Intel to develop 802.16a silicon for 'last mile' wireless broadband solutions

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30 July 2003 News

Intel intends to develop silicon product based on the IEEE 802.16a standard that will provide a broadband wireless access alternative to existing 'last mile' methods such as cable and digital subscriber lines (DSL). Intel is working with Alvarion, a leader in last mile broadband wireless access equipment, to deliver low-cost WiMAX-Certified equipment based on Intel 802.16a silicon.

The IEEE 802.16a standard (approved in January 2003) is a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) technology that connects wireless hotspots, which offer users wireless Internet access via the Wi-Fi standard (IEEE 802.11), and other locations such as businesses and homes to the wired Internet backbone. It is expected that networks based on 802.16a will have a range up to 48,3 km and the ability to transfer data, voice and video at speeds of up to 70 Mbps.

"Intel is committed to enabling computing and communications anytime, anywhere over any device, and we see WiMAX as a critical technology for making that vision a reality," said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and GM, Intel Communications Group. "Our silicon products for WiMAX equipment will complement existing Intel wireless building blocks including Intel Centrino mobile technology for wireless notebooks, Intel PRO/wireless network connections, and Intel IXP4XX network processors for wireless infrastructure equipment."

Products based on 802.16a can provide wireless broadband connectivity to businesses with guaranteed levels of service, and to homes for residential broadband applications. They will also enable service providers to offer voice and data services.

Said Zvi Slonimsky, CEO of Alvarion, "Without the 802.16a standard, equipment makers have to make everything themselves; including the fundamental silicon, the customer premise equipment, the base station and the network management software. With the standard, equipment makers can innovate in the areas where they excel most, resulting in dramatic industry price/performance gains."

For more information contact Memec SA, 011 897 8600.

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Intel to develop 802.16a silicon for 'last mile' wireless broadband solutions

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