Intel, Proxim To Deliver Fixed And Portable Wimax Products

Intel and Proxim today announced a collaboration to develop and deliver WiMAX solutions for fixed and portable broadband wireless access. The agreement includes the development of base station and subscriber unit access points that deliver fast wireless access for data, voice and video services.

WiMAX, known also as 802.16, is an emerging technology that allows long-range high-speed wireless Internet access, serving both dense metropolitan areas and rural or suburban communities.

"We as an industry are headed toward the 'broadband wireless era,' and WiMAX will play a key role in delivering on our vision," said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel's Broadband Wireless Division. "The next wave is about portability, with people wanting access anywhere. Together, Intel and Proxim will enable people around the globe to use emerging services and content in their homes, businesses, and on the road."

Initially, the companies will work together on fixed base stations (supporting the 802.16a, revision d specification), as well as customer premise equipment (CPE) for fixed wireless networks. In addition to WiMAX CPE, Proxim intends to develop a WiMAX base station marketed as the Proxim Tsunami MP.16. The new base station can be deployed as a cost-effective alternative for enterprise and service providers looking to provide high-speed broad reach access to their customers.

Also as part of the collaboration, the companies will co-develop a reference design for WiMAX CPE equipment. Intel will provide the CPE architecture, including the key hardware and software components as a reference design for other WiMAX equipment makers. The reference design will help subscriber station designers bring products to market faster, assisting in the proliferation of WiMAX for both licensed and unlicensed networks. Proxim will target traditional wireless carrier and enterprise customers looking to provide their users with cost-effective broadband wireless solutions. Proxim will include its core wireless software capabilities that enable subscriber roaming, increased subscriber support and dynamic bandwidth management.


WiMAX for Portability
Intel and Proxim will also work together to develop base stations based on the emerging 802.16e specification designed to enable broadband wireless portability. Portability will enable powerful new applications, and will be ideal for global service providers and carriers looking to introduce advanced data services.

Proxim plans to deliver its fixed WiMAX-certified broadband wireless solution in early 2005, and portable WiMAX-certified solutions in late 2005. Shipment of any WiMAX Forum Certified product is dependent on the start of interoperability and certification testing, which is currently scheduled to begin in late 2004.