PCIA GlobalXChange: AirNet introduces software-defined GPRS base station solution

Source: AirNet Communications Corp.
<%=company1%> has developed a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) solution for its broadband, software-defined base stations that lets operators provide GPRS capabilities by upgrading their software, not changing out hardware. The idea is to be able to offer wireless Internet services using existing base stations.

Key features

  • Provides up to 170 kbps data speed - three times faster than most landlines
  • Supports all coding schemes, from CS1 to CS4, providing the fastest data service with minimum network resources
  • Supports high-speed data and voice with same radio carriers
  • Capable of supporting GSM and GPRS at the same time
  • Compatible with all GPRS handset devices
"The race is on for wireless operators who are trying to provide their customers new and faster services," said Lee Hamilton, president and CEO of AirNet. "They are looking for cost-effective ways to transition from their current systems to GPRS and beyond. AirNet's software-defined GPRS base station solution provides the services that they need now, and the most cost-effective and easiest upgrade path to the wireless Internet."

GPRS networks send packets of data via shared packet data channels at speeds up to 170 kb/s. However, the speed of the data transmission depends on the coding schemes supported by the radio network. GPRS systems that support coding schemes CS-1 and CS-2 limit the maximum speeds to 107 kb/s. This reduces the spectrum efficiency and types of services that the system can support.

The solution makes the most of GPRS technology because it was designed to support all four GPRS coding schemes today: CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4. This enables AirNet's s AdaptaCell base station to transmit at speeds up to 170 kb/s. The additional speed allows operators to maximize their system capacity and provide the full range of new, enhanced services. The systems are compatible with all GPRS handsets and terminals, and the solution supports the full data speed needed for the most advanced devices and applications.

Operators can provide their existing GSM service with the new GPRS simultaneously, allowing them to support high-speed data and voice with the same radio carrier. In addition, the system will enable operators to upgrade their systems to even higher speed data services, such as EDGE and 3G, operating them simultaneously as well.

The solution is based on AirNet's broadband, software-defined platform, so wireless operators can migrate to GPRS using their existing AdaptaCell base stations and AirSite Backhaul Free Base Stations by upgrading their software. The upgrade can be done remotely from the network's control center, reducing the cost and time of deploying the solution to every cell site.

Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online