http://www.techworld.com/mobility/features/index.cfm?FeatureID=1570
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=75&e=2&u=/nf/20050706/tc_nf/37077 http://www.newsfactor.com/news/New-Wireless-Technology-Unveiled/story.xhtml? story_id=0120016H6OSC New 'Whispering' Wireless Promises Better Options for Rural Internet Users By Ed Sutherland July 6, 2005 1:07PM For Internet service providers confronted with scarce options for offering broadband to remote users, xMax (http://www.xgtechnology.com) is said to require few wireless base stations. In rural areas, for example, fewer base stations per mile not only means greater coverage areas but also less expense for the service providers themselves. While popular wireless Latest News about wireless technologies (such as Wi-Fi Latest News about Wi-Fi and the forthcoming WiMax) operate in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, xMax operates over the older 900 MHz band. Even so, the company claims the new technology offers speeds of 40 Mbps over distances of 15 miles. XMax only requires a narrow segment of unoccupied spectrum to place its carrier signal, according to xG Technologies, the Sarasota, Fla.-owner of the xMax patent. The company claims the XMax technology will provide several advantages over existing wireless technologies for service providers seeking to serve rural areas. Solving Scarce Spectrum? For Internet service providers confronted with scarce options for offering broadband Latest News about Broadband to remote users, xMax is said to require few wireless base stations. In rural areas, for example, fewer base stations per mile not only means greater coverage areas but also less expense for the service providers themselves. According to Joe Bobier, inventor of xMax, companies could see up to 500 percent increased range over existing wireless technologies. While this might sound like the best thing to hit the wireless industry, the technology does require the use of unique antennas to hear the signals that cannot be detected by normal wireless aerials. XG Technology is talking with chip Latest News about Chip makers and equipment builders now, and expects base stations will cost around US $350,000. The xMax chips that will be used in wireless receivers should cost between $5 and $6 in volume quantities, according to Bobier. The company privately tested the xMax concept in May and plans a public trial in September. The trial will be conducted using a base station between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Equation-Changing? "xMax is likely to be an equation-changer in the wireless and wireline telecom industries," boasted Rick Mooers, executive chairman of xG Technologies. In addition to providing another broadband option for users in rural areas, the low-power features of xMax could open the door to energy-efficient headsets and phones. Stuart Schwartz, an electrical engineering professor at Princeton University, said the xMax technology recycles valuable existing radio spectrum and uses low frequencies that can travel far distances and through obstacles, such as buildings. In contrast, other wireless broadband techniques, such as WiMax, operate above the 1 GHz frequency and can experience problems transmitting through obstacles. Craig Mathias, principal analyst with the Farpoint Group, after speaking with Bobier, said xG Technologies is "doing something quite novel and worth watching." The low-power scheme "could be competitive across the board" with Ultra-Wideband products as well as other wireless technologies. Mathias, while enthusiastic about the possibilities of xMax, warned that the concept currently is "totally blue-sky." Also unknown is the reaction of owners of the wireless spectrum on which xMax will piggyback. "It will be interesting to hear the other side of the question," said Mathias. --------------------------- Frank Keeney Pasadena Networks, LLC Antennas, Cables and Equipment: http://www.wlanparts.com
