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February 16, 2011

Airspan Launches AirSynergy, Multi-Standard pico eNodeB

Airspan Networks, a provider of broadband wireless access networks, has released AirSynergy, a multi-standard pico eNodeB with high-capacity integrated wireless backhaul, at Mobile World Congress 2011.

AirSynergy is designed to allow operators to economically deploy urban heterogeneous wireless broadband networks and create sustainable 4G networks in rural areas. Also, the product provides the flexibility to support multiple Radio Access Network standards and wireless backhaul simultaneously.

Pico cells, as compared to traditional macro wireless networks, are smaller cells that deliver coverage and capacity into a targeted geographical region and user base. A heterogeneous wireless broadband network is one in which a macro wireless network is combined with intelligent pico cells to significantly improve coverage and capacity to an overall network, thereby delivering a significantly improved user experience.

4G LTE and 4G WiMAX carriers, with the help of AirSynergy, are allowed to significantly increase the data handling capacity of their network by deploying wireless pico nodes close to the user base on existing street poles such as lamp posts and utility poles. Data demand can be offloaded from macro base stations, with a unique highly efficient, integrated wireless backhaul technology, called iBridge.

To support multiple 4G wireless interfaces spanning licensed frequency bands between 450 MHz and 6 GHz , the new product holds the promise of unprecedented benefits to operators and encompasses Airspan's many years of wireless expertise in software defined radio technology. Supported RAN standards include:

WiMAX 802.16d and 802.16e;

LTE release 8.0 and 9.0, both TDD and FDD;

High-capacity point-to-multipoint relay backhaul.

A low-density deployment is also supported by AirSynergy using its backhaul relay mode which enables carriers to create sustainable 4G networks in rural communities, delivering service to previously underserved customers. By deploying on existing distribution network utility assets, such as power poles, power utility companies can also benefit from this flexible architecture and highly efficient frequency reuse.

"AirSynergy is a revolutionary new product that will enable carriers to deploy 4G into locations that have never been accessible or sustainable before," said Airspan CEO Eric Stonestrom, in a press release. "Whether it's a deployment to rural America, to help President Obama deliver on his goal to bring 4G services to 98 percent of Americans by 2015, or a solution for European carriers who need to provide more mobile broadband capacity in the metropolitan centers of Europe, AirSynergy is a compelling proposition."

In a statement, Paul Trubridge, vice president of Product Management at Airspan, added, "By integrating our latest generation of Software Defined Radios, antennas & RF technologies in this product we have for the first time combined our 4G access and non-line of sight wireless backhaul interfaces into the same compact and discrete form factor. This product is the first of its kind and will be a key enabler for large scale deployments of heterogeneous cellular networks and sustainable rural broadband."

In related news, Airspan Networks joined with U.K.-based femtocell and picocell manufacturer, ip.access, in order to unveil a new hybrid Radio Access Network solution, AirHarmony.


Deepika Mala is a contributing editor for MobilityTechzone. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Tammy Wolf


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