Motorola Launch WiMAX WiFi Base Station & USB Dongle

Motorola has announced two new WiMAX products, a desktop base-station which shares WiMAX over WiFi and supports VoIP – the Motorola CPEi 725 – and a USB dongle, the USBw 200.  The two products – which will go on sale via WiMAX carriers, rather than directly to consumers – enable both deskbound and mobile workers to take advantage of the next-gen high speed networks slowly spreading across the US.

The CPEi 725 is perhaps the most interesting of the two new products, and has twin WiMAX antennas to support the 2.5GHz band.  As well as WiFi it has an analog voice adapter port for plugging in a handset and using the WiMAX connection for VoIP calls.  As for the WiFi side of the equation, there are MIMO antennas for improved coverage.

Alternatively, the Motorola USBw 200 is a USB dongle intended for a single user.  It will be available in 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5GHz versions, and has a "power boost" system for better connectivity with reduced draw; in fact, it requires just 1.5W, which means the notebook you're using it with should last even longer.

It also comes preloaded with Windows XP and Vista drivers, together with supporting external antenna docks.  No word on pricing for either device, but they should launch in Q4 2009.

Press Release:

Motorola Introduces Two New WiMAX Devices; CPEi 725 and USBw 200 Feature Improved Performance for Better Network Connectivity

New customer equipment will improve signal strength and link budget by managing dynamic changes in the radio environment

September 09, 2009

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — September 9, 2009 — The Home & Networks Mobility business of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced two new additions to its broad portfolio of WiMAX devices that deliver superior radio performance and throughput. The CPEi 725 is a desktop unit that provides fixed and nomadic access and also supports Voice over IP (VoIP) capability. The USBw 200 adaptor (dongle) enables broadband on the go. Both feature two antennas and switched transmitter diversity — which means a better network connection.

With this capability the WiMAX CPEi 725 and USBw 200 WiMAX devices will automatically transmit on the antenna that is receiving the stronger signal, providing subscribers with a better connection to the network while allowing operators to reduce base station infrastructure requirements. The CPEi 725, available in the 2.5GHz band, and the USBw 200, available for the 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5GHz bands, can be updated over-the-air. Both products initially will be available in Q4 of 2009.

"Motorola is driving the WiMAX ecosystem forward with products that deliver an improved wireless broadband experience, reduce subscriber support requests and adapt to meet the needs of a mobile connected world," said Fred Gabbard, vice president, Wireless Networks product management, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. "The CPEi 725 is built to make it easier for operators and subscribers to enjoy the benefits of wireless broadband data and voice over IP. The USBw 200 delivers enhanced performance in a truly plug-and-play device. Both build on Motorola's foundation of high quality and reliable performance."

Motorola's CPEi 725 features a balanced blend of integrated design, data and voice access ports, high gain antennas to offer the best possible signal strength and a highly sensitive receiver that exceeds the WiMAX Forum®'s specified receiver sensitivity requirements across all modulation schemes. In addition, the CPEi 725 features a single Analog Terminal Adaptor voice port to streamline the subscriber experience when connecting voice equipment.

The CPEi 725 has unique design advantages which improve network performance and end-user experience while reducing the total cost of operations. Leveraging Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), diversity techniques, and excellent receiver sensitivity, these devices provide increased throughput, optimize utilization of system resources, and reduce the number of access points required to provide service.

The USBw 200's convenient USB format maximizes the benefits of switched transmitter diversity to deliver the same reliable access to broadband speeds on the go that subscribers might see from a cable or DSL connection. In addition, the USBw 200 auto installs the necessary drivers for the Windows XP and Vista operating systems built into the device, eliminating the need for a separate driver CD and delivering true plug-and-play simplicity. USBw 200 also supports interfacing to external antenna docks.

A unique power boost during network entry feature will make it even easier to connect to operator networks and expand footprints to a wider area. Finally, the USBw 200 delivers this improved experience while using less power – drawing less than 1.5 watts at peak power.

Motorola is leading the industry with award winning, end-to-end WiMAX solutions that address the full scope of operators' deployment needs. The Motorola WiMAX solutions portfolio includes access, core, devices, network management and services. Motorola's best-in-class quality assurance processes, along with a track record of WiMAX commercial deployments worldwide, offer service providers the confidence that they are getting a high-quality, reliable solution.

For more information on Motorola's WiMAX portfolio, please visit www.motorola.com/wimax or visit us at 4G World in Hall F1, Stand #501.