Samsung Sets out to Conquer WiMAX Worldwide

By Mae Kowalke

TMCnet Associate Editor

 

Telecommunications and digital convergence technologies manufacturer Samsung announced today plans for WiMAX development and deployment in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

 

At the CTIA Wireless 2006 trade show, the company is unveiling an IMS solution enabling global availability of converged telecommunications services using a WiMAX network.

 

In a press release, Samsung said the latest additions to its product portfolio are two elements that will be used to support the IMS/WiMAX solution: Radio Access Station (RAS) and Access Control Router (ACR).

 

The standard RAS—built for large-scale deployments—features a smart antenna that uses the 802.16e interface protocol to provide broadband data rates of up to 30 Mpbs per sector, supporting three to six sectors.

 

RAS is also available in a Mini version, capable of 20W power output and small enough to mount on ceilings, walls, or poles.

 

Samsung’s ACR contains IP-based radio access network architecture based on the IMS core network. It enables mobility to be efficiently managed using a centralized control structure.

 

ACR also facilitates seamless wireless connectivity, minimizing both handover latency on Layer 2 over air, and bearer path switch delay.

 

Both products—the RAS and the ACR—are core elements of Samsung’s IMS-network-based WiMAX platform, designed to deliver high-speed services such as voice, video conferencing and instant messaging to rural and suburban locations not accessible by other technologies.

 

Samsung said its WiMAX solution also will create broadband “hot zones” in more densely populated areas.

 

The company is now working with telecommunications providers around the globe to deliver wireless high-speed broad band services capable of voice, data and video at speeds up to 75 mph with a 20-30 Mpbs data rate.

 

Samsung said it’s allying with Korea Telecom in South Korea, Sprint Nextel in the United States, TVA in Brazil, KDDI WBB in Japan, and BT in Great Britain, and recently partnered with Telecom Italia to successfully demonstrate WiBro capabilities at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games

 

Additionally, the company’s commercial Mobile WiMAX service is currently available through Venezuela’s Omnivision cable network.

 

“As one of the world’s largest telecommunications leaders, Samsung is changing the wireless experience by helping create a sense of seamless mobility,” said Kitae Lee, president of Samsung’s Telecommunications Network Business, in a press release.

Samsung noted that Mobile WiMAX make possible a broad range of converged services, delivered from a single IP-based network, including:

 To help drive these applications, Samsung now is promoting two WiBro phones—the H1000 clamshell and the M8000 smart phone—and a PCMCIA card that can be used in laptops and Tablet PCs.

 

For more information about Samsung’s WiMAX platform, phones, and other products, visit booth #3226 at CTIA Wireles 2006 (April 4-6) or go to www.samsungwireless.com.