LGC Wireless Introduces MetroReach Focus
SAN JOSE, Calif., February 20, 2001 - LGC Wireless, a leading supplier of wireless networking solutions, introduced its new MetroReach Focus product and announced that it is available immediately. MetroReach Focus facilitates wireless network expansion by reducing equipment cost and deployment time. With MetroReach Focus, wireless operators can centralize network resources for multiple areas in one location. Because radio channels and other resources can now be easily allocated where needed, operators avoid the expense of deploying expensive infrastructure that is fully used only during peak traffic hours.
"The MetroReach Focus system effectively extends the reach of a wireless basestation several miles and distributes centralized radio resources to multiple locations," said Enrique Cuellar, vice president of marketing for LGC Wireless. "By simultaneously broadcasting all radio channels to all endpoints, network efficiency can be increased by up to 30 percent."
Currently, the most common way to increase the capacity of a wireless network is to add a base station and a T1/E1 backhaul in the area that needs additional capacity and add interface equipment at the carrier's Mobile Switching Center (MSC). The site acquisition process can take a significant amount of time, thus delaying the operator's ability to rapidly deliver new capacity and services. MetroReach Focus takes advantage of existing fiber infrastructure and allows operators to more fully utilize existing basestations and their limited wireless spectrum.
MetroReach Focus transmits wireless signals over long distances via single-mode fiber. It is a broadband system, supporting all wireless protocols from 500MHz to 2.2 GHz, including W-CDMA. Multiple channels and multiple operators can be supported on a single fiber link. The product has two main building blocks: the Main Hub Assembly (MHA) and the Remote Hub Assembly (RHA). The MHAs are co-located with the basestations while the RHAs are deployed at the remote sites needing additional capacity. RHAs can be up to 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away from the MHAs. MetroReach Focus has all necessary UL, FCC and CE Mark approvals.
The MetroReach Focus and LGCell systems work together to provide high-quality wireless communications inside any type of building. The LGCell has been installed in a variety of public and private facilities, including SAFECO Field in Seattle, Washington; the PETRONAS Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and the Metro subway system in Santiago, Chile. When connected to an on-site or a remote basestation, the LGCell delivers increased capacity and coverage into any facility. When connected to a roof-top antenna or repeater, the LGCell ensures that wireless signals are reliably delivered to hard-to-reach areas such as elevators, underground facilities and atriums.
"As wireless subscribers and applications increase, operators will experience renewed pressure to find faster, more cost-effective ways to increase network capacity," said Enrique Cuellar, vice president of marketing for LGC Wireless. "Our MetroReach product helps balance the need for enough capacity with the high costs of too much capacity. These products offer a 3G-compatible solution that lets operators extend their network capacity for a fraction of the cost and time required by typical strategies." Cuellar added that wireless subscribers will experience fewer blocked and dropped calls and a more consistent level of service from their PCS or cellular service.
About LGC Wireless
LGC Wireless is a leading supplier of broadband wireless networking solutions. The company's wireless networking products provide mobile users access to high quality voice and high-speed wireless data via cellular and PCS networks. LGC is currently shipping product to more than 20 countries. Supported wireless access standards include TDMA, CDMA, GSM, iDEN, and 3G. For more information, please visit our web site at http://www.lgcwireless.com.
LGCell and MetroReach are registered trademarks of LGC Wireless, Inc.
LGC Wireless, 2540 Junction Avenue, San Jose, CA 95134. Tel: 408-952-2400; Fax: 408-952-2410.