Europe : InterDigital Communications highlighted the market dynamics driving the movement towards synergy of cellular and WLAN networks in a presentation at 3GSM World Congress 2005 today in Cannes, France.

In his presentation, Dr. Alain Briancon, InterDigital's Chief Technology Officer, discussed the opportunities and challenges associated with the wireless industry's migration to integrated 2G/3G cellular (3GSM) and WLAN networks. In his remarks he focused on the key requirements for creating Cellular-WLAN synergy and core technology and product solutions that serve as catalysts for enabling a seamless user experience while at the same time optimizing performance.

"The industry continues to move along a path of migration toward converged cellular and WLAN networks," said Dr. Briancon. "The marriage of these networks brings great potential for a more consistent, predictable user experience."

In discussing the opportunities of convergence, Dr. Briancon cited three requirements for successful synergy, "In order to realize synergy from integrated 3GSM and WLAN networks, certain criteria need to be met. First, consumers will expect high performance and 'best of both worlds' features and functions. The best performance attributes from the cellular and WLAN worlds must apply to both systems in the integrated world - the ubiquitous coverage of cellular will become a requirement for WLAN, and the high data throughput of WLAN will become a requirement for cellular. Second, the user experience should be simple and easy. Finally, various wireless devices and applications must be able to operate in a predictable manner in this environment."

Dr. Briancon noted that interoperability, aligned network architectures, consistent coverage and performance and low power consumption are key requirements for enabling efficient, integrated networks.

He concluded his presentation by outlining the core technology solutions that enable efficient, improved operation of integrated 3GSM and WLAN networks. He stated that technology solutions such as adaptive antenna technology, advanced HSDPA receivers and network interference management solutions provide significant performance improvements.

"InterDigital offers a robust suite of pioneering Adaptive Interference Management and UMTS FDD HSDPA products that substantially improve wireless device and network performance, increase capacity and coverage, enable higher data throughput and enhance quality of service. These improvements enable wireless operators and equipment producers to provide users with the 'best of both worlds' technology attributes and a consistent, predictable user experience, while at the same time accelerating time to market."