Ventev Wireless Infrastructure, a division of TESSCO Technologies Inc., is set to unveil its new turnkey systems helping companies to "take Wi-Fi outside," in an effort to extend data networks to where they're needed.
The technology has a quite a few uses, especially when considering its ability to, essentially, flip on a crucial network connection virtually anywhere at an affordable price. This is a crucial asset for a society flooded with Wi-Fi connected smartphones and tablets at major events, like sports or political ceremonies.
"The products we are featuring at CTIA are important innovations that make taking Wi-Fi outside much easier and more cost-effective," Jeff Lime, vice president, Ventev Wireless Infrastructure, said in a statement. "These turnkey systems enable data networks to be extended where and when customers need them."
For example, customers who are caught in the midst of an emergency situation need extended network access. Ventev's new portable hotspot is capable of supporting most network switches and up to four Wi-Fi access points and support a large number of users. The system features surge suppression, coaxial cable lightning protection and connections for external antennas. The whole package is designed for rapid deployment and its 24" x 24" x 10" frame is easily shippable.
Ventev's outdoor enclosure system for indoor access points will also make a debut, allowing networks to extend coverage by allowing indoor-rated access points in outdoor environments. It's unknown if the device is capable of handling both Wi-Fi and cellular data, but as Renuka Bhalerao, principal systems architect at RadiSys Corp says, things are trending that way.
"The lack of new site locations, the cost of new deployment and backhaul-related issues, operators are seeing value in placing these Wi-Fi hotspots and small cells under the same enclosure so that they can share location, backhaul and more," Bhalerao said. "The optimal integration is a multi-mode access point that combines 3GPP (WCDMA and LTE) with the Wi-Fi hotspot, giving users the best of both worlds."
Finally, there's Ventev's single-input Powered-over-Ethernet (PoE) system. Ventev's offering is the industry's first fully integrated outdoor system, and it's completely independent of traditional AC power. The system also contains both heating and cooling abilities as well, taking into account temperature differences.
As networks seek to boost capacity and coverage, expect to see similar devices in the near future.
Edited by
Rachel Ramsey 
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