Advanced network performance is a key factor for wireless carriers trying to pull ahead of the competition, says a Westford, Mass., producer of transmission equipment.
Intraplex Corp. said it has the technology to keep transmission signals running on a network when transmission links are not perfect.
The company provides digital multiplexing equipment to mobile radio systems providers worldwide. Multiplexers are a piece of network transmission equipment that combine several transmission signals into one digital signal. A typical use of a multiplexer would be to combine network interfaces into one port such as a digital T1 line. Also, the product aids companies in transferring their network from analog to digital technology.
Intraplex said its equipment is different because the company has inserted technology into its product that allows transmission signals to stay connected with a network as long as possible, and it targets companies and entities that require or desire robust signal transmission.
“We incorporate technologies that fight transmission impairments,” said Bill Rollins, president and director of Intraplex. “We fight to keep the circuit on the air as long as we can with [digital signal processing] techniques … We understand how to develop products that do this.”
Though interested in broadening its horizons in the PCS and cellular industry, Intraplex’s immediate plans are to widen its prospects in the private mobile radio service industry, where it has provided multiplexers for nearly five years, and establish itself in the specialized mobile radio industry.
“We’re not a giant public company. We’ve targeted certain niches first in the wireless market,” said Rollins.
Intraplex’s list of users in the private LMRS industry include the U.S. government’s Immigration and Naturalization Services Border Control, Los Angeles County Police and Fire, the New York State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Ericsson Inc. is Intraplex’s largest customer in this sector.
“Their simulcast systems use multiplexers. A large part is for transmission robust characteristics, and they market [their product] as a fault-tolerant robust system.”
SMR carriers are rapidly converting to digital systems and also are in need of solid system performance, said Rollins.
“Through the right distribution channels, Intraplex products will allow [SMR providers] to convert their connections to digital. Establishing links with distributors and leveraging with companies like Ericsson will help fuel the demand,” said Rollins.
Intraplex already has experience in the PCS industry.
It provided equipment for Western Wireless Corp.’s Global System for Mobile communications network in Hawaii, and has partnered with other PCS carriers to provide digital transmission equipment for spectrum relocation needs.
“Certainly in the PCS world, the big deals are done with the Lucents and Ericssons. Intraplex certainly is one of the smaller tier players. We can expand and add and fill in areas that weren’t in the initial system design, and some of the [smaller auction winners] are starting to jump in the fray,” said Rollins.
