IP: Chip Tech for Convergence of WLAN and Cellular Networks

[David Farber <dfarber () earthlink net>]

-----Original Message-----
From: "Robert J. Berger" <rberger () ultradevices com>
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002 22:16:44 
To: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>,
   Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>
Subject: Chip Tech for Convergence of WLAN and Cellular Networks

[Not to imply that this particular announcement is important, but it gives a flavor of a trend - R.Berger]

RF Solutions Announces Development of Chipset Technology for the
Convergence of WLAN and Cellular Networks

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2002--

Atlanta company to develop multi-band, multi-standard RFIC chipset
supporting cellular telephony and 802.11a, b, g networking in a single
chipset

RF Solutions, Inc., an emerging semiconductor products supplier,
announces the development of CellLAN(TM), a wireless, multi-band,
multi-standard RFIC transceiver technology.  CellLAN(TM) incorporates
the company's previously announced WLAN dual-band WiFLEX(TM)
technology with enhanced capability to operate in the cellular
telephone spectrum.

The new flexible transceiver architecture will enable wireless
convergence of cellular (GSM/GPRS/WCDMA) and WLAN networks. This will
give mobile users a single platform for traditional cellular voice
communications, as well as truly high-speed data communications using
802.11a, b, & g standards.  

"There is a major market shift emerging in the convergence of
cellphone technology and WLAN technology," states Mike Hooper,
CEO. "The logical conclusion of this market shift is an integrated
mobile computing device (cellphone, PDA, notebook computer) that can
communicate with both the existing cellphone infrastructure
(for voice), and WLAN networks for high-speed data applications. The
CellLAN(TM) product will enable a cost-effective mobile platform that
can take advantage of this network convergence."

At today's throughput of 11 - 54 Mbps, WLAN technology clearly
outperforms 2.5G or 3G targeted data throughput performance by a
factor of over 100. Additionally, the price points of the WLAN link
are orders of magnitude below the cost of 2.5G or 3G infrastructure
deployments. A WLAN overlay, creating "hot spots" within the existing
cellular infrastructure, is a quick simple way for the carriers to
begin offering competitive and truly high data rate services.

To provide customers with a turnkey reference board, RF Solutions is
partnering with a number of baseband/MAC suppliers through its
PartnerCHIP(TM) Program. Samples and reference board availability will
be announced shortly.

ABOUT RF SOLUTIONS

Founded in 1997, RF Solutions, Inc. is a rapidly growing fabless
semiconductor company that develops RFICs for the Cellular Telephony,
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and fixed broadband wireless
access markets. RF Solutions specializes in standard, custom, and
semi-custom RFICs and multi-chip modules (MCM). These technologies
enable highly integrated, high performance, cost-competitive RF chips
for the enterprise and residential markets. RF Solutions is privately
held and is based in Norcross, Georgia. For more information please
visit www.rf-solutions.com.

--30--ks/at*

CONTACT: RF Solutions, Inc., Norcross
    Marcus Wise, 770/263-2600
    mwise () rf-solutions com


-- 
Robert J. Berger
UltraDevices, Inc.
257 Castro Street, Suite 223 Mt. View CA. 94041
Email: rberger () ultradevices com http://www.ultradevices.com
Voice: 650-237-0334 Fax: 408-490-2868

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