Despite the $4.5 billion price to bid in the auction of 700-MHz spectrum, the auction represents the best opportunity for smaller businesses to participate in broadband expansion, FCC Chair Kevin Martin told a House committee Wednesday.

On Thursday, the FCC announced it would delay the auction date by eight days. It is now set for January 24. In addition, there will be a $10 billion limit on the auction bidding.

The auction will foster deployment of rural broadband, Martin said, because the rules will require licensees to serve at least 70 percent of their geographic area. The Commission has tried to ensure these areas have the same access to broadband enjoyed elsewhere in the country. The open-access provisions are a critical factor in making the spectrum accessible to small businesses.

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Security professionals said the bell has tolled for the WEP protocol, which is used as a default intrusion-prevention system for IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN Wi-Fi devices.

The troubled protocol suffered its first blow in 2001, when a flaw was revealed in the WEP protocol's RC4 key scheduling algorithm, which allowed radio sniffer programs to extract and inject wireless data packets from and into the network where statistical analyzers, known as WEP crackers, can recover the encryption key to unscramble the data. However, the WEP security key required about 4 million packets to be intercepted for it to be calculated. Now, security experts in Germany have claimed that they can outfox the beleaguered protocol in three seconds, down from the previous best of about five minutes, which kept up with changing security keys.

The experts said they can extract a 104-bit WEP key from intercepted data using a 1.7-GHz Pentium M processor so much faster that the process could be performed in real time by someone walking through an office. Bank of Queensland IT security manager Grant Slender agreed that the WEP protocol is lax and said he would not trust anything built on it.

"We don't use wireless technology, and we wouldn't rely on any form of built-in encryption; we would treat it akin to an untrusted Internet connection," Slender said. "We wouldn't put the same applications over wireless as we would for a cable connection because the wireless security standards have been compromised," he said. "It's simply easier for us to consider the WEP protocol untrusted."

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Wavesat, developer of WiMAX chipset and software, and Sanmina-SCI, a leading global electronics manufacturing services company, announced an agreement for production and cost optimization of the WiMAX Mini-PCI. The low-cost, small-form factor WiMAX 3.5 GHz Mini-PCI modules are now available for volume delivery anywhere in the world.

The WiMAX Mini-PCI modules are based on Wavesat's recently launched WiMAX 3.5 GHz Mini-PCI reference design, and incorporates Wavesat's Evolutive DM256 chipset and MAC coprocessor. Plus, the WiMAX Mini-PCI modules are fully compliant with the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard, offer easy upgradeability to 802.16e-2005 for basic mobility applications, and support TDD and HFDD, 3.5 and 7.0 MHz bandwidths and modulation up to 64-QAM.

"We are excited to be working with a WiMAX pacesetter such as Wavesat," said David Dutkowsky, EVP for Sanmina-SCI's Communications Infrastructure Division. "Wavesat's unique WiMAX expertise and strategic positioning, in conjunction with our manufacturing capability and international presence, will result in tangible benefits for the WiMAX industry worldwide."

Recently announced in Red Herring.com, Clearwire - a so called 'start-up' - is looking to invest about $1 billion in funds to build its own WiMAX network, and plans to offer wireless broadband service over wide areas. Specifically, Clearwire is anxious to acquire spectrum and build new markets, Chief Strategy Officer Ben Wolff told RedHerring.com.

Clearwire is definitely a new firm, but with a solid history. Clearwire was founded in October 2003 by Craig McCaw, the cellular phone pioneer who sold McCaw Cellular Communications to AT&T in 1994 for more than $11 billion.

With the new capital available, Clearwire may start to compete with incumbents like Comcast and AT&T in the growing high-speed broadband Internet market. More specifically, the company could partner with satellite-TV companies who want to offer a bundle of video, voice, and data in their quest to compete with the cable and telephone companies.

Speculation on the potential pairing grew earlier this year after News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch said his DirecTV company was looking for a way to enter the wireless broadband market. Clearwire was considered a leading candidate to help.

“What we like about our business plan and technology is there are a number of parties we could partner with,” said Mr. Wolff, declining to say whether the company is negotiating with DirecTV. Clearwire could even partner with wired and wireless phone companies as well, he mused.

"Building up a network like ours is very similar to building up a cellular network,” said Mr. Wolff, who is also co-president. Clearwire currently offers service in more than 200 cities and towns in the United States, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, and Mexico. In the U.S. the company operates under the licensed 2.5 GHz band in places like Jacksonville, Florida; Modesto; California; and Bellingham, Washington.

Clearwire deploys an early, nonstandard version of WiMAX. The equipment for its network comes from its wholly owned subsidiary NextNet Wireless.

The service is considered fixed because phones or other mobile devices that work with the technology are not yet available. Nevertheless, Clearwire’s service can transmit voice and data at speeds comparable to DSL and cable. And because it is wireless, there is no need for fiber-optic cables or copper wires.

Currently the speed of the connection is up to 1.5 Mbit/second. The company charges $30 to $37 a month for the service and $5 for the modem, to a rather small number of customers.

Faster wireless telecoms may be offered to UK firms this summer, as more mobile operators have announced plans to roll out High-speed Download Packet Access (HSDPA) services, sometimes referred to as Super 3G.

Most mobile operators have now revealed their launch plans. The latest to do so is 3, which said its trials based on Nokia and NEC infrastructure are now delivering speeds up to 1.4Mbit/s – over three times faster than current 3G services based on UMTS technology. The company said it currently offers 3G coverage to 88 percent of the UK population.

The growth of HSDPA is likely to limit demand for other wireless broadband technologies such as WiMax, argued Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin, speaking at this year's 3GSM congress in Barcelona. "I think WiMax will be less interesting after HSDPA launches," he said.

Some pundits believe that WiMax technology will be restricted to a niche role.
A report published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has concluded that WiMax's main use might be in areas that have poor 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity.

However, even here WiMax systems might require significant subsidies from the government before the technology could be widely used as an access mechanism, it said.

The OECD said its main reason for predicting WiMax will have only a limited role is that in some places governments have been slow to allocate spectrum, and licensees have been slow to develop services.

The report says, "The success of WiMax partially will depend on the availability of spectrum in OECD markets. Initial equipment will work in one of three main frequency ranges, 2.5GHz, 3.5GHz and 5GHz. Existing allocations of spectrum should be examined to see where space could be available for new broadband wireless technologies. Spectrum allocations should be technologically neutral."

In the UK the most likely band for WiMax is at 3.5GHz. Currently only PCCW-owned telecoms provider UK Broadband has rolled out a limited service using this band, in the Thames Valley.

NAME:	WSR-3800 Combo Kit
SUMMARY:	The WSR-3800 is EnGenius Technologies answer for operators who wish to deploy Internet accessibility with an integrated billing system open to the general public without any subscriptions. The WSR-3800 runs on an 802.11g 200mW high powered connectivity and is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices. The WSR-3800's robust features include internal firewalls, traffic control, bandwidth control, and industry leading AAA technology. Along with the WSR-3800 is the WSR-3800TP, the included ticket printer with multiple settings, an industry first. No longer will the cashier need to have extensive PC experience while dispensing tickets to customers; with a simple press of a button, a ticket will print out with an individualized User and Password information for the customer.
PRODUCT FEATURES:	Complete evaluation kit for extended range around corners or other obstacles Total 802.11g with 200mW high powered solution Includes WSR-3800TP multi-setting ticket printer, an industry first!

Redline AN-100 is a scalable carrier-class broadband wireless solution for point-to-point and multipoint backhaul networks. The AN-100 uses OFDM optical line-of-sight and non line-of-sight technology to overcome typical urban obstacles such as trees and buildings. The long-range capabilities and high-capacity of the AN-100 allow wireless connectivity to remote locations with a minimum number of repeater stations.

The low latency AN-100 system provides reliable delivery of delay sensitive services including circuit switched voice traffic, voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), optimized transport for video, and prioritized data traffic - all converged over a single robust wireless link. The time division multiplexed (TDM) option can replace expensive leased full and fractional E1/T1 circuits while supporting legacy TDM traffic and increasing network capacity.

AN-100 features include:

• Industry leading spectral efficiency ensures high data rates
• Low latency for delay-sensitive traffic
  
• Long range capabilities minimize the required number of hops
  
• Versatile QoS for multi-services, including voice and video over IP
  
• Optional eight port TDM E1/T1 full and fractional (nx64)
  
• 2004 SUPERQuest award for “Backbone/Edge Networking Equipment”

Designed to be interoperable with a host of emerging, WiMAX-certified base stations, including the RedMAX Base Station (AN-100U), the indoor RedMAX Subscriber Unit (SU-I) contains Intel’s PRO/Wireless 5116 system-on-a-chip, which sets the stage for a new and exciting phase of standardized broadband wireless solutions.

SU-I is an indoor broadband wireless subscriber access product designed to WiMAX Forum Certified Specifications. Compliance to the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard ensures interoperability with an emerging industry-wide base of compatible Point to Multipoint (PMP) equipment. The system is easy and economical to deploy, allowing service providers to quickly provision new services with bandwidth comparable to xDSL. The RedMAX SU-I self-install indoor unit, with fully integrated antenna, includes a LED installation tool for quick and simple alignment.

Features-at-a-glance:

• Easy and economical to deploy, allowing service providers to quickly provision new services with bandwidth comparable to xDLS (self installable)
  
• Intel® PRO/Wireless 5116 ‘system on a chip’
  
• Available with fully integrated antenna, and includes LED installation tool for quick, simple alignment
  
• Indoor Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) adaptor powers both unit and user’s Ethernet access port
  
• 3rd-generation OFDM, NLOS technology operates in 3.4-3.6 GHz band
  
• Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) settings
  
• Available with up to three interfaces [Ethernet, Ethernet + POTS, Ethernet + VoIP]
  
• WiMAX Forum Certified™ Design
  

Operating in the 3.4 – 3.6 GHz band, Redline’s built-in, third generation Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) non Line of Sight (NLOS) technology helps overcome common urban obstacles such as building sand trees while maintaining high reliability. Rugged design standards and sophisticated technology, including advanced forward error correction (FEC), combine to deliver wireline-equivalent high availability.

Taking advantage of PMP delivery, the SU-I can accomodate several interfaces with traditional Ethernet; Ethernet + TDM (E1/T1); Ethernet + POTS and Ethernet + VoIP. The RedMAX SU-I also features a signal-strength indicator for easy installation, while providing SOHO businesses and residences with a higher throughput.

Designed to be interoperable with a host of emerging, WiMAX-certified base stations, including the RedMAX Base Station (AN-100U), the outdoor RedMAX Subscriber Unit (SU-O) contains Intel’s PRO/Wireless 5116 system-on-a-chip, which sets the stage for a new and exciting phase of standardized broadband wireless solutions.

SU-O is an outdoor broadband wireless subscriber access product designed to WiMAX Forum Certified specifications. Compliance to the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard ensures its interoperability with an emerging industry-wide base of compatible Point to Multipoint (PMP) Equipment.

Features-at-a-glance:

• Easy and economical outdoor unit featuring flat panel antennae (external antenna optional)
  
• Intel® PRO/Wireless 5116 ‘system on a chip’
  
• Audible installation tool for quick, simple alignment
  
• Indoor Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) adapter powers both unit and user’s Ethernet access port
  
• 3rd generation OFDM, NLOS technology operates in 3.4-3.6 GHz band
  
• Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) settings
  
• Can come with up to four interfaces
  [Ethernet, Ethernet + TDM (E1/T1), Ethernet + POTS, Ethernet + VoIP]
  
• WiMAX Forum Certified™ Design
  
  

Easy and economical to deploy, the RedMAX SU-O allows service providers to quickly provision new services with bandwidth comparable to xDSL. This outdoor unit, with fully integrated flat panel antenna, or optional external antenna, includes an audible installation tool for quick and simple alignment. The indoor Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) adapter provides power for the outdoor unit and the user’s Ethernet network access port.

Operating in the 3.4 – 3.6 GHz band, Redline’s built-in, third generation Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) non Line of Sight (NLOS) technology helps overcome common urban obstacles such as buildings and trees while maintaining high reliability. Rugged design standards and sophisticated technology, including advanced forward error correction (FEC), combine to deliver wireline-equivalent high availability.

This carrier-class, high-reliability product can serve as either a base station or a premium-grade subscriber unit, and is designed to be completely interoperable with WiMAX- compatible equipment including the Red MAX SU-O and RedMAX SU-I subscriber units. RedMAX Base Station provides a scalable solution for any WiMAX access network. It delivers PMP enterprise access and residential/SOHO services. The RedMAX Base Station also delivers point-to-point backhaul services to the RedMAX Backhaul subscriber station.

Features-at-a-glance:

• Can act as a powerful PMP base station or a ‘premium grade’ subscriber unit
  
• Carrier-class, highly-reliable unit with solid security (including AES encryption)
  
• Field upgradeable via software download to accommodate future enhancements
  
• Compliant with IEEE 802.16-2004 and 802.16e (mobility) – ready
  
• WiMAX Forum Certified™ Design
  

Easy and cost-effective to deploy, the RedMAX Base Station system facilitates the rapid provision of new services by service providers, while its very low latency ensures reliable delivery of data-sensitive services, including circuit-switched voice traffic, voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), video and prioritized data traffic. Individual Quality of Service (QoS) settings can be set dynamically, according to the service level agreement (SLA).

The RedMAX Base Station can be deployed in clusters of up to six (60 degree) sectors, supporting up to 4,000 unique user-data flows. The GPS time synchronization feature ensures efficient use of available spectrum and channels, providing scalable and reliable cell deployment when operating Time Division Duplexing (TDD) radios in close proximity.

The hardware is fully upgradeable in the field by software download, to accommodate such future enhancements as IPv6 support, scalability, additional classifiers, alternative encryption standards, and the continued development of the 802.16 standard. Adherence to stringent carrier-class NEBS Level 3 specifications provides high reliability for mission critical deployments. The indoor unit has a selection of radios for operation in licensed and unlicensed bands using the 802.16-2004 specified 3.5 MHz and 7 MHz channel profiles.

The AN-30e is a carrier-grade TDM backhaul solution for mobility network and enterprise network operators. Operating in the 5.4 and 5.8 GHz unlicensed bands, the system is capable of long-range links exceeding 80 km (50 mi) in clear LOS conditions. Redline’s proven AN-30e system is the ideal platform for migration to VoIP - capable of supporting up to eight T1/E1 circuits and mixed TDM/IP traffic applications. Enterprise operators and MUSH can benefit by using the AN-30e as an inexpensive alternative to leasing circuits and installing new wired services.

 

AN-30e features include:

• Up to eight E1/T1 full and fractional (nx64) TDM ports
  
• Simultaneous transport of mixed IP and TDM traffic
• Up to 44 Mbps average data rate
  
• Very low TDM round-trip delay (RTD)
  
• High availability operation
  
• Full loop-back capability
  
• DFS and ATPC

Despite being faced with logistical complications caused by Hurricane Wilma, Florida-based xG Technology twice demonstrated last month the long-range capability of its xMAX solution, transmitting a data stream capable of high-quality video 18 miles using low power levels.

In the Nov. 10 demonstration, xG transmitted a 3.57 MB/s data stream on 10 MHz of spectrum in the unlicensed ISM 900 MHz band using just 35.8 mW of power from its omnidirectional whip antenna on an 850-foot tower to a patch antenna on a 12-foot mast. The off-the-shelf antennas combined for 14 dB gain.

“The message is: It's real,” Chris Whiteley, xG Technology's vice president of business development, said. “It really works, and it's so big that we can't get our brain around it.”

Indeed, the notion that an entity could become a broadband wireless provider without investing in any spectrum is compelling, especially when xG officials say the company's receiver — the key to the solution — is “simple” and can be built “dirt cheap.” As a result, an xMAX system can be deployed much more cheaply than networks using other technologies.

“It reduces the costs of deploying broadband services; it finally makes it affordable,” Whiteley said. “It changes the economics, and it's been the economics that have slowed the deployment of broadband services.”

And the data rates achieved in the demonstration are “as bad as it gets” for xMAX, said Joe Bobier, xG Technology's president of operations and inventor of xMAX. No carrier signal — which would have required 6 kHz of dedicated spectrum — was used, reducing the data rate by about 25%, he said. In addition, many common techniques to improve performance were not used in an effort to keep the demonstration as simple as possible, he said.

Whiteley noted that xG used just 10 MHz of the 26 MHz of spectrum available in the ISM 900 MHz band; using the entire band would result in a commensurately faster data rate. In addition, Schwartz said there is no reason that xG should be compelled to operate at such low power levels.

“It's true, they covered 18 miles of swampland, and it was essentially line-of-sight,” Schwartz said. “But, don't forget, they [used less than] 50 milliwatts. They can use up to 1000 milliwatts [without violating FCC rules]. So, if you are in an urban area, and you want to send it toward Miami, you boost up your power. And, because you're using lower frequencies, it goes through buildings better.”

No in-building demonstrations were conducted, but Bobier said xG has run in-building tests with a rudimentary receive antenna on the interior of hotels and other buildings along the beach in Fort Lauderdale about 7 miles from the tower. “When we were testing, we were in the middle of those buildings at the ground level and were getting an incredibly strong signal … [with a power level of] close to 200 milliwatts,” he said. “We almost had too much signal; it was almost saturating the receiver, there was so much signal.”