Motorola intros 3G femtocells, WiMAX PC modems
updated 09:55 am EST, Thu February 7, 2008
Moto WiMAX at MWC 2008
Motorola today geared up for the Mobile World Congress show by unveiling its latest generation of devices for bridging computers to wireless networks. The company's 8000 series femtocells are the first from the company to provide a connection between a 3G cellular connection and a home network to supply data even when traditional landline Internet access fails. The 8000 Femtocell Access Point is built for basic use with an Ethernet bridge to plug into an existing network device as backup, such as a cable modem or a Wi-Fi network; the 8100 Femtocell Ethernet Gateway serves double duty as a 4-port Ethernet and 802.11g Wi-Fi router, with special ports for VoIP calls as well as connecting USB devices. Both should be available in the second half of 2008 as equipment from cellular carriers and Internet providers.
In addition to the 3G technology, Motorola has also prepared some of its first WiMAX Wave 2 (second-generation) devices. The CPEi 750 is built for desktops that only need fixed wireless and taps into either 2.5GHz or 3.5GHz wireless bands depending on the WiMAX services. It includes two VoIP ports that give priority to Internet calls and is designed to be easy enough that it can be set up in minutes by someone at home, the company says. In turn, the PCCw 200 plugs into the PC Card slot found on some notebooks and provides the same access for roaming users. Both should be available by mid-year, making them likely candidates for Sprint's Xohm WiMAX service due in April.
