Aperto Networks, builder of the world’s most advanced base stations and subscriber units for fixed, portable, and mobile WiMAX applications, announced the availability of PacketMAX solutions that operate in the 5.8 GHz license-exempt band.

    Building on proven technologies and incorporating the latest WiMAX-compliant features, the Aperto PacketMAX system gives network operators the multiservices infrastructure they need to take full advantage of the business opportunities offered by broadband wireless. PacketMAX delivers the critical elements required to extend services to a wide range of subscribers – ranging from large enterprises and public-sector organizations to multitenet buildings and residences – using a single, standards-based platform.

    The products are scheduled for commercial availability in December 2007 and will include the PacketMAX 5000 and PacketMAX 3000 base stations, as well as the PacketMAX 300 and PacketMAX 100 subscriber units. All products will be compliant with the IEEE802.16-2004 standard.

     “The availability of license-exempt WiMAX products is an important milestone in our product strategy,” said Manish Gupta, vice president of marketing and alliances for Aperto Networks and WiMAX Forum Board Member. “The market has been demanding 5 GHz products for some time now, and Aperto will offer the only carrier-class license-exempt products available. We see tremendous applications for service providers, wisps, and enterprise customers worldwide, especially in areas where spectrum availability has long been an issue.”

    Aperto Networks has been a leading contributor to IEEE 802.16 and ETSI HiperMAN standards, making sure that key technical features such as QoS and link adaptation enhancements were supported to stringent carrier requirements. Aperto Networks was the first company to deliver IEEE 802.16-class systems in 2000.

     “Until now there has been little to address the equipment needs of operators using unlicensed spectrum within the WiMAX community,” added Daryl Schoolar, Senior Analyst with In-Stat, “The challenge with existing proprietary systems has been that they don’t always deliver the performance and QoS capabilities demanded by service providers. Bringing WiMAX technology to unlicensed operators will really change the market dynamics for those operators.”

In addition to operating in the 5 GHz bands, Aperto’s PacketMAX solution is also distinguished by the following:
    - Highest density base station on the market, capable of supporting up to 6,000 users across12 sectors
    - Multi-frequency/multi-band support that allows customers who deploy PacketMAX 5000 base station to operate simultaneously in both licensed and license-exempt frequencies
    - DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) radar detection capability that conforms to both FCC and ETSI EN 301-893 V1.3.1 requirements
    - Unsurpassed reliability and QoS that enables differentiated levels of service
    - Common synchronization scheme that allows easy co-location of multiple PacketMAX base stations together in the same cell to support fast network build-out
    - Excellent NLOS performance to enlarge network footprints
    - Time Division Duplex access scheme allowing the most effective use of the air interface for voice and data applications
    - Choice between integrated and separate outdoor CPE antennas to provide deployment flexibility
    - Interference mitigation technologies that include:
        - ARQ support for robust transmission and small, fully adjustable channel assignments to support deployment in highly congested areas
        - An integrated spectrum analyzer that will allow customers to scan available frequencies and select the channel with the least interference
        - Both wide and small channel sizes that enable service providers to make the most of the available spectrum
    - Strong WiMAX standards-based encryption schemes like 3-DES to support secure authentication and data transmission
    - Robust and secure management interfaces including support by WaveCenter EMS Pro, Aperto’s carrier grade element management and provisioning system