Nokia Introduces First-of-its-Kind Wireless Broadband Solution at SUPERCOMM 2000

Nokia today unveiled a first-of-its-kind wireless broadband solution that will enable service providers, competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) and fixed operators to rapidly deploy wireless broadband networks in response to the increasing demand for high-speed Internet access.

Nokia’s two new wireless broadband solution families, the Nokia RoofTop (TM); Wireless Routers and Bridges and Nokia CityHopper (TM); Broadband Wireless Access products, complement and further strengthen Nokia’s existing broadband DSL and home networking solutions, offering providers a suite of broadband solutions that will enable them to reach a broader customer base more quickly.

Nokia pioneered the Nokia RoofTop Wireless Routers to create routed, mesh networks that model the wired structure of the Internet. The routed, mesh networks simplify line of sight issues in areas such as residential neighborhoods and business parks by routing around obstacles such as buildings and trees. As these wireless routers only require line of sight to another router in the network, instead of a direct connection to an access point, the networks can be rapidly deployed in diverse geographical locations and are more robust and far-reaching than existing broadband network solutions.

The Nokia AIR Operating System (OS), running in each wireless router, creates Nokia RoofTop networks that self-configure and self-heal by automatically detecting new or removed neighboring routers, and then routes traffic through the most efficient path. The Nokia AIR OS optimizes frequency spectrum use for maximum data capacity, allowing providers to serve more subscribers.

“Nokia’s leadership in mobile technology has helped us to develop this unique wireless routing mesh network technology that finally makes wireless broadband viable for mass markets,” said Ari Leppä, General Manager, Nokia Wireless Routing. “Our new wireless broadband solutions will enable operators and service providers to quickly build their networks according to the growing demand for high-speed Internet connectivity, accelerating time to market and capturing additional marketshare.”

Nokia RoofTop Wireless Routers operate in the license-free 2.4 GHz ISM spectrum band, eliminating line fees and tariffs, enabling providers to own, manage and control their networks to capture 100 percent of the revenue stream. Providers can deploy the new wireless mesh networks quickly with minimal upfront investment in engineering and equipment as each node in the network is part of the infrastructure and acts as both an IP router and a modem. As new subscribers are added to the network, it becomes more robust without building complicated infrastructure to begin delivering service to customers.

Nokia RoofTop Wireless Bridges operate in the license-free 5.8 GHz UNII spectrum band, enabling providers to extend their network reach to additional neighborhoods and business parks from a point-of-presence.

The Nokia CityHopper Broadband Wireless Access solution creates point-to-multipoint wireless access networks that address the last-mile bottleneck to high bandwidth access for mid-sized and larger businesses. Operating within licensed millimeter wave bands between 10 GHz and 40 GHz, Nokia CityHopper systems provide high-speed voice and data services comparable to that of enhanced copper or hybrid fiber-coaxial networks.

Nokia is paving the way to the Mobile Information Society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 56 000 people.

Further information:
Communications Department,
Nokia Networks
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8195,
Fax (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8199
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com