Last Mile' Broadband Services]
Point-to-Multipoint Access System Supplied by Netro Corporation
MURRAY HILL, N.J., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucent Technologies today introduced the OnDemand family of wireless broadband systems, which uses radio microwave transmissions to rapidly deliver high speed Internet and multimedia services to business customers.
[Separately, Advanced Radio Telecom (ART) (Nasdaq ARTT) today announced plans to build a wireless broadband network in Oslo, Norway using the OnDemand system to deliver reliable data communications services and Internet access to its business customers. The ART network incorporates data networking equipment obtained under Lucent's original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement with Ascend Communications.]
Lucent's state-of-the-art wireless broadband access products offer a practical means for service providers to rapidly deploy data services. Wireless cuts the time it takes to provision fixed-cost leased line service or to install fiber optic cable to customer locations. It's also an attractive option for both service providers and business customers because it ties the cost of capacity directly to demand.
Competitive access providers with licensed spectrum can quickly deploy a connection between high-speed data networks, including optical systems, with enterprise customers. The OnDemand system employs point-to-multipoint microwave radio links between a strategically located hub antenna and multiple dish antennas that are installed on the roofs or building exterior at customer locations. The information reaches computer users through the enterprise's regular local area network.
Lucent's OnDemand wireless broadband end-to-end network offer incorporates the company's portfolio of data networking, optical networking, switching and access products with the superior performance of an integrated point-to-multipoint wireless access system supplied under an OEM agreement with Netro Corporation, San Jose, Calif. Additionally, Lucent offers network operators a complete suite of support services, Lucent Technologies NetCare(R), especially critical to new licensees. These include planning, design and consulting, network implementation and integration, operations and administration services using Bell Labs-designed network management and operations tools, and comprehensive round-the-clock support.
"Lucent's extensive suite of professional services and best-in-class network solutions help innovative operators jump into the market quickly because we have the right formula to maximize their success," said Mark Liparoto, offer manager of Lucent's Wireless Broadband Networks Division. "We have numerous trials around the world, helping operators assess the market, consulting on their business plans and planning their network design for optimum coverage. Our Lucent Technologies NetCare support will take them through launch and beyond."
Service providers are deploying optical network and high-speed packet technology to accommodate ever-growing amounts of data traffic spurred by the explosive growth of the Internet. But instead of installing costly dedicated leased lines or fiber optic cable to small businesses, many of the newest operators are counting on wireless broadband technology to gain time-to-market advantages to reach these customers. In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allocated spectrum for such local multipoint distribution systems (LMDS), an equipment market that according to The Strategis Group, may grow to at least $8 billion in the next 10 years.
The wireless link to reach small-to-medium-sized businesses gives network operators the flexibility to add capacity whenever customers require it, without the burden of the fixed costs usually associated with leased lines and optical fiber installations. This "bandwidth on demand" feature is one of the key benefits of Lucent's OnDemand wireless access system. A key Lucent innovation is the integration of Netro's AirStar(TM) solution into an end-to-end network that encompasses point-to-multipoint and point-to-point designs, open interfaces to a variety of network elements, all tied together in an operations environment based on Bell Labs network management software systems.
"Adding Netro Corporation's core competencies to our own makes an unbeatable combination," said Lucent's Liparoto. The state-of-the-art point-to-multipoint access system and patented software are complemented by such carrier-class products as the 5ESS(R) Switch, the AnyMedia(TM) Access System and optical networking systems like the WaveStar(TM) Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing system. OnDemand network offers incorporate Lucent's own data networking systems as well as OEM products like Ascend's CBX500 Multiservice WAN Switch. The network offer encompasses customized software for new operators as well as a modular suite of Lucent Technologies NetCare support, ranging from business development consulting, network design, commercial launch and marketing program support.
Because OnDemand wireless access systems use radio technology, it is easy for the provider to quickly adjust to changing customer requirements. A flexible architecture enables Lucent to increase bandwidth "on the fly," packet by packet, through a dynamic allocation feature, delivering up to 45 megabits per second to the customer site. This is nearly 1000 times faster than 56 kbps computer modems.
The first implementation of the OnDemand wireless access systems serves the needs of licensees operating in 26 GHz and 10 GHz spectrum bands. Solutions for operators with 38 GHz and 28 GHz FCC licenses will be available later in 1999. |
