Nortel Link Wi-Fi Networks with CDMA, GPRS, 3G UMTS Networks

Nortel Networks announced the ability to provide integrated solutions for wireless operators that will seamlessly link existing and future Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs) with fast-emerging wireless 'hot spots,' also known as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).

Nortel Networks integrated WWAN/ WLAN technology will give GSM, GPRS, UMTS and CDMA wireless operators the opportunity to provide enterprises and consumers with a single 'sign on' and seamless service between 2G/3G networks and wireless hot spots. This solution will also give operators the capability to provide consolidated billing, authentication and security without the need to restructure existing network architectures.

This technology will help enable mobile workers to establish 'virtual offices,' connect securely to corporate intranets, send and respond to e-mails, access the Web, download files, and conduct business from virtually any location. In addition, it will allow users to roam seamlessly between wireless 2G/3G and WLAN networks with uninterrupted access to the same Internet Protocol (IP) data services. The technology will also manage billing information across networks so that end users can receive one consolidated bill from their wireless operator.

"As part of our Wireless Data Networks strategy, Nortel Networks has developed this comprehensive suite of solutions to allow wireless operators to offer secure WLAN hotspot connectivity as an extension to their existing wireless services," said Dave Murashige, vice president, strategic marketing, Wireless Networks, Nortel Networks. "The WLAN strategy we are announcing today demonstrates our commitment to helping operators create a mobile environment that delivers users compelling content and data services from any location. Our WLAN technology, coupled with our extensive experience in IP data networking, will position operators to increase revenue potential and reduce subscriber churn."

"Public access WLAN provides a good test bed for mobile data applications, particularly those targeted at enterprise markets," said Jason Chapman, senior analyst, Gartner. "With 3G mobile heavily relying on the take-up of data services, it is not only in the interests of mobile operators but also of the mobile infrastructure vendors to make sure that early data services are successful, paving the way for 3G. Once mobile enterprise customers feel security and pricing are not prohibitive, they will get used to, for example, being able to pull out their laptops in a coffee shop and get access to corporate data."

As part of its integrated WWAN/WLAN offering, Nortel Networks is working with Mobility Network Systems, a leading supplier of carrier-class WLAN solutions, to provide comprehensive solutions that will enable GSM, GPRS and UMTS operators to integrate WLANs into their existing networks and service platforms using SIM and RADIUS technology. In interoperability testing conducted earlier this year, Mobility Networks ipRAN technology was successfully integrated with Nortel Networks GSM, GPRS and UMTS core network infrastructure and products, including Home Location Register (HLR) and Nortel Networks Univity GPRS Gateway Serving Node (GGSN).
Nortel Networks CDMA technology will enable CDMA operators to provide WLAN services to their customers using existing CDMA2000 core network equipment. Nortel Networks is working in collaboration with Bridgewater Systems and MetaSolv to support common authentication and billing between CDMA2000 and Wi-Fi networks, enabling a single 'sign-on' for the customer and consolidated billing information. CDMA operators can choose to deploy their own WLAN access networks or act as a virtual network operator through WLAN access wholesalers or aggregators.

Nortel Networks Univity GGSN/PDSN, based on Nortel Networks Shasta platform, can provide a number of value-added benefits for wireless operators wanting to integrate WLANs with WWANs. Univity GGSN/PDSN will allow operators to identify and manage subscribers, control traffic flows, and deliver a richer set of IP data services. It will also provide enhanced protection of subscriber data with security features such as 'state-aware' firewalls and strong encryption algorithms.

In addition, Nortel Networks integrated WWAN/WLAN technology will use industry standard IPSec encryption technology to help reduce enterprise security concerns. Nortel Networks Contivity solution can also be used to provide encryption, authentication, firewalls and routing in a single, secure switch, and stops unauthorized users from hacking into the network to gain free access and/or steal confidential information.

TODAY'S PRESS RELEASES

okia and Racal Instruments announced that the two companies are working together to deliver test equipment for third generation CDMA2000 1xEV-DV networks.

PT Wireless Indonesia (WIN), a cellular telecommunication network and service provider in Indonesia, has selected Airvana to enable high-speed wireless and broadband data services for its CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network in Indonesia.

Alaska Communications Systems the leading integrated communications provider in Alaska, has selected Airvana to provide high-speed wireless and broadband equipment for its CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Thin Multimedia, Inc., a leading provider of wireless video streaming solutions, today announced that Reliance Infocomm Ltd. has licensed Thin Multimedia's complete mobile video streaming solution to provide video services to wireless subscribers in India. Reliance Infocomm is a subsidiary of the Reliance Group, India's largest private enterprise.

The CDMA Development Group (CDG) (www.cdg.org) today reported that there were nearly 135 million CDMA subscribers and 24 million CDMA2000 users worldwide at the end of the third quarter of 2002.

Anite announced the availability of 200 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) conformance test cases. The test cases enable the testing and approval of mobile phones and wireless terminals for use on next-generation cellular networks.

-PHONE announced the launch of Vodafone Global Standard on December 20 to offer customers in Japan unprecedented access to mobile services at home and abroad. This Third Generation (“3G”) service is based on international Third Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) standards

A glimpse of the near future can actually be seen by looking at the palm of a South Koreans hand - but the price of a prediction is just too high.

The company expects 10% or slightly more handset market growth in 2003 - while anticipating a challenging industry environment in wireless infrastructure to continue

Fujitsu Limited will demonstrate a variety of advanced broadband and mobile products and solutions at ITU TELECOM ASIA 2002 which will take place in Hong Kong

EuroTel Bratislava announced that the second installment of the UMTS license fee in the amount of Sk 999 million was paid in full to the Telecommunications Office of the Slovak Republic

Airvana Inc and Winphoria Networks Inc will demonstrate push-to-talk applications over a live CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network and interoperability with 1xRTT networks

QUALCOMM Incorporated announced that the Company will be exhibiting and demonstrating its industry-leading wireless solutions at 2002 CDMA Americas Congress

Ericsson and Hutchison have signed a seven-year agreement to implement an innovative services business model that will deliver increased efficiency and significant cost savings.

Telstra launched Australia’s first fully operational third generation (3G) mobile service for business customers, which is faster, more powerful and feature rich than anything they would have experienced before.

After twice delaying a planned launch, Japan's J-Phone Corp is finally set to start commercial third-generation (3G) mobile phone services this month, testing the water for British parent Vodafone Group Plc.

HUTCHISON 3G, the UK’s new entrant mobile operator, is facing growing pressure to merge with another group - possibly MmO2, formerly BT Cellnet - early next year after suggestions last week that it cannot meet its loan covenant requirements by the second half of next year.