BOSTON-Nortel Networks Corp. and Sprint PCS said they are cooperating to build the first access technology-independent wireless network test bed using Internet Protocol technology for both voice and data.
The companies will test Nortel’s e-mobility Multimedia Core IP Network. With this technology, a user will be able to access their suite of applications and services while moving across terrestrial and wireless IP networks. The network also will feature Nortel’s Session Initiation Protocol application server for initiating real-time multimedia voice, data and video sessions, including flexible call management and multimedia conferencing.
Sprint PCS plans to test multiple access technologies on the network, including cdmaOne and cdma2000 1XRTT, the latter of which can support up to 144 kilobits per second packet data transmission and enable operators to double voice capacity, the companies said.
Sprint PCS also said it plans to test 802.11 wireless local area network technology to deliver telecommunications services through open IP protocols. By combining these products and technologies, Nortel and Sprint PCS said they hope to a provide high-speed, high-capacity network capable of enhancing Web access to end users, regardless of location and means of access.
“Participation in this trial will help us to better understand how to deliver the next generation of voice, information and Internet services over a wireless IP core network,” said Oliver Valente, chief technology officer for Sprint PCS.
The architecture is expected to be commercially available in the fourth quarter of next year.
