
In an effort to ensure that mobile WiMAX wireless products work well together and with other products globally, Intel Corporation, Nokia and Nokia Siemens networks have announced that they are testing interoperability across Intel’s forthcoming WiMAX silicon for laptops and mobile Internet devices, Nokia WiMAX devices and Nokia Siemens networks WiMAX infrastructure equipment.
Nokia also said it would use Intel’s WiMAX silicon product, which is codenamed “Baxter Peak” and designed specifically for mobile Internet and consumer electronic devices, in its forthcoming Nokia Nseries internet tablets. The internet tablets will be among the very first WiMAX-enabled open internet devices expected to ship in 2008.
“WiMAX enables the mobile internet and makes it possible to get content on a variety of new mobile devices at broadband speed, and our Baxter Peak solution is designed specifically for these exciting new devices,” said Raviv Melamed, general manager of Intel’s Mobile Wireless Group. “Intel, Nokia and Nokia Siemens networks all recognise our collective responsibility in ensuring that people can take full advantage of WiMAX. Simply put, the infrastructure behind the networks and the devices that access those networks must work together seamlessly.”
Mobile WiMAX is a broadband wireless technology that provides multi-megabit speed, great throughput for accessing large amounts of such data as movies and multi-media content, and a wide range to access the data over long distances. WiMAX devices and equipment that have been tested for compatibility with each other will help make it easier for consumers to roam from network to network with their internet devices wherever they go for an always-connected, mobile experience.
“WiMAX will translate into people being able to take their favourite internet experiences — be it watching videos, streaming music or doing research on the Internet — on the go without compromising on quality,” said Ari Virtanen, vice president, Nokia Multimedia.
Intel, Nokia and Nokia Siemens networks have already started testing their equipment and devices with dozens of other equipment vendors’ products for interoperability and conformance with industry standards. Early interoperability testing between multiple industry partners will help to reduce the amount of time required for their respective products to successfully pass through the technical requirements.