Ruckus Wireless supplying Telefonica UK (O2) with SmartCell small cell units

Ruckus Wireless announced on July 31, 2012 that it will supply Telefonica UK with high-capacity small cell units as part of O2’s plan to deploy high-speed wireless services throughout London.

The Ruckus SmartCell 8800 provides free, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi that anyone can access with a mobile device. Its low-profile design hides the fact that it is the first carrier-grade, modular multi-radio system that integrates patented adaptive antenna array technology that supports a number of licensed and unlicensed radio technologies. SmartCell units can support high-speed dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, small cell 3G/4G radios, and 5GHz mobile backhaul.

SmartCell units are already deployed throughout iconic central London areas like Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square. They will give Telefonica UK the flexibility to quickly deploy and offer high-speed Wi-Fi and cellular services whenever and wherever they’re needed.

"For O2,” explained Derek McManus, chief operating officer for Telefonica UK, “it's all about us providing customers with fast and reliable connectivity where they need it. Our vision is for Wi-Fi to be simply another access layer to our mobile core.

"Customers don't really care about the underlying technology,” Mr. McManus pointed out. “They care about getting connected, fast and reliably. The introduction of small cells helps us to support these requirements and completely complements our mobile strategy,” he continued, “by letting us push capacity closer to users in locations where it makes the most sense."

Selina Lo, president and CEO of Ruckus Wireless, noted that "there is now a mad race to the lamppost” for telecommunications companies, “and the first one there wins.” According to her, securing the physical locations that have the requisite power and backhaul to support small cells is the biggest obstacle to deployment.

“Once physical assets [have been] secured,” President Lo said, “it becomes important for operators to exploit them with as much technology as they can. This means multi-function, carrier-grade products that are simple deploy, unobtrusive and massively scalable. SmartCell is one of those products,” she said, “and O2 is one of those operators taking a lead in this race."

Telefonica UK performed extensive evaluations of wireless suppliers before selecting Ruckus and its SmartCell system. "It all really boiled down to who had the best Wi-Fi for carriers and the most forward-thinking strategy to integrate Wi-Fi within existing and future cellular infrastructure," said COO McManus.

Raisecom, Symmetricom synchronize mobile backhaul networks

A partnership between mobile backhaul solutions company Raisecom Technology and precise timekeeping equipment manufacturer Symmetricom successfully tested the interoperability of LTE wireless backhaul networks through the use of synchronization.

As part of their SyncWorld Ecosystem Program, Raisecom and Symmetricom executed a comprehensive interoperability test. Their aim was to use ITU.T G.8261 and the IEEE 1588-2008 synchronization protocol to validate LTE mobile backhaul deployment scenarios over packet networks.

For the test, Raisecom provided its iTN201 Carrier Ethernet Edge device, which was powered by a Symmetricom TimeProvider 5000 IEEE 1588-2008 Grandmaster clock.

The Symmetricom clock is a carrier-grade timing source that boasts of high client capacity, hardware-based packet processing, and redundant hardware. It matches up the synchronization needs of next-generation networks like as Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE), IEEE 1588 (PTP), and Network Time Protocol (NTP) timing protocols that operate using the iTN201 Carrier Ethernet Edge.

The successful test with Symmetricom means that Raisecom has achieved the status of a SyncWorld network equipment partner. Network equipment partners are technology vendors that have performed extensive and successful interoperability testing with Symmetricom timekeeping products. Raisecom and its fellow partners will work together in various ways to ensure effective operation of the joint solution in specific scenarios.

By testing its systems' interoperability with mobile backhaul networks, Raisecom will help wireless network carriers and service providers to find cost-effective and future-proof ways to establish new networks or upgrade existing wireless networks.

O2 small cell WiFi network gets mobile backhaul support from Cambridge Broadband VectaStar

Mobile backhaul technology expert Cambridge Broadband Networks will be deploying its Vectastar multipoint microwave backhaul technology on behalf of telecom provider O2's new public small cell Wi-Fi network.

O2 is deploying its first public small cell Wi-Fi network in London. It is composed of more than 100 Wi-Fi access points installed on street furniture across the London Boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. The Wi-Fi network's traffic will be aggregated across the mesh and sent to a number of VectaStar point-to-multipoint nodes. These PTM points will then backhaul the traffic they received to a central hub in London.

O2's small cell network intends to provide O2's London customers with excellent outdoor Wi-Fi connectivity. "Small Cells offer an enormous opportunity for operators to deliver high-speed and high-capacity data access to their subscribers," said Kevin Oemering, Account Director at Cambridge Broadband Networks. 

Director Oemering added, however, that "The significant uplift in the number of radios needed for a small cell network, compared to today's macrocellular networks, requires a new approach to backhaul." According to him, O2 needed a mobile backhaul solution that could be easily and quickly deployed, support the high capacity demands of a small cell network, and possess the flexibility to expand its network across London.

"VectaStar's multipoint microwave architecture is suitably positioned to deal with the increase in the number of cell sites," Director Oemering explained, "as operators exploit innovative network infrastructure to serve mobile consumers."

Cambridge Broadband's VectaStar multipoint wireless backhaul technology uses a network configuration similar to the interface between cell tower and mobile handset found in the radio access network. This fundamentally different and cost-efficient backhauling network architecture uses the available 28 GHz spectrum band to provide excellent benefits for mobiles, including the next generation units. VectaStar mobile backhaul services will give O2 the ability to send traffic from its London network's numerous small cell networks to a single aggregation point.

Business passengers want better Internet, more mobile services at airports and flights

Increasingly mobile-savvy business-class airline passengers are demanding better wireless Internet and improved use of mobile technology at airports and inflight.

According to a recent poll by Flightview, the average business passenger considers current airport and inflight WiFi services to be unreliable, limited, and frustrating, be it Internet by satellite or from wireless ground stations.

A vast number of the Flightview survey participants also wanted airports to provide other mobile-centered services. 94% said they would like to receive their flight status on their mobile. Nearly 70% wished to be notified about the availability of seating upgrades and receive alerts about their flight's boarding time. And more than 80% expressed the desire to have used mobile boarding passes instead of traditional means of boarding identification.

The Flightview survey also determined that 70% want the ability to use mobile apps to rebook on another flight, 57% wanted their mobiles to display standby status and terminal maps, 36% want to buy ticket upgrades using their mobiles, and 93% wanted airports to show the status and gate location of their next flight on their mobiles during connections.

Flightview concluded its survey by urging airports and airlines to integrate mobile wireless technology into their operations. “Business travellers, pressed for time, want access to new tools and technologies that make travelling easier and more efficient," observed Mike Benjamin, CEO of FlightView. "Every time an airport or airline rolls out a new offering, it raises travellers’ expectations, which, in turn, puts pressure on others in the industry to quickly adopt and integrate new technologies.”

Another recent survey -this time by SITA, a specialist in air transport IT and communications- showed a marked increase in the demand for free airport WiFi. SITA reported that 73% of its survey participants would like to use a mobile boarding pass. (17% have indeed used a mobile boarding pass.)

SITA also reported that two-thirds of the participants would like to receive text messages regarding changes to flights. The other third already avails of that service.

“When you look at what the airlines and airports are doing," noted Brenda Flinter, SITA media relations manager, "You see they have recognised the demand."

According to Ms. Flinter, airports are now focusing on easing passengers' stay at the terminal by providing updates and services on passengers’ mobile phones. Airport operators heavily invest in technology and solutions that allow them to notify passengers of flight status and delays on mobile phones.

“Airlines are investing in passenger services via mobile devices," Ms. Flitner said. “Beyond 2015, the smartphone and the website will be the dominant methods for passenger processing." She predicted that "nine out of ten airlines plan to engage with passengers through mobiles by 2015.”

KanOkla triples network capacity through PureWave Quantum base stations

Value-added distributor Moonblink announced that KanOkla Networks recently selected the PureWave Quantum 3.65GHz Mobile WiMAX base stations to vastly expand its network capacity.

According to Justin Mayo, KanOkla’s Network Operations Manager, the company's wireless network had reached capacity in some of its markets. The Kansas-based KanOkla needed a solution to meet the needs of a new generation of data-hungry customers. In particular, the solution should be able to enhance and improve media-rich applications such as video streaming.

KanOkla determined that the 700 MHz band possessed excellent propagation characteristics. However, the equipment available to the company was not designed to handle high-bandwidth applications.

With the help of distributor Moonlink, which specialized on finding wireless and video surveillance solutions, KanOkla determined that PureWave’s semi-licensed 3.65GHz solutions was the optimal choice to expand the Kansas company's wireless backhaul network.

KanOkla came to its decision based on  PureWave Quantum's capabilities, which included superior link budget, optimized cell radius, and capacity to enhance coverage in NLOS conditions. In addition, the FCC-certified PureWave Quantum base station could operate in the entire 50MHz available within the 3.65GHz band.

50MHz of spectrum is available on the 3.65GHz band. The spectrum is accessible to most operators, even those who only have a non-exclusive license. The 3.65GHz band also offers optimized performance with limited interference. This is important because each deployment site needs GPS coordinate registration. Operators who used the same band within a particular site need to coordinate their operations.

Another advantage is that the Purewave base station could also operate with or without an access service network gateway (ASN-GW.)

PureWave Quantum base stations are based on the PureMax Smart Antenna Technology. The system deploys multiple, self-calibrating antennas that will deliver premium link budget. 6x6 MIMO technology is used to enhances network capacity up to 300% while simplifying planning.

KanOkla intends to deploy the base stations in standalone mode. This has the advantages of reducing costs and easing the deployment process.

To date, fifteen PureWave Quantum base station sectors have already been successfully deployed in standalone mode. In addition, KanOkla intends to develop a 3.65GHz overlay to the current 700MHz network that will further expand its capacity.

Pactel deploys satcom solution for Macarthur Minerals camp in Western Australia

A remote base operated by Macarthur Minerals Limited can now stay in contact with the wider world thanks to the scalable communication solution designed and deployed by Pactel International.

Macarthur Minerals canvasses Western Australia in search of exploitable iron ore resources. The company set up its exploration camp at a remote location 240km north west of Kalgoorlie, well out of reach of any established fiber optic cable or terrestrial network.

The Macarthur Minerals camp needs to keep in constant touch with the Canadian-listed iron ore development company's headquarters. In addition, it also needs to provide for the personal communications needs of its staff, many of whom live on-site.

Pactel installed an end-to-end, managed satellite communications solution that can handle the company's corporate voice and data applications while also meeting the staff's recreational traffic needs at the same time. The scalable design can account for future growth and expansion of the camp's communication infrastructure and population.

Pactel employed its bandwidth management capabilities in support of the site's needs and the personal needs of the site's staff. Pactel engineers used cutting-edge Quality of Service (QoS) technology to prioritise voice telephony and corporate data over personal traffic. The QoS component priotizes Macarthur’s day-to-day work and communication. Remaining satellite capacity is allocated to worker welfare traffic.

Acceleration technology further enhanced and tweaked the satellite link to ensure clear and reliable communications. The acceleration platform improves the camp's speed of communications with both Macarthur’s corporate network and the public Internet through local caching of both Internet content and rich media.

Pactel also deployed wireless coverage throughout the camp by the use of a locally-managed portal with user login control. This wireless network can support personal devices used by the staff for business and tecreational purposes.

Globecomm, Inmarsat kept Pacific rower connected "even when upside-down"

Tropical Storm Mawar might have stopped Charlie Martell from crossing the Northern Pacific in a rowboat, but it didn't stop the Pacific rower's SatLink Inmarsat FB 150 satellite communications rig from keeping him in touch with his UK team even when his boat was upside down.

A Royal Engineer Commando, Charlie Martell intended to row single-handed and without support from Choshi, Japan 4,500 miles to San Francisco. His mission was to establish new world records: The fastest crossing of the North Pacific Ocean; the first unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean; and the first solo Briton to make the crossing. His stunt would also raise funds for three charities.

Charlie Martell spent three years preparing for the arduous trip. He equipped his ocean rowing boat, Blossom, with the latest gear available. This included a Globecomm Maritime-provided Inmarsat FB150 satellite communications system with Inmarsat-provided airtime.

A confident Martell set out from Chosi on May 4. A little more than a month later, he ran into serious trouble. “Five weeks into the row and some 700 miles from Choshi," Martell said, "I was hit by Tropical Storm Mawar."

As the storm was tracking towards him, there was little Martell could do aside from securing every loose item on the deck and securing the forward and aft cabins. “I had been secure in my cabin for about two days even though I had capsized four times," Martell said. "I was using the FB150 handset to make a phone call when I capsized a fifth time."

But the Inmarsat satellite phone's externals proved so rugged, and the connection with the geosynchronous communications satellite so strong despite the ongoing typhoon, that Martell's shore support didn't notice any lag or disruption despite the capsize.

"What was amazing," Charlie Martell noted, "Was that the call barely cut out during the capsize. My shore support commented on how clear the voice communications were and with no time lapse!” And that made him laugh.

Finally, the seventh capsizing incident pitch-poled Blossom fowards. Fortunately, Martell was strapped inside his bunk, and he wasn't injured. But his rowing boat sustained damaged.

“During the capsize," Martell remembered, "the rudder, VHF, and AIS antennae were ripped off, as were two of my spare oars." The damage forced Martell to call off his planned Pacific crossing. He activated his EPIRB (distress radio beacon) and waited for rescue.

Japanese and UK coast guards picked up his distress call and contacted him via his FB150. Despite losing the VHF and AIS antennae to the storm, the doughty satellite phone continued to work. Thirty-six hours later, Charlie Martell was rescued by the Gibraltar-flagged, British-owned bulk carrier Last Tycoon.

“The next 36 hours were a long wait," he said, having counted at least 13 more lateral capsizes, and added that "I maintained communications with both my shore support team in the UK and the coastguards [in the UK and Japan]." He thanked everyone who helped him during the crossing, and made special mention of Globecomm and Inmarsat, "Who kept me connected," according to Martell, "Even when I was upside down!”