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Airspan's WiMAX VoIP Testing SuccessfulBy Erik Linask Associate Editor Airspan Networks provides fixed and wireless voice and data systems world wide, including VoIP solutions and WiMAX systems. Broomfield, Colorado-based Kiva Networks designs, installs, and maintains wireless networks. Together, using PRIMUS Telecommunications’ Premium Enterprise hosted VoIP solution, the two have completed a successful WiMAX test implementation.
Airspan’s WiMAX Forum-certified AS.MAX platform — which was deployed using an experimental license in the 3.5GHz band from a main Kiva Networks location to multiple areas around the downtown Cherry Creek business district in Denver, Colorado. The purpose was to test fixed broadband data and VoIP service over WIMAX. In addition to testing VoIP over WiMAX, the firms also tried out portable nomadic service utilizing Airspan’s self-installable EasyST subscriber terminal. “We are experiencing strong growth in our WiMAX business, particularly in international markets where WiMAX frequencies have been made available and where our WiMAX Forum Certified platform can therefore be deployed commercially. Testing our products in the U.S. allows our customers to gain confidence in the technology and in their ability to offer carrier-class services over a WIMAX network,” said Eric Stonestrom, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airspan Networks.
The AS.MAX product family includes WiMAX base stations, backhaul solutions, and customer premises equipment, which not only provides a solution, but eliminates the truck roll typically required for a wireless deployment by virtue of its indoor, self-installable WiMAX CPE (customer premise equipment), EasyST, Airspan’s all-indoor subscriber terminal. (It has a sister product, the indoor/outdoor ProST, which requires professional installation.)
The AS.MAX platform offers multi-vendor interoperability, decreasing CPE costs, self-installable products, and a target of enabling and supporting inexpensive, ubiquitous broadband wireless access. The system is based on radio technology, which provides a wide coverage area, high security, and resistance to fading. They can be quickly and economically deployed, making them a viable alternative to or replacement for traditional wired networks.
Kiva Networks provides end-to-end wired and wireless network solutions, from design to installation to deployment and maintenance of LANS and WANS, Ethernet connectivity, and wireless hot spot locations. Whether you are looking to build a new network or derive increased value and efficiency from your current system, Kiva’s goal is to identify the appropriate wired and/or wireless technologies for an efficient, cost-effective end-to-end solution designed to increase productivity, profitability and responsiveness.
“Airspan is the only company with a WiMAX customer premises radio that can be installed by our subscribers, thereby allowing nomadic broadband service, which is very important to an operator's business model. We see WiMAX as an important extension of our existing WiFi (News - Alert) network.” explained Bob Letson, Technology Director for Kiva Networks.
Primus Telecommunications provides the latest technology for data and voice network convergence. Primus’ proprietary Centralized Intelligence Solution provides enterprise customers with a secure, reliable, cost-saving VoIP service. Primus offers VoIP technology to enterprises and consumers, as well as carrier service for operators.
Airspan, pleased with the results of the testing, expects it will be able to launch its WiMAX product in the United States later this year, with additional successful trials providing the momentum for market entry.
“WiMAX service will allow new operator entrants the ability to offer carrier class voice services. These high-quality networks should effectively compete with existing copper networks providing a low cost, feature rich converged service alternative for business and government entities,” said Joe DiMaio, Vice President Enterprise Solutions for PRIMUS Telecommunications.
Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.
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