4G to Supersede 3G Technologies in the Future
Wi-LAN Inc., a global provider of broadband wireless communications products and technologies, today announced it has successfully demonstrated its LIBRA 5800 TM operating in a full mobility environment, including both high speed (vehicular) and seamless hand-off capability. This demonstration was prepared for a senior delegation from one of the world's leading electronic companies, who cannot be named due to confidentiality. This demonstration marks another significant milestone towards Wi-LAN's long time vision of applying its Wide-band Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (W-OFDM) technology in 4th Generation (4G) cellular Networks.
The demonstration is performed using equipment based exclusively on Wi-LAN's W-OFDM expertise. Backhauled by Wi-LAN's LIBRA 3000, two LIBRA 5800 TM Access Units with hand-off capability provide wireless connectivity of 32 Mbps to a Mobile Unit traveling in excess of 100 km/hour (62 mph). The demonstration was shown over a 3 km stretch of highway north of the Calgary international airport.
"The hand-off capability in a high speed environment is another significant milestone," says Dr. Sayed-Amr El-Hamamsy. "The demonstration proves the capability of W-OFDM technology for 4G cellular networks." Wi-LAN demonstrated its W-OFDM technology in a 110 km/hour (or 70 mph) mobile environment without hand-off back in January 2000.
The LIBRA 5800 TM product line, a joint development between Wi-LAN and Wellink, a leading integrator of high-speed telecommunication systems, is designed to address the growing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) market, including Public Safety, Homeland Security and onboard multimedia service.
Wi-LAN invites mobile operators and equipment makers to arrange a visit to Calgary to witness a demonstration of this exciting technical breakthrough.
Wi-LAN's LIBRA 5800 product series now includes an all-inclusive 2-year parts and labour warranty. As well, customers who deploy Wi-LAN's LIBRA product line are protected by Wi-LAN's CONTINUITY PROGRAM(TM). The core of the CONTINUITY PROGRAM is Wi-LAN's commitment that any current LIBRA Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) will operate side by side, in the same network, the same cell and even the same sector with future WiMAX Certified(1) CPE's. The CONTINUITY PROGRAM will minimize network and revenue disruption and protect customers' investment in current technology when networks are transitioned to WiMAX Certified equipment. The CONTINUITY PROGRAM offers Wi-LAN customers a solid migration path to Wi-LAN's Wi-MAX Certified systems, which are expected to be available in the first half of 2005.
About Wi-LAN Inc.
Wi-LAN is a global provider of broadband wireless communications products and technologies, offering businesses, including telecom service providers, and government enterprises effective, economic and secure wireless high-speed communications solutions. Wi-LAN specializes in high-speed Internet access, data network extension, and wireless data and telephony backhaul, utilizing its high quality products and industry-leading technologies. Wi-LAN believes its portfolio of patents, including its core W-OFDM patents and 17 patents and patent applications acquired from Ensemble Communications in May 2004, are necessary for the implementation of devices using the IEEE 802.16 WirelessMAN Standard (1) and the ETSI BRAN HiperMAN(1) standard (the WiMAX Forum(1) standards). As well, Wi-LAN's W-OFDM patents are believed to be required for the implementation of devices using the IEEE standards 802.11a and 802.11g (the 2nd generation WiFi Alliance(1) standards), and the ETSI BRAN HiperLAN/2(1) standard. Wi-LAN licenses its patented technology and has executed non-exclusive W-OFDM license agreements with semiconductor and broadband wireless equipment companies. Wi-LAN is the Chair Company of the OFDM Forum (www.ofdm-forum.com) and an active member of the WiMAX Forum (www.wimaxforum.org). Wi-LAN's common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WIN." Detailed information on Wi-LAN can be found at www.wi-lan.com.
Forward Looking Information
Certain statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, may include forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties. These may include, without limitation, statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties related to all aspects of the wireless communications industry. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not restricted to, continued increased demand for the Company's products, the Company's ability to maintain its technological leadership in the field of high-speed wireless communications, the Company's ability to attract and retain key employees, the enforceability of the Company's patents, and the availability of key components.
These uncertainties may cause actual results to differ from information contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.
(1) All trademarks and brands mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners.
Source: Wi-LAN Inc.
