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18th June 2004 - Intel Corporation and Proxim Corporation
(Nasdaq: PROX), today announced a collaboration to develop
and deliver WiMAX solutions for fixed and portable broadband
wireless access.
The agreement includes the development of base station
and subscriber unit access points that deliver fast
wireless access for data, voice and video services.
WiMAX, known also as IEEE 802.16, is an emerging technology
that allows long-range high-speed wireless Internet
access, serving both dense metropolitan areas and rural
or suburban communities. With its reach and performance,
WiMAX is ideally suited to drive the convergence of
voice and data solutions along with wireless technologies
like Wi-Fi and 3G. This convergence will enable seamless
mobility for enterprise and consumer users, obtaining
voice and data services no matter where they are –
in the office, at home, or on the road.
“We as an industry are headed toward the ‘broadband
wireless era’ and WiMAX will play a key role,”
said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel’s
Broadband Wireless Division. “The next wave is
about portability, with people wanting to get access
anywhere. Together, Intel and Proxim will enable people
around the globe the opportunity to use emerging services
and content in their homes and businesses.”
Initially, the companies will work together on fixed
base stations supporting the 802.16a, revision d specification
as well as customer premise equipment for fixed wireless
networks. As part of the collaboration, Proxim will
co-develop a reference design for WiMAX CPE equipment.
The reference design will help CPE designers come to
market more quickly, assisting in the deployment of
WiMAX networks.
Additionally, the Proxim Tsunami MP.16 base station
will employ Intel 802.16 silicon. These initial base-stations
can be deployed as a cost-effective alternative for
enterprise and service providers looking to provide
high-speed broad reach access to their customers.
WiMAX for Portability
Intel and Proxim will also work together to develop
base stations based on the emerging 802.16e specification
designed to enable broadband wireless portability. Portability
will enable powerful new applications, and will be ideal
for global service providers and carriers looking to
introduce advanced data services.
“Proxim strongly believes in both the technological
and market potential of WiMAX and particularly portable
implementations of WiMAX,” said Kevin Duffy, chief
operating officer at Proxim Corporation. “We are
pleased that Intel has chosen to work with Proxim to
address this most exciting prospect for WiMAX technology.
We will work closely with Intel to bring industry-leading
WiMAX solutions to market, and to drive market adoption
both at the system and client level.”
Upon development, Proxim will target traditional wireless
carrier and enterprise customers looking to provide
their users with cost-effective broadband wireless solutions.
Proxim will include its core wireless software capabilities
that enable subscriber roaming, increased subscriber
support and dynamic bandwidth management. Intel will
provide the base station architecture, including the
hardware and software components, as a reference design
for other WiMAX equipment makers to enable them to quickly
build and bring products to market.
Proxim plans to deliver its fixed WiMAX-certified broadband
wireless solution in early 2005, and the mobility WiMAX-certified
solution in late 2005. Shipment of any WiMAX Forum CertifiedÔ
product is dependent on the start of interoperability
and Certification testing, which is currently scheduled
to begin in late 2004.
About Intel
Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is also
a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications
products. Additional information about Intel is available
at www.intel.com.
About Proxim
Proxim Corporation is a global leader in wireless networking
equipment for Wi-Fi and broadband wireless networks.
The company is providing its enterprise and service
provider customers with wireless solutions for public
hot spots, voice and data backhaul, enterprise campuses,
security and surveillance, broadband wireless access
and mobile professionals. This press release and more
information about Proxim can be found on the Web at
www.proxim.com.
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