Repeater suits analog 450 MHz networks.

Press Release Summary:



Self-diagnosing and self-adaptive Node C is designed for operators who are converting networks from legacy analog protocols to CDMA-450 and FLASH-OFDM(TM) digital standards and new carriers considering 450 MHz standards. Interference cancellation equipment minimizes isolation requirements between donor and coverage antennas. Suited for applications where higher data rates are required and to fill gaps in network coverage, unit operates with 5 W of output power.



Original Press Release:



Andrew Adds New Coverage Solution for CDMA-450, Flash-OFDM Networks



WESTCHESTER, IL, May 16, 2007-Andrew Corporation, a global leader in communications systems and products, has introduced a coverage solution for analog 450 megahertz networks converting to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-450 and FLASH-OFDM(TM) protocols that can provide capital cost savings of as much as 40 percent.

The new Andrew Node C repeater for CDMA-450 and FLASH-OFDM (or Fast Low-latency Access with Seamless Handoff-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) is designed for operators who are converting networks from legacy analog protocols to the two newer digital standards, as well as for new carriers considering the 450MHz standards because of their superior coverage characteristics. Worldwide, networks in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia are especially well suited for the new Node C product.

"CDMA-450 and FLASH-OFDM are growing quickly as a wireless standard in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South America," said Morgan Kurk, vice president and acting general manager, Wireless Innovations, Andrew Corporation. "For these newer, high speed networks, the savings potential and coverage enhancements offered by Andrew Node C can be critical to their success."

Node C provides a very cost-effective solution in terms of capital and operating expenses in areas where network coverage is an issue, but network capacity is not. In these situations, Node C units can be installed instead of adding complete base stations. Here, capital expenditure savings can be as much as 40 percent, and operating expense savings can reach $10,000 annually. Installation of the unit can be completed in less than an hour, thanks to automated set-up procedures that can be performed with a laptop computer via a local Ethernet connection running Internet Explorer®.

Andrew anticipates typical Node C applications will be in areas where higher data rates are required, such as places where large numbers of mobile computer/device users are active. Another likely use is to fill gaps in network coverage, such as in "urban canyons" where man-made structures stand between wireless users and a base station. In addition, Node C units can extend coverage indoors when teamed with an active or passive distributed antenna system (DAS). The Node C units operate with up to five watts of output power.

Andrew's Node family of repeaters, which includes the Node C, Node M, and Node G products in various frequency configurations, fill gaps in wireless coverage via over-air links. Each Node includes interference cancellation equipment (ICE), a feature set that minimizes isolation requirements between the donor and coverage antennas. ICE enables customers to locate antennas closer, even at the same elevation, to provide greater coverage. Node C, Node M, and Node G products also include an automated set-up regime that greatly accelerates installation time.

Features and functions may be locally or remotely monitored and changed via a web browser. In addition, operators benefit from the Andrew Integrated Management and Operating System (AIMOS), an advanced management system for repeater and distributed antenna systems, which can easily be integrated into any third party operational maintenance center platform. The Node C for CDMA-450 and FLASH-OFDM is self-diagnosing, self-adaptive, and virtually maintenance free. It is designed to provide more than 10 years of service under practically any conditions.

Andrew Corporation (NASDAQ: ANDW) designs, manufactures, and delivers innovative and essential equipment and solutions for the global communications infrastructure market. The company serves operators and equipment manufacturers from facilities in 35 countries. Andrew (www.andrew.com), headquartered in Westchester, IL, is an S&P MidCap 400 company founded in 1937.

All Topics