Free Newsletter
Clearwire demos new way to increase WiMAX connections
During the Consumer Electronics show last week, Clearwire demonstrated a new battery-operated router from Cradlepoint Technology that converts a WiMAX signal into a WiFi signal that can connect to as many as eight WiFi devices in a customer's home. The operator hasn't officially announced the device yet, but is expected to release the product in the coming weeks for around $125.
The offering is significant it allows any device ranging from laptops to gaming devices to connect to WiMAX via WiFi. That helps the nascent operator to cast a wider net into the market. Motorola is also developing a CPE that combines WiMAX with a WiFi front-end radio but the vendor so far is only making that product for the 3.5 GHz band.
For more:
- see Unstrung
Related articles:
Clearwire brand debuts in Portland, Ore.
Clearwire says it's not wedded to WiMAX
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | January 12, 2009 - 4:34pm
No, a femtocell would be an integrated piece of equipment on the providers network. Think of this as more of a DC/AC inverter in a car. Even though the CPE is able to connect to the Clear network, it is not an encrypted device that is directly connected to the Microwave Backhaul like a true femtocell would be. But it is a similar concept.
Posted by Anonymous | January 13, 2009 - 12:55pm
Femto is basic IP backhaul into a wireless environment from a wireless device. Femto used for data is just another wireless router but used for voice, its an extension of a wireless carriers IMS network. disclaimer: this configuration is determined by said carrier.
This concept is like the EV-DO, GSM, UMTS, HSPA, etc. routers they have today. This device allows you to use the carriers wireless network like a home DSL line. I have been doing this for years now with the junta box. Only drawback would be if the WIMAX piece is integrated and not PCMIA based like the Junta. The Junta allows you to use any wireless interface. It is determined by the card you use. Some of these new routers are pre-configured for one technology.
Click here to get the FierceBroadbandWireless email newsletter for FREE!
Comments (3) | Post a comment