Monday, December 10, 2007

INTEL WIMAX "ECHO PEAK"

Intel is one of the biggest company who is developing WiMax technology successfully in the chip side. Many service providers are seeing initial success using WiMAX based on the 802.16-2004 standard for fixed and nomadic applications such as last-mile broadband. Fixed WiMAX networks based on Intel WiMAX Connection 2250 802.16-2004 client devices are an ideal way for service providers to enter the fixed WiMAX broadband services market now with proven technology. More than 40 service providers have deployed commercial fixed WiMAX networks using Intel-based CPE equipment. In addition, Intel is actively engaged with many of the more than 240 service providers worldwide that are preparing for both fixed and mobile WiMAX trials and deployments. Most famous from them are Airspan, Alvarion, Aperto, Redline, Proxim, SR Telecom.

With the first WiMAX products (based on the 802.16e-2005 standard) becoming available in early 2007, service providers may soon begin to realize the potential of advanced fixed capabilities along with added mobility. With the addition of mobile capabilities, 802.16e-2005 WiMAX networks will be able to deliver broadband Internet access to people on the go.
Intel is bringing to market standards-based, low-cost, highly integrated silicon solutions that are expected to facilitate global delivery of notebooks, Ultra Mobile Devices, and a wide array of consumer devices with the Wi-Fi/WiMAX dual-mode module (codenamed "Echo Peak"). Add-in cards will be available in 2007 and embedded modules in 2008. The integration of Wi-Fi and WiMAX promises convenient and affordable broadband connectivity in the home, at the office, as well as on the go, enabling users to enjoy a common experience on either network and to gain access to real-time, high-value information wherever they are.

Echo Peak harnesses the range and performance benefits of the latest smart antenna technology called Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO). MIMO configurations on the Echo Peak module are 1x2 for WiMAX and 3x3 for Wi-Fi. 1x2 refers to a 1 Tx (transmit) and 2 Rx (receive) antenna configuration and 3x3 refers to a 3 Tx and 3 Rx configuration. For Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi access point connected to a 3x3 Wi-Fi MIMO client needs 3 Tx and 3 Rx antennas to take full advantage of the client’s configuration. For WiMAX, with its asymmetric antenna configuration, the base station is assumed to have 2 Tx antennas that transmit to the 2 Rx antennas on Echo Peak, enabling what is referred to as 2x2 downlink (DL) MIMO. With this configuration, Echo Peak clients can support up to 10 Mbps on DL and up to 3 Mbps on UL.
Echo Peak is capable of supporting up to three bands for flexible radio frequency support. The three radio bands supported include 2.3-2.7 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz, and 5.1-5.8 GHz. All three antennas are capable of supporting all three bands. The Echo Peak Wi-Fi module includes the latest Wi-Fi advances from Intel’s new Wi-Fi solution, code-named “Shirley Peak,” to enhance range and performance. Echo Peak fully supports 802.11a/b/g networks and the latest WLAN technology based on the 802.11n specification, Draft-N to deliver more than 2x the range and up to 5x the performance of 802.11g networks. Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N technology has able to 3x3 (450 Mbps), 1x2 (TX = 150 Mbps/RX = 300 Mbps), Smart Antenna Technology/MIMO Enhancements, Beam Forming and Space-Time Diversity Coding (STBC), Beacon-Based Location Services. Echo Peak enables users to easily connect to Wi-Fi or WiMAX networks, depending on which network can deliver the best connectivity. A connection manager software utility scans for Wi-Fi and WiMAX networks and assists users to switch easily between the different networks according to connectivity rules defined by the user, IT or service providers.

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