The Ripwave-MX dual-mode CPE, which starts shipping in Q4 2005, and the Ripwave-MX dual-mode PCMCIA card targeted for 1Q 2006, will both be software upgradeable to Navini's 802.16e system. Dual-mode means that the CPE (also dubbed LCD CPE to underscore its "cellular like" ease of activation) and the PCMCIA card will be capable of switching between the current pre-WiMAX mode and 802.16e mode.

"This concept of a dual-mode operation is very powerful," commented Roger Dorf, CEO, Navini Networks. "Operators want a plug-n-play broadband system today so that they can start acquiring customers and building a business. At the same time, they want a seamless transition capability to 802.16e Mobile WiMAX. Navini's Ripwave-MX CPE makes this a very simple decision. Not having to impact the end user as you transition the network makes the "deploy now and transition later" strategy ... "future-proof".

The Ripwave-MX BTS, targeted for 1st half of 2006, will be software upgradeable to 802.16e and will continue to support the Smart Antenna functionality available from Navini today. This, in conjunction with the Ripwave EMS that will support both the Navini pre-WIMAX and WiMAX network, will facilitate a smooth transition to 802.16e.

"With the availability of dual-mode customer devices and a software upgradeable solution to the 802.16e standard, operators can minimize capex exposure, acquire customers today and enjoy the benefits of standardization tomorrow," said Adlane Fellah, Senior Analyst, Maravedis, Inc. "Starting with a plug-n-play portable solution today, as opposed to a fixed solution, sets up the operator to better evolve to a fully mobile network with ubiquitous coverage that supports hand-overs and vehicular mobility. Given the fact that 802.16e is not fully ratified yet and CPE chipsets will be available in volumes only late next year, an evolutionary approach makes perfect sense."

"The promise of WiMAX to deliver true mobility to users will be realized with deployments of 802.16e networks," said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel's Broadband Wireless Division. "Companies like Navini that are delivering plug-n-play broadband networks today, do a lot to make the path to mobile WiMAX deployments easier for operators."

Navini has a growing list of world-class customers, including the world's largest plug-n-play network in Australia and the recently announced deal with BellSouth, that are deploying the plug-n-play zero-install(TM) Ripwave(R) solution today and delivering many of the benefits embodied in the 802.16e Mobile WiMAX standard.

"The Navini Networks transition path to mobile WiMAX 802.16e is excellent," said David Spence, CEO Unwired Australia. Unwired plans to be one of the first wireless broadband carriers in the world to move to the mobile WiMAX standard and Navini's products will enable us to do this in a very cost- effective and consumer friendly way."

By Robert Hoskins

Click here for more 802.11 News