News
Issue #2002 - 46 (December 2002)
(Updated Dec. 10, 2002)

INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Navini Networks Allow Roaming Across Multiple Networks

Navini Networks announced its vision for providing seamless Internet access connecting what, today, are disparate technologies. Implementation of this vision will allow end-users to receive the best connection through any access mechanism avaable, regardless of whether it's via a wired connection such as cable or DSL, via a wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless WAN such as Navini's Ripwave™ system, or via a 2.5/3G cellular system.

Using an innovative implementation of mobile IP standards, devices will be able to connect among the various types of networks, giving customers the choice to utilize specific types of services as their primary means of access, while designating others as backup. With standardized mobile IP client software, users will be able to move between these multiple connection mechanisms without resetting their data session. Furthermore, for mobility within the Navini system, no client software is required.

Navini, the leading provider of zero-install™, nomadic, non-line-of-sight wireless broadband technology, is moving beyond the issue of mobility within its own system. In the first quarter of 2003, the company will deliver the first phase of this mobility initiative supporting seamless hand-offs within the Ripwave system. This timing coincides with numerous Navini customer deployments, which are currently in process. While the current Navini Ripwave system includes small, lightweight stand-alone modems, the company and its partners are extending mobility/ease-of-use functionality by working towards other end-user form factors: PCMCIA cards, handsets, etc. Multi-mode devices will be another outgrowth of this capability, and general availability is expected in 2003.

"End-users want easy-to-use and reliable Internet access: whenever, wherever," stated Alastair Westgarth, president and CEO of Navini Networks. "The demand for Wi-Fi equipment and 'hot spots', for example, are a strong indication of that desire. Navini's Ripwave wireless WAN system functions as an overlay that can connect Wi-Fi hot spots into a much larger 'hot zone' in which users can roam seamlessly. The Navini solution makes hot spot deployment more economical by solving the problem of cost-effective backhaul to the access points. Similarly, seamless roaming between a Navini system and a 2.5G/3G system allows users to move between a broadband and a narrowband mobility system easily, thus providing ubiquitous coverage.

"Wi-Fi, 2.5G/3G, and Navini's wireless broadband systems are all pieces of the puzzle that must fit together to deliver seamless data access to the end-user, leading us to take a longer-term view: allowing for roaming not only within our system, but seamlessly amongst all the various types of systems that might be used for access," Westgarth adds.

For more information: http://www.navini.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Ability to access multiple wireless networks, including wireless LANs, is an obvious requirement today. We welcome entry of Navini in this area. IT professionals should carefully evaluate various solutions from Padcom (a public safety specialist with a similar solution) and others like ipUnlugged. Go to our wireless LAN/WAN integration page.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.