Navini Networks to Offer WiMAX Certified Modems

Navini Networks and ASUS today announced the signing of an MOU that will bring together the world's leading provider of personal broadband (pre-Mobile WiMAX 802.16e) network equipment and the leading Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) for personal broadband subscriber modems.

Under the terms of this agreement, Navini and ASUS will jointly develop certified Mobile WiMAX subscriber modems to be marketed under Navini's Ripwave brand. These modems will use chips from several vendors and will support key Mobile WiMAX features such as Beamforming and MIMO Matrix A (Space-Time Coding). The agreement includes a commitment to Mobile WiMAX interoperability certification by the WiMAX Forum certification test labs.

"As Mobile WiMAX becomes a reality, operators will have multiple suppliers for both their networks and their modems", said Sai Subramanian, VP, Product Management and Strategic Marketing, Navini Networks. "With certified interoperability, operators will be able to choose not only the best wireless access network, but also select from a range of modems from multiple vendors. Users of Mobile WiMAX certified, Ripwave modems will be able to roam onto networks built by other vendors, while users of other certified modem types will be able to connect to Navini's Smart WiMAX access networks."

Navini's Smart WiMAX solution combines the coverage and capacity benefits of beamforming with the robustness and throughput enhancements of MIMO. Smart WiMAX will include beamformed MIMO, which can double received data rates and make mobile signals more reliable.

"We are pleased to join forces with the technology and market leader for personal broadband - the service that will ultimately be delivered by Mobile WiMAX", said ASUS Wireless Director, Kevin Pi. "We envision a series of advanced Mobile WiMAX modems with a range of features and functions to meet every need and price point.

"Working with Navini helps ASUS advance Mobile WiMAX certification and bring advanced subscriber solutions to market more quickly."

Navini and ASUS plan to bring the initial selection of Ripwave® Mobile WiMAX modems to market with desktop portable data modems in late 2007 and services-enabled desktop modems to include VoIP in 2008.